The Ex-wife He Can't Replace

Caroline

The candles on the cake had burned halfway. I sat by the table, waiting patiently for Nate. He was supposed to be here. He should have taken a day off since today was our anniversary. I yawned, my eyes barely still. I couldn't stop the frequent pounds of my heart each time I looked towards the wall clock. 11:30. Once it's 12 and my husband is not back, I would cry and get sad. I did my best, I baked the best cake ever, I arranged Confettis, balloons, baked snacks. I’d been looking forward to this day, most especially, planning in my head for months during meetings in the office. 

My phone laid on the table. I had called a thousand times but it went to his business partner’s cheerful voice mail greeting, Serena, and not his assistant. Strange. 

I took a deep breath, my thumb hovered over the screen. If I called again, I'd sound so pathetic. So I set it down and folded my hands in my lap. Deep down, I was scared that if he'd answered angrily, it meant I interrupted something important at his workplace. 

Headlights swept across the window and a slow smile creased upon my lips. I knew it was him. I smoothed my dress and sat up straighter. My legs were shaking due to anticipation. The door opened and he walked in, the scent of his cologne emanated the air. 

“Caroline?” He paused by the doorway. 

God, I would have preferred ‘Baby.’

“You're still up?”

I didn't answer right away, watching him walk towards me, his suit jacket slung over his shoulder. He stopped when he saw the cake. 

“I'm sorry.” I finally stood up. “The cake candles melted down.” I rubbed my neck. It dripped into the frosting. “Do–do you like it?”

“Oh, god.” He dragged a hand down his hair, and face. “I'm so sorry. I totally forgot.”

“No. It's good.” 

“No, it's not. It's our anniversary and I missed it.” He sat down on the chair, dropping his briefcase and loosening his tie. “We had an issue at work today. I couldn't leave. Serena and I had been stressed.”

“You should have called, just to say you'd be late.”

“I know, I should have.” A soft, tired breath left his lip and he grabbed my hand. “Sorry for stressing you. I'll make it up to you. I'll create time for us, anything you want, where you want to go, just tell me.”

I just wanted a little of his time. He missed dinner for the fifth time this week. 

“Okay.” I chuckled and reached for the knife on the table, ready to say something. “I'm sorry about that but tonight—”

His phone buzzed and the screen lit up. He immediately flipped the screen down, but not fast enough. 

“What was that?”

“Uh, nothing serious, Caroline.” 

But I saw it. I was quick enough to feed my eyes with the message. It was from Serena. She asked if he was busy, that she needed him right now at her place to sign an important deal before tomorrow. 

I wasn't supposed to feel this way, insecure. I blinked, it's just work. I repeated in my head. She's just a business colleague. Nothing else. Nate…love me. 

I cut a slice of cake and served it to him on a plate with a fork. “Happy third anniversary to us.” My voice came out low. 

He smiled. “Thank you.”

He took a bite, eyes glued to his screen. I was waiting for him to compliment or give a critique of the cake. He pressed the phone to his ear, I heard Serena's voice and the way his eyes glowed as he laughed. 

I wished he had put that energy into us. She's been his friend since high school. Her parents were rich, same social status with Nate. She's the COO of Meridian company, in a joint alliance with Nate's. 

He shot to his feet and cleared his throat. “Caroline, I'm sorry, I have to go back to the office.”

My chest burned. “What? At midnight?” The time was 12. I put my blood, sweat and tears in this arrangement. 

“It's work.” He slipped his phone into his pocket. “I promise to make it up to you.” He closed the gap between us and hugged me. 

No. No. This isn't supposed to happen this way. I could feel tears from my eyes. 

“Please, don't go yet. It's been a while since we spent time with each other.”

He rubbed my shoulder. “The cake was amazing. I already told you I'd make it up. Just tell me anything you want. I'd get it.”

I rubbed my sweaty fingers. He always did that, paid in promises and jewelry instead of presence. I wanted him to sit and eat. To look at me instead of his phone. 

I looked down at the cake between us. “Do you want another slice before you go?” My eyes flicked to his plate. “You barely even touched your slice.” My shoulders dropped with disappointment. 

He didn't respond. He was still on his screen. I caught him smiling and walking slowly towards the door. It's Serena. She's the reason he smiles and laugh. It made me doubt. Was I not enough for him? He walked towards the door. 

“I'll be heading towards the office now. If I can get the work finalized tonight, I won't have to worry about it through the weekend, then it's just us.”

He gave a nod before leaving. I stood there, feeling so stupid and sat back slowly. There was no more appetite to eat. This can't keep happening. I suspected he's having an affair with her. I saw her message where she said they should meet at her place and why did he tell me office?

Why's Nate not been honest? 

After all, he's the CEO. He had his own COO and a P.A to look through matters if he wasn't there. I would have been happy if he just sacrificed this night for us. 

I sniffed and wiped my tears.  I began to clear the table.

This would be the last anniversary dinner I ever made for him.