I almost dropped my coffee when I saw my son’s painting on the table. Rainbow-colored dinosaurs, stick-figure families holding hands, and homes with crooked chimneys that looked like volcanoes were his typical six-year-old artwork. But this painting stopped my heart.

A towering person with freakishly long arms, gigantic hands, and an impossible-wide smile stood amid the crayon mess.

“Liam,” I said, trying to sound casual as my fingers shook the page. Who’s this? Does this represent Daddy?

Liam glanced up from his toy blocks, his large brown eyes beaming.

“Oh! He boasted, “That’s Mr. Giggles!” “He plays with Mommy while you work.”

My stomach sank. Natalie and I were married nine years. We fought like any marriage, but I always trusted her. The notion that she would cheat stabbed me in the heart.

“When does he visit?” My fingers were clammy as I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

Liam pondered as he tapped two bricks. Sometimes dawn, sometimes night. He constantly makes Mommy and me chuckle. “Daddy, it’s a secret!” He frowned like he was revealing a priceless gift.

The chilly knot in my gut deepened with his naïve joy.

As Natalie slept beside me, her breath steady and serene, I stared at the ceiling. Every delicate chest rise and fall reminded me of what I may lose.

The following day, I left work early and parked near our home. As the day became chilly and the last rays of sunshine gleamed among the trees, I watched every automobile pass with anticipation.

Around 3 p.m., a sleek, black automobile entered our driveway. A tall guy in a suit entered with confidence and solid steps. I could see Natalie’s bright grin at the entrance from distance.

My knuckles became white as I grasped the steering wheel, my breath misting the windshield.

“Maybe I’m imagining things,” I thought. “But if I’m not, I need the truth.”

Over the following two weeks, I bought Natalie flowers, surprised her with her favorite chocolates, and helped with dinner to reconnect. I covertly gathered receipts for meals I never attended, quiet phone conversations she was able to take, and, most cruelly, more Liam drawings of “Mr. Giggles”.

Natalie saw the change.

She asked me, “James, are you okay?” one night, touching my forehead. “You’ve been distant lately.”

I paused, throat dry. “Do you have someone else?”

She laughed at me after widening her eyes. “Someone else? Are you serious? No, honey! How could you think that?

She made me more uneasy with her laughs. But I wanted evidence—solid proof.

I informed her of my late work on Friday night. I drove away and parked down the street after hiding a camera on the living room bookcase. Watching the live broadcast on my phone, I forgot the boiling coffee beside me.

The identical dark automobile came promptly at 7 p.m. Natalie answered the door and smiled as Mr. Giggles entered. Soon after, my sister Claire brought cupcakes in, and Liam ran down the stairs, shrieking. Soon, neighbors arrived with balloons and presents.

Staring at my phone, I was confused. I forced the door open and ran toward the house, trembling. Even though the chilly nighttime air hurt my cheeks, I felt only rage and terror.

Everyone became silent as I slammed the front door. The room went silent as the cheerful music stopped.

“Alright!” My voice cracked as I yelled. “So this has been happening behind my back? Everyone knew? Even Claire? Even my son?

“James, wait!” Natalie paled, her eyes wide with horror, and she dropped a roll of bright streamers on the floor.

Mr. Giggles stopped juggling and stared at me, eyes wide with astonishment.

“You were wrong to come!” I roar. This is my family, my home! You snuck around behind my back!”

After removing his party hat, Mr. Giggles cleared his throat.

“Sir, I think there’s a big misunderstanding,” he remarked tentatively. I entertain and arrange events. Your wife hired me to plan a surprise 10th wedding anniversary celebration.

My eyes jumped to the floor banner with golden lettering reading “Happy 10th Anniversary!” Metallic lettering shimmered mockingly in the brilliant living room light.

Natalie’s lips trembled as tears fell.

“You thought I cheated?” She choked. “How could you think that after everything we’ve shared, James?”

I stood still, throat tight.

“I… I watched him approach. They’re Liam’s drawings

“He called him Mr. Giggles because he does magic tricks while we planned,” Natalie said, shivering with pain. “I wanted to do something special for you, and this is how you see me?”

Partygoers uncomfortably left, murmuring apologies to avoid my eyes. Claire grabbed my arm and said, “Fix this before it’s too late.”

My mother-in-law brought Liam to his room upstairs, her footsteps echoing in the solitude. I heard his frightened laughs.

Natalie fell on the sofa, streamers tangling around her feet.

“I planned this for months,” she muttered. I wanted it to be like your first anniversary picnic surprise. I thought you’d like it.”

I sank alongside her, keeping a safe distance.

“I ruined everything,” I murmured, head in hands.

“Yes, you did,” she responded as she stared forward. Trust doesn’t mean trusting someone when everything makes sense. Believe even when it doesn’t.”

I nodded sadly. “I know. Insecurity ruled me. So sorry. Can you forgive me?

For a long time, her fingers traced a clothing design without speaking.

She said, “I love you,” in a scratchy voice. “But this hurt me deeply. Rebuilding trust is difficult.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes,” I shakily said. I’ll wait as long as you need. I’ll prove it.”

She was slow to reply. She softly put her hand on mine. Although her fingers were frigid, she didn’t withdraw.

“Happy anniversary,” I whispered.

Her weak chuckle was half-cry. “Happy anniversary, fool.”

We heard Liam’s frail chuckle upstairs, reminding us of what we still had to fight for.