Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 133

**Blueprint 133**
**Chapter 133**

**Grayson**

As Kate enthusiastically recounted the details of her dream wedding, I maintained a mask of indifference, concealing the truth that I had been deceived. I played along, letting her words wash over me like the tide, treating her excitement as mere small talk, devoid of any deeper significance.

When the moment came to part ways, she leaned in for a hug, but I interjected, “Just one more thing.”

“What’s up?” she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“I’m orchestrating a grand surprise for Tiffany. She believes I’m out of town, so please don’t mention you saw me.”

Kate nodded, a playful grin on her face. “My lips are sealed.”

Even after our embrace, I managed to maintain a semblance of a smile. But as I turned to walk toward the waiting car, that smile evaporated like mist under the sun.

The driver initiated the journey home, yet my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, grappling with the unsettling question of why Tiffany had lied to me. Each passing moment deepened the ache in my chest.

I leaned my head back against the seat, my fingers gripping the seatbelt as if it could anchor me amidst the storm of my thoughts.

I didn’t want to jump to conclusions, but this was no mere misunderstanding. She had lied to me, and suddenly, a cascade of doubts flooded my mind—what else had she concealed?

By the time we pulled into my driveway twenty minutes later, the discomfort in my chest had intensified, a heavy weight pressing down on my heart.

Stepping into the house, I noticed the butler meticulously arranging a bouquet of fresh flowers in the foyer.

“Welcome, Mr. Ford,” he greeted, his tone polite, though I caught a flicker of concern in his narrowed gaze as he assessed my appearance. I had yet to remove my sunglasses, mask, or cap.

“Thank you,” I replied, forcing a polite smile despite my tumultuous emotions. “Is my wife home?”

I could have called her, but I wasn’t ready for that yet.

“She hasn’t returned since she left yesterday,” he informed me.

“I see,” I murmured, a sense of foreboding creeping in.

Now that I was home, I felt an overwhelming urge to confront her about the lies. I ascended the stairs to our bedroom, peeling off my shades, cap, and mask as I entered.

I retrieved my phone, pacing the room with restless energy, my thoughts racing ahead of me.

With a trembling hand, I dialed her number, pressing the phone against my ear, my heart pounding in my chest.

The first ring came and went without an answer, only heightening my anxiety. I dialed again, desperation creeping into my voice.

“Hey babe!” she answered, her voice dripping with sweetness, almost convincing enough to lull me into believing it.

I fought to maintain my composure, forcing a casual tone. “Hey, I’m home now. Are you still having fun with Kate?”

I held my breath, waiting for her response.

There was a brief pause, and I tightened my grip on the phone, my heart racing.

“Yeah,” she replied brightly. “We’re at the mall right now.”

I shut my eyes, clenching my jaw as the pain surged within me.

“Knowing you two, I bet you’re having a blast,” I managed to say, my voice strained.

She giggled, her laughter light and carefree. “Yup! We’ve actually been here for about two hours now.” She sighed, as if the excitement had worn her out. “I really needed this.” She continued, oblivious to the turmoil she was causing me. “There’s this one store with some gorgeous bags. We just had to check it out, even though we already have so many. We only left because we were starving and headed to a restaurant about thirty minutes ago.”

I pressed my lips together, the pain intensifying. Kate had been with me in the parking lot about thirty minutes ago.

Still, I held my silence, listening as she spun an elaborate web of lies, each word tearing at my insides. The worst part was that she sounded so genuine, as if she had rehearsed these deceitful details countless times before.

“Hey,” I said, forcing my voice to soften. “I didn’t mean to yell.”

She exhaled shakily, wrapping her arms around me, burying her face in my chest. Her tears soaked through my shirt as I held her tightly, my heart conflicted.

“Babe, you look like you’re still mad about whatever happened,” she said softly. “I’m just trying to help. That’s how much I love you. Seeing you like this hurts me.”

I looked down at her, wanting to believe every word she spoke. A part of me did, but Kate’s earlier words echoed in my mind, along with the lie Tiffany had crafted so easily.

When she pulled back, she wiped her tears, looking up at me with a tentative smile.

“Sit,” she instructed gently. “I’ll be right back.”

I complied, watching her as she moved around the room, a whirlwind of determination.

She retrieved a first aid kit from one of the drawers, placing it on the table with urgency as she rummaged through it, her focus unwavering.

Though she appeared to be my caring wife, the weight of her deception loomed over me, and I knew it was time to play my cards right.

“I have a two-day trip,” I announced casually, watching her reaction closely. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”

Her hand froze mid-motion. “What time tomorrow morning?”

“Probably before 8 AM. It’s a long flight.”

I maintained a calm expression, determined not to raise any suspicion.

“That’s great,” she replied, her smile bright but her eyes betraying a flicker of uncertainty.

As she tended to my wounds, her touch gentle and caring, I couldn’t shake the feeling of unrest. I needed to uncover the truth behind her lies, no matter the cost.