Hailey travels for a peaceful respite from her previous issues.
She is horrified to discover a man at a grocery shop who resembles her late husband, whom she thought had perished in an aircraft accident.
Hailey hurried to him out of curiosity, especially because all of her money vanished shortly before he was said to have passed away.
As Hailey got off the aircraft, she could feel the sun’s warm kiss on her skin. She was taking a well-earned holiday from the craziness of her home life.
She grinned slightly and began her vacation by grabbing some groceries. With the promise of a calm day ahead, she walked out from her accommodation, knowing that the local store was only a short walk away.
Her thoughts drifted to memories of earlier trips when happiness seemed more attainable as she browsed the store’s aisles. She halted when she turned the corner of the cereal aisle, lost in thought.
There was a man a few feet away who looked exactly like her late husband, George. A beat skipped in her heart. George couldn’t be it; he had passed away and closed a chapter in her life.
The man ignored Hailey’s startled look as he walked idly among the shelves. Standing next to him was Martha, an older woman who was clearly her late husband’s mother.
Hailey’s brain whirled. She was left reeling from betrayal and sadness after George passed away.
Driven by a blend of incredulity and inquisitiveness, Hailey cautiously advanced a few paces, her gaze locked on the man. The more she got closer, the more she resembled George.
His height, gait, and even the way he cocked his head to look at something were all the same. Hailey felt her heart race in her chest.
She muttered under her breath, “George?” not trusting her own words.
The man twisted just a little, and Hailey found herself gasping for air. It was George’s face; the same face that had belied to her, grinned at her on their wedding day, and been the object of her grief.
“George!” Hailey said, raising her voice to fill the store. “George, is that you?”
George tensed up at hearing his name and turned slowly to face Hailey. When their gazes locked, space and time temporarily stopped.
Then George’s face turned pale and scared. Taking hold of Martha’s arm, he hurried off. However, Hailey surpasses them with speed.
“George… But how is this possible? You… you died,” nervously whispers Hailey, her voice quivering.
With apprehensive eyes, George looks around, glancing first at Hailey and then back to the door of the store. He whispers, “Hailey, I can explain everything.”
Hailey’s voice gets higher, her rage obvious. “What can you explain? How did you stole all my money and then faked your own death?” she asks.
George surveys his surroundings once more to see if anyone is pursuing them. “It’s not what it seems. I’ll explain everything, just not here, please.”
Hailey’s pointed, accusing comments are, “Why not here? Are you afraid that the police will catch you?”
George begs, his voice desperate, “Hailey, please, come with me, and I will tell you everything.”
Martha just watches, mute. She observes everything with an expressionless face.
Hailey, George, and Martha walk out of the store together. They dash over to George’s vehicle. Hailey’s thoughts are racing as they leave. She recalls every trick George pulled on her.
There’s a thick hush in the car. Sitting in the back, Hailey’s head is full with questions. George tightens his hold on the steering wheel and concentrates on the road. Martha sits next him, staring out the window at the passing landscape.
Hailey finally breaks the quiet. “George, I need answers. Now.”
George meets Hailey’s stare as his eyes go to the rearview mirror. He replies, “I know. I owe you that much.”
The store and their history are left behind as the automobile drives on down the street. However, Hailey’s quest to discover the truth about what actually transpired is only getting started.
A few years prior to the startling incident at the store, Hailey’s marriage to George was in jeopardy and her life was filled with mistrust and confusion.
When George did return home, it was late at night. His suit was rumpled, and he avoided looking at Hailey. He gave off a sleepy vibe. He whispered, “Sorry, I’m late. Work was crazy,” as he passed her.
But Hailey wasn’t persuaded. “Work at this hour?” she questioned, her tone doubtful.
George nodded, averting her stare. “Yeah, I had to finish a project. You know how it is.”
Hailey, though, didn’t buy it. She made the decision to hunt for proof the next day. She went to George’s car in the driveway and opened the door.
She searched behind the seats, in the side pockets, and the glove compartment. Then she noticed something: a long, brightly colored fingernail belonging to a woman was laying on the floor mat. A shiver went through her. It seems her concerns were justified.
Hailey had a decision that night. She was going to go with George. She waited for him to leave the house before getting into her car and going on a long drive. George stayed away from his office.
Rather, he took a car to a quiet neighborhood and a quaint little house. After parking her car a block away, Hailey observed a young woman welcome George at the door. Hailey was shocked when they kissed after giving each other an embrace.
Hailey got out of her car, feeling a mix of sadness and rage. She approached George and the woman, her steps solid in spite of her internal turmoil.
Hailey calmly asked, “So this is how you stay late at work?” although her heart was pounding.
George spun around, amazement and horror mixed together on his face. “Hailey, damn it, I can explain everything.”
Hailey turned to face him, hurt in her eyes. “There’s no need to explain anything. I saw everything with my own eyes.”
George’s expression dimmed. He could not look up into her eyes. “I… I didn’t want to. It all happened by accident…”