Straightening Affairs - 13. Chapter 13

After Michael returned, he had taken a few days off work just as he promised and they went to see the doctor. Given the health issues Sarah had experienced when they were living with Michael's parents, the doctor suggested bed rest for her. This meant she would leave work almost immediately and might not return. Sarah didn’t want to stop working, and now she did not want to leave their baby with her mom. She also didn’t see herself becoming a stay-at-home mom, but she knew how precious this child was to her, to them—to both her and Michael. She would make sacrifices. They both would make sacrifices for this miracle baby.

At a routine ultrasound several months later, the technician’s face showed a brief flicker of confusion. Sarah noticed the change right away.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, her voice tense.

“Yes, yes, everything is fine,” the technician replied. “I’m done here, but I’m going to get the doctor to go over the ultrasound with you. I’ll be right back.”

Sarah watched as the technician left the room, handing something to the doctor before the door clicked shut. She could feel worry building inside her.

A few moments later, the doctor entered and took the seat where the technician had been. He began another ultrasound, sliding the wand across Sarah’s belly.

“Why are we doing another ultrasound?” Sarah asked, her concern deepening. “Is everything okay?”

Michael, sitting beside her, looked equally uneasy. They had come so far, and as much as he missed his secret life with Ryan and the thrill of his business trips, he didn’t want anything to happen to Sarah—or their baby.

“Everything is perfectly fine,” the doctor reassured them, turning on the speaker. “I think you’ll want to hear this.”

As the doctor moved the wand, the familiar sound of amniotic fluid moving around filled the room, followed by the unmistakable rhythm of a heartbeat. It was music to their ears.

“Keep listening,” the doctor said, his eyes flicking to the monitor. “You’ll want to hear this.”

Moments later, another heartbeat echoed through the room.

Michael and Sarah were floored.

“Is that…” Michael trailed off.

“Yes,” the doctor smiled. “That’s exactly what it is. Sarah, it looks like you’re carrying twins! Congratulations! We can’t yet tell if they’re boys or girls, but you are going to be the proud parents of twins.”

I couldn’t believe it. I looked at Sarah, and she looked at me, absolutely beaming. We were going to have twins. TWINS! I had to let that sink in.

For that moment, my secret life, my rendezvous with Ryan, Andre, and all the other men didn’t matter anymore. I was going to be a father.

Sarah was glowing, her eyes wide with joy and disbelief. He watched as her hands instinctively moved to her stomach, cradling the life growing inside her. The happiness on her face was undeniable. This was everything she had ever wanted, everything she had been dreaming of since they first talked about starting a family.

"Twins," Sarah whispered, her voice filled with awe. "I can't believe it... we're going to have two babies."

Michael forced a smile, his heart pounding. He reached over and gently squeezed her hand, trying to mirror her joy. But beneath the surface, a storm of emotions churned. As much as he wanted to focus on the excitement of this moment, a deep panic gnawed at him. Twins meant more responsibility, more permanence. It meant that his double life was on even thinner ice. How could he keep up this charade with two children in the picture?

For now, though, none of that seemed to matter. In this room, in this moment, he allowed himself to feel the gravity of what was happening. He was going to be a father—twice over. No matter what he had been doing behind Sarah's back, no matter the secrets he kept, this was real. This was happening.

As the doctor continued to speak, going over details about Sarah’s pregnancy and what they could expect with twins, Michael’s mind wandered. He looked at Sarah, still radiating happiness, and felt a sharp pang of guilt. She had no idea what he had been doing, no idea about the other life he had been living. And now, with two children on the way, the stakes had never been higher.

But for that brief moment, sitting beside Sarah, his hand in hers, Michael felt something close to peace. The magnitude of becoming a father was overwhelming, and in a way, it brought him back to reality. He realized, at least for now, that he had to step up. This wasn’t just about him anymore. It was about Sarah, about their babies, about the life they were building together.

As they left the doctor's office, Sarah couldn’t stop talking about baby names, nursery designs, and baby clothes. Her excitement was contagious, and Michael tried his best to share in it. But deep down, he knew that as much as he wanted to be present, the secrets he had been hiding would eventually come back to haunt him.

For now, though, Michael let himself feel the joy of the moment. The rendezvous with Ryan, the business trips, the men—they didn’t matter right now. What mattered was Sarah, and their twins. This was his reality now, and for better or worse, he was going to be a father.

