My Wife’s Lover Framed Me for His CrimeChapter 1

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I suggested to my wife, Francine Watson, that we take a trip to the beach.

She shot me down, citing her busy work schedule.

A wave of disappointment hit me. I didn't expect that, the very next day, when I walked into the office, I'd be handed an expensive luxury watch.

And two tickets to the Maldives.

My colleagues immediately took notice.

"Mr. Rutherford, the Chairman really spoils you," one of them whispered with a grin. "Miss Watson is beautiful, wealthy, and so understanding. Where else could you find a wife like that?"

A part of me swelled with pride.

But when I picked up the tickets, that pride quickly faded.

One ticket was for Francine.

But the other ticket? It wasn't mine.

It was for Evander 'Evan' Graves, my wife's newly hired male assistant.

——

I froze. The warmth that had filled me evaporated instantly.

I lost all interest in my work. I turned away from my desk and walked out.

By the time I reached the CEO's office, the last thing I expected to find was Francine standing with Evan.

Evan was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, one hand casually resting on her waist.

In front of them stood a photographer, his camera flashing nonstop.

I clenched my jaw and pushed open the door.

Francine's smile froze when she saw me.

Evan's hand jerked away from her waist, almost as if struck by an electric shock.

The silence between us felt suffocating.

My chest tightened, a heaviness settling in.

"Carson? What are you doing here?" Francine asked, hurrying toward me.

I looked straight at her. "What are you two doing?"

Francine's eyes flickered for a second, and then she quickly masked it with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"We're taking promotional photos for the new quarter," she replied, her voice casual. "Evan looks great, so I asked him to help out."

Francine then turned to the others in the room, giving them a professional smile. "That's all for today. Thank you, everyone."

The crowd quickly dispersed, and only Evan remained standing, still and unmoving.

He adjusted his suit sleeve with a slight air of indifference.

I ignored the guilt that flashed in Francine's eyes and pulled out the tickets.

"What's the deal with these two tickets?" I asked, my voice calm, but with an edge to it.

Francine blinked in surprise, then forced a smile.

"Sorry, Carson," she said softly.