Chapter 1

Jessica' s voice on the phone was crisp, businesslike.

"Mike, something urgent came up at Innovate. I can't make the Thanksgiving Gala tonight."

I looked at Lily, her face bright with excitement for the school event, her party dress already laid out.

"Another emergency, Jess? Lily' s been looking forward to this."

"I know, I know, it' s terrible timing, but it' s critical. You understand. Innovate Solutions doesn't run itself."

Her tone implied I wouldn't grasp the pressures of her CEO role.

"Alright," I said, keeping my voice even. "Lily and I will go. She deserves to have some fun."

"You' re taking her? Alone?" A hint of surprise, maybe disapproval. "Well, don't let her make too much of a scene. I have a reputation to maintain."

She hung up.

I sighed, then turned to Lily with a forced smile.

"Mommy has to work, sweetie. But you and I are still going to that gala."

Lily' s smile faltered for a second, then returned. "Okay, Daddy!"

The school gymnasium was transformed, glittering with lights and decorations for the Thanksgiving Charity Gala. Wealthy parents, local business figures, all mingled, champagne flutes in hand.

Lily clutched my hand, a little overwhelmed but excited.

Then I saw her.

Jessica.

On the main stage, bathed in spotlights.

Not in a crisis meeting, not buried in work.

She was seated on a plush sofa, laughing, looking radiant.

Beside her, looking entirely too comfortable, was David Carter, her college sweetheart, now a VP at Innovate Solutions. And next to David, his arm around the boy' s shoulder, was his son, Kevin.

They looked like a perfect, happy family.

Jessica was speaking into a microphone.

"...and it' s about finding that balance," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "Innovate Solutions believes in family values, in supporting our community, and ensuring that even with demanding careers, we make time for what truly matters."

She shared a warm, knowing smile with David.

The audience applauded, captivated.

My stomach twisted. Lily looked from the stage to me, confused.

"Daddy, why is Mommy with Mr. Carter?"

I didn't answer, my gaze fixed on the scene, the betrayal sharp and public.