Lily was not warmed by the early sunlight that poured through the brownstone's windows. She took a slow drink of her coffee while her thoughts went over the previous few days. She couldn't get Ethan's warning out of her head: "Then be ready for the fallout."
The photograph envelope, securely tucked away in her purse, weighed hard on her. Hiring Jack Monroe was a brave move on her part, but she was plagued by the fear of what his inquiry would turn up.
She was distracted from her thoughts as she heard Daniel's footsteps coming down the stairs. He was the epitome of a prosperous businessman, with his tie fastened flawlessly and his shirt immaculate.
As if nothing were wrong, he smiled warmly and said, "Good morning."
Lily spoke calmly, "Good morning," trying to hide her discomfort.
Daniel took a look at his watch. "The day is going to be big. Tonight I may be late. Don't wait up.
Lily resisted the want to confront him at that moment. As an alternative, she forced a smile and nodded. "All right. Take care.
Her gut churned as she watched him leave after kissing her cheek. Today, what lies would he tell?
In an effort to occupy herself, Lily decided to go see Emma, her best friend. Over the years, Emma had been the one person she trusted with her most private secrets and anxieties, and she had been her rock.
Emma lived with a lot of plants and the aroma of lavender in a comfortable apartment with a view of the park. Upon opening the door, she smiled warmly, but as soon as she noticed Lily's face, her demeanor changed to one of anxiety.
"What's the matter, Lily?" Pulling her inside, Emma questioned.
With her hands shaking a little, Lily slipped into the soft couch and told them what had happened during the last week. She revealed everything, from Ethan's cryptic warnings to discovering Daniel with Cassandra.
Emma listened with a frown on her face. She remarked, "That's a lot," after Lily was done. However, using a private investigator was a wise choice. At least the truth will soon be revealed to you.
With hesitation, Lily said, "I'm not sure if I'm ready for the truth."
A comforting hand was placed on her shoulder by Emma. "Lily, you underestimate how strong you are. Whatever occurs, you will overcome it. I'll be right here as well.
The words of her friend gave Lily some little solace, but they didn't take away the burden that weighed heavily on her chest.
Lily's phone buzzed that afternoon as she was making her way back to her car. When she looked at the screen, she noticed the name of Jack Monroe.
Her voice was tense with expectation as she spoke, "Hello?"
"I've got something for you," Jack stated solemnly. "Will you please visit my office?"
Lily's heart was pounding. "In twenty minutes, I will be there."
With the walls pressing in and Jack spreading out some papers and pictures on his desk, his office seemed even more cramped than before.
He started by saying, "This is what I've found so far." The images were captured by a private investigator named Greg Carver. His work on high-profile cases is well-known and typically involves personal scandals or business espionage.
Lily grimaced. "He was hired to follow Daniel and Cassandra, then?"
Jack took a nod. It appears to be that way. And from what I've learned, Cassandra wasn't the one who employed him.
Lily blinked, startled. "So who?"
Jack's expression grew serious. "Daniel was there."
Like a kick to the stomach, the words struck her. "Daniel employed a spy to watch him? It doesn't make sense at all.
Leaning back in his chair, Jack maintained a steady gaze. "If he's trying to hide his tracks, it does." My guess? If the affair was ever discovered, he needed leverage, something he could control. Perhaps he wanted evidence to defend himself because he was afraid of Cassandra's involvement in something more significant.
It made Lily's stomach turn. A stranger was the man she believed to be her acquaintance. Had Daniel been concealing anything else from her?
Jack resumed his conversation as she collected the papers. Mrs. Harper, there's one more item. Exercise caution. It might become perilous if Daniel and Cassandra are connected to something more significant.
Lily nodded, her jaw clenched in resolve. "I'll exercise caution." Thank you, Jack.
Lily came home that night with a flurry of fury and confusion in her head. She paced the living room while holding onto Jack's discoveries and the envelope containing the images.
She stopped in the middle of her stride when Daniel entered through the open door.
"Hi," he remarked nonchalantly, untying his necktie. You appear tense. Everything all right?
Lily's feelings threatened to explode as she gazed at him. Her voice was surprisingly calm as she inquired, "How was work?"
Daniel shook his head. "The typical. Deadlines and meetings. "Why?"
Lily's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "How about Cassandra? Has she managed to fit into your plans for today?
Daniel hesitated, his grin wavering. "What do you mean by that?"
Lily's hands were shaking as she held up the packet. "Don't mislead me, Daniel. The affair is known to me. I'm aware of the pictures. Everything is known to me.
Daniel's face was a mask of disbelief for a moment. She was shocked, however, when he laughed, a deep, acrid sound that chilled her.
"You expect to know everything?" He spoke in a tone that was brimming with contempt. "Lily, you have no knowledge at all. It's way too much for you.
Her breath caught. "What does that signify?"
Daniel moved in closer, his face grim. You're looking for the truth? Okay. However, don't claim I didn't warn you.
As Lily looked into his eyes, her heart raced; the guy she had believed she loved was now a complete stranger.
Lily was confident of one thing, regardless of the facts Daniel was about to divulge: her life would never be the same.