Chapter 3

A few days passed, and I informed James that I would be taking a short-notice business trip for a couple of days. Funnily enough, he acted keenly and supported this trip, even offering to drive me to the airport. That made me even more suspicious of his intentions while I was away from home.

On the morning of my so-called flight, I woke to the sound of the city awakening: cars beeping, birds chirping, people talking, and buses screeching as they came to a stop.

My eyes rested on the bedside clock, and it was barely six thirty. My already packed suitcase sat in the corner, waiting for me to set my plan in motion. I smiled to myself despite the overwhelming nerves that were already hitting me.

Throwing the covers off me, I could hear the sound of running water and noticed that James was already up and in the shower. He was probably eager to see me off since he had offered to drive me to the airport. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I pulled myself up and looked for my slippers. The floor was cold against my bare feet, and I had never liked that feeling.

Taking a deep breath, I quickly dressed and sat at my dressing table. Staring at my reflection, I started to apply make-up to my face for the first time in a long time. Once ready, I headed downstairs to make a cup of coffee.

James came downstairs a few moments later and glanced at me in surprise. "You look nice," he mumbled as he went to make himself a coffee. I smiled to myself, knowing that, yes, I did look good. Well, if I was going to convince him this business trip was really happening, then I had to look the part, at least.

"Thank you, my love," I forced a smile that did not reach my eyes. I was just trying to make a good impression, you know."

"Are you ready then?" He wanted to know.

Leaning down, I grabbed my suitcase, and together, we stepped out into the crisp morning air. He took the suitcase and loaded it into the back of the car while I locked the front door.

"Alright, then, let's get you to the airport," he said as he closed the car boot. I turned to him and nodded.

"Let's go. It's going to be an interesting day, that's for sure." I smiled, knowing he had no idea what I really meant. Last night, I had snuck a GPS tracker into his car, where I knew he would not find it. Colin had suggested the idea to me, and it was a genius thing to do. I could get some good hard evidence against my cheating husband.

"Have you already scheduled the return flight?" he suddenly asked me, glancing across as we settled into the car.

"Oh yes, I got a flexible one, " I answered quickly. I had already considered all the little bits that might make him question my words.

James nodded, clearly satisfied with my response, as he started the car, and we headed towards the airport.

"Good luck," James leant over to kiss my cheek as he handed me my suitcase and got back into the car. I watched as he started to drive away, and it took all my strength not to scream after him. What was he going to do while I was away? Who would he be calling first, and would he even miss me?

My heart raced as I watched him disappear into the crowd of traffic. Now came the best part of my plan.

To meet Colin.

I knew that he would be waiting for me. I turned on my heel and crossed the bustling airport terminal. Swallowing hard, I tried to push away the creeping anxiety that threatened to overwhelm me.

As soon as I reached the designated parking lot, my heartbeat began to quicken, and I instantly spotted Colin. He was waiting by his car, smoking a cigar.

"Hey, you," I greeted him as I approached.

"Hey. Everything goes to plan, I hope?" he asked, flickering his cigarette away. I noticed a hint of concern flicker in his eyes.

"Yeah, he definitely fell for it. He could not wait to get rid of me, that is for sure." I frowned at the way James had practically jumped back into the car and sped off like his life depended on it.

Colin pushed himself out of the car and moved aside so I could put my suitcase in the backseat and slide into the front passenger seat. "So, this will work, right? The tracker can keep tabs on him?" I could not help but worry something might go wrong, but Colin's reassurance eased my anxiety slightly.

"Mia, the tracker is the best of the best. Trust me on this. There is no way he is getting anywhere without us knowing about it." Colin rubbed his hands together in excitement, causing me to smile and shake my head.

"I am grateful for everything you are doing for me, Colin. I certainly needed a friend in all this."

"Look, the signal is already strong. It looks like he is headed down North Street now." Colin switched on the GPS tracker and chuckled in tee delight. "You see, Mia. It works."

We pulled out of the parking space and slipped into the traffic. It was hectic, which was expected since it was a busy airport.

"Oh, don't you look hot in that? Let me help you take it off." My husband's voice sounded out on the audio as my mouth fell open.

Colin caught the look of horror on my face as the car was filled with their intimate whispers and moans as they had sex. How could James do this? He did not love me anymore.

"Do you want me to stop the surveillance, Mia?" Colin reached over to take my hand and reassured me everything was okay. I shook my head despite the knot of overbearing emotions tightening around me. Taking a deep breath, I grounded myself into the knowledge that this was for the goodness of me being able to reclaim my life.

"No, I need to hear this. I need this proof. I want him to regret ever crossing me."