Mark and I used to love our quiet nights—our daughter, Mia, asleep, us sharing snacks and old movies under a blanket. I’m Emily, and those moments faded. Mark started staying late every Friday, citing school meetings, leaving me alone. One evening, with Mia tucked in, his phone buzzed downstairs. I slipped down quietly, seeing the guest bathroom light on. The phone lit up with “Elise calling,” showing a woman in a school shirt with a perfect smile—Elise, Mia’s new teacher. My stomach dropped. Was Mark having an affair with her?
I sat on the floor, heart racing, staring at the bathroom door. I wanted to confront him, but I needed proof, not drama. At lunch with my friend, Jen, I confessed. “Fridays are his ‘school duty,’ but I saw Elise’s name on his phone,” I said, voice low. Jen leaned in. “That’s suspicious. You gotta snoop.” I shook my head. “I can’t lie to Mia about Santa!” Jen smirked. “No lies—just cleaning. My husband’s cleaning company needs a fill-in at the school. Wear a wig, poke around.” I groaned but nodded. “I’ve scrubbed our floors for years. Might as well try it.”
Next morning, I left a note for Mark, saying I had errands, and headed to Jen’s. In a curly red wig and loose uniform, name tag “Grace,” I barely recognized myself. “I look like a cafeteria worker,” I said. Jen laughed. “Perfect disguise.” She handed me a walkie-talkie, and I drove to the school. The guard mumbled about avoiding the staff fridge, and I slipped in, heart pounding. Kids passed, and I thought they’d spot me, but they were just chatting. I mopped, watching for Mark. After the final bell, I saw Mia heading to Elise’s room, with Mark nearby. I mopped closer, listening.
“Tonight, like always?” Elise said. My heart sank—confirmation. Then Mia walked in. “Forgot my notebook,” she said, seeing me. My mop tipped, and my wig fell off. “Mom?” she gasped. Mark stared. “What are you doing?” Caught, I smiled weakly. “Picking up Mia,” I said, eyeing him. “Stay where you were going.” I took Mia’s hand and left, crying outside. At home, I let Mia watch cartoons and packed Mark’s clothes, muttering, “Best Dad shirt? Not now.” Outside, a girl with pigtails stood. “I’m here with my dad,” she said. Mark appeared. “This is Lily, my daughter,” he said. “Elise’s daughter, from before you.”
I was stunned. “No affair?” Mark shook his head. “Elise is married. She wants Lily to know me.” I was mad but relieved. “You should’ve told me,” I said. “Mia deserves to know her sister.” Mark agreed. “We’re finding a school for her.” I nodded. “I’ll get the kids snacks. You bring that suitcase inside.” The truth wasn’t what I feared, but it reshaped our family. Lily and Mia now play together, and though it stings, I’m glad I mopped my way to the truth.