He was Icarus, and he was flying closer and closer to the sun. Would this be his downfall?

The months leading up to the twins' birth passed in a blur. Michael’s life had been split between two worlds for so long, but the impending arrival of his children made everything feel more urgent, more real. He couldn’t say no to the trips abroad—he needed them. They gave him the space and freedom to continue his secret life, to meet up with the men he had formed connections with, even if they were fleeting. He knew deep down that they weren’t real relationships. They were hookups—brief, intoxicating escapes from the life he was living with Sarah.

But with each trip, the guilt grew. He couldn’t get away as easily anymore. Ryan had noticed too, and their meetings had become less frequent. Michael tried to keep the facade up, renting hotel rooms in the city whenever Sarah was busy, but the excuses were wearing thin. Ryan, sensing that this arrangement wasn’t sustainable, started pulling back. He was spending more time with Nathan, leaving Michael feeling both relieved and strangely empty.

Then, finally, the day arrived. The twins.

Sarah had been admitted to the hospital after weeks of bed rest, and the doctor had predicted the labor would be challenging. But despite the difficulties, Sarah endured. Hours later, she delivered two healthy, beautiful babies—a boy and a girl.

The moment Michael saw them, his heart swelled in a way he hadn’t expected. As the nurse handed him his tiny son, and Sarah cradled their daughter, Michael was overcome with emotion. It was a feeling so pure, so real, that it drowned out everything else in his life. The lies, the secrets, the men—they all faded away as he looked at his child’s delicate face, his tiny hands and feet.

In that moment, holding his son, Michael made a decision. He was done. He couldn’t keep living this double life anymore. He couldn’t keep lying to Sarah, to himself, to his family. He wouldn’t come clean—there was no way he could ever do that—but he could stop. He would stop. No more meetings with Andre, no more hookups on business trips. He needed to be here, with Sarah, with their children.

Michael glanced at Sarah, her eyes filled with love as she looked down at their daughter, and he knew what he had to do. He would tell work he didn’t want to travel for at least a year. He had built enough of a reputation that they would understand, and this time, he would stay home. He would be the father these children deserved.

The thought of walking away from that part of his life brought a sense of relief he hadn’t expected. He was ready to be the man Sarah believed he was. He was ready to focus on his family, to leave behind the chaos and deceit.

For the first time in a long time, Michael felt like he had a path forward, and it was a path he wanted to take. Holding his child in his arms, he made a silent promise—to himself, to his children, and to Sarah—that this would be his future now. The life of lies and secret rendezvous was over.

Or at least, he hoped it was.

The days and weeks after the twins were born were challenging for the new parents. Michael focused entirely on Sarah and their children, Shawn and Samantha, named after Sarah’s grandparents. Michael didn’t object to the names, even though his own parents were no longer in the picture—they had cut ties after deciding they wanted nothing to do with Sarah. They didn’t even know they had grandchildren.

The first year of Shawn and Samantha’s lives was a blur of sleepless nights, quiet joy, and a lot of trial and error. Michael and Sarah were exhausted, but they found solace in the simple, beautiful chaos of parenting twins. Their small apartment, which had once felt cozy, now seemed impossibly cramped with two cribs, a mountain of baby supplies, and a double stroller parked by the door. By the time the twins were eight months old, Michael and Sarah decided it was time to move.

The new house wasn’t extravagant, but it was everything they needed—a quiet suburban neighborhood, a fenced backyard, and enough space to finally feel like they could breathe. It was a dream come true for Sarah, who envisioned Shawn and Samantha running around the yard in a few years, and for Michael, who liked the idea of building a life for their growing family.

Moving in was a family affair. Sarah’s sister Jennifer, her brother Nathan, and Ryan, who was still dating Nathan, all pitched in to help. As boxes were unpacked and furniture was arranged, Shawn and Samantha crawled around on the living room floor, delighting in the endless entertainment of bubble wrap and empty boxes. Jennifer couldn’t resist snapping dozens of pictures of her niece and nephew while Nathan and Ryan put together the twins’ playpen.

