After I Faked My Death

I had been married to Sean Cadwell for seven years and he treated me like a treasure. Even though I couldn't get pregnant, he was always considerate of my delicate health. He suggested we adopt a child instead of having our own.

Sean even volunteered to get a vasectomy to show his commitment. Still, I know the truth—his mistress was already six months pregnant. So, I resolutely aborted our child.

I met my fiery end, vanishing into smoke before his despairing gaze. At that time, I could see Sean holding my ashes and crying bitterly.

***

Now, I'm gripping a pregnancy test in my hand, overwhelmed with despair. This child came at the wrong time.

I saw Sean's car slowly pull into the driveway from outside the bedroom window. Panic-stricken, I shoved the test deep into a drawer. I wiped my face randomly and pretended to be calm.

Sean loosened his tie and looked utterly exhausted as soon as he walked in. Yet, he managed a weak smile and pulled me into his arms. "Honey, I've missed you so much. Let me recharge."

Sean's company was on the brink of going public. Logically, this should have been his busiest time, but he still came home before 8 PM every night to spend more time with me.

Everyone said he was the perfect husband. Completely devoted and under my thumb.

Until today, I thought the same.

"Honey, didn't the doctor say you were in poor health? I was thinking, maybe we could adopt a child sometime soon. What do you think?"

Sean's words interrupted my thoughts. My hands trembled slightly. "Do you really want a child that much?"

"No, it's not that. I'd love to have a child with you, but your health matters more to me. Besides, you won't feel lonely when I'm not around if we adopt the little one."

My heart sank as I looked at the sincerity in his eyes. If it weren't for the photos his mistress sent me today, I would never have known that he already had a child with someone else.

That woman was six months pregnant now, but he had already decided to bring the child back and let me raise it.

How ridiculous was that? He wanted me to raise the child he had with his mistress, but he made it sound so noble. Our marriage was completely beyond repair.

I lay in bed at night. Listening to Sean's steady breathing beside me, it felt like we were worlds apart.

We had been so in love for seven years. I never thought it would end like this.

I never imagined Sean would cheat on me and so, predictably, the other woman was his secretary.

I quietly got out of bed and turned on my phone, placing an order for a "fake death plan." This agency could help me stage an accident and let everyone think I was dead.

I knew Sean would never divorce me and he wouldn't let me go easily.

This man had always been like this. He would rather destroy what he couldn't get. So, I wanted to die completely in front of him.

The agency responded that the preparations would take three days, following which I could pretend to die and leave.

I tossed and turned all night.

Sean kissed me on the forehead as usual when he woke up. He gently tucked the blanket around me. Later, he thoughtfully reminded the housekeeper to prepare my breakfast.

Once I heard his car drive away, I finally opened my eyes. My phone lit up and a photo from Sean's secretary came. That's when I learned the truth.

He would wake up early every morning to drive her to work.

The photo showed them in the car I had personally decorated, locked in a passionate kiss.