My Perfect Husband's Betrayal

Briar's POV

Everyone says I married the perfect husband—considerate, devoted, loving.

I thought I had happiness too, until my neighbor told me she'd seen "me" having sex with Declan multiple times over the summer, even against the floor-to-ceiling windows. But during those two months, I'd been with my son out of town the entire time.

I rushed home and heard 8-year-old Beckett on the phone, bragging to his father: "Dad, I got Mom out of the way for two whole months. Did you make up with your sweetheart? Where's my allowance?"

I pulled up the security footage and saw a woman wearing my nightgown, with my husband, in every corner of our home... I spent eight years building this family, and they betrayed me together.

Beckett, who always preferred staying home in Valen City during summer break, suddenly insisted on visiting his grandparents in Thorne City this year.

Declan immediately supported the idea, though he regretfully explained he couldn't join us—too many surgeries scheduled at the hospital. Thinking Beckett simply missed his grandparents, I agreed without hesitation and flew with him to Thorne City, where we spent two full months.

When summer ended, I brought Beckett back to Valen City.

The moment we reached our door, our neighbor Lillian hurried over from her front yard.

"Briar, finally! I thought you'd been home this whole time."

Lillian's smile was loaded with meaning. She lowered her voice: "You and Declan have been awfully passionate lately. Several times I saw you two in the living room... very intensely enjoying yourselves. Once you were right up against those floor-to-ceiling windows. My God, the sight..."

She paused, her smile turning suggestive. "I have to say, it's quite the way to keep the spark alive. But honey..."

Her expression grew serious. "I need to warn you—Emma saw it last week. She's only seven and asked me what you were doing. So please, close the curtains next time? I'd rather not explain that scene to my granddaughter again."

My mind exploded.

I'd spent the entire summer in Thorne City with Beckett and my parents. I never came back to Valen City. So who the hell had Lillian seen?

I forced a smile and nodded. "Got it. Thanks for the heads up."

My hand trembled as I pushed open the door, my heartbeat drowning out everything else.

Inside, I heard Beckett on the phone. He was hiding behind the sofa, voice low but still perfectly audible.

"Dad, I really helped you out big time! You promised—once you made up with your sweetheart, you'd raise my allowance to five hundred a week!"

"I kept Mom at Grandma and Grandpa's for two whole months! You couldn't have pulled it off without me, right? And remember when your sweetheart threw that tantrum and scratched your face bloody? I covered for you, said I accidentally hurt you!"

"Oh, and Dad, that new gaming console you promised—when are you getting it?"

Ice water flooded through my veins. I stood frozen.

It had all been planned. Beckett's sudden desire to visit his grandparents was to give Declan the opportunity. And Declan had spent those two months with another woman in our home.

I never imagined Declan would betray me.

Declan and I met at a college debate tournament. He was the reigning champion, undefeated at our school. Everyone expected another easy victory for him. But when we debated, he never countered with full force, even deliberately left openings. In the end, my team won.

After the match, one of his teammates—a girl who had a crush on him—confronted me angrily. During the argument, she lost control and shoved me. We both fell into the lake. I couldn't swim and thrashed desperately as I began to sink. Declan jumped in but lifted her to shore first before swimming back for me.

By the time he pulled me out, I'd swallowed mouthfuls of water and was barely conscious. He gave me mouth-to-mouth. When I came to, his anxious, tender eyes were the first thing I saw.

After that, Declan pursued me. I asked him why he hadn't saved me first. He smiled and said, "I wanted a legitimate excuse to kiss you."

That moment, I fell completely.

We dated through college and married shortly after graduation with a lavish wedding. Our married life revolved around my preferences—I managed his meals, his wardrobe, every detail of daily life. He never complained, always said I took perfect care of him. He remembered every anniversary, surprised me constantly, never let me feel hurt. His emotional support was flawless.

Everyone said Declan was a good man—considerate, family-oriented, responsible. He never lost his temper with me, and he was gentle and patient with Beckett. Friends enviously told me, "Marrying a man like Declan is a blessing."

I thought that was happiness.

But looking back now, the signs were always there. Six months ago, a white dress shirt I'd never seen appeared in his closet. When I asked, he said he bought it on a business trip. A month ago, he claimed he had to work late and came home after midnight. When I helped him remove his jacket, I saw deep scratches on his lower back. I asked what happened. He said he bumped into something while moving equipment.

I believed every word.

I slipped into the kitchen, covering my mouth to muffle my sobs. The love everyone envied was nothing but a lie. All those youthful promises, those tender vows—they came with expiration dates.

After some time, my phone buzzed.

A message from my former boss, Thea Beaumont.

Briar, we're hiring for the new manager position. You're the top candidate. I know you value family, but won't you reconsider? This is a rare opportunity. If you pass this up, there may not be a next time.

I stared at the message, remembering how I'd quit my job for this family without hesitation. Declan said he'd love me forever, that I only needed to take care of him and our child, that he'd give me a happy home.

Eight years as a housewife.

Now, aside from these two, I had nothing. Reality had slapped me hard, showing me that happiness was nothing but my own delusion.

Declan, you betrayed me. I cannot forgive you.

I took a deep breath, and replied to Thea: Thea, I'd like to come back to work.