The first few months in the new house were filled with firsts—first steps, first words, first family dinners in their new dining room. Michael was hands-on, often taking the twins for walks around the neighborhood in their stroller. He loved the simple joy of watching their little faces light up at the sight of a squirrel darting across the sidewalk or a dog wagging its tail. On weekends, he and Sarah would take the twins to the park, where they’d spread out a blanket and watch the babies explore the world around them.

As the twins grew more active, so did the demands of parenthood. Sarah, while still recovering from the physical toll of childbirth, managed to settle into a rhythm. She cherished every moment with her children but occasionally leaned on her siblings for help. Jennifer often stopped by to help with feedings or bath time, while Nathan and Ryan would come over with dinner or groceries. Nathan adored his niece and nephew, often calling them “the dynamic duo,” while Ryan, surprisingly, had a knack for calming Samantha when she fussed.

Michael, too, embraced his role as a father. He found himself spending less time at the office and more time at home. He’d sit on the living room floor with Shawn and Samantha, building block towers for them to knock down or playing peek-a-boo until their laughter filled the house. Despite the exhaustion, those moments made every sleepless night worth it.

But by the time the twins were nearing their first birthday, the cracks in Michael’s double life began to show. The responsibilities at work were piling up, and he knew he couldn’t stay grounded forever. His job demanded travel, and while he had delayed it as long as possible, the time had come to face the inevitable. Sarah was understanding but hesitant. “I can handle the twins,” she reassured him, “but maybe we should start thinking about getting help. At least part-time.”

Michael agreed. They began the search for a nanny, ultimately finding Cindy, a kind, experienced woman who immediately bonded with the twins. Cindy’s arrival brought a sense of balance to the household, allowing Sarah to focus on her recovery and the day-to-day running of the home while Michael prepared for his upcoming business trips.

On Shawn and Samantha’s first birthday, the house was filled with family. Jennifer and Nathan took charge of decorations, turning the living room into a sea of balloons and banners. Ryan helped set up the cake—a two-tiered masterpiece with a different design for each twin. As Shawn smashed his hand into his side of the cake and Samantha delicately picked at hers, Michael found himself marveling at how far they had come. Despite the challenges, the move, and the endless demands of parenthood, they had built something beautiful.

But as the weeks turned into months, and Michael packed his suitcase for his first trip in over a year, a familiar sense of dread crept back into his mind. He kissed Sarah goodbye and promised to call every night, but as he drove to the airport, his thoughts strayed to the double life he had worked so hard to conceal. Life at home had become stable, even happy, but the storm brewing inside him was far from over.

Michael’s job only required the occasional business trip now. The company had honored their promise to limit his travel, and each time he went away, he focused on the task at hand and returned quickly. He avoided meeting with anyone during these trips, playing the role of the perfect husband, both at home and while away. The urge to return to his old habits was strong, but he resisted.

Almost sixteen months after the twins were born, Michael was promoted to Junior VP, which meant more money but also more travel. Now, he was overseeing contract negotiations, which typically required only short trips—just a few days at a time, compared to the long trips of the past. He still traveled nearly every month, but the trips were brief, and he maintained his focus.

It was during one of these trips, after a particularly difficult negotiation with an important client—the first client the company had signed years ago—that Michael felt the familiar weight of stress. The client had picked apart every detail of the new contract, and the tension was exhausting.

Returning to his hotel room, Michael tried to unwind. He worked out in the gym, then soaked in the hot tub, but nothing eased the tension. He knew what he really needed. Almost without thinking, he unlocked his phone and opened his digital black book. The faces and names of men he had been with flashed across the screen.

In this city, he had several connections. He began scrolling through his list, sending out messages to see who might be available. Finally, one responded—Eric. Eric said he’d be over in about 30 minutes.

Michael’s stomach twisted with nerves. What was he doing? He had promised to be there for Sarah, for Shawn and Samantha. But he wasn’t home. The gym, the hot tub—none of it had helped. He needed something more.

There was a quiet knock on the door. Michael stood and opened it to find Eric, looking as handsome as ever.

"Hey, Mikey… I thought you forgot all about me. But I hear congratulations are in order." Said Eric as he walked into the hotel room.

Michael smirked. "Eric, I could never forget you. Congratulations?"

"Yeah, your girlfriend had twins, right? Guessing she doesn’t know about us?"

Michael shook his head. "No, but we’re not here to talk about me. We’re here to have a good time. You want to have a good time?"

