Chapter 13

Rachel's POV

Rachel lay in her hospital bed, her wrists bandaged, a sinister plan forming in her mind. She saw the confusion and anger in Nate's eyes and knew she had him right where she wanted him.

"Nate," Rachel whispered, her voice frail yet calculating. "I have proof that Allyson is sleeping with our boss."

Nate's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "What are you talking about, Rachel?"

"I have pictures," she continued, her tone filled with false concern. "They're in my dressing drawer at home. I didn't want to tell you, but you deserve to know the truth."

Nate's jaw tightened, and he turned to leave, but Rachel's voice stopped him. "Wait, Nate. You'll need my house keys to get in. I have a spare under the flower vase on my pouch"

Nate retrieved the keys from where she had described, his mind was racing with doubt and anger. He didn't know what to believe anymore.

Allyson's POV

Back at home, Allyson paced the living room, ready to reveal her true identity to Nate. She rehearsed the words in her head, hoping he would understand.

As soon as Nate walked in, she greeted him with a hopeful smile. "Nate, we need to talk."

But Nate's eyes were cold, filled with suspicion. He brushed past her without a word, heading straight for the bedroom. Allyson's heart sank.

"Nate, please," she called after him, her voice trembling. "We need to talk about everything."

Nate ignored her, slamming the bedroom door behind him. Allyson felt tears prick her eyes. She didn't understand what had changed since their last conversation.

Nate's POV

Nate drove to Rachel's house, his mind in turmoil. He needed to see the pictures for himself. If Rachel was telling the truth, then everything Allyson had said was a lie.

He found the dressing drawer in Rachel's bedroom and opened it with shaking hands. Inside, he saw a stack of photographs. He pulled them out, his heart pounding.

The pictures showed Allyson and their boss in what looked like compromising positions. Nate's anger boiled over. How could she betray him like this? Why did she have to lie?

Allyson's POV

Meanwhile, Allyson sat on the couch, her mind racing. She needed to tell Nate the truth about her past and her real identity. She had to make him understand.

When Nate returned home, he still looked furious. Allyson stood up, trying to reach out to him. "Nate, please listen to me."

He pushed her hand away, his voice icy. "I don't want to hear any more lies, Allyson. I saw the pictures."

Allyson's heart skipped a beat. "What pictures? What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me," Nate spat. "Rachel showed me everything. You and your boss. How could you do this to me? Lying to my face? You know I'm starting to think our marriage is a sham"

Allyson's mind reeled. "Nate, it's not what you think. I can explain."

But Nate wasn't listening. He stormed out of the house, leaving Allyson devastated. She collapsed on the couch, sobbing. How could everything go so wrong?

Nate drove aimlessly through the city, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He needed to clear his head. The pictures haunted him, but a small voice in his mind told him that something didn't add up.

Meanwhile, Rachel lay in her hospital bed, a smug smile playing on her lips. She had planted the seed of doubt, and now it was only a matter of time before Nate left Allyson for good.

Allyson, on the other hand, knew she had to act fast. She needed to prove her innocence and reveal her true identity to Nate before it was too late.

As Nate parked his car by the beach, the same place where he and Allyson had met, he stared out at the waves, trying to make sense of everything. He didn't know who to trust anymore.

Back at the house, Allyson made a decision. She picked up her phone and dialed a number she hadn't called in years. "Floria, I need your help. I have to save my marriage."