Wife Escapes Betrayal

Chapter 1

I smoothed the crimson tablecloth one last time, adjusting the crystal wine glasses until they caught the light from the candles just right. Our fifth anniversary deserved something special. Five years of building our life together, of supporting each other through residencies, fellowships, and finally attending positions at Mass General. Five years of love that had only grown deeper with time.

Or so I thought.

I stepped back to admire my handiwork. Our Beacon Hill townhouse looked magical, transformed by dozens of candles and delicate fairy lights strung across the dining room. The scent of Marcus's favorite osso buco filled the air, a recipe I'd spent days perfecting. I'd even picked up a bottle of the Barolo we'd shared on our first date.

"Ti amo più di ieri, meno di domani," I whispered, practicing the Italian phrase I'd memorized for our toast. I love you more than yesterday, less than tomorrow. My pronunciation was probably terrible, but Marcus would appreciate the effort.

I glanced at my watch. 7:30 PM. He'd promised to be home by 5:30. I tried his cell again, but it went straight to voicemail.

"This is Dr. Marcus Sterling. Leave a message."

I hung up without speaking. This wasn't the first time he'd been late, especially in the past few months. Surgeons kept unpredictable hours—I understood that better than anyone. Still, a text would have been nice.

I checked my appearance in the hallway mirror, smoothing down the emerald dress I'd worn on our first date. It was a little tighter now, but Marcus had always said green brought out the gold flecks in my eyes. My grandfather's voice echoed in my head: "Katydid, you look beautiful when you're excited about something."

Grandfather. The thought of him made me smile. I couldn't wait to tell Marcus about the breakthrough in Grandfather's research. After years of work, we were finally seeing promising results with the modified cardiac valve procedure. It would be the perfect anniversary gift—professional success to match our personal happiness.

The sound of keys in the door jolted me from my thoughts. I hurried to the entryway, excitement bubbling up inside me.

"Surprise!" I called as the door swung open.

Marcus stood there, briefcase in hand, looking startled and... something else. Distracted? Annoyed?

"Kate," he said, his eyes darting around the decorated space. "What's all this?"

My smile faltered. "Our anniversary? Five years today?"

A flash of recognition crossed his face, followed quickly by what looked like resignation. "Right. Of course." He set down his briefcase and loosened his tie. "I'm sorry I'm late. Surgery ran long, and then there was an emergency consult."

I swallowed my disappointment. "It's okay. The food's still warm."

He glanced at his watch. "Two hours late. I really am sorry."

But the apology felt hollow, automatic. He moved past me toward the stairs. "I need a quick shower."

"Marcus," I called after him, "I have news about Grandfather's research. The modified valve procedure—we're seeing incredible results in the