The Price of Comfort

Hexley had always thought she knew everything about her husband until the day a young journalist showed up at their doorstep, revealing his dark secret that shattered her world and left her questioning everything she had believed to be true. The luxurious life that she had grown so comfortable in was now tainted by the cost of her family's apparent comfort. She was appalled to discover how many innocent people had suffered so that they could live more than comfortably.

On a seemingly ordinary Thursday afternoon, the unexpected knock on their front door interrupted the brief moment of peace that Hexley had been enjoying before her family's return. Gael was at the office preparing for a trial, and their daughters were still at school for a few more hours. Hexley heaved a sigh before rising from the couch and making her way to the front door.

When she opened the door, Hexley eyed the petite journalist up and down, raising a brow at her appearance. The journalist had a short bob of brown hair, wore a purple pencil skirt, a neatly tucked-in white blouse, and carried a messenger bag on one shoulder and a notebook with a pen in the opposite arm. Hexley cleared her throat and asked, "May I help you?"

The female grinned in response and introduced herself as Marie Daniels with the Miami Herald. She would like to see if the man of the home was around to make a comment on a story she was working on. Arms crossed over Hexley’s chest as she pursed her lips. “He isn’t in. I would love to know what the story is. Maybe I will have a comment or two since you seem so concerned with my husband.” Hexley demanded.

The woman at the door responded with a grin and introduced herself as Marie Daniels from the Miami Herald. She asked if the man of the house was available to make a comment on a story she was working on. Hexley crossed her arms over her chest and pursed her lips in suspicion. "He's not here. But I'm curious about the story. Maybe I can provide a comment or two, since you seem so concerned with my husband," Hexley said, her tone demanding.

Ms. Daniels was taken aback by Hexley's offer to provide a comment, as it was not common in her line of work, especially for the type of piece she was working on. Marie nodded, considering Hexley's suggestion, and then spoke, "Perhaps it would be better to discuss this inside." She put on a friendly smile, hoping to gain Hexley's trust.

"Unimpressed" wasn't a strong enough word to describe Hexley's reaction to the journalist. With a nudge of her foot, she pushed the door open slightly to let Marie in. As the woman passed, Hexley couldn't help but notice the scent of Chanel No. 5 that trailed behind her. At least the woman had taste in fragrance, even if her taste in clothing left something to be desired.

Hexley escorted Marie to the living room and offered her a seat before fetching two glasses and a pitcher of water. Placing them on the table, Hexley poured a glass for each of them before finally sitting down. "Alright, Marie. What brings you here?" Hexley asked, her impatience showing as she tapped her fingers on the armrest of the chair.

Marie took a deep breath, the tension in the air palpable as she began to speak. "Mrs. Collins, I'm investigating your husband for embezzlement. We suspect that he's been stealing from his clients for the better part of a decade." Hexley's heart sank as Marie's words echoed through her head. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. The life that she and her family had built together was potentially all built on a lie.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I can comment on that," Hexley replied sharply. “I think it's time for you to leave." Marie stood up, realizing that she had crossed a line. "Of course, I apologize for any distress that I've caused you," she said before quickly gathering her things and making her way to the door.

Hexley watched as the journalist left, feeling a mix of anger, betrayal, and confusion. She knew she had to confront her husband about the allegations, and she didn't waste any time. When Gael arrived home that evening, she confronted him immediately, asking him if the accusations were true. He didn't even bother to deny it.

"I had no choice, Hexley. The business was failing, and I couldn't let us lose everything," he said, his voice quiet and resigned. "I'll fix this, I promise." But it was too late for promises. Hexley was done. She kicked him out of the house that very night, leaving him to face the consequences of his actions.

As Gael packed his things and left, their two daughters, Indigo and Estella, arrived home from school. They asked where their dad was, but Hexley didn't have the heart to tell them the truth just yet. "He had to go away on a business trip," she lied, hoping that they wouldn't ask too many questions.

Hexley knew that their lives were about to change in a big way. But she was determined to make things right for herself and her daughters. It wouldn't be easy, but they would get through it together. She took a deep breath and focused on the future, hoping that it would be a better one.