Thomas and I had a good marriage, not perfect but real, with late talks and funny breakfast flops. Our first year was special, so I planned our anniversary meticulously, perfecting a duck recipe and buying a tie he’d loved. In my best dress, I set a glowing table, excited. Then Thomas called. “I’m at the airport,” he said. “Work crisis.” My heart fell. “It’s our anniversary,” I said. He promised to fix it later, but I felt let down, eyeing the table for two. I chose a relaxing bath over sadness, but the doorbell rang. Dripping in a towel, I accepted a box from a delivery man, marked anonymous, hoping Thomas sent a sweet surprise.
Inside was a cake, but its message stopped me cold: “Time to get divorced!” A note said, “Hope you take it like he did. XOXO.” Was this a cruel joke? Then Gloria, my mother-in-law, called, asking, “How’s the ring?” I hadn’t gotten a ring—Thomas always gave gifts early, but not today. “It’s stunning,” I lied, suspicion rising. She said Thomas was at our old romantic hotel, urging me to join him. The cake, note, and missing ring screamed trouble. I booked a flight, mind racing—was Thomas betraying me? I rushed to the airport, doubts heavy, barely catching the plane, my resolve firm but shaken.
At the hotel, I got his room and knocked, heart thumping. A striking brunette opened the door, smirking in a sleek dress. “Thomas is showering,” she said, his clothes nearby. Anger surged, and I smashed the cake in her face, icing everywhere. She yelled, falling. I stormed to the bathroom, ready for Thomas, but saw Gloria, sipping champagne, smirking. “You surprised me,” she said, confessing she sent the cake to break us up, pushing her model friend Alicia for Thomas. I showed my phone, revealing I’d called Thomas, leaving it on. His furious voice echoed, promising to meet me. Gloria’s smugness vanished.
I left, mocking Alicia’s frosting-covered look. In the lobby, Thomas arrived, shocked. “My mom’s crazy,” he said. Over dinner, we calmed down. He gave me a ring, his real gift, and I teased about the tie waiting home, warning against anniversary trips. We laughed, reclaiming our bond. Gloria’s scheme flopped, and I’d proven my strength. She might plot again, but I was ready, knowing our love could withstand her games.
