What Was He Up To?
As Monica stood by her back door, she couldn’t help but wonder what had really been going on the last few months. She couldn’t put two and two together.
Slowly, she stepped into the backyard and followed the path leading into the wooded area. As she walked along the dirt, she wondered what she was about to uncover. But she had no idea that her entire world was about to come crashing down around her.
Was It True?
Her heart was beating in her throat as tears began streaming down her face. She knew who lived here, but she had to be sure that everything she suspected was true.
All she had to do was take a few more steps, and the truth would finally be revealed. Anthony, her husband, had been lying to her, and she had started to question everything she thought she knew.
The Happy Couple
Monica and Anthony Hill had been married for six years, and in those six years, she thought they were happy. They met though mutual friends and there was an instant spark between them. Anthony was a charming young man.
After six months of dating, Anthony got down on one knee and popped the question. Monica thought it was too soon at first, but when he pledged his undying love to her, she said yes.
The Big Day
Their wedding was a fairytale, and Anthony spared no expense. He paid for anything and everything Monica wanted. He wanted her to be happy.
They had two hundred guests at their wedding, but only twenty were Monica’s nearest and dearest. She didn’t know as many people as Anthony.
Cracks Began To Show
The rest of their guests were Anthony’s family and tons of his friends. Monica hadn’t even met most of them, and she felt slightly uncomfortable that there were people she didn’t know.
In the end, however, the wedding was a massive success, and she had the best day. But sadly, the same could not be said for their marriage. Cracks began to show early on.
He Changed
The first three months were just fine. He was romantic and treated Monica to fancy dinners and lavish getaways. But after that, she began to notice a significant change in his behavior.
Suddenly, he became more and more distant, and she found herself competing with his work and friends in order to see him.
She Was Sad
Whenever he was home, he would busy himself with chores in their backyard. Monica didn’t want to seem desperate, but she wished she could spend more time with her husband.
After months of marriage, she expected them to start discussing children. It was what she always wanted, and she was sad that Anthony wasn’t even bringing up the subject.
Not Standing For It
There were days when she just stared at him through the window, toiling away in the backyard. She didn’t even know what he was doing, but he seemed to be more invested in it than he was in her.
But Monica wasn’t going to stand for it any longer. She vowed to speak to him that night to bring up her concerns and feelings of loneliness.
A Romantic Dinner
She prepared a romantic dinner, complete with candles and soft music. If this didn’t help to reel him back to her, then she didn’t know what would.
The evening was set. Monica slipped on her favorite red dress and highest heels, waiting for her husband to come home from work. She had never felt so nervous before.
I’m Busy
But the dinner didn’t go as Monica had planned. Anthony was distant and brushed off all her concerns. “I’m busy, and I just don’t think we should be worrying about having kids right now. I’ve got a lot on my plate at work,” he told her.
That night, Monica secretly cried herself to sleep. It felt like her husband was alienating her.
Partying Up A Storm
She also began speculating that it wasn’t only work that was keeping him occupied. Anthony was very active on social media, and as Monica scrolled through his various accounts, he could be seen partying up a storm with his friends. And all without her.
He posed with work colleagues at parties that she wasn’t even invited to as his plus one.
Not Wearing His Wedding Ring
Monica was fuming. How could her husband do this to her? Not only was he completely ignoring her, but he was acting like he was a bachelor.
In one of the photos, she could clearly see that he wasn’t even wearing his wedding ring. What exactly was going on? Monica would soon find out the ugly truth.
Suspicions Grow
As weeks turned into months, Monica's suspicions grew. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong with her marriage. The once passionate love they shared seemed to have dwindled into mere coexistence.
One evening, as Anthony rushed off to another "work-related event," Monica decided to confide in her neighbor, Emma, who lived on the other side of their house.
A Friendly Neighbor
Emma had always been friendly and approachable, and Monica hoped she might have some insights. Pouring her heart out to Emma, Monica shared her fears and frustrations about her husband's distant behavior.
Emma listened empathetically, her face showing a mix of sympathy and concern. Monica felt that she could discuss anything with Emma. But she knew something Monica didn't.
Worried
"I don't want to add to your worries, Monica, but I think you should know something," Emma finally said hesitatingly. "I've seen Anthony walk through the back of the house a few times. I don’t know where he goes.”
Monica's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her mind raced with questions, but she needed to know the truth.
The Hidden Path
"What do you mean, Emma?" Monica asked, her voice trembling. Emma took a deep breath before continuing, "I've seen him going into that hidden path behind your house. I think it leads into the woods, but I’m not sure why he would go there so often. It's always when you're at work or otherwise occupied."
Monica was quiet for a moment. She tried to rationalize what she’d just heard. But then her heart stopped when a realization hit her.
