I spent the next two weeks planning it. Ethan watched all of it with quiet satisfaction.
He thought he was watching his plan unfold. He had no idea the recorder was sitting in my desk drawer, tucked inside an envelope along with documents my lawyer had drawn up for me.
I told Ethan I wanted to throw Claire a baby shower.
***
Soon, the day of the baby shower arrived. The living room was full of people. Claire sat in the center of it all, smiling nervously as people told her what an extraordinary gift she was giving Ethan and me.
Ethan stood beside her, proud, grinning, and oblivious to the fact that I was about to show everyone what a liar he was.
When it was time for the toast, I stood up with a glass of sparkling cider.
The day of the baby shower arrived.
"I want to thank everyone for being here today," I said. "And most of all, I want to thank two people who have been taking such good care of this baby."
Ethan smiled. Claire looked touched.
I turned toward them. "Ethan has been visiting Claire constantly. Bringing groceries. Vitamins. Helping with everything. So before the baby arrives, I thought everyone here should hear just how dedicated he's been."