Eric grinned. "Well, how can I say no to my sugar daddy? Are you ready for me?"

As Michael led Eric into the bedroom, he stood there, frozen for a moment, as Eric’s words echoed in his head: "Are you ready for me?" He had already crossed a line by opening his phone, by contacting Eric. Now, standing in that hotel room, the weight of what he was about to do hit him like a tidal wave.

It wasn’t just about the thrill anymore. It wasn’t about filling a void or releasing tension. It was about the promise he had made to Sarah, to his children, to himself. He had told himself he was done with this—the secret life, the lies. And for a while, he had managed to hold onto that promise, to stay committed to the family he had helped build. But here he was, again, standing on the edge of betraying everything he’d worked so hard to preserve.

Eric’s playful smirk faded slightly, sensing Michael’s hesitation. “Hey, Mikey, you good? We don’t have to do this if—”

“No,” Michael cut him off, his voice thick with uncertainty. “I just…” He trailed off, his mind racing. What was he doing? He had been the perfect husband for almost two years now—no hookups, no secret meetings. But the pull of his old life, the temptation to indulge in that part of himself he couldn’t share with Sarah, was as strong as ever. The urge had never really gone away. It had only been pushed down, buried under the weight of responsibility and love for his family.

But now, away from home, with no one watching, the temptation had resurfaced.

Eric stepped closer, resting a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “Look, man, we don’t have to talk about it. I’m here for a good time, just like you.” His voice was smooth, reassuring, but Michael’s heart pounded in his chest. He wanted this—on some level, he craved it—but at the same time, he knew the price he would pay for indulging in it again.

He closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking a deep breath. Sarah’s face flashed in his mind—her smile, her joy when their children were born. He thought of Shawn and Samantha, their tiny hands gripping his finger, their laughter filling the house. This wasn’t just about him anymore. It never had been. He had a family now, a family that needed him to be present, honest, and loyal.

Eric’s hand lingered on his shoulder, a subtle reminder of the choice Michael had to make. “Come on, Mikey,” Eric said softly, his voice a tempting whisper. “No one has to know.”

Michael opened his eyes, the moment of clarity hitting him hard. He took a step back, shaking his head. “I can’t do this,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Not anymore. I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

Eric raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. “What do you mean? You’ve done this before.”

“I know,” Michael replied, his heart racing. “But I can’t keep doing it. I have a family. I’ve made promises, and… I need to keep them.”

For a long moment, there was silence. Eric, sensing the finality in Michael’s voice, shrugged slightly and gave a half-smile. “Hey, no worries, man. I get it. We all have our lines.”

Michael nodded, a weight lifting from his chest as he realized what he had just done. He had said no. For the first time in a long time, he had stopped himself before going too far.

As Eric walked out the door, Michael stood there in the quiet hotel room, the echoes of the past still swirling in his mind. He had come so close to falling back into old habits, but this time, he had managed to resist. He thought about Sarah, Shawn, and Samantha. He knew this wasn’t just a victory over temptation—it was a step toward the man he wanted to be.

But the pull was too strong. He shot up from the bed and went straight to the door, his heart pounding as he opened it. Eric was just about to step into the elevator when Michael called out, “Eric… wait.”

Eric turned, a small smirk spreading across his face as he saw Michael standing there in the hallway. “Come on in,” Michael said, his voice low and full of conflicted urgency. It was all he had to say.

Eric stepped out of the elevator and walked back toward the room. “I knew you’d change your mind,” Eric said with a grin as he walked back towards Michael and the room. “Listen, you don’t need to feel guilty about this. You’re not doing anything wrong. Tomorrow, when you go home, you can play husband all you want. But tonight? Tonight, forget about all that. Tonight, it’s just you and me and that big bed.”

Michael knew that this wasn’t the end of the struggle. The temptation would always be there, lurking in the background, waiting for a moment of weakness. The only question was whether he would be strong enough to resist it again.

The next morning, after Eric had left and the room was once again quiet, Michael sat on the edge of the bed, his suitcase half-packed. His phone rested in his hand, the familiar weight of it amplifying the heaviness in his chest. He stared at the screen, at the digital black book that had once been his escape. He swiped through the names and faces, a collection of moments that felt both distant and dangerously close.

