Anniversary plans ruined

LYNETTE'S POV

“Gabrielle, it's almost 5 pm,” I said, trying not to sound annoyed. “Why aren't you here yet?”

“Sorry Lyn,” She said in a playful tone. “I'm almost at your studio.”

“You said that twenty minutes ago,”

I knew she was lying. She muttered something, and I could picture her biting her lower lip.

“Seriously Gabrielle, I told you I need to get home before Nicholas does.”

I sighed, “Maybe I'll just go with my plans.”

“No, Lyn,” she said quickly. “Ten minutes. I promise I'll be there in ten minutes.”

I thought for a second, “Fine. Ten minutes, then I'm leaving.”

“Yes ma'am,” she said.

I rolled my eyes and ended the call.

My name is Lynette Evans, a successful fashion designer. I can't say the same for marriage. I have been married to Nicholas for three years, and it hasn't been what I imagined it to be. Our marriage was barely six months when my husband started cheating. It was like he wasn't the same man I dated.

I keep trying my best to fix that, but it's not working, and walking out isn't an option.

It's our anniversary today. Nicholas doesn't care about it, but someone has to. So I'm planning something special for the evening, and Gabrielle said she had an idea to make it even better.

“I'm here,” Gabrielle said, walking into my office with her heels clicking loudly on the floor.

“Finally,” I said, glaring at her.

“Happy anniversary,” she smiled sheepishly and dropped a small shopping bag on my table.

I gave her a small smile and then opened the bag to see what was inside.

My smile faltered as I brought out the small fabric. “A lingerie?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, “Really? This was your better idea?”

“Yes Lyn. Your plans wouldn't be complete without it.” She relaxed on the chair and crossed her legs. “I'm pretty sure you're always wearing pyjamas to bed every night.”

“You need to make Nicholas want to get into your pants,” she said, admiring her manicure.

I scrunched my face at her last words. Though she's right, Nicholas and I haven't had sex since like forever, and God knows I really want a baby.

“This will be like dessert after dinner.” She said and winked.

I gave her a look, then sighed. I don't usually wear this, I'll probably be uncomfortable in them, but I'm willing to do anything as long as it makes my marriage alive again. Especially the intimacy part.

“Are you sure this is going to work, Gab?”

She leaned forward and whispered “Trust me, Lyn. It will.”

********************

Traffic was slow as I drove home, My grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel. I was getting a little anxious, which is unlike me. I really need things to go well tonight.

I glanced at the shopping bag beside me and whispered to myself, “This better work, Gabrielle.”

I relaxed a little when I pulled into the driveway and didn't see Nicholas’s car parked there.

I stepped out of my car and walked towards the entrance, getting a little excited as I was already starting with the plans in my head, cooking dinner, lighting candles, and all.

The house was quiet as usual, making my heels click louder on the floor. As I took off my shoes, I noticed something unusual on the couch, a lady's handbag and blazer on the armrest, clearly not mine.

I froze for a second, my mind racing with confusion.

I walked towards the bag to take a look, and then I heard a faint sound. I paused mid-step.

“I didn't see Nicholas’s car. Who could be here?” I whispered.

I swallowed hard and walked slowly, following the sound down the hallway. I was breathing heavily, praying silently that it's not what I'm thinking.

The sound was louder when I got to our bedroom door. I paused there. It was a woman moaning.

I stood there for a moment, my hand hesitating over the doorknob. I thought of walking away and pretending I never heard this, I didn't want to believe things had gotten so bad between us that Nicholas would now bring other women into our home.

I breathed in and opened the door slowly.

The ground seemed to shift underneath me when I saw my husband on top of another woman, on our bed, the same bed he wouldn't even hold me on.

I put my hand over my mouth and walked in, each step heavier than the last.

He was breathing unevenly as he moved faster in and out of her. The woman was moaning and dipping her nails into his back.

That must hurt, but Nicholas didn't seem to care.

My chest tightened painfully that I wished I hadn't walked in that door, more painful from being jealous of this woman.

Nicholas was so lost in pleasure that he didn't even notice me coming in. He probably won't know if the world is crumbling right now.

“Nicholas?” I breathed his name before I even realised it.

He froze. His head turned to the door in an instant.

The woman underneath him gasped and quickly pushed him.

He looked surprised at first, then it turned into anger as he slowly got off her.

“Why are you home so early?” He asked, looking irritated, like I was the unpleasant sight here.

The words hit me like a hard slap. I wasn’t sure which hurt more, the sight I walked in on or the question he just asked.

I stared at him in disbelief. I thought I must have misheard.

I let out a low, humorless laugh. I had no words.

The woman was pulling the sheets to cover her chest as she kept her head down. It was obvious she didn't want to meet my eyes, so I kept my gaze on her and walked closer to the bed.

She slowly lifted her face and looked back down immediately when she saw me walking towards her.

I paused. I recognised that face instantly, I've seen it many times.

Maya, Nicholas’s assistant.

I scoffed, “You?”

I turned to look at my husband, “Your assistant? Really?”

He didn't say a word. He just stared at me coldly. There was no guilt in his eyes, only anger.

He reached for his clothes and started putting on his pants.

Tears were welling up in my eyes, but I blinked them back. I can't let her see me miserable.

I steadied my voice and turned back to Maya, “Leave. Now.” I said, pointing toward the door.

She quickly got off the bed and wrapped the sheets around her naked body.

She picked up her clothes with trembling hands and rushed out the door without saying a word.

When the door closed behind her, I closed my eyes and breathed in, trying to keep myself composed.

Nicholas sat at the edge of the bed, buttoning his shirt with steady hands like he didn't just trample over my heart.

I walked to stand in front of Nicholas.

“In our home…” I said softly. “In our bed.”

He kept quiet. He didn’t look at me either.

“And today…” My voice cracked “Today of all days.”

He paused and finally looked at me. His expression was blank.

“It's our anniversary, Nicholas,” I said when he refused to say anything. “Did you forget that?”

He sighed as if I'm frustrating him. “Maybe I did. And even if I did remember, what difference would it make?”

I stared at him, stunned. “Is that all you have to say to me?”

“Nicholas, I walked in on you sleeping with your assistant,” I said, my voice tightening on each word “on the day of our anniversary. And that's all you could say?”

“Honestly, I wish you hadn’t walked in when you did.” he said flatly.

I clenched my fists at my side, struggling to keep my cool. “Why do you keep doing this? Why do you keep betraying me again and again?”

It was like my words had no effect on him.

He stood up slowly, put his hands in his pockets, and looked straight at me. His expression was firm, and that scared me.

“Then let's open the marriage,” he said without hesitation. “That way, it won't be a betrayal each time this happens.”

The words hit me like ice was suddenly poured all over my body.

“What…" What did you just say?” I asked like I didn't really hear him.

“I said we should open the marriage, Lynette,” He repeated the words calmly.

He moved closer, speaking softly now, “We both don't want a divorce. Everything else works perfectly with us.”

“And you’re already living with it, so I want to make it fair. Give you freedom, too.” He said, rubbing my hair back gently as if soothing a child.

“An open marriage?” I whispered.

“Yes, Lynette.” He said simply. “I think it’s the best thing we can do now.”

I stepped away from him and held my forehead. The room was spinning slightly.

I didn't respond. I had no more words.

He put his hands back in his pockets and walked out without sparing me another glance.