4 I went to the master bedroom to raid Howard's safe . One hundred gold bars . I stuffed every last one into a large suitcase . As I grabbed the final bar , my fingers brushed against a hidden button . A secret compartment clicked open . Inside was an old photograph . The background was a breathtaking ski resort . There were five people in the photo . Two young boys were teaching a little girl how to ski . The two adults with them were a younger Howa- rd and Serena Crest . In the photo , Howard was dashing , and Serena was young and vibrant , her long hair blowing in the wind . It was a candid shot . They looked like a perfect , happy family of five . I clutched the photograph , my world shaking , my hands trembling uncontrollably . This was worse , so much worse , than what my daughters - in - law had told me . A sharper , more vicious blow to the heart . So it was all true . I wanted to storm up to Howard , throw the picture in his face , and demand to know why . Why had he done . this to me ? It wasn't me who had refused the divorce all those years ago . Why cling to me with one hand while secretly taking our sons on dates with his old flame ? And turning my own sons against me , making them worship her daughter ? It was disgusting . I felt sick . Suddenly , a low voice came from behind me . " What are you doing in my safe ? Why are all the gold bars out ? "