Chapter 14: The First Lie

“What’s up, why did you want to see me?” Marcus picked up on my change in expression.

He set his coffee down, leaning in with concern. Marcus always had a way of reading people, of knowing when something was off.

I hesitated for a couple of seconds. “Recently at the company, have you noticed Natalie getting close to anyone? Especially male colleagues.”

I tried to sound casual, but my voice cracked. I busied myself with my coffee, swirling the foam as I waited for his reaction.

Marcus frowned. “Getting close? No… Did she do something to let you down?”

He sounded genuinely confused, but a shadow flickered across his face. I watched him closely, searching for any tell, any hint of guilt or knowledge.

My ears burned. The words ‘I suspect Natalie of cheating’ stuck in my throat. Seeing this, Marcus’s face turned serious. “Got it, man, I’ll keep an eye out for you.” He patted my shoulder reassuringly. “But don’t overthink it. You two are an old married couple, and with me watching at the company, she wouldn’t dare mess around.”

His hand was heavy on my shoulder, firm, almost brotherly. For a moment, I wanted to believe him—to just let it go and chalk it all up to paranoia. But the doubt wouldn’t leave.

For a moment, I almost told Marcus about Natalie’s abortion. But I couldn’t say something so humiliating, so I stopped myself. “Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”

The words tasted bitter. I forced a smile, tried to meet his eyes, but they slipped away too quickly, focusing instead on his coffee. I felt smaller than ever.