Amber discovers her husband’s secret dress purchase — Then a text thread reveals he planned the betrayal weeks ago
Chapter 5 — Confronting Derek with the Digital Evidence
Derek cleared his throat.
He stepped fully into the bedroom.
His denim jacket rustled against the doorframe.
Look, you two are making a federal case out of nothing, Derek said.
He forced a tight, dismissive smile.
Amber did not lower her phone.
She kept the glowing screen pointed straight at his chest.
Nothing?
She stepped closer to him.
You coached our daughter to manipulate me.
You plotted behind my back to destroy our agreed-upon household boundaries.
Derek held up both hands in a defensive gesture.
I was just trying to support my kid, Derek insisted.
His voice rose defensively.
Is it a crime to want your daughter to feel good about herself?
You act like I committed some kind of felony.
It is called parenting support, Amber.
Amber stared at him in utter disbelief.
Parenting support does not involve a cash withdrawal from the grocery store to hide charges from a shared statement, she shot back.
Parenting support does not involve teaching our teenager how to weaponize guilt against her own mother.
Derek shook his head.
You are blowing this way out of proportion.
You are always so rigid about the budget.
Someone has to balance the reality of our finances, Amber said, her voice shaking with restrained fury.
Derek scoffed.
Oh, spare me the accountant routine.
Amber turned around sharply.
She walked over to her mahogany desk in the corner of the room.
She picked up her laptop.
Her fingers flew across the trackpad.
With a sharp click, she opened the master family budget spreadsheet.
She spun the screen around to face him.
