At First, Rachel Thought It Had to Be a Mistake

Lauren wasn’t some distant college girlfriend Rachel had never heard about.

Mark had dated her for almost six years.

They had lived together.

They had talked about marriage.

And after their breakup, Lauren remained loosely connected to Mark’s family.

His mother, Diane, still followed her online.

His younger sister occasionally liked her posts.

Rachel had never loved it.

But she had also never demanded Mark cut off every person from his past.

As far as Rachel knew, Mark barely spoke to Lauren anymore.

Then she opened the first transfer.

$1,400.

Memo:

Rent.

Another transfer the next month.

$1,400.

Then another.

And another.

Six payments.

Total:

$8,400.

All from the account Rachel and Mark had created for their future home.

Mark Was Downstairs Getting Ready for Their Anniversary Dinner

Rachel stood in their bedroom staring at the phone.

She could hear Mark downstairs.

Music playing.

Cabinet doors opening.

He called up:

“You almost ready?”

Rachel didn’t answer.

Another detail had caught her attention.

The first payment had been sent seven months earlier.

Seven months.

This wasn’t an emergency loan Mark had forgotten to mention.

This was a recurring arrangement.

Rachel walked downstairs.

Mark smiled when he saw her.

“You look amazing.”

Rachel held up her phone.

“Who is Lauren paying back?”

Mark’s smile disappeared.

Immediately.

Rachel knew.