I Came Home Two Days Early and Found My Wife Sneaking Through the Servants’ Entrance—Then I Learned Who Had Taken Over Her House

Behind the pantry was a narrow door.

I had almost forgotten that room existed.

Years earlier, it had been used by live-in staff.

Inside was a single cot.

Two cardboard boxes.

A folding table.

Mariana sat on the bed folding a blouse.

On the table lay the wool coat I had given her for our anniversary.