My Wife's Other Family

On our seventh anniversary, an event planner called, already hyping up my wife, Talia.

"Ms. Sweeney, we're putting a family photo of you four in the main hall. And some shots of your little princess. That okay? Also, can you confirm your son carrying his sister onstage?"

I froze.

There were only two people in our house—Talia and me.

A family of four? Two kids?

I called Talia, the hotel's general manager. She brushed it off. "Probably a client. Wrong number on a contract. I hand out cards all day."

I stared at the balloons and flowers I'd set up in the private room—then swiped them all to the floor.

Gone.

I turned and called my sister, the Director of the Business Compliance Bureau.

"Naomi, Talia's cheating. She's got two kids. Get me the best divorce lawyer. I want her out—and out of my hotel."

Didn't expect Talia to drop a bomb like that on our anniversary.

I slammed the door and tore off, pedal down, straight to Cresthaven Hotel.

"Call Talia Sweeney down. I need her."

The receptionist didn't even look up. She pointed to the side. "Fill out a form if you're here for business. Ms. Sweeney isn't seeing anyone right now."

"I'm her husband. Tell her to come down. Five minutes."

That got her attention.

She looked me up and down, all attitude. "Sir, watch what you say. That kind of claim can get you in trouble. Ms. Sweeney's husband is upstairs—having dinner with her and their child. You should leave."

Talia said keeping a "strong, independent woman" image helped her run the hotel, so I stayed out of the spotlight.

Because of that, everyone at Cresthaven only knew their GM was sharp, young, and in control.

No one knew the place was mine.

I never thought she'd spend my money behind my back, have kids with another guy, then throw some over-the-top party for that baby like it was royalty.

The receptionist picked up a call, then rushed to swipe her card and hit the elevator.

The doors slid open.

A man stepped out, holding a baby.

She rushed over. "Mr. Quigg, settling the bill? Oh—Ms. Sweeney already put it on the hotel account. You didn't have to come down! I'm so jealous. You two have been so sweet, and now you've got a daughter. Look at her—so cute!"

My face went cold as I pushed through the crowd.

Then I saw him.

Every hair on my body stood up.

Danny Quigg—the apprentice I took in years ago outside Cresthaven Hotel.

Back then, he was broke—scammed, wandering the streets with that clueless look, begging me for a job. I caved and took him in.

I taught him hotel management, set him up here with my wife so he could get some experience.

Guess they got "experience" together—behind my back. Even had two kids.

No wonder he suddenly wanted to "learn on his own." Said he didn't want to bother me every day. Only ask when needed.

He was scared I'd find out.

Who the hell did they think they were, playing me like that?

Danny saw me in the crowd and froze. Then he forced a tight smile.

"Jerome... what are you doing here?"