Chapter 14
Hope
I watch as my mother smooths the fitted sheet over the guest bed mattress, the same way she did hundreds of times when I was a little girl.
It’s been less than twenty-four hours since I packed up my and Zac’s belongings, loaded them into my SUV, and drove two hours away to Sydney—back to my parents’ home.
My phone hasn’t stopped blowing up with calls and messages from Adrian, all of them unanswered. I left him a note on the kitchen island just before we left, letting him know we’re heading back to Sydney to stay with my parents, and that was more than he deserved.
If Zac weren’t in the picture, I would have happily left him high and dry and never contacted him again, but life is never that simple. Not when you share a child together. So, a note would have to do.
If he wants to continue living in Sandy Vale, he’s welcome to. After all, we only moved there because of him. Now that he and I are over, there’s no reason for us to stay in that horrible town any longer.
Ideally, I would have loved to move back into our old house. But since we put it up for lease, our tenants will be there for another two months. In the meantime, my parents have offered us their guest rooms until Zac and I can return to our old house—the one I inherited from my late Aunt Amber.
She was like a second mother to me, especially since she never had children of her own. And when she passed away six years ago, it was the first time I truly felt such a profound sense of grief and loss.
Just before I married Adrian, my father, a ruthless judge, made sure I protected myself financially. He insisted we sign a well-drafted Binding Financial Agreement—a prenup, that kept anything belonging to my family firmly separate, including anything I might one day inherit.
Unlike Adrian, my parents had considerable wealth, and my father was determined it would stay in our family. And since he never trusted my husband to begin with, he made sure it was handled before we ever walked down the aisle.
If Adrian ever thought to challenge me over the house, he’d have my father to contend with.
That, at least, is one thing I don’t have to worry about.
I love that house. I renovated and decorated it myself, and the outdoor garden alone added significant value thanks to the care I poured into it.
I can only hope the tenants have kept it in the same immaculate condition I left it in.
The buzz of my phone on the bedside table has both my mother and me snapping our heads towards it. Adrian’s name flashes across the screen. I let it ring out, sending it straight to voicemail, just like I’ve been doing since I arrived at my parents’ house this morning.
“You have to talk to him at some point, sweetheart.”
“I know that. But I’m not ready—not yet. He can wait. He owes me at least that much.”
“And what about Zac?”
“I told him that once we’re settled in, we can talk about his visitation.”
“Let’s hope he respects your wishes and gives you the space you need. If he becomes too much of a bother, we’ll let your dad take care of it. He’s a well-connected man and can be a real shark when he wants to be.”
“No. I can handle this myself. This is between Adrian and me, and at the end of the day, he’s still Zac’s father. I hate him for what he did, but I don’t want to destroy his life.”
“He deserves far worse than that,” my father interjects, leaning casually against the doorframe with his arms crossed.
When did he even come in? My mind’s been so clouded lately, I barely notice what’s happening around me anymore.
“Jesus, Dad. It’s eleven in the morning, I’ve barely slept, and I’ve just driven two hours straight to get here. I really don’t have the energy to argue with you right now.”
“I’m not arguing with you, petal,” he assures me, using the nickname he gave me as a little girl who loved flowers.
“I’m just saying this because I’m your father, and it hurts to see you hurt.
Ever since you called us last night—crying, barely able to get the words out, I’ve been holding myself back for your sake.
But I’ll respect whatever decision you make for now.
Just know that your mother and I are here for you, in whatever way you need.
You don’t have to be strong all the time.
And if you ever decide you want me to scorch his arse…
” He pauses, his expression hardening. “Just say the word. I’ve got you covered. ”
“Thanks, Dad. But I’ll be okay. It’ll take time, I know, but I’m not going to let his betrayal define our lives. Zac and I will rebuild—slowly, piece by piece, without him. What matters most is protecting Zac from all of this.”
“I still can’t believe he had an affair,” my mother says, her expression twisting with disgust. “We trusted him to never hurt you again, and he did, only this time it’s so much worse. When you called me, I nearly grabbed my new garden shovel and went looking for him.”
“She ain’t lying. Your mother was almost out the door before I was able to stop her.”
