Tim came home early from his business trip, and his wife had no idea what he already knew.

Part 1:
Timothy, commonly referred to as Tim by his buddies, glanced at his cell phone upon receiving a message from Candice, or Candy as she preferred to be called, his spouse of half a decade.

He had just secured a service contract with a major company in California with branches across the nation.

He anticipated that his boss, Jake Hudson, would be thrilled, as this contract signified significant expansion for his IT firm and a considerable boost in his salary.

Perhaps now, he mused, he and Candy could finally begin their planned journey of starting a family.

Yet he harbored concerns which had been nagging at him since he and his wife joined Jake on a camping trip a little over a week ago.

There was a subtle change in her demeanor upon their return from the trip.

It seemed her mind was preoccupied with something else most of the time, and she had become slightly irritable with him.

However, there was more.

Upon returning home and tossing their clothes in the hamper, he noticed something unusual in the gusset of one of her underwear.

Picking them up, he observed that something had solidified with a distinctive odor.

Suddenly, realization struck him, and he felt as though his entire world had crumbled.

He didn’t know whose fluid was in her underwear, but he vowed to uncover the truth.

Aware of an upcoming trip to the West Coast, he consulted a lawyer to explore his options.

If Candi was indeed unfaithful, he reasoned, it would spell the end of their marriage.
“Are you certain your wife is being unfaithful?” Ruby Hawkins inquired.

Ruby, specializing in family law and divorce, came recommended by a friend who had recently divorced due to infidelity.

Part 2:
“Not entirely,” he admitted. “But I need certainty, and if she is, I want a divorce.”
“Well,” Ruby began, “most divorces in this state are no fault.

You could file on grounds of infidelity, but you’ll require solid evidence, like photos or video.”
“Exactly?” Tim queried.

Ruby affirmed. “If you wish, I can have an investigator monitor her activities to confirm.”
“Please do,” Tim replied. “What should I expect in terms of divorce proceedings?”
“Given she earns roughly as much as you do with her teaching job, there’s a chance we can avoid alimony,” Ruby explained. “With no real estate or children, assets would likely be split evenly.

Your retirement stays yours, and so does hers.

If she is indeed cheating, we’ll use that as grounds and leverage any evidence we gather for a favorable outcome.

I’ll start compiling the necessary paperwork, and we’ll proceed once we have evidence.”
“All right,” Tim agreed. “Go ahead.

I’ll be away for about 3 days, which I reckon is when she might act.”
Ruby enlisted her investigator, Marvin Johnson, who proposed Tim install a tracking app on Candi’s phone.

Additionally, he provided Tim with a device for recording landline calls and an audio recorder to conceal in Candi’s purse.

Tim despised resorting to such measures but felt compelled to uncover the truth.

There were other indicators, too.

Since the camping trip, Jake seemed more arrogant and disdainful than usual, as if he held some secret knowledge.

During the week, Candy drove him to the airport, bidding him farewell with a kiss.

He assured her he would call her that night after dinner.

She responded warmly and wished him safe travels.

On the first night away, as agreed, he called Candy, only to be surprised when she mentioned she’d be working as a waitress at a party Jake was hosting that evening.

According to her, there was an emergency as one of the original waitstaff fell ill, and Jake requested her assistance.

Tim hadn’t been informed of such plans by Jake.

Candy explained that Jake promised her $150 for the evening, which would be helpful since she wouldn’t be returning to work for a couple of weeks.

Tim knew classes would resume soon, and he understood she could use the extra money, but he felt uneasy.

He questioned her decision, to which she replied affirmatively, expressing her love for him before saying good night.

After ending the call, a knot of worry formed in his gut.

He decided to phone the investigator to inform them about Candi’s new job.
“Just wanted to inform you Candi’s been asked to waitress for a party at Jake Hudson’s house,” Tim stated.

Marvin confirmed that they would keep him posted, and Tim thanked him before ending the call.

The next day, he called Candi’s cell but got no answer.

He also tried the house phone, reaching only the answering machine.

Surely she didn’t spend the night with Jake, he thought.

