I Give my Ex-husband the Best Gift ever on our Anniversary

The day I was lying in the hospital bed, mourning the suffocating silence in my womb where my five-month-old son used to be, was the same day I learned my husband was sleeping with his secretarywho also happened to be his best friends sister.

I thought I was dreaming back then but now it was all clear to me when I heard them in the study.

You said you love me, Kate hissed, her voice low but carrying sharply in the silence. You said it a thousand times, Ysmael. So why not just divorce her? Why are we still sneaking around like teenagers? What is taking you so long?

My hand froze on the doorknob. My breath hitched, lodging painfully in my throat.

Ysmael sighed, running a hand through his haira gesture I used to find endearing. Now, it looked calculated.

Dont tell me you love her? Kate pressed, stepping closer to him. Do you?

Of course I love my wife, Ysmael replied.

The words should have been a balm. Instead, they felt like a slap. How could he say that? How could he claim to love me while standing inches away from his mistress?

But I love you more, Kate. You know that. Youre the one who sets me on fire. She she is my duty. My family.

Then leave her!

Its complicated, baby. Especially now. She just lost the baby, Kate. Shes grieving. Shes fragile. If I serve her papers now, the press would eat me alive. And you know my family. They want a legitimate heir, Ysmael said, his tone turning hard. If we got pregnant now, out of wedlock, while Im still married? They wouldnt accept it. My grandfather would cut me off. And what about your brother? If he finds out Im sleeping with his little sister while my wife is recovering from a miscarriage, hell kill me. Hed ruin the business partnership.

So Im supposed to be like this forever? Kates voice cracked, turning into a whine. Just the secret? The other woman?

Of course not, Ysmael cooed. He reached out, cupping her face. Just wait a little longer. You know my grandpa is sick. Hes on his last legs. Soon, he will name his successor. Once I am Chairman, once the power is in my hands, I can do whatever I want. I can defy them. I can divorce her, pay her off, and bring you out into the light. I promise.

Fine, Kate huffed, melting into his touch. Fine. But you owe me.

Ill make it up to you.

Kiss me now, she demanded.

And he did.

I watched through the crack in the door as my husband lowered his head and captured her lips. It wasnt a hesitant kiss. It was hungry. Possessive. It was the kiss of a man who had done this a thousand times before.

I didnt storm out. I didnt scream. The shock was a physical weight, pinning me to the floor. I backed away, step by silent step, until I hit the edge of the bed. I climbed back under the covers, pulling the duvet over my head, and let the hot, silent tears flow.

My baby was dead. My marriage was a lie. And the two people I trusted most were downstairs, plotting my disposal.

The next morning, the sun shone cruelly bright, mocking the darkness in my world.

I hadnt slept. I had spent the night staring at the wall, my grief hardening into something cold and sharp. I needed to see if it was real. I needed to see if the monster I saw last night was the same man I had married.

I washed my face, hiding the red puffiness of my eyes with cold water, and walked downstairs.

The smell of bacon and coffee wafted from the kitchen. I walked through the archway and stopped.

They were there. Ysmael was leaning against the granite island, and Kate was standing between his legs. His hands were on her waist. Her hands were on his shoulders. Their faces were inches apart, their lips brushing in a whisper of intimacy that made my stomach turn.

I cleared my throat.

They sprang apart as if burned. Kate stumbled back, nearly knocking over a bowl of fruit. Ysmael spun around, his eyes wide.

Alice! Ysmael exclaimed. He adjusted his tie, a nervous tick. Youre youre awake.

What is happening here? I asked. My voice was raspy, dry.

For a second, there was silence. Then Kate let out a high, nervous laugh. She touched her neck, her fingers fluttering over a thin gold chain.

Oh! Good morning, Alice, she stammered, her cheeks flushed. I I was just asking Ysmael for help. With my necklace. The clasp it got stuck. You know how tricky these things are.

I looked at the necklace. It was a simple thing. The clasp was clearly in the back, yet she had been facing him.

