Chapter 9 - VANESSA BECAME WELCOMEThe affair became easier after Lorraine knew.
Mark stopped carrying all guilt alone.
His mother normalized it.
She invited Vanessa to lunch while Olivia was at Chloe’s pediatric appointment.
She learned Vanessa claimed to own a condo downtown.
A lake house share.
Investment portfolio.
Future inheritance.
Lorraine was delighted.
“You’re very accomplished.”
Vanessa smiled.
“I’ve been fortunate.”
Then she asked about Whitfield home.
“Beautiful place.”
Lorraine said proudly:
“My son bought it.”
Mark looked down.
He knew.
Vanessa did not.
Olivia had supplied most down payment.
Later Vanessa told Mark:
“Your mother adores you.”
“She can be intense.”
“She just wants someone who appreciates you.”
Someone.
Meaning Vanessa.
Mark began imagining divorce.
He never imagined Olivia would leave first.
He thought he controlled timing.
Then Vanessa asked:
“Is the house mostly paid?”
“Why?”
“I’m just curious.”
Mark laughed.
“About half.”
“What’s it worth?”
“Maybe 1.6 now.”
Vanessa’s eyes lingered.
Equity.
That was all she saw.
But Mark saw admiration.
May you like
That was his weakness.
He mistook being studied for being valued.
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