Chapter 2: The Truth Hidden Behind Perfect Smiles
I barely slept that night.
Ethan's words echoed in my mind over and over.
"Mom put the jewelry there herself."
At six years old, children could imagine many things.
But Ethan wasn't imagining.
I knew my son.
He was thoughtful. Careful. Honest.
And terrified.
The next morning, Vivian acted as if nothing had happened.
She kissed my cheek.
Asked about my schedule.
Discussed a charity gala she planned to attend.
Meanwhile, I secretly reviewed the home's security recordings.
Most cameras covered the exterior grounds and common areas.
But one camera overlooked the service hallway leading to the staff quarters.
At 2:14 PM, the footage showed Maya leaving with the twins for the garden.
Seven minutes later, Vivian appeared.
She looked around carefully.
Then disappeared into Maya's room.
My pulse quickened.
Three minutes later, she emerged carrying Maya's backpack.
She entered our private study.
When she returned, the bag looked noticeably heavier.
I stared at the screen in disbelief.
My wife had framed an innocent woman.
But why?
That evening, I contacted my attorney and one of the detectives assigned to Maya's case.
Within twenty-four hours, Maya was released pending further investigation.
When I drove to meet her, she looked exhausted.
But what she told me next was even worse.
"I think Vivian wanted me gone," Maya said quietly.
"Why?"
Maya hesitated.
Then tears filled her eyes.
"Because I saw something she didn't want anyone to know."
My stomach tightened.
"What did you see?"
"A man."
The room suddenly went silent.
"A man who wasn't you."
Maya explained that for nearly a year, Vivian had been secretly meeting someone while I was at work.
The twins had seen him too.
And recently, Ethan had started asking questions.
Questions Vivian didn't like.
Questions that threatened her secret.
That's when everything began to make sense.
Maya wasn't fired because she stole.
May you like
She was removed because she knew too much.
And my children had become dangerous witnesses.