However, his hopes were shattered when he received an email from Marvin that afternoon.
“Candy spent the night at Hudson’s house, and she’s still there,” the email read. “And she was quite busy the night before.

I’ve attached a couple of photos, but I want to warn you, they’re pretty graphic.

I’ll give you my full report when you return.”
Tim opened the attachments, and his heart sank.

There was his beloved wife of 5 years engaged in explicit acts.

One involved Jake, while the others were colleagues he once considered friends.

The second photo showed her sprawled on the floor.

Tears streamed down his face as his hands trembled.

He couldn’t believe what he saw.

Timothy, known as Tim to his friends, tried calling her phone again, but it went straight to voicemail.

He also dialed the house phone, encountering only the answering machine.

Leaving no message, he sought solace in the hotel bar.

The next morning, he checked the tracker, confirming Candy’s phone remained at Jake’s house.

Marvin verified this assumption with an email containing more photos, including a disturbing scene involving Jake, his son Mike, and others from Jake’s IT firm.

He once trusted them all, but not anymore.

He didn’t recognize the other three men and assumed they were Mike’s friends.

Concluding his business in California, Tim left the hotel, contract in hand, and caught an early flight home.

Arriving home, he noticed Candi’s car was gone.

Checking the tracker, her phone remained at Jake’s.

Inside, he changed clothes and called Ruby’s office.

To his surprise, Ruby’s receptionist informed him that she was available and could see him that afternoon.

Tim called Candi’s cell and was startled when she answered, sounding out of breath.

He asked her where she was, and she claimed to be at home catching up.

Shocked by her blatant lie, Tim informed her that he was done in California and on his way home.

Candy expressed excitement at his return and suggested that she pick him up at the airport when he lands.

However, Tim declined, telling her not to bother and that he would grab a taxi.

After ending the call, he wondered if she noticed his lack of affection.

Shaking his head, he left the house to see Ruby.

Candy glanced at her phone after Tim hung up.

His usual “I love you” sign-off was absent, and his tone seemed distant.

She had intended to leave after the first night, but the allure of being between Jake and his son was irresistible.

She justified it to herself as something she owed to her own desires.

She assumed it would all end once classes resumed and Tim would remain unaware.

Thus, she spent the following day and night with Jake and his son Mike.

While Jake briefly left for work the next day, Mike kept her occupied and even arranged for friends to join for a group encounter.

Upon Jake’s return, she was in bed with Mike on Jake’s bed.

Joining in, Jake suggested sending Tim away more frequently.
“I have classes soon,” she explained. “So I won’t be available on weekdays.

I can’t risk it while Tim’s at home.”
“Why not?” Jake suggested. “Perhaps he’d enjoy seeing you with other men for a change.”
They chuckled at the notion.

Admitting her attachment to Jake, she affirmed her love for Tim and reluctance to hurt him.

Jake proposed arranging for Tim’s absence over weekends, allowing her to spend time with them.
“But Tim will find out eventually,” she voiced. “He’s not oblivious.”
“Don’t fret,” Jake assured, reaching for his camera. “I’ll handle him.

Just one condition,” he added.
“What’s that?” she inquired.
“You won’t be in bed with him anymore,” Jake declared. “You’re ours now.

Got it?”
“How do I manage that?” she questioned.
“You’ll think of something,” Jake dismissed. “Use an excuse like a headache.”
“I’ll try,” she acquiesced.

Unaware of the surveillance, they remained oblivious to a van across the street with mini cams recording their actions.

Tim’s devastation upon seeing the evidence Marvin compiled was profound.

In addition to photos, there were videos showcasing her acts with multiple men, far beyond what she would do with him.

His love for her evaporated as he pondered her behavior.

Ruby attempted to console him, but his anguish persisted.

How could she change so drastically after 5 years?

What had he done to deserve this?

And Jake, whom he once considered a friend, now revealed his true nature.
“I’ll initiate divorce proceedings,” Ruby suggested, “citing infidelity.

We could also file for alienation of affection against Jake and your colleagues.

