Chapter 7 - THE HUSBAND WHO FINALLY CONFESSED
Allison's statement was recorded during an interview with the firm's independent investigators.
Celeste did not attend.
Naomi later summarized the portions relevant to her.
Allison admitted that his relationship with Dana had become romantic more than a year earlier.
He acknowledged that he had concealed it from Celeste.
He admitted approving consulting invoices without adequately reviewing the supporting work.
And he conceded that Dana had presented some of Celeste's materials as her own.
Celeste listened silently.
When Naomi finished, she asked:
“Did he apologize?”
Naomi hesitated.
“He expressed regret.”
Celeste nodded.
“That's not the same thing.”
Allison requested a private meeting.
Celeste agreed only after Naomi confirmed the discussion would concern their divorce, not the financial investigation.
They met in a neutral conference room.
Allison looked older.
His hair was slightly longer.
There were dark circles beneath his eyes.
He stood when she entered.
“Celeste.”
She nodded.
“Allison.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then he said:
“I was wrong.”
Celeste sat down.
He continued.
“I had an affair. I lied. I let Dana take credit for your work.”
She watched him.
“And I let my mother treat you like you were disposable.”
Celeste felt her throat tighten.
Allison looked down.
“I don't have an excuse.”
She nodded slowly.
“That's the first honest thing you've said to me in months.”
He began crying.
“I loved you.”
Celeste stared.
“Past tense?”
He shook his head.
“I still do.”
She looked toward the window.
For years, she'd wanted him to say those words.
Now they sounded like something recovered from a house after a fire.
Still recognizable.
No longer useful.
Allison continued.
“Dana made me feel important.”
Celeste looked back.
“You were important to me.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
“No,” she said quietly. “You don't.”
He looked at her.
She continued.
“I didn't need you to be the most successful man in the room. I needed you to come home. To tell me the truth. To remember that I was your partner.”
Allison covered his face.
“I know.”
Celeste took a breath.
“Did you ever intend to leave me?”
He hesitated.
Then whispered:
“I thought about it.”
The words hurt.
But she didn't look away.
“Why didn't you?”
He swallowed.
“Because I didn't want to lose the life we'd built.”
Celeste stared.
“You wanted the life.”
He nodded.
“And Dana.”
His eyes filled.
“Yes.”
Celeste felt something inside her settle.
There it was.
The truth.
Not complicated.
Not romantic.
Not flattering.
He had wanted everything.
And expected her to accept whatever remained.
She stood.
“Allison, I'm going through with the divorce.”
He began crying harder.
“Please.”
She shook her head.
“I hope you become someone who can be honest in your next relationship.”
He looked up.
“There won't be another you.”
Celeste smiled sadly.
“No.”
She picked up her bag.
“There won't.”
As she reached the door, Allison spoke.
“Celeste.”
She turned.
“I am sorry.”
She nodded.
“I believe you.”
His face changed.
For one hopeful second, he thought that meant something else.
Celeste continued.
“But believing you're sorry doesn't mean I have to stay.”
She left.
Outside, the air smelled of rain.
Celeste stood beneath the awning.
Then she took out her phone and called Lydia.
“Hey.”
“Hey. How'd it go?”
Celeste looked toward the street.
“I think I'm finally done.”
Lydia was quiet.
Then said:
“Come over. I made soup.”
May you like
Celeste laughed through tears.
“I'm coming.”
