Chapter 1

I begged my wife for seven years, and finally, she agreed to come home with me for Christmas.

My mom happily prepared the turkey, just waiting for Sarah to arrive.

But by midnight, I'd called her dozens of times, and she hadn't picked up.

Just as I was starting to think something terrible had happened and was about to call the police, I saw her latest Snapchat story.

"It's been ages since I've been back home to see my buddies. Tonight, we party till we drop!"

The picture showed her intimately embracing a man.

I recognized him instantly. It was Lucas Thorne, her childhood friend she went back to see every Christmas.

I remembered her throwing a tantrum for no reason a few days ago, complaining that Lucas was taking his wife and kids abroad for Christmas this year.

Suddenly, I understood why she'd suddenly agreed to come home with my parents and me tonight for Christmas.

A pang of pain shot through my chest, but I fought it down and commented on her story.

"Didn't you promise to come home for Christmas?"

The next second, her call came in.

"Lucas just got back from abroad unexpectedly, and it's only for one day. Of course, I have to spend time with him."

Her voice trailed off, then I heard muffled kissing sounds through the receiver.

A chorus of teasing laughter erupted in the background. I clutched my phone tightly and silently hung up.

If she didn't want to come home, then she shouldn't expect to step foot in my house again.