Chapter I: A Glimpse of a Hidden World-For most of my life, I believed in the predictability of love, marriage, and the unspoken trust between two people. My name is Jennifer—Jen to those who know me well—and for years, I thought I had a firm grasp on the reality of my marriage. My husband, Oliver, was the kind of man who exuded stability. He woke up early, left for work, and returned late in the evening, all while I held down the fort at home. It wasn’t a glamorous life, but it was ours, built on routine, quiet affection, and an unshaken trust—or so I thought.

My days revolved around our two sons, our home, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly in Oliver’s absence. I had learned to accept his work obligations, even when they meant missed dinners and lonely weekends. I prided myself on my patience and devotion. I never questioned his long hours or the exhaustion he carried home with him.

That fragile sense of certainty shattered on one unassuming evening. I was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, half-watching a movie on Oliver’s laptop when a notification pinged. He had stepped away for a moment, leaving the screen open, and I absentmindedly glanced at it.

One email subject line caught my eye like a siren’s call:

“Dear Mr. Oliver, We are happy to announce the New Year party is coming up! Dress code: White Party. You may bring your plus-one (your wife).”

The words blurred as my mind struggled to process them. His company was known for its strict policies—Oliver had often complained that spouses weren’t invited to work events. Yet, here it was, in black and white: plus-one (your wife).