He Chose Power, I Chose His Boss

I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the red wine cling to the inside of my glass. It felt like a waste for such a fine drink.

The city buzzed with traffic outside, but inside, all I felt was cold.

"Lissy."

Reuben Slade's voice came from behind me, hesitant.

Today was our fifth wedding anniversary. I'd made sure to book this fancy restaurant, and even wore the dress he loved most. And yet, he was an hour late. He didn't even bother to explain when he finally showed up.

"Mr. Joplin is heading to Arelton tomorrow for a business trip. He needs someone to drink for him," Reuben said, his voice dropping. "He mentioned it'd be good if you could go…"

My hand jerked, and red wine splashed onto the white carpet. The stain looked exactly like the glint of light reflecting off the diamond ring he had slipped onto my finger at our wedding years ago.

"Drinking for him? Do you even hear yourself right now?"

I turned and stared straight into his eyes. Those same eyes that had made me fall for him at first sight now flickered away, unable to hold my gaze.

"Lissy, listen," Reuben said, closing the distance between us like he was going to grab my hand. "Just this once. If you go with him, that project's mine. You know how long I've been waiting for this."

I stepped back, dodging his touch.

That year, he waited two hours outside my dorm in the pouring rain just to bring me a hot bowl of carrot ginger soup. He swore he'd always protect me and shield me from even the tiniest hardship.

"You're seriously asking me to go drinking with another man?" My voice wavered. "Reuben, I'm your wife."

"I know!" he snapped, then caught himself. His tone softened. "But I need this, Lissy. You know I haven't moved up from team lead in five years."

I looked at him, and suddenly it was like I didn't even know him anymore. What happened to that vibrant, full-of-life guy I used to know?

"You've always talked about going to the seaside," Reuben said, insistent. "Once this project's done, we'll go to Mavellea, just us."

I closed my eyes and felt a tear trail down my cheek.

The vows he'd said at our wedding played in my mind. "For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, I will love and cherish you always."

"Alright." I heard myself say. "I'll go."

He let out a relieved breath and turned to get his coat.

I stayed where I was, staring at the dark red stain on the carpet.

Then, it came back to me—how I'd specifically chosen to wear that perfume he bought me before leaving the house this morning. Now, its sickly sweet scent was making me nauseous.