I couldn't shake the anxiety that David's last comments caused me to feel even after we left the café. It was hard for me to think of anything else because of the weight of whatever it was he was concealing. The possibilities dominated my mind so much that I could hardly sleep that night. How could he be aware of Lucas?
I realized that to acquire the answers I needed, I would have to face David. But before I could get in touch with him, an unforeseen event occurred.
Lucas arrived home early.
I heard the front door open. I was afraid by the sound, which gave me a panic attack. Lucas never made time for anything else but work; he never returned home in the middle of the day. It was strange to have him here at this time, without warning.
"Claire?" I hastily wiped my hands on a towel and went outside to greet him as his voice resounded throughout the home.
Standing in the lobby, he seemed anxious. His tie was joined, his shirt was a little creased, and he had a fierce look on his face that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
I greeted him gingerly, "Lucas." "You get home early. Hope all is well?
He stared at me and narrowed his eyes, not responding right away. His stare had changed, taking on a chilly, somewhat accusing quality. I became nervous and felt as if I was being put on trial all of a sudden.
His tone was stern and he questioned suddenly, "Where were you yesterday afternoon?"
It surprised me that someone asked. I took a nanosecond to think before responding, but even that little delay was enough to make him worry.
I gently answered, attempting to maintain my composure. "I was out." "I went to see a friend."
"A companion?" He said it again, his tone loaded with distrust. "Whom?"
With my heart thumping in my chest, I forcefully gulped. Lucas wasn't the person I intended to inform about my encounter with David. I no longer felt that portion of my history mattered, particularly given the status of our marriage at the time. But now that I was under his close observation, I knew it may be better to leave it hidden.
"It was David," I said, observing his response intently. "My previous partner. He wanted to catch up since he was in town for a few days.
I could see Lucas was changing the instant I spoke. His mouth clenched, and a black flicker of something that seemed to be pain mixed with rage flashed across his eyes.
"David?" he said in a low, menacing voice. "Your previous partner?"
"Yes, but it wasn't at all like that," I hurriedly attempted to clarify. "We just had a conversation. That was all he wanted—closure on our history.
Lucas fixed his impenetrable gaze on me for a considerable amount of time. However, I could sense the change in the atmosphere between us and see the wheels moving in his brain. My stomach twisted in knots because of a tension that was there that hadn't been there before.
"And you never thought to let me know about this?" At last, he asked in a cold tone. You didn't believe I had a right to know that you were getting back together with an ex-girlfriend?
"Lucas, it wasn't like that," I said, my voice becoming worried. "I didn't want to start any unnecessary dispute, so I didn't tell you. Though i wanted to tell you.
"However," He interrupted, raising his voice. "You thought you could just hide it from me? Keep it hidden for how long? Claire, when were you going to tell me?
I parted my lips to reply, but nothing came out. I knew that whatever I said would just make matters worse since I could feel the rage rising in him.
"Incredible," he whispered to himself while furiously swiping a hand through his hair. "You're attempting to tell me a lie after I caught you sneaking around with your ex. Claire, how long has this been going on? How long have you been having secret affairs with him?
"Lucas, remember that was only one meeting," I begged, trembling. Nothing is happening between us. I promise.
However, my words were ignored. He was too preoccupied with his ideas and doubts to pay attention. The already brittle trust between us was breaking right before my eyes, and I could see it in his eyes.
"What else are you holding out on me?" His voice shaking from barely controlled wrath, he demanded. Claire, tell me what more you're concealing from me.
An influx of rage shot through me. He's the one who's been concealing secrets all along, so how can he accuse me of hiding things? Despite all the suffering he had inflicted upon me, how could he behave as if I was the one who had been disloyal?
Lucas, how about you? I fired back, a hint of bitterness in my voice. "What were you trying to hide from me? because I am aware of something you are withholding from me. Perhaps anything about Sophie?
Lucas winced at the mention of her name, and for an instant, I could see a glint of shame in his eyes. That was all the validation I needed.
"Have you been lying to me too, too?" I went on, passion rippling through my voice. You have been withholding something from me for the entire time. Therefore, you are no better than me, therefore don't you dare stand there and call me out for being dishonest."
I had a fleeting fear that he would refute it, would attempt to shift the responsibility away from himself and back onto me. Rather, he became quiet and fixed his gaze on me with closed eyelids. Something colder and more calculated appeared to take the place of the rage that had been blazing so strongly within him.
"Claire," he murmured in a low, menacing tone. "You have no idea what you're discussing. Furthermore, you're very mistaken if you believe you can start leveling charges without any supporting evidence.
I got a shiver from what he said. It seemed as if he had changed completely, becoming someone I was unfamiliar with, based on the way he talked and looked at me. I had never felt terror in my heart before, fear of what he could be capable of, at least not since I met him.
I tried to remain calm as I said, "Maybe I don't have proof yet." However, I will. We'll find out who has been lying in this marriage when I get there.
Lucas fixed his inaccessible gaze on me for a considerable amount of time. Afterward, he hastily turned around and bolted from the home, slamming the door behind him with such force that the walls trembled.
Trembling, my pulse was pounding as I struggled to come to terms with what had just happenef.
I was rattled by the encounter, and I could feel my marriage's foundation breaking apart. There was no longer any trust between us; instead, there was a gulf of mistrust and distrust.
My phone buzzed on the counter as I stood there by myself in the quiet of the home. I was hesitant to take it up and shook my hands as I looked at the screen.
It was David's message.
"About previously, I apologize. I have to share with you some information on Lucas. Is it possible for us to meet tonight?
I read the words and my heart fell. Everything David was concealing, everything he knew, was going to be revealed. I wasn't sure whether I was prepared to hear it, either.
I realized, nevertheless, that I was stuck with no option. Whether I was
ready or not, the truth was on its way. And once it happened, there was no going back.