An Exquisitely Packaged Contraceptive

After dinner, Fiona did not linger long, coquettishly requesting her brother to escort her home. "Brother, would you mind taking me?" she implored, clinging to his arm with unabashed persistence. I watched with a mix of irritation and resignation as George looked to me with a helpless grin, his eyes silently pleading for my consent.

In truth, my patience with Fiona's behavior was wearing thin; I could hardly bear another minute of her presence. With a dismissive gesture, I told George, "Please, just take her. I can handle the cleanup alone."

"Where are you off to, Daddy? I want to come too!" Angel, our clingy child, pleaded, rising from her chair with arms outstretched, yearning to be held. George swiftly enfolded her in his arms and planted a protective kiss on her forehead, reassuring her, "Daddy will be back soon. Be good and play with Mommy for a while."

"What's the little brat up to?" Fiona interjected sharply, her impatience with her niece quite evident.

I took Angel into my arms. "Darling, Daddy is going to drop off your aunt and will be back shortly. Can you keep Mommy company?" Angel gazed up at me with her innocent, doe-like eyes and, after a moment, nodded, wrapping her arms around my neck. She turned to command George, "Alright, Daddy, but hurry back!"

George kissed his daughter once more and nodded in agreement. He then grabbed his car keys and left with Fiona, who cast a cryptic and smug glance back at me. I couldn't be bothered with her insinuations.

George returned later than usual, but I refrained from inquiring. Known for his filial piety, he likely spent extra time with his parents.

The following morning, George was up early, citing a busy day at work with an important meeting at nine. He took the child to kindergarten on his way, thoughtfully sparing me the trouble of the journey. It was undeniable that George was consistently considerate, foreseeing every little need, leaving me without a single complaint. As Monica often remarked, he utterly spoiled me; to everyone's eyes, he was the epitome of an excellent, national treasure of a husband.

While tidying his clothes, some of which required dry cleaning, I emptied the pockets, preparing to take them to the cleaners downstairs. However, what I found was shocking—a beautifully packaged contraceptive. Since the birth of Angel, I had been using an intrauterine device; we had no need for such a thing.

In a hysterical fit, I threw the detestable object away, feeling as though I had been pierced by a thousand arrows.

He had indeed been unfaithful. He had betrayed the trust I placed in him. Through years of frugality and shared struggle, just as we began to enjoy the fruits of our labors, he had committed the ultimate betrayal.

I collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed and helpless, my mind tormented with images of his infidelity. The anguish was unbearable. All of my youth, my love, everything I had selflessly given to him and our family, and yet this was his recompense.