Right, Ysmael jumped in, his composure returning. He put on that maskthe concerned, loving husband. It was terrifying how easily it slipped into place. The clasp was jammed. But never mind that. How are you, darling? Should you be out of bed? You need to rest.

He walked over to me, reaching out to touch my arm. I flinched, stepping back.

He paused, a flicker of annoyance crossing his eyes before he hid it. Alice? Whats wrong?

Im just tired, I lied.

Of course you are, he soothed. Here, sit down. I made breakfast. You need to eat to get your strength back. For the future.

He pulled out a stool for me. Kate was busy pretending to organize papers on the counter, refusing to meet my eyes.

Im not hungry, I said.

You have to eat, Ysmael insisted, picking up a plate of eggs and toast. He held a forkful up, like I was a child. Come on. Just a bite. For me? I know youre sad about the baby, but we can try again. Once youre healed. We have plenty of time.

We can try again. The audacity of it made my blood boil.

I looked at the fork. I looked at Kate, who was watching us with a smug, possessive glint in her eyes.

I said Im full, I said coldly. Just eat it yourself, Ysmael.

I turned on my heel and walked out of the kitchen.

Alice! he called after me, his voice tinged with warning.

I didnt stop. I walked straight to the studythe one room where the signal was secure. I locked the door behind me.

My hands were trembling as I pulled my phone from my pocket. I dialed a number I hadnt called since my wedding day.

It rang twice.

Alice? A deep, gravelly voice answered. To what do I owe this pleasure? Its been years.

Uncle Marcus, I said. My voice was steady now. The tears were gone. Do you remember that offer? The one about the overseas branch? The company you wanted me to handle in London? Please process my papers. I need a transfer. I need a flight. Im leaving as soon as possible.

I decided to go to the office. Aside from being Ysmaels wife, I am also an architect. I told myself it was to drop off the revised schematics for the seaside project, but deep down, a darker instinct was driving me. I needed to see him in his element. I needed to see if the rot I had discovered in my home had spread to the business I helped build.

I walked through the glass revolving doors, clutching the roll of blueprints like a shield.

Usually, my arrival was met with warm smiles and respectful nods. Today, the atmosphere shifted the moment my heels clicked against the marble floor.

The receptionist, a young girl named Sarah who usually gushed over my outfits, froze mid-typing. Her eyes widened, darting from me to the elevator bank and back.

Mrs. Miller, she stammered, half-rising from her chair. We we werent expecting you today.

Im here to see Ysmael, I said, forcing a pleasant smile that felt like it might crack my face. Is he in?

Hes hes in a meeting, she lied. I could tell. She was terrible at it. Her gaze kept flickering to the phone, as if she wanted to warn him.

Thats fine, I said, breezing past her before she could stop me. I have a key. Ill wait.

I walked toward the executive elevators. I reached the top floor. The executive suite was quiet, the plush carpet swallowing the sound of my footsteps. I approached Ysmaels office, the heavy mahogany double doors looming at the end of the hall.

I was about to knock when I heard it.

It was faint at first, muffled by the wood, but unmistakable. A low, guttural groan. Then, a giggle.

My hand hovered inches from the wood.

Sssh, quiet down, Ysmaels voice came through, strained and breathless. Someone might hear us.

Let them hear, Kates voice purred, followed by the sound of something heavy hitting the desk. Im tired of being quiet, Ysmael. Youre the boss. You can do what you want.

Not yet, baby. Not yet. Just turn around.

The sounds that followedthe wet, rhythmic friction of skin on skin, the stifled moanstore through me sharper than any scalpel.

I couldnt breathe. The hallway seemed to spin. I wanted to kick the door down. I wanted to scream until my throat bled. But the humiliation was a heavy, suffocating blanket. If I went in there now, I wouldnt just be the betrayed wife; I would be the hysterical, crazy woman.

I backed away. My legs felt like jelly, but I forced them to move. I retreated, not to the elevator, but to the ladies' room down the hall.

I pushed into the handicap stall and locked the door, leaning my forehead against the cool metal partition. I gasped for air, trying to steady the violent shaking of my hands.

A moment later, the bathroom door opened. The click-clack of heels echoed on the tiles.

