The Betrayal of My Perfect Wife

Everyone says I married the perfect wife—independent, decisive, and devoted.

I thought I had found happiness too, until my neighbor told me that she had repeatedly seen "me" getting intimate with Declan at home during summer vacation, even right against the floor-to-ceiling window. But for those two months, I had been with my son in another city.

I rushed home and heard my 8-year-old Beckett bragging to his mom on the phone: "Mom, I kept Dad away for two whole months! Did you finally get your little lover to calm down? Where's my allowance?"

I checked the security footage and saw a man wearing my loungewear, with my wife, in every corner of our home… I spent eight years building this family, and she and her daughter betrayed me together.

Beckett, who had always preferred spending summers at our home in Warren City, unexpectedly volunteered to spend this summer with his grandparents in Thorne City.

Declan immediately supported the idea, but regretfully said her work schedule was packed and she couldn't get away. Thinking my son simply missed his grandparents, I happily agreed and flew with Beckett to Thorne City, staying with my parents for two whole months.

Summer ended, and I brought him back to Warren City.

Just as we reached our doorstep, my neighbor Lillian pulled me aside in the hallway.

"Blair, finally! I thought you were home the whole time."

Lillian smiled meaningfully, lowering her voice. "You and Declan have been quite passionate lately. Several times, I saw the two of you from my window in the living room… veryengrossed in each other. Once, you were right against the floor-to-ceiling window, my goodness, that scene…"

She paused, her smile growing more suggestive. "I have to say, that's quite a thrilling way to keep the spark alive. But dear…" Lillian's expression turned serious. "I have to remind you, Emma saw it last week. She's only seven and asked me what you were doing. So please, draw the curtains next time? I don't want to explain that to my granddaughter again."

My mind exploded.

During the summer, I had been in Thorne City with Beckett and my parents. I hadn't set foot in Warren City. So, who was the "me" Lillian saw?

I forced a smile, nodded at Lillian. "I understand, I'll be careful. Thanks for letting me know."

Turning to open the door, my hand was trembling, my heart pounding so loudly I could barely hear anything else.

As soon as I entered, I heard Beckett on the phone. He was hiding behind the sofa, speaking in a low voice, but it was crystal clear.

"Mom, I helped you out big time this time! You promised, once you got your little lover settled, you'd raise my allowance to five hundred dollars a week!"

"I kept Dad at Grandpa and Grandma's for two whole months! If it weren't for me, would it have been this easy? Don't forget last time when your little lover threw a tantrum and accidentally scratched your face until it bled, I covered for you, saying I hurt you by accident!"

"Oh, and Mom, that latest game console you promised me, when can you buy it?"

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over my head. I stood frozen in place.

So it was all planned—Beckett's volunteering to go to his grandparents' was to give Declan an opportunity; and Declan, during those two months I was gone, had brought another man into our home.

I had never imagined Declan would betray me.

I first met Declan at a university debate. She was the reigning champion, practically unbeatable on campus. Everyone thought she'd win again. But debating me, she never fought back with her full strength, even intentionally leaving openings. In the end, my team won.

After the match, a guy on her team—who had a crush on her—picked a fight with me, furious. In the heat of the argument, he lost control and shoved me. We both fell into a lake. I couldn't swim, flailing in the water, about to drown. Declan jumped in, but she helped that guy ashore first, then swam back for me.

By the time she pulled me out, I had choked on water and was nearly unconscious. She leaned over, giving me mouth-to-mouth. When I came to, I saw her anxious, tender eyes.

Later, Declan started pursuing me. I asked her why she didn't save me first. She laughed and said, "Because I wanted a legitimate reason to kiss you."

In that moment, I was completely lost.

We started dating in college, got married soon after graduation, and had a grand wedding. Married life went exactly as I liked—I managed the home front, took care of the family. She never complained, always said I took good care of things; she remembered every anniversary, always had little surprises; she never let me feel wronged, always emotionally attentive.

Everyone said Declan was a wonderful woman—capable, family-oriented, responsible. She never lost her temper with me, was always gentle and patient with Beckett. Friends would say enviously, "Marrying a woman like Declan is your good fortune."

I thought that was happiness.

But looking back now, suspicious signs had appeared long ago. Six months ago, a white shirt I'd never seen before appeared in Declan's closet. When I asked, she said she bought it on a business trip. A month ago, she said she had to work overtime and came home late. Helping her take off her coat, I saw a deep red mark on the side of her neck. Worried, I asked what happened. She said it was from the clasp of a new necklace.

Back then, I believed it all.

I quietly slipped into the kitchen, covering my mouth, trying not to cry. The love everyone envied turned out to be so ugly; those youthful vows, those tender promises, all had an expiration date.

I don't know how long passed before my phone buzzed.

I looked down. A message from my former boss, Thea Beaumont.

[Blair, the university is hiring for a new round of tenured professor positions. You're the top candidate. I know you value family, but are you really not considering it? It's a rare opportunity. You might not get another chance like this.]

Staring at the message, I remembered putting my academic career on hold for this family all those years ago. Declan said she'd love me forever, that I just needed to take good care of the home, that she'd give me a happy family.

I had been the "supportive spouse" for eight years.

Now, apart from her and her daughter, I had nothing. Reality slapped me hard, making me understand that so-called happiness was just self-deception.

Declan, you betrayed me. I can't forgive you.

I took a deep breath, opened my phone, and replied to Thea: [Thea, I'm willing to come back to work.]