Chapter 5 - THE MISTRESS WHO CHANGED SIDES
Natalie called me the following afternoon.
I almost ignored it.
Then answered.
“Hello?”
“Madeline.”
Her voice sounded strained.
“I think Graham knows I've been talking to you.”
I sat down.
“What happened?”
“He fired me.”
I closed my eyes.
“I'm sorry.”
She laughed bitterly.
“Don't be.”
A pause.
“He also threatened to sue me.”
I looked toward the window.
“For what?”
“Breach of contract. Theft of confidential documents. Anything he can think of.”
I swallowed.
“Have you spoken to an attorney?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Natalie hesitated.
“Madeline, I know you have every reason to hate me.”
I said nothing.
She continued.
“I knew he was married. I knew you were pregnant.”
Her voice broke.
“I told myself your marriage must already be over.”
I stared at the floor.
“That was convenient.”
“Yes.”
She began crying.
“I know.”
For a moment, I felt something unexpected.
Not forgiveness.
Not friendship.
But recognition.
Natalie had made choices that hurt me.
And now she was facing the consequences of those choices.
I didn't have to rescue her.
But I didn't have to pretend the truth she brought me was worthless.
“Why did you stay with him?” I asked.
She was quiet.
Then said:
“Because he made me feel important.”
I closed my eyes.
That was something Graham had always been good at.
Making people feel chosen.
Until he no longer needed them.
Natalie continued.
“He told me you were cold. That you only cared about the baby and your father's company.”
My throat tightened.
“He said you hadn't loved him for years.”
I laughed bitterly.
“I spent nine years loving him.”
Natalie whispered:
“I know that now.”
I took a breath.
“Then help me prove what he did.”
She hesitated.
May you like
“I will.”
And that was how the woman who had helped destroy my marriage became a witness against my husband.