Not The Outdoorsy Type
Monica's pulse quickened. Why was Anthony walking all alone into the wooded area behind their house? She’d realized he wasn’t the outdoorsy type. Was he hiding something from her? He couldn’t have secretly taken up hiking.
Determined to uncover the truth, Monica thanked Emma for her honesty and decided to investigate. But what she’d uncover would turn her world upside down.
A Nagging Suspicion
Emma specifically said that she saw him walk there at night as well. What was her husband up to? Monica couldn't ignore the nagging suspicion any longer. That night, she pretended to go to bed early but waited patiently for Anthony to make his move.
There was no doubt that he had something planned. He was very restless during dinner, and when Monica asked him about it, he brushed it off.
The Best Way Forward
Monica wondered the best way forward. So far, she’d come up with two solutions. The first route was straightforward. She could shadow her husband until he went out. She’d follow him into the woods.
She’d have a front-row seat to whatever he was hiding. Perhaps finding the truth would bring her closer to the bigger issue, which was why Anthony acted like he didn’t want her anymore.
The Second Path
The second path wasn’t as simple. It would require her to act like everything was okay. She’d do everything as she always did when he was around, even nag him a bit.
Afterward, she would have to pretend that she’d fallen asleep. At first, this path felt easier than the first. But Monica forgot to factor in something crucial.
Her Emotions
Monica didn’t factor in that her emotions were fiery that night. She knew she’d messed up when she went to talk to Anthony as she did on most nights, asking questions that had him grumbling and asking her to leave.
She’d wanted to come off as natural as possible but overdid it. Seeming to notice this, she cut the conversation short and hurried to bed. But the damage was already done.
Too Passionate
The only thing Monica needed to do was act naturally. But she got too passionate, her emotions fueled by her recent conversation with Emma. She’d derailed, making Anthony look at her suspiciously.
In his mind, Monica rarely got this passionate. Yes, she usually nagged and talked and tried to make him feel bad. But today, it was something else. Was she onto him?
In The Bathroom
Monica put a hand against her lips and excused herself. She hurried upstairs and into their bedroom’s bathroom. She splashed water on her face, hunched over the sink.
“Stay in control,” she whispered to the image in the mirror. “Please. Stay in control.” But as she was talking, another voice went up behind her.
Are You Okay?
Monica thought she’d gotten away with what she’d done. But her husband sounded behind her before his fingers snaked up the nape of her neck.
“Are you okay?” he asked, locking eyes with her through the mirror. “You scared me, running away like that. What’s wrong?” He was onto her.
A Little Sick
There was a gentleness to his voice and the way he touched her neck. But his eyes, aflame with something sinister, spoke another story.
“Are you okay?” he asked again, and Monica had to speak. “I am,” she said. “I might be a little sick,” she added – a lie. “I ate something while in town today. That’s all.” But Anthony wouldn’t let it go.
Words Left Her Mouth
As soon as the last words left her mouth, she watched her husband’s demeanor change. He was trying his best to get the truth out of her, but why was he so suspicious? Was he just deflecting?
He had never acted this way before. She could tell that he was getting impatient with her answers. What would he resort to next? She was a little scared now that she saw his true colors.
Irony
It felt ironic. She was just investigating what he was doing behind her back, but now it sounded like he was the one upset with her after suspecting that she had done something without his knowledge. He had never been so controlling before.
Something was different. She was no longer staring at the man that she had married. Something had changed in front of her eyes.
Different Person
Anthony had always been a loving husband and had never hurt her. But it seemed as soon as he thought that she was doing something behind his back, then everything changed. She watched his face begin to change in color as his anger rose.
His eyes narrowed as he stared at her like some kind of criminal. Monica had no idea that her once-loving husband was about to do something that would end in an explosive climax.
Dread
Dread crept up Monica’s spine as her husband took one step closer. Normally, she would have welcomed his embrace, but today, she wasn’t looking forward to what he had in mind.
His normal loving tone and demeanor were completely flipped on its head. He had a maniacal look on his face and didn’t seem to want to do anything good. He was about to start his interrogation.
He Suspects She’s Lying
“You didn’t tell me you went to town,” he said while releasing her and walking to lean against the wall. “We could have met up, had lunch.”
Monica knew he was studying her. She didn’t go to town; she had only left the house when she went to their neighbor’s. The house had cameras around, which Anthony would check after their conversation to make sure she wasn’t lying. What could she do?
Quick Thinking
Monica was always a sharp and quick-witted individual. She had to think of something that would get her out of the hole she had accidentally dug for herself. She couldn’t make a bold-faced lie that she couldn’t back up, but there was a way to convince him otherwise.
She couldn’t stretch the truth out too far. But if she told him what she had actually done, would he explode?
Deciding
Monica had to decide quickly what she was going to do. She could either lie or tell the truth, but which one was the right option?
