Part 2: I discovered my husband was having an affair with my best friend while we were all on the same airplane—and neither of them knew I was there. Instead of confronting them, I sent a small, beautifully wrapped gift to their seats.

Then Mom grew quiet.

"Claire, there's something I need to tell you."

My stomach tightened.

"What?"

She looked toward the door.

"Ryan came to see me yesterday."

I went still.

"What did he want?"

Her expression changed.

"He said you were having a difficult time emotionally."

I stared at her.

"Of course I am."

"He said you weren't sleeping. That you were becoming confused."

My hands began shaking.

"Mom..."

She took my hand.

"Then he asked me to sign a statement."

My heart pounded.

"What statement?"

"He said it would help him make arrangements for Lucy and Sam while you recovered."

I stopped breathing.

"Did you sign it?"

Mom shook her head.

"Absolutely not."

Relief washed through me.

Then she continued.

"But he seemed very upset when I refused."

I stared at the wall.

Ryan hadn't merely been trying to protect his affair.

He'd been preparing to describe me as an unstable mother.