Chapter 7

That evening, Misha came home looking unusually cheerful.

Putting on a brave face, I smiled, waiting to see what had him in such a good mood.

“Sweetheart,” Misha took my hands in his  “This weekend is our anniversary.  We should take a trip to celebrate,” he paused, as if thinking and suggested. “How about Miami? It’s beautiful this time of year.”

My stomach flipped. Was he serious?

“Just the two of us?” I asked cautiously. “It’s not a work trip, right? No coworkers?”

Crossing his heart, Misha grinned with the boyish charm that used to make my heart race and my breath catch. “No work, no worries, I promise.” 

Closing my eyes, I counted to ten before responding with a hesitant, “Sure, Misha. That sounds lovely.” 

“Perfect!” He kissed my cheek and left me standing in stunned silence as he grabbed his phone. 

“Hey, Mavis,” my stomach curdles. “I need you to book two tickets for Miami this weekend.” 

Turning towards the window, I clenched my fists and took several, deep breaths to relieve the growing disgust in my gut.

Just hearing the way he says her name makes me want to vomit.

“Thanks Mav, you’re a lifesaver,” he grins like an idiot before hanging up. “Everything’s set. We leave on Friday.”

Exhaling, I tried to let it go. “Sounds good,” I reply brightly. “I can’t wait.”  

After dinner, Misha excused himself to head to the gym for a “late night workout.” Shortly after he was gone, my phone rang. 

Recognizing the number, I answered it immediately. 

“Ariana,” Dr. Winchester’s warm, rich voice felt like a hug as he asked, “Did you have a chance to look at the offer?” 

I told him that I had.

“Remember how it said you’d have the opportunity to present your work as a member of the group?” he continued, “Not to sway you or anything, but The International Medical Research Council Conference is happening a week from now in San Francisco and I got you an invitation slot.” 

I was stunned. It was such a wonderful opportunity. Speaking at this conference had always been a dream of mine.

“You’d be a perfect speaker,” he pleads, “Please, Ariana, just say yes. Not for me, but for yourself.” 

His words struck a chord. In a different world, I’d have said yes without hesitation. 

But in this world, I’m committed to Misha and our marriage. This weekend, our anniversary trip might be a new start for us. It’s a terrible time for me to take a trip without him. 

Even worse since I know I can't take the job. 

“Thank you, Dr. Winchester, for the opportunity,” I replied grimly, my heart sinking, “but I don’t think I can make it this time.” 

There’s a heavy pause before he replies. “That’s a shame.” 

He sounds almost as disappointed as I feel. 

But then he adds, “You know what, I’ll keep your name on the list for now. If you change your mind, give me a call. You’re always welcome.” 

Friday came quickly. Too quickly it seems because on Thursday night, Misha never came home. 

I got one call, less than an hour before we were set to leave for the airport.

“Hey, Ari, something came up and had to sleep at the office last night. I’m sorry, but we’ll have to fly to Miami separately.”

“Oh?” I swallowed, my throat tight. “Is that so?”

A pause.

“Yeah,” he replies casually, as if this is just a small inconvenience. “I know it sucks, and I’m sorry,” he sighed, exasperated. “But I’ll make it all up to you when we get there, okay.” 

My hand tightened around the phone.

 “Okay,” I tried to sound cheerful as I added. “I’ll see you there.”

Closing my phone, I looked at myself in the mirror and forced a smile.   

And then headed to the airport. Alone.

An hour later, I was standing in front of the ticket counter. 

“I'm sorry, ma’am, but I can’t find your boarding details.” The flight attendant explained.

“What? That can't be possible. My husband booked this flight—it’s our anniversary.”

The attendant peered at me sympathetically. “I’ve checked every possible spelling. There’s no Ariana Carter booked for any flight to Miami today or tomorrow.”

“Wait…” I frowned, scrolling. “Just give me a minute. See? Flight 254, seat E3, first class.”

Her face softened. “I’m sorry, ma’am. That seat was transferred to Ms. Sanderson about two hours ago. She picked up her ticket earlier.”

Mavis Sanderson. Misha’s assistant. The blonde woman haunting my marriage.

Flustered, I moved away from the ticket booth to call my husband. 

I wanted to give him one last chance to explain. 

“Ari,” he said quickly, breathless, as if he were walking. “This isn’t a good time. I’m in the middle of something important.”

The way he said it made my stomach sink.

“Misha, please,” I said, forcing my voice to stay steady. “I’m at the airport. There’s a problem…They say there’s no ticket under my name,”

Her laughter taunted me in the background. 

They’re together. 

“Misha,” I whispered, my throat tightening. “It’s our anniversary. This is our anniversary trip.”

He exhaled sharply, like I was exhausting him. “I know. And I’m sorry. But things changed…”

He’s right, things have changed. 

I’ve changed. 

I was done being his fool. 

 ******

It’s surprising how fast a marriage can unravel, how easy it is to pack what remains into a small little box, and head out the door for the last time. 

As I closed the penthouse door for the last time, my phone rang. 

Wiping my eyes, I took a deep breath, and answered.

“Hello, is this Ariana Carter? This is Sharon with Haven Medical Group. I’m calling to see if you are still considering our offer.”

“Yes, I have considered your offer, and I’m ready to accept. I can be in San Francisco by tomorrow...”