Now?
I raised one finger.
Wait.
They continued talking, and our phones captured every word.
Finally, Rachel said she was ready.
I lowered my phone and looked at Tom.
Together, we stepped out from behind the trees.
Michael spun around.
Rachel immediately covered her mouth.
“We heard everything,” I said. “You’re caught red-handed.”
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Rachel stared at me, completely stunned.
Michael’s expression shifted as he finally understood.
I had never believed his explanation about the estate.
I had never believed the kiss was simply a joke.
His own excuses had only bought us enough time to uncover the truth.
Rachel opened her mouth, but no joke came this time. She looked between Tom and me.
Michael stepped forward. “You’re taking that conversation out of context—”
“No,” I said. “We heard you talk about eloping. We heard you call me your dumb wife.”
His face tightened. “Sadie, let me explain.”
Tom lifted his phone. “It’s all recorded. The estate photos were only the beginning.”
Rachel stared at me as the realization slowly settled in.
She finally understood why I had defended Michael in front of everyone.
I hadn’t believed him.
I had simply needed them to believe that I did.