I let out a soft chuckle and sigh. “I hate that after all these years of being loyal to him—sacrificing my job, house, Zac’s school, our friends and family to follow him to Sandy Vale, this is what he’s reduced our marriage, our lives to: absolute ruin.”
“I’m so sorry, baby,” my mother says softly, at the same time my father mutters, “I’m gonna destroy that bastard,” under his breath.
“That confrontation yesterday has seriously drained every ounce of my energy. All I want now is to get settled and stay in bed for the rest of the day.”
“Well, you can’t do that. I’ve invited your brother, Claire, and the girls over for dinner tonight.”
“What? No, Mum. I’m not in the mood to socialise. I literally just found out my husband cheated on me, left him, and I’m now moving back in with you and Dad. The last thing I need right now is to plaster on a fake smile and pretend everything’s peachy.”
“Yep, that’s my cue to go,” Dad murmurs, already backing out of the room. “I’m going to watch a movie with Zac. Let me know if you ladies need anything.”
He slips out of the room without a word, leaving my mother and me alone once more.
“Hope, honey, it might actually help to be around family while you’re going through this. I worry you’ll spend too much time alone, lying in bed with your thoughts.”
“It’s going to happen regardless, Mum.”
“I know,” she says gently. “But if we can help ease even a little of that hurt, we will. We love you, and you will always be surrounded by people who love you. Remember that, especially when things start to feel a little heavy and you can’t see past the fog.”
“I really appreciate all your help. And thank you for taking us in when we had nowhere else to go.”
“Oh, my darling. You never have to ask. You and Zac are always welcome to stay here. We’re all just so happy to have you guys back. Now, finish getting settled in. I’ll make us something to eat.”
“I love you, Mum.”
“I love you, too, honey. See you in a bit.”
I wait for her to leave the room before sitting on the edge of my freshly made bed. I reach for my phone and check the screen—eight missed calls and six unread messages from Adrian, and one from my brother, Finn.
I ignore Adrian’s messages and open the one from my brother, determined not to let my ex-husband ruin my mood any more than he already has.
Big Bro: Heard you’re back in town and have moved in with Mum and Dad. Not sure what’s going on, but I hope you’re okay. We’re coming over for dinner tonight, if Mum hasn’t already told you.
Me: She has indeed, and I’m okay for now, but I’ll explain everything when you guys get here.
Big Bro: Call me or Claire if there’s anything you need.
Me: Thanks, Finny. I’ll be fine. I just look forward to seeing you and the girls again.
Big Bro: See you then, sis!
Me: See you. X
Perhaps Mum is right. Having everyone over tonight might not actually be such a bad thing. It’ll be the perfect opportunity to lay everything out in the open, get it over with, and finally start moving forward.
But first, I need a long nap.
Violet, my adorable six-month-old niece, squeals with almost ear-splitting laughter in my lap as her cousin Zac and big sister, Holly, pull faces at her from across the table.
I’ve always loved it when the kids are all together.
It was something I missed dearly after we moved to Sandy Vale, no thanks to my stupid ex-husband.
I loved seeing the world through their eyes, where everything is simpler, lighter, and sheltered from adult problems. Gone are the days when the only real problem was having to eat all your vegetables before you can move on to dessert.
As I sit at the dinner table, surrounded by my family’s laughter and easy banter, I feel my world quietly caving in.
Even if he felt nothing for the other woman, even if it was just sex, nothing more—the moment he gave a part of himself to her, he didn’t simply form a connection with someone else; he shattered the one he had with me.
When he chose to cheat, he revealed his true priorities—that his selfish needs were more important than the pain he knew he would cause, mattered more than the life we built, meant more than our nine-year marriage.
It was never a mistake. It was a choice he made time and time again.
And that is something I can never forgive him for.
Violet shifts restlessly in my arms, rubbing at her eyes with tight, clenched fists as she lets out a big yawn.
“Aww… baby girl’s getting tired,” my sister-in-law, Claire, says softly. “I’ll quickly feed her, and take the kids to watch a movie in the other room—give you guys some time to talk.” She pats a hand on her husband’s lap as she stands.
She carefully takes Violet from me, and before letting her go, I steal a kiss on her soft, chubby cheek.
“Alright, kids, who wants to pick the first movie?” she calls to Zac and Holly.
