And then my phone rang. It was Gloria. My mother-in-law. I hesitated before answering.
“Anna, darling! Happy anniversary!”
I swallowed, barely managing a muted “Thank you.”
“How do you like the ring?” she chirped. “Thomas said it was exquisite!”
Because I never received a ring.
“Oh… yes, it’s beautiful,” I lied.
“Such a shame Thomas had to leave today,” Gloria sighed dramatically. “But what a wonderful opportunity for a surprise!”
“A surprise?”
“Of course! He told me he’s staying at,” she giggled, “the same hotel where you two once stayed, remember? Oh, how romantic! I know you’re spontaneous, Anna. Buy a ticket and surprise him!”
Something inside me opened place.
The cake. The note. The mysterious ring I never got. That wasn’t an acci.dent. Is Thomas che:ating on me?
“That’s a wonderful idea, Gloria,” I said sweetly. “I’ll book a flight right now.”
“Oh, how exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about it.”
“Of course,” I said, staring at the cake one more time. “Thank you for calling.”
I ended the call and set my phone down.
Then, without hesitation, I decided to grab my purse and book the next flight.
***
Am I making a mistake? Am I about to walk into something I couldn’t unsee?
My hands trembled as I checked the room number.
For illustrative purpose only
Room 614.
The door swung open, and I almost nẻvous.
A brunette. Gorgeous. Effortlessly styled waves of dark hair cascaded over one bare shoulder.
Behind her, on the bed, lay Thomas’s clothes. The air left my lungs.
“Thomas is in the shower,” she purred.
“I’ll let him know you stopped by.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
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