On our anniversary night, I stood in my best dress, feeling excited and nervous. Everything was perfect—the candles flickered softly, the table was set beautifully, and the aroma of my homemade duck à l’orange filled the air. I had spent two weeks preparing for this night, making sure every little detail was just right for Thomas and me.
Two weeks. Can you imagine?
I even remembered the designer tie he once admired but didn’t buy. That would be my gift to him—something simple but meaningful. I couldn’t wait to see the surprise on his face.
Then, my phone rang. I smiled as I picked it up, expecting to hear his voice full of excitement. But instead, his tone was casual, almost indifferent.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Thomas said. “I’m already halfway to the airport.”
I froze. “What airport?”
“There’s an emergency meeting. Clients, you know how it is…”
I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. “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 lingered in my mind. Make it up…
I glanced at the beautifully set table. The candles flickered, casting warm light over the plates meant for two. I pictured myself sitting alone, eating the meal I had so carefully prepared, wearing the dress I had chosen just for him.
“Right. Safe flight,” I muttered.
“Thanks, sweetheart. Love you.”
I hung up, feeling the sharp sting of disappointment. But I refused to let this night be ruined. Instead, I decided to take a long, relaxing bubble bath.
Just as I was about to sink into the warm water, the doorbell rang. I sighed, wrapping a towel around myself, and went to open the door.
A delivery man stood there, holding a large white box wrapped with a red ribbon.
“Anna?” he asked.
I nodded.
“Special delivery.” He handed the box over.
“Who sent it?”
“Anonymous order. Have a great evening!”
I closed the door, my heart beating a little faster. Was this from Thomas? Was this his way of surprising me after all?
I placed the box on the table and carefully untied the ribbon. Inside was a beautiful cake, its golden buttercream shimmering under the candlelight. But my breath caught in my throat when I read the message written on top in elegant gold lettering:
“It’s time to get divorced!”
My hands trembled. My mind raced.
Was this some kind of twisted joke? A mistake?
Then, I noticed a small card tucked beneath the lid. I picked it up and read the message.
Hope you take this as well as he did. XOXO.
My stomach churned. Mistress? But how…
Before I could process it, my phone rang again. It was Gloria—my mother-in-law.
I hesitated before answering.
“Anna, darling! Happy anniversary!”
I swallowed hard. “Thank you.”
“How do you like the ring?” she asked cheerfully. “Thomas said it was exquisite!”
My body went cold.
Ring? What ring? Thomas always gave me gifts in the morning on special occasions. But today? Nothing.
“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?” I repeated.
“Of course! He told me he’s staying at,” she giggled, “the same hotel where you two once stayed. Oh, how romantic! I know you’re spontaneous, Anna. Buy a ticket and surprise him!”
The cake. The note. The mysterious ring. This wasn’t a coincidence.
Was Thomas cheating on me?
I forced a smile into my voice. “That’s a great idea, Gloria. I’ll book a flight right now.”
“Oh, how exciting! Can’t wait to hear all about it.”
“Of course,” I murmured, staring at the cake one last time. “Thank you for calling.”
I ended the call, grabbed my purse, and booked the next flight.
By the time I landed, exhaustion pressed down on me, but my heart pounded with adrenaline. The kind receptionist at the hotel was happy to help after I casually flashed a picture of the cake.
“Room 614,” she whispered.
I marched down the hallway, each step heavier than the last. When I reached the door, my hands shook, but I didn’t hesitate. I knocked.
The door swung open, and my stomach dropped.
A gorgeous brunette stood there, her silk dress clinging to her curves. Her dark waves cascaded effortlessly over her bare shoulder. Behind her, Thomas’s clothes were scattered on the bed.
She leaned against the doorframe, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smirk.
“Thomas is in the shower,” she purred. “I’ll let him know you stopped by.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
“Oh? Wouldn’t want to disturb him?”
“Something like that,” I replied, gripping the cake box tighter.
“You look tense,” she said, pretending to be sympathetic. “Maybe you should get a massage while you’re here. There’s a great spa downstairs.”
I smiled sweetly. “Thanks for the suggestion. But I brought my stress relief.”
And with one swift motion, I smashed the cake right into her smug face.
She shrieked, stumbling back, hands flying to her frosting-covered hair.
“WHAT THE…?! ARE YOU INSANE?!” she screeched, blinking wildly as vanilla icing dripped from her eyelashes.
“Possibly,” I admitted, stepping inside.
She lunged at me, but her frosting-covered heels betrayed her. She slipped, landing in a heap on the carpet.
I turned to storm into the bathroom—ready to confront Thomas—when I stopped cold.
Standing there, wrapped in a plush bathrobe, sipping champagne, was Gloria.
My mother-in-law. She smirked and raised her glass.
“Oh, Anna. You weren’t supposed to burst in like this. Not very… you.”
“What?”
“You’re always so… uncertain. But tonight? Almost impressive.”
I ignored her insult. “Where’s Thomas?”
“Oh, he’s at another hotel. I saw an opportunity and took it.”
“What opportunity?”
Gloria sighed, exasperated. “To get rid of you.”
“The cake…” I whispered.
She laughed. “I baked it myself! Did you like it?”
“You’re insane.”
“Not at all. Alicia,” she gestured to the brunette wiping frosting off her face, “is perfect for my son. Beautiful. Connected. Unlike you.”
“You’ll regret this,” I said, pulling out my phone.
Gloria frowned. “What are you—”
I tapped the screen. “Did I mention? I called Thomas the moment I entered the room. He’s heard everything.”
A beat of silence. Then Thomas’s voice boomed through the phone.
“Mom, I can’t believe you! How could you?! Anna, I’m on my way.”
Gloria’s smirk vanished.
I turned to Alicia, who was still dripping in buttercream. “Enjoy the cake.”
Then, with my head held high, I walked out the door.
That night, I learned something important—I wasn’t the same uncertain woman anymore. And I had no intention of letting anyone, not even Gloria, walk over me again.
