Jacob had just witnessed his wife’s betrayal through his security system and in his anger planned a devastating revenge.
But he had no idea how far-reaching the consequences of his actions would be, especially when he received an unexpected call from his brother.
“None! Uncle J! Barbie is married to Ken!” Mia, his niece, giggled, the sound of her laughter a welcome relief after everything that had happened.
Jacob couldn’t help but smile even as he fought back tears – he had to stay strong for the girls.
Mia and her younger sister Ella played with him on the living room floor of his brother Liam’s house. Jacob had visited them every Thursday after work since Mia was diagnosed with liver failure. She was on the transplant list, but no one in the family matched her needs. Her condition worsened to the point where her skin was always off and she was too weak to play most days. But Jacob’s visits always lifted her spirits, so Liam and his wife Emma encouraged him to go, especially when Melissa’s work schedule didn’t allow her to join.
Liam had already taken so much time off work that he couldn’t be home all the time. Most Thursdays it was just Jacob, Emma, and the girls in the house, and Jacob cherished those moments, especially knowing how uncertain Mia’s future was.
“Hey Mia, Barbie could have a girlfriend, right?” It’s the 21st century,” Jacob teased as he poked her in the stomach making her laugh.
Ella chimed in, “Yeah girlfriend!” she agreed and the girls continued to play while Jacob did silly voices for the characters. Emma walked in, smiling at the sight.
She made sugar-free lemonade and healthy cookies for everyone, as Mia had to follow a strict diet, but no one seemed to mind – especially little Ella, who was only four but knew how to help her sister.
“Hey everyone. Let’s take a break and get some snacks,” Emma said, bringing over a tray. The girls quickly grabbed their glasses and cookies while Emma reminded Mia to take her time.
Jacob wished he could take the girls out for ice cream, but that would have to wait until they found a match for Mia. For now, they found joy in these small, quiet moments.
But then a notification popped up on Jacob’s phone. It was from his home security system and the timing didn’t seem right. Melissa wouldn’t be home for hours so he frowned and opened the app. But what he saw next didn’t make sense.
Were having an affair in his own home, and the sounds made it clear they were enjoying themselves.