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.

Ethan stiffened.

Lena continued.

“He is married.”

No excuses.

“What I did with him was wrong.”

“We were lonely.”

“We drank.”

“Those are facts.”

“They are not permission.”

I swallowed.

The woman I had reduced in my mind to the first affair had refused to reduce herself that way.

She said:

“I did not tell Ryan about you because I wanted one decision in my life that wasn't being negotiated with a married man.”

Fair.

Then:

“That was unfair to him as your father.”

“Later, when I became sick, I told him.”

“He cried.”

“He asked to meet you.”

“I let him.”

“He loved you quickly.”

My eyes filled.

Then Lena's face changed.

“Ryan also asked whether I would invest some of your future money in his company.”

Ethan swore under his breath.

I touched his arm.

Lena continued.

“I said no.”

“I don't think he asked because he doesn't love you.”