Amber discovers her husband’s secret dress purchase — Then a text thread reveals he planned the betrayal weeks ago
Chapter 4 — Samantha’s Perspective on the Dress Drama
Samantha lingered in the doorway.
Her eyes darted from the illuminated phone screen in Amber’s hand back to the grey shopping bag resting on the chair.
Amber kept her voice remarkably steady.
Did your dad talk to you about this dress before he bought it?
Samantha shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
She looked down at the floorboards.
Kind of, she mumbled.
Amber took a slow step forward.
What do you mean, kind of?
Samantha let out a long breath and finally met Amber’s gaze.
Dad told me to ask you for it even though he knew you were going to say no.
Amber nodded slowly.
I saw the messages, Samantha.
Samantha winced slightly at the confirmation.
He said he wanted to be the cool parent this time, Samantha admitted.
He told me that if you put your foot down about the budget, I should just act super upset about it.
Amber felt a cold knot tighten in her chest.
And what about the receipt?
Why is it hidden in this bag instead of out in the open?
Samantha looked away toward the hallway.
Dad paid for it with cash so you wouldn’t see any charges on the shared credit card statement.
He took out two hundred dollars at the grocery store yesterday morning.
Amber stared at her daughter.
He coached you on how to react when I initially told you we couldn’t afford it?
Samantha nodded miserably.
He told me to say that nobody else’s mom is as restrictive as you are.
He said it would guarantee you felt guilty enough to cave, but when you didn’t cave, he would step in with the cash dress.
The hallway floorboards creaked heavily outside the master bedroom.
A shadow stretched across the wall near the doorframe.
Derek appeared in the doorway, freezing mid-step as he locked eyes with Samantha and Amber standing side by side.
