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.

He answered on the first ring.

"Claire."

His voice was calm.

Too calm.

"Where are my children?"

"With me."

"Where?"

He sighed.

"Don't make this harder than it needs to be."

My blood went cold.

"Ryan, tell me where they are."

"We're going somewhere quiet."

I stood.

"Bring them home."

He was silent.

Then he said, "You made your choice."

I stopped breathing.

"What choice?"

"You told Dawson about Elliot."

My stomach turned.

"You expected me to keep that secret?"

"I asked you not to destroy our lives."

I almost screamed.

"You destroyed them yourself."

He said nothing.

Then I heard a small voice in the background.

"Mommy?"

Lucy.

I gripped the phone.

"Lucy?"

Ryan moved the phone away.

I heard her ask, "Can I talk to Mom?"

Then his voice.

"Not right now, sweetheart."

My hands shook violently.

"Ryan, give her the phone."

Silence.

Then he whispered, "You wanted Dawson to have his son."