“Keep the money,” he said. “I don’t want it.”

But I couldn’t just sit back and accept defeat. I refused to be kept in the dark. So, I took matters into my own hands. I planned to install hidden cameras and a voice recorder in James’ car and his study at home.

But as I was setting the cameras up, I found existing hidden cameras already in place. In our home.

Who was the man I married? Was our home a prison under constant surveillance? Panic set in, and I started packing, ready to flee to my parents’ house until I knew more.

That’s when James walked in.

“What are you doing?” he asked, looking at the open suitcase.

“Why are there secret cameras in our house?” I demanded.

James’ response took me by surprise.

“How did you find them? Were you planning to install a camera too?” he asked, with a gentle smile on his face — a smile that definitely didn’t fit the situation. It was as if he was trying to defuse a bomb with kindness.

“I wanted to know if you were cheating on me, James,” I said, suddenly exhausted. “But these cameras are even worse. Are you checking on me? Why are they here? Who are you?”

The questions poured out, each one heavier than the last.

James watched me for a few moments, the clock in the hall ticking away.

“I’ll tell you everything, but you need to try and understand,” he said. “That’s all I ask.”

James revealed he was in security, but not the type he told me.

“I’m an agent, Eileen,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you anything for our own safety, but I couldn’t sit back and do nothing. So, I installed the cameras, and I check them constantly for our protection.”

“What agent?” I asked, feeling stupid at my slow comprehension of what James was trying to say.

“I’m with the Secret Service, Eileen. I provide protection for high levels of the government, and sometimes for diplomats when they come into the country.”

My mind was racing. A secret agent?

“Are you your own version of James Bond?” I asked, trying to laugh at the situation.

James laughed heartily before becoming serious again.

“It’s a lot,” he admitted. “It’s a stressful job, but I’m trying to get back into the cybersecurity part of it all.”

“What would that entail?” I asked.

“It would mean that I would sit behind a computer and watch everything regarding the people that I have to protect.”

“Why would you change to that?” I asked, trying to understand.

“Because it will be safer for both of us. And we can start planning our family. I’m doing it for us.”

James smiled at me. But I didn’t know what to say. Hours ago, I was convinced that my husband was involved with something worse than just cheating on me. Now that he revealed the truth, I felt calmer.

“Eileen?” James asked. “I’m sorry that I couldn’t tell you the truth. Is this a deal breaker?”

I laughed. I knew that a sane person wouldn’t be able to handle it. But I loved James and couldn’t imagine my life without him — with a side of espionage and all.

“No,” I said. “It’s not a deal breaker at all.”

Now that the truth is out, I’m feeling more settled. I know our lives haven’t gotten any easier — but at least I know what I’m dealing with.

James has promised to switch to the desk side of being an agent, but only time will tell. For now, we’re in a good and honest space.

What would you have done in my shoes?