Wife Uncovers Husband's Deceit

I impulsively checked the silent daycare monitor app, curious about my son's nap-time routine. Unexpectedly, a wrist adorned with an elegant watch appeared on the screen. I froze, a cold sweat breaking out. The style was all too familiar, resembling the limited edition birthday gift I'd given my husband, Elian.

Immediately, I dialed Elian's number, my eyes glued to the monitor. The arm withdrew from view, clutching a phone, then vanished from the recording entirely. When the call connected, my voice trembled slightly:

"Where are you?"

Elian responded in a low tone, "I just got off the plane, heading back to the office now. Is something wrong?"

The head teacher, Nataly, appeared on the screen, her cheeks slightly flushed. I smirked coldly, grabbing my car keys and heading to Camden's private daycare.

"Nothing, just checking in."

When I arrived at Riverview Daycare, the security guard stopped me. Visitors had to sign in before entering or leaving. I bent down to sign, my eyes quickly scanning the list. Elian Gonzalez's name wasn't there. Was I being paranoid? The monitor hadn't captured Elian's face.

Elian was known as the model husband and was unlikely to have an affair. Despite this, I needed to pick up Camden from Group Five.

Though it was nap time, the children were restless. Nataly sat on the piano stool, engrossed in her phone, her manicured nails tapping away, ignoring the chattering children. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips curled in a sly smile. My gaze hardened:

"Nataly, I need a word."

Nataly glanced up, annoyed. When she saw me, her pupils contracted sharply.

"Lilly, what brings you here?"

I assessed her with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. I'd never attended Camden's parent-teacher meetings, always letting Elian take the lead. Today was my first visit to Group Five, my first time meeting Nataly. Yet she recognized me instantly, calling Camden's name accurately?

"I'm here to take Camden for his check-up."

Nataly awkwardly put down her phone, forcing a smile.

"I'll wake him up."

Her phone screen remained unlocked, revealing a familiar avatar. It vibrated continually with new messages. My heart raced, but I feigned calm and looked away.

Despite my slightly labored breathing and white-knuckled grip, I showed no other signs. Soon, Camden rubbed his sleepy eyes and leapt into my arms.

"Camden, say goodbye to Miss Phillips."

Reluctantly, Camden bid farewell to Nataly. She crouched to pinch his cheek.

"See you tomorrow, sweetheart."

My gaze lingered on her ring finger.

"Nice ring."

At my words, Nataly's arm jerked, her expression darkening as she hurriedly hid her hand behind her back, removing the ring.

"You're joking, Lilly. It's just a common design."

Nataly raised her voice sharply, almost grating.

Indeed, common. The ring matched the couple's set with Elian's diamond ring, the diamonds forming a Möbius loop. As Elian's wife, my wedding ring felt utterly out of place, as if I were the outsider.

Elian once explained he wanted to design a unique ring for me, yet it seemed he was showcasing their connection instead. I noted Nataly's pale face, trembling body, and the sweat on her brow. She was nervous and guilty, enough to confirm my suspicions.

As I led Camden out, the deputy director called after me.

"Lilly, what brings you here personally to pick up Camden?"

Madeline beamed at me, her face creasing with a smile. We'd met at educational conferences and maintained a cordial relationship.

I linked arms with Madeline warmly.

"I wanted to ask about someone."

______________________________

I was the director of a public daycare in New York City. After marrying Elian and having Camden, Elian insisted public centers couldn't compare to private ones. He transferred Camden to the daycare where Nataly taught.

Busy with work and research, I let Elian handle everything. Surprisingly, though indifferent to other domestic matters, Elian was meticulous about Camden's school runs, insisting on personally dropping him off. Now I knew why.

When Madeline mentioned Nataly, her expression was complex.

"She's a social media star, posts videos of kids' dance routines online. Fame's made her more arrogant."

"She has quite the connections. Fresh out of college, she became a head teacher, while many experienced teachers are still assistants."

Madeline sighed and shook her head, admitting Nataly's presence had brought chaos to the daycare.

"Who's backing the private daycare?" I asked curiously.

Madeline waved her hand, unwilling to say more. "If she wins next week's national daycare teacher competition, she might move to management."

Madeline's position was precarious.

After saying goodbye, I took Camden to my parents' home, but he clung to me, eyes red with tears.

"Mommy, I don't want to go to daycare."

Alarmed, I picked him up quickly. "Why, sweetheart? Can you tell Mommy?"

Sniffling, Camden's voice cracked with tears.

"Miss Nataly doesn't like me, and no kids play with me. I want to go where you work."

My heart broke. I ruffled Camden's hair, realizing Nataly could make children feel her malice. No wonder my once lively son had become withdrawn.

This daycare was no longer suitable.

"Alright, we'll transfer you so you can be with Mommy."

I exhaled deeply, vowing Nataly would face consequences.

I prepared a lavish candlelit dinner for Elian. As I swirled my wine glass, Elian arrived fashionably late, tall and elegant in a tailored black suit.

"Is this a surprise for me, sweetheart?"

Elian hugged me, leaving a gentle kiss on my cheek. "I missed you during the business trip."

"This is for you. Open it."

Suppressing my disgust, my gaze traveled from his watch to the matching couple's ring with Nataly. Elian's usual woody fragrance mingled with an overwhelming sweetness, reminiscent of Nataly's strong perfume.

They'd clearly spent intimate time together.

"I missed you too."

I forced a smile.

"Darling, I heard from Nata... Miss Phillips that you picked up Camden?"

"Is he staying at my parents' place?"