Our next-door neighbor, Mrs. Wilson, is like family. She’s a sweet woman in her 60s, and she lives alone. She’s had some health issues lately, so Chris started helping her with little things around the house. At first, it was just simple stuff. When I found a pair of women’s underwear in my husband’s pocket, my world turned upside down. What started as innocent help for our elderly neighbor spiraled into a web of suspicion, secrets, and a mysterious young woman I never saw coming.

Chris and I have been married for ten years. We live in a quiet suburban neighborhood, the kind of place where everyone knows each other, and nothing much ever happens. It’s peaceful. It’s safe. We’ve built a simple life here. I was doing laundry, emptying Chris’ pockets like I always do, when I pulled out a pair of women’s underwear. Lacy, small — definitely not mine. My hands trembled as I held them. My mind raced. Where did these come from? Why did Chris have them? My stomach twisted into knots as a thousand horrible thoughts flashed through my head.

I shoved the underwear back into his pocket, my heart pounding. I couldn’t confront him. Not yet. I needed more information. But more than anything, I needed proof.

That night, I could barely sleep. My mind kept replaying everything over and over again. Every excuse Chris had made, every long visit to Mrs. Wilson’s. Was he really helping her, or was something else going on? I didn’t know what to believe. So, when Chris left to “help Mrs. Wilson,” I waited about thirty minutes. Then, I quietly slipped out the back door, making my way through the yard, my heart racing in my chest. I felt ridiculous, sneaking around like this, but I had to know the truth.

When I reached Mrs. Wilson’s house, I crouched low by the window. I could hear voices inside, but I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Slowly, I raised myself up just enough to peek inside. There, lounging on the couch in a lacy robe, was a young woman. She was much younger than Mrs. Wilson, maybe in her twenties. She looked so comfortable, so at home. My heart nearly stopped. Who was she? And why was she in Mrs. Wilson’s house? My mind jumped to the worst possible conclusion. Had Chris been sneaking around with this woman? Was this the real reason he was spending so much time there? I felt sick.

I ducked back down, my head spinning. I couldn’t stay there any longer. I needed answers, but I wasn’t sure I could handle them. That night, I couldn’t keep it inside anymore. As soon as Chris walked through the door, I felt my heart racing. I had to know the truth, even if it tore me apart. “We need to talk,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. I stood in the kitchen, gripping the counter.