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.

Silence.

My heart began pounding.

"Laurel?"

"Ryan came by."

The room seemed to shrink.

"When?"

"About an hour ago."

I gripped the phone.

"What did he want?"

"He said he was taking them for dinner."

My knees weakened.

"Laurel, I told you they needed to stay with you."

"I know. But he's their father, Claire. He said you'd agreed."

I closed my eyes.

"What did he show you?"

She hesitated.

"An email. From your account."

My stomach dropped.

"I never sent an email."

"Oh, God."

Her voice broke.

"He said you were staying in Chicago longer, and the children needed some time with him."

I sat down heavily.

"Did he say where he was taking them?"

"No."

I swallowed.

"Laurel, listen to me. Call Priya. Tell her exactly what happened."

My hands were shaking.

I tried Lucy's phone.

It went straight to voicemail.

Then Sam's tablet.

No answer.

I called Ryan.