My wife used to travel for work once a month, and she always brought me back a little something. On her 99th trip, she came home with a single flower from Savannah. Since you can’t check flowers as luggage, she carried it in her hands the whole time—through two connecting flights—just to bring it home. “Spring starts early down there,” Sophia murmured, “I couldn’t wait for you to see it.” But a minute before she walked through the door, a text popped up from an unknown number: “Your wife went to Savannah with her boyfriend this month.” The photo that came with it showed Sophia and Vincent kissing under those old oak trees. As soon as she went to shower, I threw the flower in the trash. Staring at my computer screen, I dialed a number I hadn’t called in three years: “Dad, I messed up. I’m leaving Sophia.” They say marriages without family support rarely work out. That wedding three years ago? Probably a mistake. Now it was time to cut my losses. “Babe, can you send that file to Alex for me? It’s on my phone.” “Sure.” Only after I answered did Sophia turn on the shower and step in. Her phone was on the table. Sophia never cared if I looked at her phone—she even told me to check it whenever I wanted. I typed in my birthday and unlocked the screen. After sending the file, my eyes drifted to Vincent’s name in the messages. The chat history was all business. Sophia was too careful to leave anything suspicious. I clicked on Vincent’s social media profile. His most recent post was a photo of two hands clasped together under an ancient oak tree. [She took me to Savannah, just like I always wanted.] This post was definitely hidden from coworkers and me. There was only one comment from a mutual friend: *Was that your beautiful mystery girl who took you? Vincent replied: Yep. Two weeks ago, an unknown number texted me, saying my so-called devoted wife was cheating. Since then, I’d been getting daily proof of Sophia’s affair. Turns out her monthly business trips were actually romantic getaways with Vincent. They’d seen oceans, snow, and the northern lights—kissing and cuddling all over the world. I had the photos authenticated; they weren’t faked. Sophia, Vincent, and I went to high school together, though I never really talked to Vincent much. Then one day, Sophia said Vincent was applying to be her assistant. Since he was an old classmate, I told her to hire him. Never thought I’d be letting the fox into the henhouse. Scrolling through more of Vincent’s social media, he posted travel photos every month—each caption hinting at his secret lover. [Life’s best adventures are half the journey, half you.] [Falling in love as the sun goes down.] [Checking off bucket list destinations with my person.] Every location matched Sophia’s “business trip” cities—and lined up perfectly with those anonymous texts. Some photos showed a woman’s silhouette. Her face was blurry, but I’d recognize Sophia anywhere. On top of that, Vincent was showing off jewelry, fancy watches, and designer stuff. Turns out the gifts Sophia gave me? He got similar ones too. Three years into our marriage, this perfect partner—so attentive, so admired by everyone—had really cheated on me. Memories of Sophia and me together flashed through my mind like a movie reel. All those sweet words and hugs now felt like thorns digging into my chest. I glanced at the project proposal next to me—I hadn’t slept well in two days because of it. Suddenly, I felt arms wrap around me from behind. Her hands locked tightly around my waist. Sophia nuzzled into my neck, her voice muffled: “What are you thinking about?” “Babe, I missed you so much while I was gone.” I didn’t say anything. Just thinking about her being with someone else made me sick to my stomach. “What’s wrong? Your eyes look red.” Sophia could tell I was off. She turned me around gently, looking worried. I shook my head, fanning my burning eyes: “Just stressed lately. Work’s been overwhelming.” Sophia knelt down, noticing the proposal by my hand. Her voice was soft and hopeful: “Once this project hits, we’ll go to Iceland to see the northern lights like we planned—really unwind.” She brushed her fingers over the file like it was something precious. Then she looked up at me, eyes shining: “Our hard work’s gonna pay off, right?” Sophia… How can you plan a future with me while traveling the world holding another man’s hand? I managed a weak nod. She stood up, her thumb brushing my lips. After a second, her voice got a little rough: “The doctor said… your stomach’s been acting up lately. You need more rest.” She leaned in to kiss me, but I couldn’t handle it. I spun around and ran to the bathroom, dry-heaving. Sophia followed, panicking. She rubbed my back, worried: “Once this project settles down, we’ll take a real vacation. You’re pushing yourself too hard.” She thought my stomach issues were flaring up again. She had no idea I was planning to walk away from this project we’d both poured our hearts into.