His finger hovered over the delete button. Part of him wanted to erase it all, to wipe away the temptation and start fresh. But as he scrolled through the pictures of the men he had been with—dozens of them, each representing a different night, a different version of himself—he hesitated.

Could he really throw this part of his life away?

The thought of deleting the entries felt like severing a part of himself that he wasn’t ready to lose. Despite everything, despite the guilt and the lies, there was still something about this secret life that gripped him, that made him feel alive in a way his other life didn’t.

With a sigh, he closed the app without deleting a single name. He couldn’t bring himself to let go—not yet.

Michael cherished his time at home, relishing his role as a father and partner. The twins, now 16 months old, were brimming with energy and curiosity. Samantha, always quick to toddle after her brother, would waddle over and lift her arms with an insistent "Up, Daddy!" while Shawn, still mastering balance, giggled and shouted "Ball!" as he rolled a toy across the floor. Their developing language was a source of endless fascination for Michael and Sarah, with the children often surprising them with new words or gestures that mimicked their parents.

At dinner one evening, Shawn attempted to feed himself with a spoon, declaring proudly, "Me do!" while Samantha banged her cup and chanted "More, more!" Sarah laughed as she wiped stray bits of mashed potatoes off the highchair tray, and Michael couldn't help but grin. These were the moments he treasured most—their little family, unpolished and chaotic but full of love.

When Michael wasn’t at work, he made the most of his time at home. He would push the twins in their stroller for long walks through the nearby park, often stopping to let them crawl or wobble across the grass. Nathan and Ryan frequently visited, bringing along gifts or joining the family for Sunday brunch. Jennifer, Sarah’s sister, adored playing with her niece and nephew, and her visits were filled with laughter and playful chaos.

Despite his outward devotion as a partner and father, Michael’s dual life hadn’t vanished. On business trips, he seamlessly transitioned into the other Michael—the one who indulged his secret desires. There was no wedding ring to remove, no tangible symbol to remind him of his commitments at home, but the guilt lingered like a shadow. When he returned, it was as though he flipped a switch, becoming once again the doting boyfriend and loving father, playing on the floor with the twins or cooking Sarah’s favorite meal.

The next few years flew by in a whirlwind for Michael and Sarah. Michael's career trajectory had soared, and his recent promotion to Senior VP came with more prestige, a bigger paycheck, and, unfortunately, even more time away from home.

While they now lived in a beautiful, spacious house—their dream home—it still felt empty without Michael. The move had been a reflection of Michael’s growing success, his promotion allowing them to afford the kind of home they had always talked about. The house was more than double the size of their first home, with large, airy windows that bathed every room in natural light. The backyard boasted a glistening pool, surrounded by lush landscaping and a covered patio perfect for family barbecues or quiet evenings under the stars.

Inside, the house had everything Sarah could have hoped for: a cozy library with floor-to-ceiling shelves, a dedicated study room for the twins when they were older, and a modern kitchen that opened into a spacious living area, complete with a fireplace. Michael had his own home office, tucked away from the main living areas, where he could work late into the night without disturbing the rest of the family.

The master suite was a retreat in itself, with its own sitting area, walk-in closet, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom complete with a soaking tub and rain shower. The twins had their own brightly decorated bedrooms, each filled with toys and books, while a shared playroom was the heart of the upstairs floor, often scattered with stuffed animals and blocks.

It was the kind of house they had once only dreamed of, but Sarah often found herself wishing for something simpler—the warmth and presence of Michael, who seemed to be away more often than not. As much as she loved the home they had built together, it couldn’t fill the void left by his absence. Though they could finally afford a full-time nanny, it was Michael's presence she truly longed for at home.

They had discussed every promotion before he accepted, and each step up the ladder had come with her blessing. But now, with five-year-old twins, it was different. Sarah found herself more frustrated with the constant business trips, especially since it seemed Michael should be able to delegate more of his travel. After all, wasn’t that the point of moving up in the company?

While Michael was away on yet another trip, Sarah found herself lost in thought, wondering why he couldn't delegate some of these trips to his junior executives. She had asked him before, but his answer was always the same: "The CEO wants me there. It's important I’m involved." It was frustrating, but she had learned to bite her tongue, trusting him as she always had.