Although these cases are often challenging, I believe we can secure a favorable settlement.”
“Do whatever is necessary,” Tim responded.
“Just don’t make any reckless moves,” Ruby cautioned. “I don’t want to bail you out of jail.”
“I won’t,” Tim assured. “When will the papers be ready?”
“I’ll have everything prepared in a couple of days,” Ruby assured him. “Meanwhile, try to maintain normalcy with your wife.”
“I’m not a great actor,” Tim confessed. “I won’t touch her again.

Who knows what she’s caught from all those men?”
“Tell her you’re not feeling well,” Ruby suggested. “That should buy you some time.”
Tim agreed with a nod.
“Yeah, okay,” he replied. “Thanks.”
Leaving Ruby’s office, he felt somewhat relieved but still queasy.

In his car, Tim realized he couldn’t continue working for Jake or being around the men who betrayed him.

He found the number he needed in his contacts and dialed it, hoping for the best.
“Carlson,” the voice answered.
“John, it’s Tim Burns,” Tim said.
“Tim, how are you, my friend?” John asked.
“Not great,” Tim admitted. “Listen, is that position at Empire still available?”
John Carlson had long sought to recruit Tim, but Tim’s loyalty to Jake had kept him from considering it.

Now that loyalty was gone.
“Absolutely,” John confirmed. “Are you finally joining an established company?”
“Something like that,” Tim replied. “I’ve realized I can’t stay at my current job.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” John sympathized. “Can I help?”
“Just give me a job,” Tim requested. “I’ll work as hard for you as I did for Jake.”
“Done,” John agreed. “How about starting on Monday?”
“Perfect,” Tim accepted.
“Great.

Why don’t you and your wife join us for dinner tonight?

Rose will make her famous lasagna, and we can discuss your compensation package,” John proposed.
“I’d love to, but I can’t bring Candy,” Tim declined.
“Oh?” John inquired. “What’s wrong?”
“I’d rather not discuss it over the phone,” Tim said. “But I can explain more tonight.”
“Of course,” John understood, sounding concerned. “Rose is a counselor.

Maybe she can help.”
“That sounds good,” Tim acknowledged.
“I’ll let Rose know.

Can you come by at ?” John asked.
“Absolutely,” Tim confirmed. “it is.

Thanks, buddy.”
“My pleasure,” John replied.

Feeling a weight lifted, Tim drove home.

Not finding Candy there, he entered, showered, changed, and penned his resignation letter.

Candy arrived around p.m.

Noticing Tim at his computer, she leaned in for a kiss, but he turned, and she landed on his cheek.
“Is everything okay?” she asked, surprised.

“Not really,” Tim admitted. “I’m not feeling well.

Maybe it’s jet lag.

I’ll sleep on the futon tonight.”
“Sleeping out?” she queried. “Where are you going?”
“I have dinner plans,” Tim answered.
“Are you meeting someone?” she asked, sounding concerned.
“Are you accusing me of cheating?” Tim countered. “No, I’ve never cheated on you, and I never will.

Can you say the same?”
She recoiled in horror, doubting if he knew.

He couldn’t possibly know, she reassured herself.
“No, I can’t,” she replied.

Tim remained unconvinced.
“So, how was your trip to California?” she asked, attempting to change the subject.
“Successful,” he replied. “And how did your gig at Jake’s house go?”
“It went smoothly,” she responded. “Even though it was challenging, it was still enjoyable.”
“I can imagine,” he remarked, his voice devoid of emotion.

Glancing at his watch, he decided it was time to leave.
“I should get going,” he informed her, saving his work and shutting down his computer.

Standing up, he walked past her without a word and entered the master bedroom to change into something less casual.

Upon returning, Candy was seated on the couch.
“How long will you be out?” she inquired.
“I’m not sure,” he replied. “Don’t wait up for me.

Goodbye.”
Grabbing his keys, he exited the house.

She couldn’t help but notice that he didn’t kiss her or say he loved her, as he always did when leaving.

After seeing his car depart, she picked up the house phone and dialed Jake, unaware that their conversation was being recorded.
“Jake, I think he suspects something,” she confided.
“What makes you think that?” Jake queried.
“He wouldn’t touch me at all,” she explained. “He always gives me a kiss and says he loves me, but not today.

