Inside, the lights exploded on and a chorus of voices rang out: “Surprise!” Friends, neighbors, colleagues crowded the space, balloons floating overhead. Confetti swirled in the air. Daniel froze, blinking at the spectacle. It wasn’t a betrayal. It was a party, and every detail had been meant for him.
The boys shouted with glee, tugging at his arms, proud of their secret. Claire smiled stiffly, her eyes glistening, but she avoided his gaze. The card’s words clicked belatedly into place, it had been written by her sister, part of the celebration planning. Not proof of an affair. Proof of love.