Chapter 6: The Truth Behind Fallon’s Smile
I stayed in my car for ten minutes after Fallon hung up.
I didn’t start the engine.
I didn’t move.
I just sat there holding my phone.
Robert isn’t the only one keeping secrets.
The sentence repeated in my mind.
I wanted to believe Fallon was trying to manipulate me.
Part of me knew she probably was.
But another part of me remembered something.
Fallon had always been careful.
She never insulted me when Wade was around.
Not directly.
She knew exactly how far to go.
A comment here.
A look there.
A suggestion disguised as concern.
“Your style is very traditional, Edna.””
“Maybe you should let Wade focus on bigger things.””
“You don’t want to burden him.””
Small cuts.
Repeated often enough.
Eventually, they become wounds.
When I arrived home, Robert was waiting.
“You look upset.””
I placed my purse down.
“Fallon called.””
His expression changed.
“What did she say?””
“That you’re not the only one keeping secrets.””
Robert was quiet.
Too quiet.
I noticed.
“Robert?””
He sighed.
“There is something else.””
I stared at him.
“Another secret?””
“No.””
He reached for my hand.
“A truth I should have told you earlier.””
I pulled back slightly.
“What is it?””
He sat down.
“When I retired, I didn’t just leave the company.””
I waited.
“I sold my shares.””
“How much?””
He looked uncomfortable.
“Enough.””
“Robert.””
He took a breath.
“Enough that we never have to worry about money again.””
I looked away.
I wasn’t angry about the money.
I was angry because suddenly everyone around me seemed to have hidden worlds.
My son.
My husband.
Everyone except me.
“Why didn’t you trust me?””
His face softened.
“Because I did trust you.””
“Then why?””
“Because I was afraid.””
“Of what?””
“That you would think I loved you because you needed me.””
That broke my heart.
Because I understood.
Robert had hidden his success because he feared being valued for money.
Wade had hidden me because he feared being judged for his mother.
The difference was everything.
One person hid their wealth to protect love.
The other hid my existence to protect pride.
That evening, Fallon arrived.
Without calling.
Without warning.
She walked into our driveway just after sunset.
When I opened the door, she smiled.
But there was no warmth behind it.
“Can I come in?””
“No.””
Her smile disappeared.
“Edna.””
“You came here to talk. Talk.””
She looked past me toward the house.
Then lowered her voice.
“You don’t understand what’s happening.””
“I understand enough.””
“No, you don’t.””
She stepped closer.
“Wade is about to lose everything.””
I frowned.
“What?””
“Thomas Peterson is reconsidering his relationship with him.””
I said nothing.
Fallon continued.
“Your husband has influence. A lot of it.””
“Yes.””
“And Wade needs him.””
There it was.
Not concern.
Not regret.
Need.
“You came here because Wade needs something.””
Her face hardened.
“You’re being unfair.””
“No.””
I looked at her.
“I’m finally being honest.””
For the first time, Fallon looked uncomfortable.
Then she said:
“Do you know what Wade told me before he married me?””
I didn’t answer.
“He said he wanted a fresh start.””
The words hit me strangely.
“A fresh start?””
“Yes.””
She crossed her arms.
“He said his childhood was complicated.””
I almost laughed.
Complicated.
That was what he called it.
A mother who gave everything.
A father who left.
A boy who had every chance because I fought for him.
Complicated.
“What else did he say?””
Fallon hesitated.
“He said you were always too involved.””
My chest tightened.
“Too involved?””
“He said you didn’t know when to let go.””
I stared at her.
Then something unexpected happened.
I smiled.
Because suddenly everything became clear.
Wade didn’t hate me.
That would have been easier.
He was ashamed of needing me.
And instead of facing that shame, he turned me into the problem.
Fallon watched me.
“Edna?””
I looked at her.
“Thank you.””
She frowned.
“For what?””
“For finally telling me the truth.””
She seemed confused.
Then my phone rang.
I looked down.
It was Thomas Peterson.
I answered.
“Hello?””
His voice was serious.
“Mrs. Hayes, I’m sorry to call this late.””
“What happened?””
A pause.
Then:
“I just discovered something about your son’s business records.””
My stomach tightened.
“What?””
Thomas lowered his voice.
“And I think you need to see this before anyone else does.””
I looked at Fallon.
She was still standing in my doorway.
Waiting.
Watching.
Then Thomas said the words that changed everything.
“Wade didn’t just borrow money from us.””
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A long pause.
“He used your name.””