They leap from their seats, bickering over first choice as they race towards the living room, no doubt preparing to wrestle for control of the remote.
Once they’re all out of the dining room, the air instantly falls silent. My parents and brother are watching me intently, as if I might breakdown and cry at any moment.
“So, I guess I should just rip out the band aid then,” I start, my fingers fidgeting anxiously in my lap. “Adrian and I are separating. I discovered he was having an affair with his teaching assistant last year.”
My brother releases a heavy exhale, shaking his head slowly. “Oh, boy. Claire guessed it. I was hoping she was wrong. How long?”
“Five months,” I reply quietly. “At least, based on what I’ve seen.”
“God, I’m so sorry, sis.”
My brother and Adrian were like brothers. Neither of them grew up with one, so they formed their own little brotherhood. They went golfing together nearly every Sunday morning and stood beside each other as best men at their weddings.
Learning that Adrian had betrayed his only sister, probably hurts him as much as it hurts me.
“I trusted that bastard.” His teeth clench as he shakes his head in disgust. “Never once did I think he’d do something as vile as what he did to you… to Zac. He’s lost every ounce of my respect. That gutless piece of shit better never show his face around here again.”
“I don’t think he’d dare to,” I reply quietly.
“If it’s any consolation,” my brother adds, “We’re all glad to have you back home with us.”
I offer him a genuine smile. “Me too.”
“What are your plans now?” he asks.
“I’ll be staying with Mum and Dad for the next two months, until my tenants move out of the house.
Then Zac and I will move back in. I’ll contact my old boss at the private hospital tomorrow and see if I can get my old job back, which I’m sure won’t be an issue, considering they’re desperate for more nurses.
And I’ll be re-enrolling Zac at his old school. ”
“Have you told him about what’s going on?”
“I’ve only told him that we’re moving back to Sydney because things aren’t working out in Sandy Vale.
I explained that his dad would be staying behind to finish the school year but would visit as soon as we’re all settled.
I think he was more excited about the fact he’s going back to his old school.
Eventually, once I have all my ducks in a row, and talk to Adrian, I’ll tell him the full truth. ”
“Well, just let me know if you need a hand—with the move, babysitting, or even just some company. You’re always welcome to come hang out with me and the girls.”
“That’s a wonderful idea, darling,” my mother says after sitting quietly for some time just listening to us talk. “She’ll take you up on that, won’t you, Hope?”
“Of course.” I smile. “And thank you for the offer.”
“I’m curious. How did you find out about the affair?” Finn asks.
“Funny story actually.”
“Go on.”
“I received a random message on Facebook from a man I’d never met before, claiming he had something on Adrian that I deserved to know.
At first, I ignored it, thinking he was just some weirdo trying to get my attention.
But something felt off—like maybe he was telling the truth.
So, after work one day, I messaged him back and asked to meet in a public place. ”
My brother frowns. “Wait! You actually met up with some strange man you’d never met before, not knowing if he was dangerous?”
“It was definitely a risk, but one worth taking. When I met him at my local food court, he was already there, sitting with a file as thick as a book, packed with all the evidence of Adrian’s affair. Photos, screenshots, every text exchange between Adrian and his mistress were in there.”
“How did he get hold of all that? And why was he even looking into Adrian?” the question comes from my father this time.
“Because that woman Adrian was seeing, was this man’s girlfriend. He had a PI tail them, and that’s where it all came from.”
“Holy shit!” my brother curses.
“Yeah, some story, right?”
“Whoever this man is, he basically saved you from a lifetime filled with lies and deception. Have you heard from him since?”
“No. I think I’m too ashamed to speak to him again. Though… maybe one day I’ll check in, see how he’s doing, and perhaps even thank him for telling me the truth about Adrian, even though he didn’t have to.”
“That would be a wise thing to do,” my mother says. “And who knows—you might even gain a new friend in the process.”
“We’ll see,” I say, though I know that’s highly unlikely.
Kaden seems like a genuinely nice person, from the brief encounter I’ve had with him, but having him around would only remind me of Adrian’s betrayal and what I’ve lost.
It’s for the best that we never cross paths again. I don’t think I can handle another man around me for a very long time.