Exit Code: Their Betrayal

Kieran and David answered in perfect unison, "Not at all!"

David held Tabitha's hand, eyes sparkling like stars as he gazed at her. "I'd never feel tired, as long as it has something to do with you, Mommy."

Kieran gently pinched her cheek. "No matter how busy or tiring work gets, all my fatigue vanishes the moment I see you, Tab. Besides, it's our anniversary—I always come back for you, no matter how much work I have."

Tabitha smiled quietly, saying nothing.

He set the cake down and headed into the kitchen, already making himself busy. He had given all the household staff the day off and planned to cook some of her favorite dishes himself to celebrate their anniversary.

David wasn't about to be outdone. He brought a small stool over, started cutting fruit, and juicing it. After hours of bustling around, the dishes were finally ready and set on the table just past noon.

Kieran lit a candle shaped like the number seven, took her hand in his, and gazed at her with overflowing love. "Tab, if you hadn't been by my side back then…"

"Wow! Daddy and Mommy are so romantic!" David exclaimed, clapping his hands excitedly.

Just then, a ringtone cut through the warm moment. Tabitha pulled her hand back and handed Kieran the phone, the screen flashing Summer's name. He smiled and said he wouldn't answer anyone's calls today.

Still, she insisted. When he saw the name on the screen, he hesitated for a moment before grabbing it.

"Tab, it's my assistant. I'm worried something urgent has come up at the company, so I'm going to take it," he said, then moved to the side and answered the call.

When he returned, his face, without any surprise, carried that familiar apologetic look. "Sorry, Tab. Something came up. I need to handle it right away."

David didn't know what was said on the other end, but seeing that it was Summer's call, he immediately jumped off his stool and ran to Kieran. "Mommy, I want to go, too! I can help watch Daddy, so he finishes work and comes home faster."

Looking at the father and son before her, Tabitha simply nodded. "Go ahead."

Kieran visibly relaxed, lifted David, and each pressed a kiss to her cheeks. "Good girl. Wait for us to come back, okay?"

"Mommy, we'll see you in a little while!"

With that, they hurried off, completely unaware of Tabitha's strange acceptance. They had no idea that this would be the last time they would see each other.

She watched until Kieran's car disappeared from view, then tossed the already-burned-out candles and the cake into the trash. Returning to her bedroom, she picked up the prepared folder and stepped out the door.