Some betrayals happen right in front of you, hiding in plain sight. You don’t see them because you’re too busy believing in the person you love. Until suddenly, the truth becomes impossible to ignore.
I’m Cassie, 35, and I’ve been married to Ben, 38, for seven years.
We don’t have children because I’ve faced some health challenges that made that difficult.
Despite that, we’ve built a life together that I was proud of.
Ben works in real estate, and I have a career in IT that keeps me busy but fulfilled. Our marriage wasn’t perfect, but I thought it was solid.
Ben had always been the caring one between us.
When I was diagnosed with endometriosis three years ago, he took time off work to drive me to every doctor’s appointment. He’d bring me heating pads and my favorite ice cream without me asking.
On our fifth anniversary, he surprised me with a weekend trip to the cabin where we first met, recreating our entire first date down to the wine we drank.
That’s the Ben I knew.
Attentive, thoughtful, and the kind of man who remembered the little things. A few months ago, Ben’s mother, Sharon, suffered a mild stroke.
She’s always been kind to me, never the stereotypical monster-in-law you hear about. After her recovery, we invited her to live with us so we could help with her care.
She didn’t need constant supervision, but having someone around made everyone feel safer.
“I don’t want to be a burden,” Sharon had protested weakly when we suggested the move.
“Mom, you’ve taken care of me my whole life,” Ben told her, squeezing her hand. “Let me return the favor.”
Balancing work and caregiving proved tougher than we expected.
I worked from home two days a week, and Ben adjusted his showings around our schedule, but there were still gaps when Sharon would be alone.
After a particularly exhausting month, Ben suggested hiring a caregiver. “Just for the hours when we’re both working,” he explained over dinner one night.
“Someone to keep Mom company, help with meals, make sure she takes her medication.”
I exhaled with relief.
“That sounds perfect.
Should we look at agencies?”
Ben shook his head.
“Actually, I think I’ve found someone already. A friend at work recommended her.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. “That was fast.”
“Her name is Lena.
She’s 28 and has worked with several elderly clients before.” His eyes brightened as he spoke.
“She’s so sweet.
So patient, like a daughter to her clients.
Mom will love her.”
Something in his enthusiasm gave me pause, but I brushed it off. Ben had always been passionate about helping others.
“I met her for coffee yesterday to interview her,” he continued.
“She’s perfect, Cass. Absolutely perfect.”
“What’s the cost?” I asked, ever practical.
Ben cleared his throat.
“A thousand a week.”
I nearly choked on my wine.
“A thousand? For part-time care?”
“Quality care is worth the price,” he insisted.
“Mom deserves the best. And Lena is the best.”
The next day, Ben brought home a folder with Lena’s “credentials.”
It was a list of references I couldn’t verify and certificates from programs I’d never heard of.
Still, I trusted my husband’s judgment.
When he was determined about something, especially when it came to caring for others, he usually made the right call.
“When can she start?” I asked, handing the folder back to him. “Monday,” Ben smiled.
“You’ll love her, Cass.
And more importantly, Mom will too.”
I nodded, ignoring the strange feeling settling in my stomach. If only I’d listened to that feeling sooner.
***
Lena started working five days a week, arriving at nine and leaving around two.
From the beginning, something felt off.
She was pretty, with glossy brown hair and a smile that seemed permanently fixed on her face.
Sharon appeared uneasy around her, though she didn’t voice any complaints. I’d catch her watching Lena with a furrowed brow when she thought no one was looking. “How’s Lena working out?” I asked Sharon one afternoon while Lena was in the kitchen.
“She’s attentive,” Sharon replied carefully.
“Very attentive to certain things.”
Before I could ask what she meant, Lena returned with tea, and Sharon fell silent.
What bothered me most was how Lena acted around Ben.
She laughed too loudly at his jokes, stood too close when he spoke, and touched his arm when making a point. After two weeks, I realized that Lena lacked proper medical training.
She didn’t know how to check Sharon’s blood pressure correctly and mixed up medication times.
She was more of a “helper” than a qualified caregiver. “Did you actually verify her credentials?” I asked Ben one night.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page to discover the rest 🔎👇