One afternoon, there was a ring at the door. The nanny answered, and moments later, she called out, “Sarah, someone from Michael’s office is here with papers for you to sign.”

Sarah hurried to the door, curious. When she saw who it was, her face lit up in surprise. "Janelle? Oh my gosh, is that really you?"

It had been years since Sarah had last seen Janelle, a former coworker and close friend from another company. They had lost touch over the years, but now, seeing her in Michael’s professional orbit was a pleasant surprise.

Janelle smiled and hugged Sarah. “Small world, huh? I’m working at Michael’s company now, handling benefits. He forgot to give you these papers to sign—something about adding you and the kids to the new benefits plan.”

The two women quickly fell into easy conversation, reminiscing about old times. Sarah invited Janelle into the kitchen, where fresh coffee had just brewed. They sat down, chatting and laughing as if no time had passed. It was a welcome break from the monotony of the day-to-day, and Sarah was grateful for the company.

As their conversation shifted to more current matters, the tone grew more serious. Sarah sighed, swirling her coffee. “You know, I hate that Michael is away so much. I don’t understand why a Senior VP has to go on so many business trips.”

Janelle raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Wait, he doesn’t have to go, Sarah. Michael volunteers for those trips and besides, their department is remote first now. Most of his team works from home.”

Sarah blinked, confused. “Volunteers? He told me the CEO insists on him being at the negotiations.”

Janelle hesitated, realizing she might have stepped into something she wasn’t supposed to. “Well, I mean… yeah, the CEO might prefer him there sometimes, but from what I know, Michael hired a Junior VP to handle most of the contract negotiations. I completed the onboarding. You know, that guy—French-sounding name… André, I think? He actually got promoted from an analyst's role. He’s been the talk of the company moving to the Junior VP role so quickly. Hasn't Michael mentioned it?”

Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. André? The name sent a chill through her. Michael had never mentioned anyone named André handling his responsibilities.

“What do you mean?” Sarah pressed, her voice tight. “Michael always says he has to go on these trips because the CEO wants him there.”

Janelle’s face flushed, realizing she had said too much. “Oh, I… I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t mean to make things awkward. I’m sure Michael has his reasons. Maybe I misunderstood.” Janelle stood up quickly, grabbing her bag. “Look, I’ll leave these papers with you. You can sign them whenever, and Michael can drop them off when he’s back.”

Sarah nodded, her mind racing. “Thanks, Janelle. I’ll take care of it.”

As soon as Janelle left, the weight of what she had said settled in. Sarah’s stomach churned with unease. Why hadn’t Michael told her about the junior VP, or the fact that he could work from home? Why was he still traveling so much if he didn’t have to? Was he hiding something from her? Was there someone else?

Before Sarah could spiral deeper into her thoughts, Shawn ran into the kitchen, giggling, with the nanny trailing close behind. “Sorry, Sarah, he bolted! This one’s full of energy today.”

Sarah smiled weakly, scooping Shawn up into her arms. His big brown eyes sparkled, a perfect mirror of Michael’s. His innocent smile tugged at her heart, reminding her of the man she had fallen in love with.

But now, doubts were creeping in. What was Michael really hiding?

Cindy, the nanny, managed to settle Shawn down and put Samantha down for a nap, Sarah decided to call Michael. It was around 9 p.m., so he should have been in his hotel room by now.

Her mind raced. What was she doing? She had no real reason to doubt Michael. He was the perfect father, the perfect husband. Still, something gnawed at her.

She dialed his number. The phone rang before someone finally picked up. But it wasn’t Michael.

"Hello." said Andre into the phone.

“Hello? Who is this?” Asked Sarah.

“Uh, this is Andre—who’s calling? Can I help you? You might have the wrong number.”

“No… I’m trying to reach Michael. I dialed his cell phone.”

There was a pause, then a familiar voice came through.

“Sarah? It’s me.”

“Michael, who was that? Why is someone else answering your phone? Who’s Andre?”

Michael’s heart began to race. Why did Andre pick up? He needed to think fast.

“Sorry, sweetie. We were having dinner, I had to go to the washroom, and I left my phone on the table. Andre picked it up for me.”

“Andre? Someone from the office stopped by earlier with papers, and they said Andre was your new junior VP, the one who handles contract negotiations now.”

