Hank was sure he had a happy marriage until, one day, he noticed something weird. Scrolling through the wife’s bills, Hank saw she spent a lot of money on baby items, pediatricians, kindergarten, and so on. But the problem was that the couple didn’t have children.
So, he decided to follow her and figured out she led a double life.
Hank, a 33-year-old lawyer, sits behind the steering wheel of his modest car, driving through the bustling streets as the sun begins to set. He’s dressed in a crisp suit, a sign of his professional life where he spends his days in courtrooms, advocating for those hurt by unfaithful spouses. While often challenging, this job has given Hank a unique perspective on relationships and the importance of trust and fidelity in a marriage.
As he navigates through the evening traffic, Hank’s mind wanders to the concept of a happy and faithful marriage. He ponders how such a bond is the foundation of a fulfilling life, providing support, love, and trust essential for personal well-being. These thoughts aren’t just abstract ideas for him; they’re deeply rooted in his life.
Hank has recently been married to Natalie, a woman he loves profoundly. Their marriage, still fresh and full of promise, is something Hank cherishes deeply. Pulling into his driveway, he notices Natalie’s car is missing, and a sinking feeling takes hold in his stomach.
She should have been home by now. He tries to push away the nagging thoughts, telling himself she’s probably just been held up at work. With a deep breath, he parks the car and steps out, the cool evening air brushing against his face.
He locks the car and walks up to the front door, his mind racing with possibilities. He reminds himself of their love and trust, trying to shake off the doubts creeping into his mind. Unlocking the door, Hank steps into the quiet, dimly lit house, the familiar scent of home greeting him.
Usually bustling with Natalie’s presence, the living room feels unusually still and empty. He glances at the clock on the wall; it’s much later than when Natalie usually arrives from her job as a teacher. As he hangs his coat, Hank’s mind races with possibilities.
Natalie’s recent pattern of coming home late is unlike hers. She’s always been punctual, a trait she prides herself on, especially being a teacher. But now, these late nights have become more frequent, and Hank can’t help but feel a growing sense of unease.
He wanders through the house, each room as silent as the last. The kitchen is spotless, the living room untouched, and there’s no note or message from Natalie. The absence of her lively chatter, usually filling the house with warmth, makes it feel cold and unwelcoming.
Sitting on the sofa, Hank tries to distract himself with the television, but his thoughts are elsewhere. In his work, he’s seen how secrets and lies can tear apart marriages. He’s always believed that trust and honesty are the pillars of a strong relationship, but now, doubt creeps into his mind, uninvited and unsettling.
“Could Natalie be cheating on me?” The thought, once formed, seems to echo in the empty house. Hank shakes his head, trying to dismiss it. He knows the dangers of unfounded suspicions, yet he can’t help but draw parallels between his clients’ stories and his current situation.
Memories of cases he has worked on flash through his mind – spouses coming home late, being evasive about their whereabouts, the eventual revelation of an affair. Hank has always sympathized with his clients, but now he wonders if he’s about to find himself in their shoes. As the evening drags on, Hank grows increasingly restless.
He gets up, pacing the room, each step echoing his rising anxiety. Hank stands by the front door, his face etched with worry. The clock ticks loudly in the silent house.
Finally, the sound of a key turning in the lock breaks the stillness. The door opens, and Natalie steps in, looking tired. She’s surprised to see Hank waiting for her.
“Where have you been?” Hank’s voice is heavy with concern. Natalie, taking off her coat, looks at him. “I was at work.
I had to check tests,” she explains, sounding exhausted. Hank’s expression doesn’t soften. “You’ve been late a lot.
Is there something you’re not telling me?” He watches as she removes her boots. Natalie sighs. “There’s nothing to tell.
It’s just a busy time at school,” she says, walking past him into the living room. Hank follows, his steps slow. “Why didn’t you text me?
You always do.” Hank’s tone is a mix of worry and frustration. Natalie turns to face him, placing her hands on his shoulders. “I was just busy, Hank.
What’s bothering you?” Her eyes search his. Hank meets her gaze. “I think you’re cheating on me.
That’s why you’re always late.”
Natalie’s eyes widen in shock. “Hank, I love you. I could never cheat on you.
It’s just the testing period at school. There’s a lot to do. But I’ll be home on time soon, okay?”
Hank nods slowly, his face relaxing slightly.
“Okay,” he says as Natalie leans in and kisses him. The kiss is gentle and reassuring. Hank feels a bit calmer.
Maybe he was overthinking. Perhaps Natalie is just busy with work. Natalie pulls back and smiles at him.
“Let’s make dinner. And then I’ll tell you about my day.” She leads him to the kitchen. Natalie and Hank sit at the dinner table, the aroma of the freshly cooked meal filling the air.
With a smile, Natalie begins sharing stories about her day at work. She talks about the funny things her students say and the challenges of teaching. Hank listens, but his mind is still clouded with doubts.
Natalie’s phone on the table lights up with a new message as they eat. Hank glances at it casually, but then he freezes. The message on the screen reads: “Honey, will you be there tomorrow?” His heart skips a beat.
The word ‘honey’ echoes in his mind, loud and alarming. Natalie, noticing the message, quickly picks up her phone. Without a word, she deletes the message.
Hank watches her, his mind racing with questions. Natalie, trying to act normal, continues talking about her day. She speaks of a project she’s working on at school, but Hank barely hears her words.
His thoughts are focused on the message he just saw. Hank interrupts Natalie’s story about her day. “What was that?” he asks, his voice tinged with confusion and suspicion.
Natalie looks puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“The message. I saw what it said,” Hank insists, his eyes fixed on her.
Natalie’s face shows a hint of worry. “Hank, it’s not what you think.”
Hank feels his frustration growing. “What else can I think?
You come home late. You tell me you were at work. Then you get a message where someone calls you ‘honey’ and asks if you will be there tomorrow.
What should I think, Natalie?”
Natalie quickly opens her phone and shows him the screen. “Somebody just got the wrong number. Look,” she says.
The message is from an unknown contact, and no other messages exist. Hank looks at the phone and then at Natalie. He is skeptical.
He sighs heavily, feeling a mix of confusion and doubt. He tries to continue eating his dinner, but his appetite has faded. Hank lies in bed, staring at the ceiling.
The room is dark and quiet, but his mind is loud with thoughts. He keeps thinking about the message Natalie received. ‘Honey, will you be there tomorrow?’ The words play over and over in his head.
He turns to look at Natalie, who is sleeping peacefully beside him. She seems so calm, so unaware of the storm in his mind. Hank glances at the clock.
It’s late, but he can’t find sleep. His thoughts are like a puzzle he can’t solve. The more he thinks about the message, the more he doubts Natalie’s explanation.
He remembers her nervous look and the quick way she deleted the message. It all seems suspicious to him. He sits up in bed, restless.
The idea of checking Natalie’s phone comes to his mind. He knows it’s wrong to invade her privacy, but his doubts won’t let him rest. He needs to know the truth.
The unease in his heart has grown into a silent storm. Hank whispers, “Natalie, are you sleeping?” There’s no response, just the soft, steady breathing of someone lost in dreams. Reassured that she is genuinely asleep, Hank reaches the bedside table and carefully picks up Natalie’s phone.
His hands are steady, but his heart races with fear and anticipation. He knows he needs her fingerprint to unlock the phone. With a deep breath, he gently brings Natalie’s hand towards the device.
Just then, Natalie stirs, turning over in her sleep. Hank freezes, watching her face for any sign of waking. He