Did you see her? a voice whispered.

I know, another voice replied. Mrs. Miller. She walked right past my desk. She looked oblivious.

Its so embarrassing, Jessica said. I heard the sound of water running, the pump of soap. Do you think she knows? About Kate?

How could she not? Kate is practically sitting in his lap during meetings. She walks around here like she owns the place. Wearing those tight skirts, giggling at everything he says.

God, poor wife, Jessica sighed. The pity in her voice was worse than the malice. She just lost a baby, right? And now her husband is banging the secretary in the middle of the workday.

Men are trash, the second woman said. But honestly? Alice is kind of weak, isnt she? I mean, everyone in the office knows. The interns know. The security guards know. If I were her, I would have burned this place down by now. But she just smiles and brings him lunch.

Shes probably in denial. Or maybe she just wants to keep the money.

Should we tell him? Jessica asked. That shes here? She might walk in on them.

No way! the other girl hissed. Are you crazy? Wed surely be fired. Ysmael would blame us for letting her up. Lets just wait. After all, Maam Alice seems weak. She didnt even confront them when she walked past the office earlier. She probably heard them and ran away.

They laughed. A cruel, sharp sound that echoed off the tiled walls.

The door swung shut. Silence returned.

I sat there, staring at the floor.

Weak.

Oblivious.

Everyone knows.

The shame burned through my veins, hotter than the grief. I wasnt just a victim; I was a spectacle. My entire life, my tragedy, was water-cooler gossip for the people I employed. They were laughing at me. They were betting on how long it would take for me to break.

I stood up. I wiped the tears from my cheeks with a rough paper towel. I looked at myself in the mirror.

My eyes were red, but they were dry. The woman staring back at me didnt look weak anymore. She looked dangerous.

I didnt go back to Ysmaels office. I didnt throw a tantrum. I walked out of the bathroom, my spine steel-straight. I walked past the reception desk, ignoring Sarahs panicked look.

Tell Ysmael I stopped by, I said, my voice calm, devoid of emotion. Tell him I left the blueprints. And tell him to enjoy his meeting.

I walked out of the building, into the blinding afternoon sun. I hailed a taxi, giving the driver an address I had looked up weeks ago, back when I thought I was just being paranoid.

The law firm was in a glass tower on the other side of the city. I was ushered into the office of Mr. Sterling, a divorce attorney known for tearing prenuptial agreements to shreds.

He looked up from his desk, surprised to see me without an appointment.

Mrs. Miller, he said, standing up. This is unexpected. Is everything alright?

I sat down in the leather chair opposite him. I placed my hands on his desk. They weren't shaking anymore.

I want to divorce my husband, I said, the words tasting like freedom. I dont care about his assets or anything. File the divorce paper now. I just want it done in three days.

The taxi ride home was a blur of city lights and vibrating anxiety. My phone, resting on the seat beside me, had been buzzing incessantly for the last twenty minutes.

Ysmael: Where are you?

Ysmael: Sarah said you came by. Why didnt you come in?

Ysmael: Alice, answer me. Im worried.

Ysmael: Are you okay? Call me.

I watched the notifications stack up on the lock screen, each one a testament to his guilt. He wasnt worried about my safety; he was worried about his exposure. He was terrified that I had stood outside that door and heard the sounds of his betrayal. He was calculating the damage, wondering if his carefully constructed house of cards was about to collapse.

I didnt reply. I simply reached over, held the power button, and watched the screen go black.

I leaned my head back against the seat, closing my eyes. I needed to think. I needed to calibrate my performance. I had set the wheels in motion with the lawyer, but I still had to play the part of the oblivious, doting wife for just a little longer. I needed to lull him into a false sense of security before I pulled the rug out from under him.

When the taxi pulled up to the driveway, I saw Ysmaels car parked haphazardly near the entrance, as if he had arrived in a rush. Kates car was there too, tucked discreetly to the side.

Of course she was here. She was like a parasite I couldnt shake.

I paid the driver and walked up the steps. The front door was unlocked. As I stepped into the foyer, voices drifted from the living room. They were arguing, their tones hushed but frantic.

