Page 27 of Sins of a Husband

“What did he tell you?”

“That Cindy and Brian were having a six-month affair before he was murdered. After Brian was killed, Cindy told Mark she lost her phone and needed to get a new one. Mark found her old phone hidden in the back of their closet with pictures of Cindy and Brian in bed together and multiple text messages—some sexting and some I love and miss you.”

“Katherine, I’m sorry. You had no idea that your husband was having an affair?”

“No. None at all. I still can’t believe it. What am I going to do, Dr. Burton?”

“You’re going to have to process your feelings. Listen, Katherine. I know you’re extremely hurt right now over this revelation, which is to be expected. Your feelings are valid. But you have a new life now. You cannot let what happenedin your old life affect your new one. You’re happily married and have a rewarding career. Those are the two things you need to focus on, not the past. Your first husband left you alone twice, once in grief and now in betrayal. Do not make it so you’re forced to be alone again. Because if you start obsessing over Brian’s affair, it will cause problems with your current husband. So, take some time to process it, go through the stages, and then lock it away in the back of your mind and never give attention to it again. Do not let what Brian did hold power over you. You’re stronger than that.”

I carefully listen to Dr. Burton and realize he’s right. What hurts the most is how stupid I am that I didn’t see the signs. Or maybe Brian was just that careful.

“Thank you, Dr. Burton.” I manage a soft smile.

I walk out of his office. The moment my feet hit the pavement outside the building, a feeling rushes over me, and I hit the ground.

Chapter Twenty

I can feelsoft fingers stroking my hand. Opening my eyes, I struggle to focus amidst the blinding overhead lights and the pounding that’s going on in my head. Oliver is sitting in a chair by my bedside, holding my hand.

“You’re awake. Darling, I was so worried.”

“Oliver? What are you doing here?”

“The hospital called, and I got on the first flight back to New York. You have no idea how worried I was.”

“What happened?”

“You fainted on the street and hit your head on the cement. I spoke to the doctor, and he said that your blood sugar was a little low but not enough to make you pass out.”

“Then why did I?”

“The doctor isn’t sure. How are you feeling?” His thumb softly stroked my forehead.

“Okay, other than the disco dance party going on in my head.”

“You’re lucky you didn’t need stitches.”

“I can’t believe you came back from your business trip early,” I say, staring into his handsome eyes.

“Why wouldn’t I? You’re my wife, and you had an accident. I’m so relieved you’re okay.” His lips press against my forehead. “As I said earlier, you have no idea how worried I was.”

“You can relax. I’m fine, Oliver.” I lift my hand and place it on his cheek. “I’m going to close my eyes for a while.”

“Go ahead. I’ll be here when you wake up.” He takes my hand from his cheek and presses his lips against my palm.

I close my eyes, letting the darkness soothe my aching head. I’m not going to tell Oliver about Mark’s visit earlier. The last thing I want is for him to worry about me. He’s already doing that and doesn’t need any more reasons. Dr. Burton was right. I am strong. I am a survivor, and I will get through this. That chapter of my life is closed, and closed is how it’ll stay.

As Oliver leadsme through the front door, the warmth of my home envelopes me. In the kitchen, I spot a glittering gold vase proudly displaying a dozen long-stemmed red roses, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

“Oliver, they’re beautiful. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. They’re beautiful like you are, darling. Let’s go upstairs, change into your pajamas, and get you into bed. You heard what the doctor said. You need to rest.”

“Can you bring the roses up to the bedroom?” I ask.

“Of course.”

I settled in for the rest of the night, reading the book I should have finished by now. Oliver is downstairs working in his office. I glance over at the bottle of medication the doctor gave me to help me sleep. I open the bottle, shake the tiny white pill into my hand, grab my phone, and text Oliver.

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