My sister had just had a baby, so I went to the hospital to see her. But as I walked along the corridor, I heard my husband’s voice. “She doesn’t suspect anything. At least she’s good for money.” Then my mother spoke up. “You both deserve happiness. She’s just a failure.” My sister laughed and replied, “Thanks. I’ll make sure we are happy.” I said nothing and turned away. But what happened next left them all stunned.

Candles lit.

He loosened his tie.

“Smells amazing,” he said.

“There’s something for you,” I replied.

He saw the envelope.

He smiled at first, assuming it was something affectionate.

He opened it.

Divorce papers.

Financial statements.

Printed transcripts.

Photos of him and Sierra together—pulled from social media accounts he thought were private.

His smile vanished.

“Rachel,” he whispered. “This isn’t what you think.”

I pressed play on my phone.

His voice filled the room.

“She’s perfect for that.”

“We’ll be a real family.”

He sank into a chair.

“You recorded me.”