So what? Kates voice was sharp, dismissive. If she heard us, she would have stormed in! She would have screamed! You know her, Ysmael. Shes emotional. She wouldnt just walk away.

You dont know that, Ysmael hissed back. Shes been acting strange since the miscarriage. Quiet. Detached. What if shes planning something?

Youre being paranoid, Kate scoffed. Maybe she just dropped off the papers and left. Maybe she didnt hear anything. So maybe not? Why are you freaking out?

And what if she did? Ysmaels voice rose, cracking with stress. What if she divorces me? Huh? Do you know what happens then? The merger with the European partnersits contingent on family stability. My grandfather will disown me if I cause a scandal now. I lose everything, Kate. Everything!

So you care more about the money than us?

I care about our future! Which requires money!

I took a deep breath, plastered a confused smile on my face, and walked into the room.

What is all the commotion? I asked, my voice light and airy.

Both of them jumped. Ysmael spun around, his face pale, sweat beading on his forehead. Kate looked like she had swallowed a lemon, her arms crossed defensively over her chest.

Alice! Ysmael breathed out, rushing toward me. He looked like he wanted to grab me, shake me, and hug me all at once. Oh god, Alice. I thought something happened to you.

He reached for my hands, his grip clammy. Ive been calling and texting you for an hour! Why is your phone off? Where have you been?

I looked at him, widening my eyes in innocent surprise. My phone? Oh, it must have died. I forgot to charge it last night. Im sorry, did I worry you?

Worry me? I was out of my mind! He searched my face, looking for any sign of anger, any hint that I knew. Sarah told me you came to the office. Why didnt you come inside? I was I was in a meeting, but I would have stopped it for you.

I didnt want to disturb you, I said, shrugging. Sarah looked so stressed, and I heard you were busy. I just wanted to drop off the blueprints.

But where did you go after? he pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly. Youve been gone for hours.

I paused. I let the silence stretch for just a second too long, watching his pulse jump in his neck.

Oh, something came up, I said casually. I needed to go to the lawyer for the divorce papers, I said simply.

The room went deathly silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ysmael looked like he had been punched in the gut.

What what do you mean divorce? he whispered, his voice trembling. Alice? What? Are you are you divorcing me?

I watched him squirm. I watched the terror in his eyesnot of losing me, but of losing his inheritance. It was pathetic.

Then, I threw my head back and laughed.

Oh my god, look at your face! I giggled, slapping his arm playfully. Do you want a divorce, Ysmael? Is that it?

He blinked, confused, his brain struggling to catch up. What? No! No, of course not! Baby, youre youre kidding?

Of course I am! I said, stepping into his space and wrapping my arms around his neck. I felt his body sag with relief. Why on earth would I divorce my loving husband? Youre the best thing that ever happened to me.

I kissed him. It was a performance worthy of an Oscar. I pressed my lips to his, humming contentedly, while staring directly at Kate over his shoulder.

Her face was a mask of pure, unadulterated rage. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, her knuckles white.

I pulled back, smiling up at Ysmael. I went to the lawyer to update my will, silly. After the accident it just made me think about things. About protecting us.

Oh, Ysmael exhaled, a nervous laugh bubbling up from his chest. Right. A will. That makes sense. God, Alice, dont joke like that. You nearly gave me a heart attack.

I would only divorce you if you cheat, I said, my voice turning serious for a split second. Just like Candices husband. Did you hear? He was sleeping with his assistant. Can you imagine? Throwing away a marriage for a cheap fling? Its disgusting.

Ysmael stiffened against me. Yeah, he choked out. Disgusting. I would never do that to you, Alice. I promise.

I know, I cooed. Youre a good man.

I turned my head slightly, locking eyes with Kate again.

Well, I said, running a hand down Ysmaels chest. If you love me so much, how about you show me? Kiss me again.

Alice, we have company, Ysmael murmured, though he didnt pull away. He was too relieved, too desperate to keep up the charade.

Kate doesnt mind, I said, my voice dripping with sweetness. Shes practically family. Right, Kate?