Michael’s mind scrambled for a reply. “Yeah, that’s right. I just hired him a few weeks ago. I’m showing him the ropes, accompanying him on these trips until he gets settled.”

Why did Michael say that he hired him? Janelle said that he was promoted into the role.

Quickly, Michael tried to change the subject. “But what’s up, sweetie? Are the kids okay? Everything all right at home? I’ll be heading back tomorrow.”

“Everything’s fine,” Sarah said slowly, still processing the situation. “I just wanted to hear your voice. You said you’re at dinner?”

“Yeah, yeah. We’re finishing up dinner. I’ll be back at the hotel soon. I should probably get back to the client now.”

“Is Andre there with you?” Sarah asked, her voice calm but pointed.

“Yeah, he is,” Michael said, feeling the tension rise. “But the client is really particular. He wants to go over the contract, even at dinner! Gotta run, sweetie. Love you.”

With that, Michael hung up, leaving Sarah more confused than ever. There hadn’t been any background noise, no chatter or clatter like you’d expect from a restaurant. Why had Michael lied? Why had Andre picked up the phone?

Back at the hotel, Michael confronted Andre, frustration spilling over.

“Why did you pick up the phone, Andre?”

“I thought it was mine. They both looked the same in the dark.”

Michael cursed under his breath. “That was Sarah. Someone from the office had just been by. She’s starting to ask questions.”

“Relax, man,” Andre replied. “It’s probably nothing. She’ll forget about it once you’re home. You just have to act natural.”

“Easy for you to say,” Michael muttered, pacing the room. “You can live openly. I can’t.”

Michael was a mess, and he knew he’d stay that way until he got home.

Sarah’s heart raced as she ended the call. She tried to steady herself, but her mind was spinning. Something didn’t feel right. Michael’s explanation had been quick, too quick, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he was hiding something. Why had Andre picked up the phone? The lack of restaurant noise, the awkward tone in Michael's voice—it all felt off.

She stared at the phone in her hand, her fingers trembling slightly. The Michael she knew—the perfect husband, the loving father—would never be this careless. He had always been good at keeping things together, keeping her at ease. But now there was doubt. And that doubt, once planted, wouldn’t leave her alone.

Was he lying to her? Was there something more going on between him and Andre? No, that was stupid. Michael was not gay. Maybe this Andre was covering for him? Maybe he was having an affair?

Her stomach churned with the questions she didn’t want to face.

In the hotel room, Michael paced back and forth, his nerves frayed. Andre sat on the edge of the bed, watching him with an amused smile. He had seen Michael rattled before, but never like this. “Michael, man, relax. You’re going to make things worse if you act all weird when you get home. She’ll sniff it out.”

Michael shot him a glare. “You don’t understand. I can’t just… act natural like you. I have a family, Andre. I have a wife. And you picking up that phone just made everything worse.”

“Girlfriend,” said Andre.

Michael glared at him, “You know what I mean.”

Andre raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, I said I’m sorry. It was a mistake. You need to chill out before you make things worse for yourself. I’ve been around enough to know how this works.”

Michael’s anger flared. “This is my life! My family! You don’t get to be casual about it like it doesn’t matter.”

Andre stood up, his expression softening just a little. “Look, Michael, I get it. You’re under a lot of pressure. But you’re also living a double life. Something’s bound to crack sooner or later. You either deal with it, or you don’t. But if you keep freaking out, Sarah’s definitely going to suspect something.”

Michael dropped into a chair, rubbing his temples. He knew Andre was right, but the reality of it all was crushing him. He had been so careful, balancing everything perfectly, hiding his secret life behind the image of the perfect husband and father. But now, for the first time, it felt like everything was slipping out of his control.

Back at home, Sarah sat on the couch, her phone resting in her lap. She glanced at Shawn and Samantha, who were finally settled down with Cindy. The house felt quieter than usual, but her mind was anything but calm. Michael had always been her rock, the steady presence in her life. But now she felt something she hadn’t felt in years: doubt.

She had to know more. She couldn’t just ignore it. But what was she going to do? Confront him? Would he tell her the truth? She had no idea, but one thing was certain—things couldn’t go back to the way they were before. Not after this.

As Michael’s flight home approached, both of them were left grappling with the same uncertainty, each of them wondering what would happen when they finally saw each other again.