Chapter 21: Surveillance

I told Natalie I’d be away for about a week. But I just found a hotel and watched her every move through the camera app on my phone.

I checked into a cheap Holiday Inn off the interstate, the hum of trucks outside my window, and set up my laptop and phone to monitor the house. My heart pounded every time the motion sensor tripped.

Even though I was mentally prepared, seeing Marcus show up at my house the very day I left, I still couldn’t help smashing the cup beside me.

The crash of ceramic against cheap hotel furniture startled the guy in the next room. I didn’t care. The sight of Marcus letting himself in, comfortable, at ease, made my blood boil.

Natalie threw herself at Marcus like a seductress, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him first.

On the grainy camera feed, I watched her drop all pretense. She melted into his arms, giggling, playful in a way she’d never been with me. My hands shook so badly I nearly dropped my phone.

Marcus dodged. “He’s really not home?”

His voice carried through the tinny mic, low and familiar. I could almost hear the smirk in it.

“No, he’s gone for the week. Said he’s attending some annual event.”

Natalie’s voice was light, conspiratorial. She sounded happy, almost giddy—like a teenager sneaking around after curfew.

“Oh, good. Saves you from making up another business trip excuse.”

Marcus laughed, kicking off his shoes like he owned the place. He helped himself to a beer from the fridge, plopping down on our couch.

Then Marcus pushed Natalie’s hand away. “So eager? Derek can’t satisfy you?”

His words were a knife in my gut. I gritted my teeth, willing myself not to throw the laptop across the room.

Natalie pouted. “What are you saying? Since I got with you, I haven’t let him touch me. And you still doubt my loyalty.”

Her words hit me like a slap. I’d been living with a stranger for two years. Every touch, every kiss, every moment of intimacy had been a lie.

Marcus coaxed her with a smile. “Don’t rush. Anyway, Derek’s not home. We’ve got plenty of time. I’ll make sure to satisfy you, my little overachiever.”

He leaned in, his tone patronizing, almost cruel. Natalie beamed, basking in his approval.

Natalie finally smiled. “Fine, but next time I report, my performance rating has to be an A.”

She giggled, teasing. They traded inside jokes, the easy banter of two people who’d done this a hundred times.

“No problem. End-of-year team project bonus—I’ll give you the biggest share.”

Marcus winked, and they dissolved into laughter. I watched as they curled up together on the couch, like newlyweds on a honeymoon.

The two of them acted like a loving couple, whispering and then hugging. I endured the humiliation and saved these surveillance videos. These days, I not only recorded their sweet domestic life, but also plenty of unsightly intimate scenes.

I filled up my hard drive with evidence—hours of them sharing meals, cuddling in bed, whispering secrets. The sound of their laughter in my own house was torture.

I never imagined—the Natalie who was so cold to me, annoyed by my touch, would humble herself so much to please Marcus, not even caring about her dignity. And Marcus, like a king, enjoyed Natalie’s service, high and mighty.

It was like watching a bad reality show, except the joke was on me. The woman I’d loved for seven years was gone—replaced by someone I barely recognized. The man I’d called brother was nothing but a stranger.

This is the wife I cherished. This is the best friend I trusted.

The bitterness was thick in my mouth. I felt hollow, emptied out, as if all the good memories had been scrubbed away, replaced by these ugly new truths.