Kate didnt answer. She looked like she was about to explode.

I pulled Ysmael down and kissed him again, harder this time, making a show of it. I let my hands wander, staking my claim on the property she thought she had stolen.

Lets go upstairs, I whispered loudly enough for her to hear. Lets make love. I want to feel you.

Ysmael hesitated, glancing at Kate, but he was trapped. Okay, he said. Okay, baby.

I pulled away, patting his cheek. Ill just go take a shower first. I feel gross from the city. You stay here. Go finish whatever business you have with her.

I gestured vaguely at Kate.

And Kate, I added, flashing her a bright, venomous smile. Thanks for keeping him company while I was gone. You can see yourself out, right?

I didnt wait for an answer. I turned and walked toward the stairs, swaying my hips.

As I climbed, I glanced back once. Kate was staring at Ysmael, her eyes burning with betrayal and humiliation. Ysmael was rubbing his temples, looking like a man who was drowning.

I made it to the bedroom and closed the door. The smile vanished instantly. I rushed to the bathroom and scrubbed my lips with the back of my hand until they burned.

I turned on the shower to drown out any noise. I sat on the edge of the tub, my heart pounding.

My phone, which I had turned back on, buzzed on the counter.

I picked it up. A message from Uncle Marcus.

Uncle Marcus: Everything is ready now. The jet is fueled. The transfer is approved. You can leave whenever you want.

I stared at the screen.

Soon, I whispered to the empty room. Just one more act.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing the silk of my emerald green gown. It was backless, elegant, and expensivearmor for the battlefield. Ysmael had booked a private dinner cruise on the harbor.

It was his way of cementing the lie, of proving to himself and to me that we were the perfect, happy couple he needed for his grandfathers approval.

I walked downstairs. Ysmael was waiting in the foyer, checking his watch. He looked dashing in his tuxedo, the very picture of a devoted husband.

You look breathtaking, he said, looking up. The admiration in his eyes was real, which only made it more pathetic. He loved the trophy, not the woman.

Thank you, I said, descending the last few steps. Are we ready to go?

The car is waiting.

He offered me his arm. Just as we were about to step out the door, the click of heels echoed from the hallway.

We both turned.

Kate was standing there. She was wearing a dress that was less of a garment and more of a suggestion. It was a shimmering, silver slip that barely covered her thighs, with a neckline that plunged dangerously low. Her makeup was heavy, smoky and seductive, and her lips were painted a dark, bruised crimson.

Ysmael stiffened beside me. His grip on my arm tightened.

Where are you going? he asked, his voice sharp.

Kate smirked, adjusting the strap of her purse. Out. Its Friday night, Ysmael. Im going to a club.

Like that? Ysmael snapped, stepping away from me. Youre practically naked, Kate. Go upstairs and change.

Kate rolled her eyes, a petulant gesture that grated on my nerves. Why should I? Youre not my boyfriend.

The words hung in the air, heavy with double meaning.

I am your boss, Ysmael countered, his voice rising. And I am your brothers best friend. He told me to watch over you while youre staying here. What if something happens to you dressed like that? What kind of message are you sending?

I can take care of myself, Kate shot back. Nothing will happen. Im just going to a party. Maybe find a boyfriend. Someone who actually has time for me.

She shot a pointed, venomous look at Ysmael.

I watched them, a silent observer to their twisted dynamic. This wasn't a protective brotherly concern. This was jealousy. Pure, green-eyed jealousy. He couldnt stand the thought of another man touching what he considered his property.

You are not going out like that, Ysmael growled.

Watch me. Kate turned toward the door.

Stop! Ysmael lunged forward, grabbing her arm. He looked frantic. He looked at me, then back at her, his mind racing to find a solution that kept her close and me oblivious.

Just come with us, he blurted out.

I blinked. Excuse me?

Ysmael turned to me, his smile strained. Lets just bring her along, Alice. To the cruise.

No, I said, my voice cold. Why would she come? Its our date, Ysmael. A romantic dinner.