He seemed distant and just left, mentioning a dinner appointment.”
“Really?” Jake responded. “Did he mention with whom?”
“No, he didn’t,” she admitted. “Jake, what if he knows?

What if he plans to leave me?”
“Then so be it,” Jake scoffed. “You can always stay with us.

And as for Timmy boy, I’ll keep him busy enough that he won’t be home much.”
“But I don’t want to lose him,” Candy lamented. “I love him.”
“Yeah, your actions over the past couple of days really show that, don’t they?” Jake retorted.
“That’s not fair, Jake,” she protested. “I know what I did with you guys, and yes, I enjoyed it, but I still love him.

I don’t want to lose him.”
“Sure, sure,” Jake dismissed her concern. “Let him cool off.

Eventually, he’ll come around.

And if he doesn’t, well, we can handle that too.”
“You’re not going to hurt him, are you?” she worried.
“Not explicitly,” Jake assured her. “We’ll just need to make him see things our way, and you’ll play a part in that.”
“What?” Candy was taken aback.
“That’s right,” Jake confirmed. “When the time comes, you’ll help us make him understand.

Remember where your loyalty lies, and remember I have videos that could cause quite a scandal if they were to surface.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” Candy protested.

“Oh, I would,” Jake asserted. “I have footage from the camping trip and other compromising situations.

You belong to me, so it’s up to you to keep Timmy boy in line.”
Feeling trapped, Candy reluctantly agreed.
“Okay, Jake,” she conceded. “But please don’t hurt him.”
Jake smirked over the phone.
“Sure, sure,” he dismissed her concern, ending the call.

Meanwhile, Tim arrived at the large two-story home where John and Rose Carlson resided.

He exited his car, bringing along the bottle of wine he had picked up on the way.

John greeted him at the door, graciously accepting the wine.
“Come on in, Tim,” John welcomed him with a smile. “And thank you.

It’ll be put to good use tonight.”
Following John inside, Tim was introduced to Rose, who was waiting in the dining room with her lasagna.
“Tim, this is my wife, Rose,” John introduced. “Rose, meet Tim Burns, our new account representative.”
Tim shook Rose’s hand as John opened the bottle of wine.
“Nice to meet you, Tim,” Rose greeted him with a smile.
“Pleasure’s mine, Mrs.

Carlson,” Tim replied.
“Please call me Rose,” she insisted. “Mrs.

Carlson sounds too formal.”
Seated at the table, Rose served up portions of lasagna while John poured the wine.

Tim expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the delicious meal.
“This is the best lasagna I’ve ever had,” he complimented.
“I’m pleased you enjoyed it,” Rose remarked. “It’s one of my specialties.”
“So, Tim, I don’t mean to pry, but I’m curious why you left Jake so abruptly,” John inquired. “Did something happen?”
Tim nodded before elaborating.
“Yeah, something happened,” he admitted.
“Please, Tim, share with us,” Rose encouraged.

Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Tim recounted the events.
“That’s tough,” John sympathized. “I can relate.

I’ve been through something similar, though under different circumstances.”
“What’s your plan now, besides changing jobs?” Rose asked.
“I’ve consulted a lawyer, and I’m filing for divorce,” Tim revealed. “My attorney says it’ll likely be an even split.”
“Have you considered counseling?” Rose suggested.
“It’s beyond that point,” Tim responded. “I don’t understand what’s gotten into Candy.

It’s like, like she underwent a sudden transformation into someone I don’t recognize.”
“How are you coping with all of this?” Rose inquired.
“Not very well,” Tim confessed. “My lawyer advises me to act normally around Candy, but it’s challenging.

I can’t even bear to look at her.”
“Perhaps counseling could help,” she suggested.
“I might consider it,” Tim acknowledged.
“John is right.

Rose is the best in the field,” John interjected. “I believe she can assist you through this if you’re open to it.

Plus, it’s covered in your benefits package.”
“That’s a positive,” Tim chuckled.
“I’m serious,” John assured him. “Rose was invaluable to me during a tough time.

I’m confident she can support you too.”
Addressing Rose, John asked, “Can you fit him into your schedule?”

“Absolutely,” she confirmed. “I propose an hour per week.

How does that sound,