"Marcus's fiancée. Marcus, I don't think you mentioned to Claire that you were spending Christmas with Vanessa. And Vanessa, I don't think you mentioned to me that Marcus is engaged. So I thought we should all spend the holiday together."
"You know, be mature about it." I used her words. Her exact words. Marcus looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor.
"Claire, I can explain." "Explain what?" Claire said, her voice shaking now. "Explain why you told me you were going to a work party. Explain why you're spending Christmas with your ex-girlfriend and her family without mentioning it to me."
"Explain why Derek had to be the one to tell me what you were doing." "It's not like that," Marcus started. "Then what is it like?" she shot back. Vanessa turned to me, her face red now.
"Derek, this is insane. You invited his fiancée to embarrass me?" "I invited her because she deserved to know where her fiancé was," I said calmly. "Just like I deserved to know that you've been texting your ex constantly and telling him you miss what you had."
Her face went from red to pale. "You went through my phone?" "I did," I admitted. "And I found a lot of interesting conversations."
"Want me to share them with everyone?" My mom finally spoke up. "What on earth is happening right now?" Lauren was recording on her phone.
I didn't stop her. Marcus tried to approach Claire. "Baby, please. Let me explain."
"Vanessa and I are just friends. She was going through some stuff and needed support." "I wasn't going through anything," Vanessa snapped at him. "What are you talking about?"
And just like that, their stories fell apart. Marcus claimed Vanessa needed emotional support. Vanessa claimed Marcus was the one going through a hard time. Neither story matched what they'd told other people.
They were both lying, and they'd been caught. Claire looked at Marcus with disgust. "We're done. Completely done."
"Don't come home tonight. Don't call me. I'll have my brother pack up your stuff." She turned to me.
"Thank you for telling me. I'm sorry I came to your family's Christmas, but I'm glad I know the truth." "You're welcome to stay for dinner if you want," my mom said quietly. And I loved her for that.
Claire shook her head. "I think I need to go. But thank you." She left.
Marcus stood there frozen for a moment, then grabbed his coat and followed her out without another word. The door closed. Vanessa stared at me with a mixture of fury and humiliation. "I want a divorce," I said before she could speak.
"I've already contacted a lawyer. You can stay at your sister's place until we figure out living arrangements." "Derek," she started. "No," I interrupted.
"You brought your ex to my family's Christmas. You lied to me about why. You've been emotionally cheating on me for months. You made me feel crazy for being uncomfortable."