If she played her cards right, then she could tiptoe around any kind of conflict. But if she made the wrong move, then she was worried about what her husband would end up doing to her. Her next decision was vital.
The Library
“Yeah,” she said. “It was just for a minute. I needed to return a book to the library, you know how I get with returning books.” She fake-laughed, trying her best not to break eye contact with Anthony. She couldn’t lose this fight.
The word ‘fight’ rang in her mind, and she held back a whimper. She never thought she’d be fighting the man she was supposed to love and build a life with. But she couldn’t focus on that now. She needed to win this.
Take Control
“I’ll be fine,” she said, suddenly rising. She squared her shoulders and walked to Anthony. She took his hands and stepped closer to him, which caught him off guard because both of them couldn’t remember the last time they’d been this close.
“I’m okay,” she said, her eyes still glued to his. She studied the hazel color in his irises. She’d once been spellbound by it. “I promise I’m okay.”
His Reaction
After her desperate gambit was over, she watched Anthony to see what he would do. All of her cards were not on the table, and he would do one of two things. She was just hoping that he was satisfied with her answer. If he wasn’t, then there would be a big problem.
He stared at her without any compassion or kindness, like he normally did. Something was very wrong, and Monica would risk her well-being for the truth.
A Smirk
As much as it looked like Anthony wanted to reprimand her or try to think of something to get closer to what she was plotting, he had nothing. He smirked at her and said, “I guess that’s fair. I hope that you’re more careful in the future.”
“Also, please be more forthcoming with me in the future,” He added as one last warning. There was nothing else to be said. Had Monica gotten off the hook for now?
He’s Gone
Anthony left the bathroom. But his posture was rigid, his breath shallow, and his irises darker. For the first time in months, the fire of romance had fallen over him, making him look like a grey wolf on the prowl.
Monica took a deep breath after he left. She’d not noticed it before, but Anthony wasn’t the only one affected by the tension. She threw another handful of tap water on her face and said, “Get your head in the game.”
Straight To Bed
Monica walked out of the bathroom and went straight to bed. She still had her plan to see through. She needed to pretend that she was asleep so Anthony could go into the woods.
She’d follow him then and see what he was hiding. But everything changed when she found him seated in bed, a boyish smile on his face as he awaited her.
A Strange Change Of Fate
In a strange twist of fate, Anthony’s cold demeanor had changed as quickly as it had arrived. What was going on with him? It had to do with where he was going late at night. She was sure of it.
She wanted more than anything to be able to directly ask him about everything. He was her husband, after all, but that didn’t mean that he was the same man she had married.
What was he doing now?
As much as Monica wanted to go back to trusting her husband, she couldn’t help but think that it was some kind of trap. He was waiting for her to make the wrong move, then he would strike. Or maybe it was genuine?
She had no idea what would happen next, but she had to approach the situation cautiously. Otherwise, all hell could break loose. What was with the look?
What Is Happening?
“Why are you looking at me like that?” Monica asked. “Like what?” “Like that!” she answered, holding back a giggle. “Stop it!”
“Stop looking at you?” Anthony asked. “I don’t think that’s possible. Have you seen yourself? You’re the prettiest person in the world!” Monica had to hide her face as her cheeks flushed. What was happening?
A Playful Side
Monica couldn’t explain what was happening. The last time she’d seen this playful side of her husband was right after their wedding. She’d even forgotten he could be like this.
She went to bed straight away, but he kept disturbing her with his antics. The two ended up talking through the night as they used to before they tied the knot. Although Monica didn’t admit it, she’d missed this side of Anthony.
Genuine Talking
Maybe Anthony felt terrible about the way he had spoken to her in the bathroom. Or maybe he had gotten up to something else? She couldn’t put her finger on why he was bubbly and happy right now.
She had been sitting on the bed with him for hours now as they talked about anything and everything. Was this the right time to approach him with her concerns? Or was that a bad idea?
Something Else
Perhaps there was something else that made him so open to talking tonight? She peered down at the edge of the bed, looking for something. He used to have bad habits, but he promised to quit years ago. She remembered his old hiding place.
While he was distracted, she decided to take a look and see. She had to be quick. If he found out what she was trying to do, there would be consequences.
Under The Bed
She had to be subtle as she craned her neck to look underneath the bed. She used her foot to push the bedspread to the side and peered underneath the bed. That’s when she saw something that made her blood run cold.
It was only barely noticeable. There was the neck of a bottle sticking out of the bed. She couldn’t believe that he had gone back on his word and let old habits come back.
Old Habits
A year ago, Anthony had promised her that he would stop his drinking. He liked a beer or two after dinner every night. But that devolved quickly into a much more disturbing habit. He started drinking more excessively and even started going out to bars.
He would disappear more and more every weekend. Even that turned into not coming home during the week and being found at pubs and bars.
