When David excitedly invites Penelope to his boss’s lavish mansion party, she sees it as a chance to reconnect. But a small detail—his phone is already connected to the Wi-Fi—makes Penelope suspicious. As secrets unravel, Penelope’s world teeters on the brink of betrayal.
A Seemingly Perfect Life
It’s a typical Thursday evening. I’m baking cookies with my son, Derrick, while waiting for my husband, David, to come home. The front door creaks open, and David walks in, looking tired but sharp in his suit. He announces he has good news: his boss, Laura, is throwing a birthday party at her mansion, and he’s invited to bring me along. My heart flips with excitement at the thought of finally spending some quality time together.
On Friday, as we arrive at the mansion, I’m amazed by the opulence. I lean over to David and whisper, “I’ve never been in a house like this before…” He replies, “Me neither,” his eyes wide. Inside, I realize my phone’s battery is dead and ask to borrow his to check in with the babysitter. He hands it over without a second thought. I look down and freeze: his phone is already connected to the Wi-Fi, “Laura’s Mansion.” He lied.
I try to shake off the unease, but I can’t. Later, near the buffet, I overhear Laura’s husband, Mark, say he’ll be in Tokyo all next week and that Laura will have the place to herself. Moments later, I find David telling his colleagues he’ll be working late starting tomorrow. The unease turns into a gnawing suspicion.
The Unraveling
The next day, I drop Derrick off at school, my heart pounding with dread and resolve. I have to know the truth. I drive to David’s office and am told he left early. I call him, and he lies, saying he’s at the office. Filled with a mix of fear and adrenaline, I drive to Laura’s mansion. I knock on the door, and Laura, her eyes wide with surprise, tells me David isn’t there. Ignoring her protests, I push past her and rush into the house.
I find him hiding in a closet like a coward. “David?” My voice cracks with fury and heartbreak. He stammers, trying to explain, but I cut him off. “Save it,” I say, my voice cold. “We’re done.” I walk out, my heart shattering with every step. The drive home is a blur of tears. Back home, I call a lawyer and begin the painful process of filing for divorce. I start therapy, determined to heal and rebuild my life for myself and for Derrick. One evening, as I tuck him into bed, he looks at me with his big, innocent eyes and asks, “Mommy, are you okay?” I smile through my tears, knowing we’ll be just fine.