On our anniversary night, I was thrilled in my nicest clothes, waiting for my husband. Then a cake with golden lettering arrived, reading, “It’s time to get divorced!” An hour later, I discovered a technique to learn the truth. Marriage altered me. It wasn’t always ideal, but I felt loved and safe with Thomas. That’s why I spent two weeks getting ready for our first wedding anniversary.

Two weeks. Can you depict? Every aspect needed to be precise. The table was set, the candles were flickering, and I was content in my best outfit. Suddenly, my phone rang. “Hey, sweetheart,” Thomas said casually. “I’m already halfway to the airport.” I frowned. “What airport?” “There is an emergency meeting. Clients, you know how it goes…

“Thomas, today is our anniversary.” “And I didn’t forget! I pledge to make it up to you as soon as I get back. That words lingered in my head. Make something up… I stared at the elegantly laid table. I saw myself sitting there, dining alone, wearing the dress I’d chosen exclusively for him. “Right. “Safe flight.” “Thank you, sweetie. “I love you.” The doorbell rang right as I was melting into the warmth. A deliveryman stood there with a large white box tied with a crimson ribbon.

“Anna?” I nodded. “Special delivery,” he explained, handing it over. “Who is it from?” “This is an anonymous order. Have a wonderful evening!” I shut the door, approached the table, and stared at the package. For a brief moment, my heart lifted. Did Thomas plan a surprise? I love surprises! I cautiously loosened the ribbon before lifting the lid. There was a cake inside. The message was emblazoned over the top in exquisite gold calligraphy.

Is this a joke? Was this a terrible mistake? Some sort of mix-up? And then I noticed a small card slipped beneath the lid. “I hope you take it as well as he did. XOXO.” Mistress? But how…? Then my phone rang. It was Gloria. My mother-in-law. I hesitated before responding. “Anna, dear! “Happy Anniversary!” I choked and just managed a muffled “Thank you.” How do you like the ring?” She chirped. “Thomas said it was exquisite!”

Because I never got a ring. I lied, saying it was beautiful. Gloria groaned deeply, “What a shame Thomas had to leave today.” “But what a wonderful opportunity for a surprise!” “A surprise?” “Of course!” He told me he’s staying at the same hotel where you two stayed before, remember? Oh how romantic! Anna, I know you are spontaneous. Buy a ticket to surprise him!” Something within me opened up. The cake. The note. The mystery ring I never received. That was not an accident. Is Thomas cheating on me?

“That’s a wonderful idea, Gloria,” I remarked pleasantly. “I’ll book a flight right now.” “Wow, how exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about it. “Of course,” I replied, glancing at the cake once more. “Thank you for calling.” I stopped the call and put my phone down. Then, without hesitation, I grabbed my purse and booked my next trip. Am I making a mistake? Am I about to walk into something I can’t unsee?

My hands trembled as I looked up the room number. The door flung open, and I nearly fainted. A brunette. Gorgeous. Dark hair was effortlessly groomed and cascaded over one naked shoulder. Thomas’ clothes lay behind her, on the bed. The air had left my lungs. “Thomas is in the shower,” she said, purring. “I’ll let him know you stopped by.” “That won’t be necessary.” “Oh? Wouldn’t want to bother him?”

“Something like that,” I said. “You seem tense. Perhaps you should have a massage while you are here. “There’s a fantastic spa downstairs.” “Thanks for the suggestion,” I replied gently. “But I brought my stress relief.” “What the…?” “Are you insane?!” She shrieked. “Possibly,” I said, entering inside. “You… you… psychopath!” She screamed, grabbed a throw pillow and throwing it at me. “I was aiming for your dignity, but it turns out you didn’t have much to begin with.”

“Don’t forget to send me the dry-cleaning bill!” I stormed to the restroom, heart hammering, ready to tear Thomas apart… Then I came to a complete stop.
My mother-in-law. She raised her glass in a faux toast and bothered. “Oh,” she replied lazily. “You were not meant to break in. “That is not like you, honey.” “What?” “You are constantly uncertain. I didn’t expect this side of you.” Her gaze swept over my heaving chest, untamed hair, and the remnants of cake smeared on my fingers. “Almost impressive for a gray little mouse like you.”

I ignored the insult. “Where’s Thomas?” “Oh, he’s in another hotel. Who would leave his wife alone on their anniversary? I spotted an opportunity and seized it. “Opportunity for what?” “To get rid of you, sweetheart.” “The cake…” I took a breath. She laughed and took another leisurely sip. “Oh, I baked it myself!” Did you like it? “But why?” “Oh, sweetheart, you were never a good fit for my boy. But Alicia…” she pointed lazily toward the still-flailing mess in the other room, “now she is perfect.” A successful model. Beautiful. Well-connected. You’ve met now. “How delightful!”

“You are insane.” Thomas adores me. “You will never separate us.” “Oh, now it’s just a little trickier,” Gloria remarked. “Don’t worry. “I play the long game.” “Thomas is going to find out, and you’ll regret ruining my day.” “And how exactly do you plan to do that, dear?” I took my phone from my pocket and held it up between us. Gloria froze. “Oh,” I remarked, tapping the screen. “Hadn’t I mentioned? I called Thomas as soon as I entered this room. And when did I understand the outfit on the bed was not his? “I left the line open.”

“Mom, I cannot believe you! How could you! “We’ll talk later.” His voice was filled with wrath. “Anna, I will be there in ten minutes. Wait in the lobby. And with that, I felt like I’d won the Oscar. I stood in the hotel foyer, starting my reflection in the glass doors. Dinner was much quieter than normal. By the time dessert arrived, I felt like I could breathe again. Then Thomas reached inside his pocket and took out a little velvet box. I slowly set my fork down. “Is this… from your mother?”

“No. “This is from me.” Inside was a gorgeous ring. “My gift for you is back home.” Thomas leaned closer and smirked. “Is it another cake?” “No. However, if you ever take a business trip on our anniversary again… Then yes. “But it won’t have frosting.”