Driven by a mix of disbelief and curiosity, Hailey approached the man. As she got closer, the resemblance grew stronger. The height, posture, even the way he tilted his head—all were identical to George. “George?” she whispered, hardly believing her eyes. The man turned, and Hailey’s breath caught. It was indeed George, the same face she had mourned. “George!” she called louder, drawing attention. The man stiffened and turned to face her fully. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still. Panic flashed across George’s face. He grabbed Martha’s arm and tried to leave, but Hailey was faster.
“George… how is this possible? You… you died,” Hailey said, her voice trembling. George glanced around nervously. “Hailey, I can explain,” he said quietly. “Explain what? How you stole all my money and faked your death?” Hailey’s anger rose. George looked around again, anxious. “Not here, please. I’ll tell you everything,” he pleaded. “Why not here? Afraid the police will catch you?” Hailey’s accusation was sharp. “Please, come with me,” George begged. Martha stood silently, watching.
They left the store together and hurried to George’s car. As they drove, Hailey’s mind raced, recalling all the ways George had deceived her. The silence in the car was heavy. Finally, Hailey demanded answers. George glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “I owe you that much,” he said.
A few years before this encounter, Hailey’s life was filled with suspicion and confusion. One night, George came home late, looking disheveled. “Work was crazy,” he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. Hailey doubted him. The next day, she searched his car and found a red-painted fingernail, confirming her fears. That evening, she followed George to a house where a young woman greeted him with a kiss. Heartbroken, Hailey confronted them. “So this is your late-night work?” she asked calmly. George tried to explain, but Hailey was done. “It’s over,” she said, walking away.
The next morning, Hailey found the safe empty and her bank accounts drained. Panicking, she called George, but there was no answer. Realizing he had left her with nothing, she spent the day reviewing their finances, desperate for answers. Later, she went to Martha’s house, hoping she might know something.
Standing outside Martha’s home, Hailey felt a mix of determination and dread. She needed to understand how her life had unraveled so completely and why George had betrayed her so deeply.
