Chapter 10 - SIERRA'S LAST LIE
Sierra called me three days after Cole lost his position.
I almost ignored the number.
Then I answered.
"Lauren."
Her voice was strained.
"We need to talk."
I looked at Rebecca, who was sitting across from me.
Rebecca nodded for me to keep the conversation brief and document it.
"What do you want, Sierra?"
She hesitated.
"Cole lied to me."
I almost laughed.
"About what?"
"He told me your marriage was over."
I stared at the phone.
"He told me you were staying together only because of the babies."
I closed my eyes.
Sierra continued.
"He said you knew about us."
I looked toward the window.
"Did you believe him?"
Silence.
Then she whispered:
"I wanted to."
I felt no triumph.
Only sadness.
Sierra began crying.
"The company is investigating me. My clients are leaving."
I said nothing.
She swallowed.
"I never meant for you to see that photograph."
I looked at Rebecca.
Then answered:
"But you knew he was married."
Sierra was silent.
"And you knew we had two babies."
"Yes."
I took a breath.
"Then you knew enough."
I ended the call.
Later, I learned Sierra had retained her own attorney and was cooperating with the investigation into the consulting arrangements.
Some of the information she provided implicated Cole in additional policy violations.
I did not celebrate.
May you like
The affair had already destroyed my marriage.
I no longer needed to watch it destroy theirs.