Come on, honey, Ysmael pleaded, sweating slightly. You know how she is. Shes just a kid. If she goes out to a club alone, shell get into trouble. Her brother would kill me if anything happened to her. Its safer if shes with us.

She is a grown woman, I said, crossing my arms. She can make her own decisions. I dont want a third wheel on our date.

Its okay, Kate said, pulling her arm from his grip. Her voice was thick with mock hurt. She doesnt want me there. I get it. Ill just go find some fun elsewhere.

She turned to leave again.

Dammit, Alice! Ysmael snapped at me. The mask slipped completely. His eyes were blazing with irrational anger. Why are you being so difficult? Its just dinner! Why cant you be more understanding?

I stared at him. The audacity was breathtaking.

Why are you getting mad? I asked calmly. Youre shouting at your wife because she wants to have dinner alone with you? Is that unreasonable?

I stepped closer to him.

Choose, Ysmael, I said softly. Between me and her. Do you want a date with your wife, or do you want to babysit your secretary?

Ysmael looked between us. He looked at Kate, who was waiting with a smug challenge in her eyes. He looked at me, standing firm. He knew he couldnt choose her without blowing his cover.

He clenched his jaw. Fine. Its you. Its always you, Alice.

He turned to Kate. Stay home. Please.

Whatever, Kate scoffed. She turned on her heel and stormed back upstairs.

The cruise should have been romantic. The city skyline glittered against the dark water, the food was exquisite, and a violinist played softly in the corner.

But Ysmael wasnt there.

Physically, he sat across from me. Mentally, he was miles away. He barely touched his wine. His leg bounced nervously under the table. Every two minutes, he checked his phone, hiding the screen under the table cloth.

Is everything okay? I asked, cutting into my steak.

What? Yes. Yes, fine. Just work emails, he muttered, not looking up.

I knew who he was texting. I knew he was tracking her, pleading with her, probably promising her the moon to keep her from going out.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed loudly on the table. He snatched it up. His face went white.

He stood up so abruptly his chair screeched against the deck.

I have to go, he said.

What? I put down my fork. Ysmael, we havent even had dessert. What is it?

Its Kate, he said, panic making his voice shrill. She went out. Shes at a bar downtown. She she says some guys are harassing her. Shes scared.

Call the police then, I said, taking a sip of my wine.

No! I have to go get her. Shes hysterical. He was already moving, buttoning his jacket with trembling hands. Im sorry, Alice. Ill make it up to you. I promise. Just finish dinner. The driver will take you home.

He didnt wait for my answer. He didnt kiss me goodbye. He turned and ran toward the exit, desperate to save his mistress, leaving his wife alone in the middle of the ocean.

I watched him go.

I didnt cry. I didnt feel a thing.

I finished my wine slowly, savoring the rich, oaky flavor. I signaled the waiter.

Check, please, I said. And pack the dessert to go.

When I got home, the house was empty. They were probably together now, him comforting her, her gloating that she had won.

But it was okay because in two days Id be gone, and hed receive the best anniversary gift ever.

The night before our anniversary, I had finished packing the last of my essentials when I heard them. It was coming from the guest room down the hall. Kates room. They probably thought I was already sleeping.

I walked softly down the hallway, my phone already in my hand, the camera app open. The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of light spilling onto the carpet.

I didnt need to see them to know what they were doing. The sounds were unmistakablethe frantic, desperate rhythm of two people trying to consume each other. But then, the noises stopped, replaced by the sharp tone of Kates voice.

I hate it, she spat. I saw the box, Ysmael. The necklace you bought for her. Its real diamonds. Vintage. You told me you were getting her something cheap!

Baby, keep your voice down. She might wake up. Ysmael soothed, though he sounded breathless. Its just a prop. Its for the press. Tomorrow is the merger. The anniversary. I have to look like the doting husband. If I give her costume jewelry, the tabloids will tear us apart.

I wanted that necklace, Kate whined. You promised me diamonds.

Ill buy you ten necklaces. Better ones. Once this is over. Once the old man signs the papers.

I held the phone steady, angling the lens through the crack in the door. I caught them clearlyYsmael sitting on the edge of the bed, shirtless, and Kate kneeling between his legs, clutching the sheets.

