He Thought I’d Cry I Broadcast Their Affair novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I spotted the handprint on the car window while pulling out of the underground garage.

My husband had borrowed this car a few days ago. I called him.

‘Why’d you take the Cullinan?”

That soft voice came through. “My college roommate flew in. Picked him up from the airport.”

paused. “Yeah, sure.” Hung up before he could say anything else.

pressed my palm against the print.

Smaller than mine.

light. So either his “roommate” was a woman, or he was cheating on me.

Imm.

Tough call.

The garage was packed with cars–all gifts from my parents over the years.

Finley was obsessed. Always switching rides like he was running a personal dealership.

But I’d specifically told him not to touch the Cullinan. My girls and I had a camping trip planned, and that SUV was perfect for hauling gear.

Jgh. Smudges everywhere.

Now I had to waste my morning at the car wash. Seriously?

As I gripped the wheel, something nagged at me.

inley’s college buddies were all six–footers.

What guy has hands this small? This looked more like… a woman’s hand.

And the print was on the inside of the passenger window.

Was Finley cheating?

But then I pictured him–dorky Finley in his wire–frames–and almost laughed.

The man taught physics at Crestwood Prep. His life was lesson plans, lectures, and more lesson plans.

And he was drowning in senior year prep, practically living at school except Sundays.

02.02

Chapter 1

Poor guy was running on fumes. When would he even have time to mess around?

You’re being paranoid.

Still, I pulled up the dashcam footage and scrolled back three days.

Two people in the frame: my husband and some guy.

I exhaled. See? Overreacting.

I was about to close it when their voices started.

“Hayes, you’re a lawyer now, right? Need to ask you something.”

That got my attention. I kept the video rolling.

Hayes buckled his seatbelt and turned. “Bro, just ask. We don’t do the tiptoeing thing.”

Finley hesitated. “So… one of Petra’s friends is getting divorced. If they split, can the guy claim part of the wife’s family money? Like, stuff she brought in?”

“You know me–science guy. Petra asked and I had no clue, so figured I’d ask you.”

His finger tapped the wheel. Nervous.

Hayes went quiet, thick brows pulling together, eyes locked on Finley like he was reading him.

“Dude. Just tell me straight. You and Petra fighting?”

“Don’t give me this ‘friend‘ crap. I can hear right through it.”

He gestured at Finley, voice firm. “You guys were solid in college. What happened? You’ve only been married TWO years.”

“Finley, I’m your boy. Don’t hide from me.”

His tone was dead serious. “Tell me the truth. I’m on your side no matter what.”

Finley adjusted his glasses. Then he came clean.

“Alright. I’ll just say it–I want out.”

“We’ve known each other six years–since freshman year. There’s stuff I can only tell you.”

He let out a long breath.

‘I met someone. Someone who actually gets me, you know? I can’t keep pretending with Petra. I don’t want to string her along, so I need to end this. Give this other woman the real deal–a complete life with me.”

‘But here’s the thing. I’ve been on a teacher’s salary this whole time. We only have one shared asset–the house. That’s not enough to give her the life she deserves.”

Finley looked Hayes dead in the eye.

02.02

Chapter 1

“Petra’s family is loaded. I need to walk away with more–whatever it takes. You’re in, right?”

Hayes’s face twisted. After a few seconds, he clapped Finley’s shoulder.

“Alright, brother. I got you. Let me think on it and I’ll hit you up.”

The rest was filler chat. And Finley dropped Hayes off and drove away.

I just sat there in the driver’s seat–the same spot he’d been in–FROZEN.

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Chapter 2

Chapter 2