I Caught My Kids’ Babysitter Coming Out of the Shower While My Husband Was Home, What I Discovered the Next Day Changed Everything—STORY OF THE DAY

But at 2:30, she checked again. Tessa and Logan must’ve gone to their room or backyard. On the feed, Julian and Bethany were alone in the living room. She watched them chat quietly. Bethany sat on the couch, looking distressed, rummaging in her purse for something. She pulled out a piece of mail or a note, handing it to Julian. He read it, placed a comforting hand on Bethany’s shoulder. Her eyes teared up. She took a deep breath, leaning against him as if seeking solace. They embraced—Julian hugging her in a supportive posture. Nothing romantic exactly, but intimately personal. She saw him rub her back in gentle circles. Bethany cried, burying her face in his shoulder.

Hope’s heart pounded, a swirl of jealousy, confusion, and concern. So that was it: Bethany had some personal crisis, and Julian was being supportive. Yet, the closeness of that hug unsettled Hope deeply. She felt tears well up. She ended the stream, her emotions tangled. “She’s in trouble, or something. He’s comforting her. That’s not betrayal,” she told herself. But it still felt too close.

She left work early, claiming a headache. On the drive home, she fought with whether to confront them or see if they’d volunteer an explanation. She arrived around 4, stepping into the house. The kids were coloring pictures at the table. Bethany was cleaning up paint supplies. Julian was nowhere in sight, but his car was still outside.

Bethany gave Hope a forced smile. “Everything’s fine,” she said. “Kids had a good day. Tessa told me you might come home early?”