Page 17 of Unfaithful

"I don't know," I muttered.

"This looks like some kind of exclusive residential complex," he pointed out.

"Yeah..."

The taxi driver, who had been mostly quiet until now, spoke up. "This is a fresh development. Opened about two years ago. They haven't sold all the houses yet, and a few remain empty. Many newlyweds move in here."

His words sent a chill through me. My stomach twisted painfully, and my legs felt weak. Without thinking, I reached for Archie's hand and squeezed it tightly.

And then, like a punch to the gut, another realization hit me—sharp, undeniable, and breath-stealing. I was certain now. This complex was one of Cole's projects.

Because I saw the big sign on the left: Sterling Heights.

It was undeniably Cole's. It bore his last name, after all.

My blood ran cold.

This was it.

There was no mistake.

It was as clear as day.

"I think... this is where Elsa lives," I whispered, my voice shaky. "She told me once that she just bought a house from one of Cole's projects."

All my fears had just become reality.

"Elsa?" Archie sounded confused.

I nodded, choking on my breath. I was hyperventilating.

"Sara..." Archie's voice cut through my thoughts. "Take a deep breath."

"He bought her a house, didn't he, Archie?" I whispered, only then realizing I was still gripping his hand.

I glanced out at the rows of two-story houses. Luxurious, every single one of them. There was no way Elsa could afford a place like this on her salary.

"How convenient," I muttered, my voice tight as blinding rage gnawed at my chest. My eyes burned, and I had to blink furiously to chase the tears away. "Buying from his own project. He probably bought it for next to nothing."

"That's the car," the driver said as he pulled over to the side, pointing at Cole's black SUV.

The car sat parked on the street in front of a sleek, modern white farmhouse. The black door stood in stark contrast to the bright facade, flanked by expansive windows with matching black frames. A short, manicured pathway led to the entrance, bordered by neatly trimmed hedges. The house was flawless—too pristine, too picture-perfect, like something out of a magazine. Too beautiful to house the betrayal rotting within.

"That son of a bitch," I muttered under my breath, my hands clenched into fists as I watched Cole step out of his car and walk toward the house. Then he unlocked the door.

He had his own fucking keys.

A fresh wave of rage blinded me. Without thinking, I shoved the taxi door open and marched toward him. The taxi had parked far enough that Cole hadn't seen me yet.

And then I froze.

Elsa stepped out of the door, smiling up at him. Cole looked tense, his posture rigid.

Everything felt like it was moving in slow motion as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down into a kiss.

I was suddenly breathless.

Did I really see that? Was my mind playing tricks on me?

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