Im tired of waiting, Ysmael, Kate said, her voice trembling with a mix of lust and fury. Im tired of being the secret. I want something that binds us. Something she cant take away.

She looked up at him, her eyes wild.

Make me pregnant, she demanded. Right now. Make me pregnant.

Ysmael hesitated for a fraction of a second. Kate, we talked about this. The timing

Prove it! she hissed. Prove you love me more than her. Put a baby in me, Ysmael. Make me the mother of your heir.

Ysmael groaned, his resistance crumbling under her touch. Okay. Okay, baby. Anything you want.

He pulled her down onto the mattress.

I didnt look away. I didnt feel sick. I felt a cold, clinical satisfaction. I pressed the record button, capturing every word, every promise, every betrayal. I let it run for a full minute, ensuring the audio was crisp, the faces identifiable.

Then, I stopped the recording. I saved the file to the cloud, then to a secure folder, then sent a copy to my lawyer.

The next evening, the Grand Ballroom was a sea of tuxedos and designer gowns. It was the social event of the season.

I wore the necklace. The diamonds felt heavy and cold against my throat, a collar of ownership I was about to snap.

Ysmael was at my side, his hand resting possessively on the small of my back. He played the part perfectly, smiling for the cameras, laughing at the right moments, leaning in to whisper endearments that meant nothing.

You look magnificent, Alice, he said for the benefit of the photographer flashing bulbs in our faces.

Happy Anniversary, darling, I replied, my smile dazzling.

We moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations. Kate was there, of course. She was wearing a red dress that clashed with the decor, hovering near the champagne tower, her eyes tracking us with predatory intensity.

Then, the music lowered. A spotlight hit the stage.

Ysmaels grandfather, the Chairman, slowly walked up to the microphone. He looked frail, but his eyes were sharp.

Tonight, the old man wheezed, his voice amplified across the silent room. We celebrate not just a merger, but a legacy. A legacy of family. Stability. Loyalty.

He raised a glass toward us.

To my grandson, Ysmael. And to his lovely wife, Alice. It is because of her strength, her grace, and her unwavering support that I feel confident in handing over the reins of this company. A man who cannot keep a home cannot keep an empire. But Ysmael he has chosen well.

Applause thundered. Ysmael squeezed my waist, beaming. He thought he had won. He thought the keys to the kingdom were in his pocket.

I love you, he whispered to me.

I know, I lied.

The reception began. The crowd swarmed us. I played the dutiful wife for twenty more minutes. Then, I felt Ysmaels hand slip away.

I need to use the restroom, he muttered, patting his pocket where his phone was vibrating.

I watched him go. He didnt head to the restroom. He headed toward the service elevators. I glanced toward the bar. Kate was gone.

They couldnt help themselves. Even on the most important night of his life, with his grandfather watching, they had to sneak away for a quick thrill. They probably thought they were invincible.

It was perfect.

I didnt hesitate. I didnt say goodbye to anyone. I simply turned and walked toward the main exit. I moved through the lobby, past the security, and out into the cool night air where a black sedan was waiting.

To the airport, I said to the driver. Step on it.

I was standing at the gate, the boarding pass in my hand, when my phone began to buzz.

I looked at the screen. Hubby.

He must have returned to the ballroom. He must have looked for his trophy wife to stand by his side for the final toast, only to find empty air.

I let it ring.

It stopped, then rang again immediately. Then the texts started pouring in.

Ysmael: Alice? Where are you?

Ysmael: People are asking for you. Grandpa is looking for you.

Ysmael: Stop playing games. This isnt funny. Come back to the ballroom.

Ysmael: Alice! Pick up the damn phone!

I could imagine the panic setting in. I didnt answer the call. Instead, I typed a single message.

To: Hubby

Im tired, so I went home. Can you please come home, too? I have your gift here in our room. Happy Anniversary, Ysmael."

I hit send then blocked his number. I dropped the phone into my bag, picked up my carry-on, and walked down the jet bridge. I didnt look back.