On our anniversary night, I stood in my best dress, waiting for my husband. Then a cake arrived with golden lettering: “It’s time to get divorced!” An hour later, I was on a flight to uncover the truth. Marriage suited me.
It wasn’t always perfect, but I felt loved and secure with Thomas. Our first year as husband and wife had been filled with warmth, late-night conversations, and laughter over burnt pancakes on Sunday mornings. That’s why I spent two weeks preparing for our first wedding anniversary.
Two weeks. Can you imagine? Every detail had to be perfect.
I spent hours searching endlessly for the ultimate duck à l’orange recipe, even practicing it twice to ensure it turned out right. And, of course, the gift. I still remembered how he’d paused by the store window a few months ago, staring at that designer tie.
It was one of those quick, fleeting moments men had when they saw something they liked but decided they didn’t need. But I noticed. And I remembered.
Finally, the table was set, the candles flickered, and I stood in my best dress, feeling completely happy. Suddenly, my phone rang. “Hey, sweetheart,” Thomas’s voice sounded… casual.
“I’m already halfway to the airport.”
I frowned. “What airport?”
“There’s an emergency meeting. Clients, you know how it is…”
I closed my eyes.
Breathed in. Breathed out. “Thomas, today is our anniversary.”
“And I haven’t forgotten!
I’ll make it up to you, I promise, as soon as I’m back.”
That phrase stuck in my mind. Make it up…
I looked at the beautifully set table. I pictured myself sitting there, eating alone, wearing that dress I chose just for him.
“Right. Safe flight.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. Love you.”
I didn’t want to ruin my evening.
Instead of sulking, I decided to take a long, luxurious bubble bath. Just as I was sinking into the warmth, the doorbell rang. I sighed, wrapping a towel around myself and heading to the door.
A delivery man stood there, holding a large white box tied with a red ribbon. “Anna?”
I nodded. “Special delivery,” he said, handing it over.
“Who is it from?”
“Anonymous order. Have a great evening!”
I shut the door, walked to the table, and stared at the box. For a split second, my heart lifted.
Did Thomas at least arrange a surprise? I love surprises! I carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid.
Inside was a cake. The smell of buttercream filled the air. But it wasn’t the cake that stole my breath.
It was the message written across the top in elegant golden lettering. “It’s time to get divorced!”
My mind scrambled for an explanation. A joke?
A cruel mistake? Some kind of mix-up? And then, I saw a small card tucked beneath the lid.
“Hope you take this as well as he did. XOXO.”
Mistress? But how…
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!”
My blood ran cold.
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