Stopping For Good
After seeing that it was a problem, Anthony promised that he would stop for good. He got much better, but now there was evidence against him. Was he up to his old habits again? She had to find out.
Monica bent down and reached for the bottle. She was going to confront him with the evidence. But as soon as it was in her hand, she understood the truth. It was just a water bottle. He had been drinking more water in bed. She breathed a sigh of relief. But she wasn’t out of the woods yet.
Drifting Off
Monica didn’t know when she drifted off to sleep. But when she woke up, the clock was leaning toward five in the morning. Hints of dawn’s first light were sneaking past the bedroom curtains.
“Honey?” Monica called, turning around to face Anthony. The night had taken a different turn, ending up as one of the best for Monica. Anthony had even held her after she’d fallen asleep. But now, she turned to find him gone.
Following Him
Monica heard the front door quietly click shut. Anthony thought she was asleep, but she was wide awake, fueled by a mix of fear and anger. Slipping out of bed, she made her way to the back door.
With her heart pounding in her chest, Monica opened the back door and followed the same hidden path she had seen Anthony take.
Deep In The Woods
She could even smell the remnants of his cologne as she quietly walked on the path. She could see his shadow still walking, and she ducked down when he turned around.
As she lay in the grass, Monica quickly bobbed her head up just in time to see Anthony go into a house. She had forgotten that someone had lived so deeply in the wooded area.
Shockwaves
What she saw next sent shockwaves through her entire being. There, in the soft glow of the setting moon, she saw Anthony and a woman locked in an intimate embrace. Their faces were inches apart, and it was clear that this was what she had feared all along.
Monica gasped, unable to believe her eyes. She had stumbled upon a secret affair, one that had been unfolding right under her nose. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched her husband betray her trust.
Heartbroken
Monica's heartache was immeasurable as she continued to watch the scene unfold before her. The woman in Anthony's arms had her fingers gently running through his hair, and their lips were so close that it was undeniable they were sharing an illicit kiss.
She wanted to scream, to confront them both, but she held herself back. She needed concrete evidence, undeniable proof of her husband's infidelity, to confront him with.
Familiar
As Monica continued to watch in stunned silence, she noticed the woman's familiar features. It was their neighbor, Lisa. Lisa was recently widowed, and Monica had completely forgotten to check in on her since her husband passed away
But it seemed like her husband Anthony was doing enough of that for the both of them.
The Ultimate Betrayal
Monica's anger mixed with sadness, creating a storm of emotions within her. She had trusted both Anthony and Lisa and now they were betraying her in the worst possible way.
Her marriage was crumbling, and she felt a sense of betrayal that cut deeper than anything she had ever experienced. She thought she knew who Anthony was, but she was terribly mistaken.
Her Next Move
After a few more minutes of watching the heartbreaking scene, Monica quietly retreated, careful not to make a sound. She needed time to think, to plan her next move. Confronting Anthony was inevitable, but she wanted to do it with undeniable evidence in her possession.
Over the next few days, Monica became a detective in her own life. She meticulously collected evidence of Anthony's affair—text messages, photos, and even recorded conversations that proved his involvement with Lisa.
Withdrawn
Meanwhile, Monica's demeanor changed. She became distant and withdrawn, avoiding Anthony as much as possible. He sensed something was amiss but couldn't put his finger on it. The tension between them was palpable.
One evening, when Anthony was out at another supposed "work event," Monica decided it was time to confront him. She had enough evidence to shatter his denials and lies.
The Evidence
She had enough evidence to shatter his denials and lies. She called Lisa, asking her to meet at their house.
When Lisa arrived, Monica presented her with the damning evidence of the affair. Lisa's face turned pale, and she stammered, attempting to explain herself. It was a chaotic and emotional confrontation, filled with anger, hurt, and accusations.
The Confrontation
Soon after, Anthony returned home to find both women waiting for him. The confrontation that ensued was explosive. Monica, with tears streaming down her face, confronted her husband with the irrefutable evidence of his betrayal.
Their marriage, once filled with love and hope, was now reduced to a battlefield of shattered trust and broken promises.
The End of the Line
Anthony couldn't deny the truth any longer. He confessed to the affair with Lisa, his voice filled with remorse and regret. He tried to explain how it had started innocently as he comforted their grieving neighbor, but it had spiraled into something more.
Monica was devastated, feeling a mixture of anger and sadness. She realized that her fairytale marriage had crumbled into a nightmare. With a heavy heart, she told Anthony that their relationship had come to an end.
New Beginnings
In the weeks that followed, Monica and Anthony went through a painful divorce process. It was emotionally taxing, but Monica knew it was the right decision. She deserved better than a husband who had betrayed her trust so deeply.
As the divorce was finalized, Monica began to rebuild her life. She reconnected with old friends, pursued her own interests, and found a renewed sense of self-worth. She realized that she deserved happiness and would no longer settle for anything less.