Chapter 11

A spectral whisper echoed in the darkness, eerie yet faint. "It's me, Honey."

I fumbled for the lamp switch, and brightness flooded the room. There stood Scarlett at my bedside. Her eyes met mine, filled with an unsettling mix of hope and despair, as if she'd discovered a long-lost treasure.

"Hubby," she murmured, her voice quavering, "I knew you were alive. Can we go home now? I realize my mistake…". She extended her hand, but I recoiled, my indifference palpable in the face of her fragile plea.

"Scarlett," I replied coldly, "our marriage ended when you chose Carter."

Panic flashed across her face as she hurriedly explained. "Husband, I was tricked! Carter was an undercover operative, and his actions were calculated! It was all an act!"

"And?" I cut in, my tone harsh and unforgiving. "Does that excuse your unfaithfulness? Is that your justification for your infidelity?"