The Truth That Broke Us

"Did you see it?" Those four words shattered the last piece of peace Ava had left. She was in the kitchen, hands slick with oil while cooking Ethan's favorite garlic prawns. The table was set for their tenth anniversary candles lit, wine chilling, chocolate mousse waiting in the fridge. She wiped her hands, clicked on the link her cousin Mia sent, and watched Instagram load. There it was. A photo. Ethan her husband standing at Somerset Gardens in front of the carousel. Beside him: Talia. Talia. Her ex best friend. The one who disappeared five years ago without a word. Now, she was back...

with her arm around Ava's son, smiling like she belonged. The caption read: "My forever. #PerfectPair #FamilyFirst" Ava's blood ran cold. Her fingers trembled as she zoomed in. Ethan's hand was on Talia's waist. Her son, Noah, was holding her hand. All three wore matching navy blue sweaters with the word "HOME" printed across their chests. Her heart pounded. The post had over a hundred likes most from mutual friends. One even commented, "You guys are meant to be." Ava didn't even realize she had replied until she saw her comment staring back at her: "Perfect indeed." Seconds later, the post vanished. She blinked. Called Ethan. No answer. She called again. Still nothing. Then she called Noah's school. "Your husband picked him up early," the receptionist said. "He mentioned a family emergency." Family emergency? What family? Smoke curled up from the forgotten pan. Garlic burned. Her eyes stung not just from the smoke. Her brain reeled through a decade of memories anniversaries, IVF treatments, therapy, Ethan's endless "late meetings." Had it all been a lie? The doorbell rang. She flinched, nearly dropping her phone. Ava opened the door, expecting Ethan. It wasn't. It was Talia. Wearing the same navy blue sweater from the photo. Her hair was longer now, lips glossy, eyes calm. She looked like she belonged. "Ava," she said quietly. "We need to talk." Ava didn't move. Talia glanced past her into the house, saw the wine, the empty table. "Tonight was your anniversary, wasn't it?" Ava swallowed hard. "You have five seconds to talk before I scream." Talia sighed, like Ava was the problem. "Ethan was supposed to tell you. Weeks ago." "Tell me what?" Ava snapped. "That you're screwing my husband? Playing happy family with my son?" Talia's smile faded. "He never stopped loving me, Ava. You always knew that." Ava's ears rang. "I'm the one who married him. I raised our son. Where have you even been?" "Waiting," Talia said. "Waiting for him to choose. And he finally did." Ava's hands curled into fists. "Get off my porch." Talia turned, but paused. "Noah calls me 'Mom' now. He asked to. It just... felt natural." SLAM. The door shook in its frame. Ava stood there, chest heaving. In the reflection of the glass, she saw red eyes, a clenched jaw, and a woman on the edge of snapping. No. Not snapping. They already took everything. Her phone buzzed. Ethan: "Let's not make this ugly. I'll explain everything tonight." She read it twice. Then again. Ava turned toward the dining table and in one sweeping motion, sent the plates crashing to the floor. Glass exploded everywhere. She didn't flinch. Opening her Notes app, she typed five words: "You chose her. Watch me." Then she marched to Ethan's office. Opened the drawer he thought was his secret. Inside: a black envelope. And a hotel keycard. Room 618. Golden Hotel. Her hands stopped shaking. Now she had proof.