“You’re certain you want to terminate the ‘Daybreak’ project and start the equity split process?” The lawyer set down the papers, looking at me like I was crazy. I stared through the glass door. Sophia was on the phone, a soft smile on her face. Anger and sadness twisted in my chest. “Yep.” I looked back at him, steady. “Does Ms. Sophia know? She seems really invested in this project. Her company’s swamped, but she makes every key meeting.” Sophia built her company from nothing. By thirty, she was running an industry leader. She was in financial news all the time—even the lawyer recognized her. Everyone admired her, and everyone knew this brilliant CEO was head over heels for her husband. “It’s my call. Please don’t tell her yet.” The lawyer sighed and kept talking, but I tuned him out. A marriage built on lies, a business partnership built on deceit—it was all going to crash. Why keep dragging it out? That day, Sophia took the day off and got up early. She thought I was still asleep and tiptoed into the kitchen. Between work stress and everything else, I’d been sleeping poorly. When she left the room, I opened my eyes, watching the sky lighten through the window while listening to the quiet sounds from the kitchen. When she came back, I closed my eyes again. Sophia gently squeezed my cheek: “Rise and shine.” I hadn’t been eating well, so Sophia even signed up for cooking classes. I barely cooked after we married. She’d leave work half an hour early just to make me dinner. Her employees always joked she was whipped. “Still got it, right? Made all your favorites.” Sophia was wearing an apron, looking proud. Before I could answer, her phone rang on the table. She grabbed it fast, but I still saw “Vincent” on the caller ID. Sophia answered, all business: “Got it, I’ll be right there.” She hung up and turned to me, apologetic: “Work emergency. Sorry I can’t stay for breakfast. Take it easy after eating, and rest if you need to. I’ll probably miss lunch, but I’ll order you something. Call me if you need anything. I’ll pick you up tonight for the reunion.” I’d almost forgotten about the high school reunion tonight. Before leaving, Sophia came over, smoothed the crease between my brows, and kissed my forehead: “Don’t look so down.” See? She was a pro. Could lie straight to my face before running off to her other guy. The door clicked shut, and the breakfast in my mouth turned to ash. I got up and scraped it all into the trash. Spoiled things belong in the garbage. Trying to stomach them only makes you sick. People are no different. That evening, Sophia came to pick me up. She didn’t open the passenger door like usual. Instead, she told me to get in the back. When I saw Vincent in the front seat, I hesitated. Sophia cleared her throat, nervous: “Vincent’s going to the reunion too. Thought we’d carpool since we’re going the same way.” “He gets carsick… does better up front.” Vincent smiled, all innocence: “Liam, mind if I ride up front? You haven’t been feeling great, and the back’s roomier.” His watch glinted—the exact same model as mine. I nodded, got in, and quietly took off my watch. She leaned back to buckle my seatbelt. From this angle, I could see a faint mark under her collar. It hadn’t been there this morning. The whole ride, listening to them laugh and chat, my head started pounding.
“Well, well, look who showed up!” “If it isn’t our class’s power couple!” Sophia and I walked in holding hands, and our old classmates started teasing right away. Her pursuit of me back then was legendary—even teachers knew about it. But since we both got good grades, they mostly looked the other way. Sophia switched colleges just to be with me and started her business freshman year—all to prove she was good enough. It was high school lore. Right before graduation, I finally gave in to her persistence. I still remember the night I said yes—Sophia cried so hard, swearing: “Liam, I’ll only ever love you. Forever.” There were three empty seats in a row. At first, I sat to Sophia’s left, Vincent to her right. She frowned a little, then said softly: “Babe, let’s switch seats.” That got everyone teasing again: “Look at Sophia being careful—she knows Vincent’s single, so she won’t sit next to him.” “Liam, what’s your secret? After all these years, she’s still head over heels.” “They’re always posting couple stuff online—it’s sickeningly sweet!” Sophia laughed: “I just adore my husband!” She looked at me, eyes all gooey. Everyone bought it—hook, line, and sinker. Only I knew her love, like those gifts, was split right down the middle. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Vincent’s mouth twitch. He shot Sophia a look—half annoyed, half something else. “Vincent’s girl spoils him too! Check out that watch—she got it for him.” Someone pointed out, and the chatter started up again. Vincent touched his wrist, glanced at me, and ground out: “She treats me like a king. Takes me traveling every month, buys me more stuff than I know what to do with. The other day I mentioned wanting to retire in Miami someday, and she bought a house there on the spot. This watch? Limited edition—only ten in the whole world.” Ten in the world. Sophia bought two of them. “Whoa, Vincent’s girl’s keeping up with Sophia! When we gonna meet her?” “Oh, definitely soon.” Vincent gave Sophia this sappy look. She ignored him, just kept putting food on my plate. Halfway through dinner, Sophia stepped out for a call. A minute later, Vincent said he was going to the bathroom. I followed. By chance, I heard them talking in the stairwell. Vincent grabbed her by the neck, voice tight: “You just can’t quit him, can you? We’ve been hooking up for two years.” Sophia warned him: “As long as you don’t push Liam’s buttons, as long as he never finds out, I’ll keep you happy. You know if he leaves me, I’ll lose it.” “Fine.” Vincent stared at her, then grinned: “Good news though—I’m on the core team for the Daybreak project now.” My stomach dropped. I went cold all over, like someone dumped ice water on me. Sophia froze, then narrowed her eyes. She grabbed his chin: “He approved that? Then why the hell did you show up here today? You want him to find out and blow your new gig?” “Aw, come on—I just missed you.” Vincent nuzzled her neck. Sophia half-smiled and ran her hand through his hair. In the dim stairwell light, they kissed like they meant it. I watched, pressed against the wall, struggling to breathe. My hands shook. My phone buzzed in my pocket. It was the lawyer. [Docs ready. Sign Saturday.]
Saturday morning. I handed Sophia two papers: “Daybreak project addendums. Need both signatures.” Sophia took my hand, grinning: “Project’s not even launched and you’re already on the paperwork?” “Investor requirements. Terms look good.” I smiled. She stared at me, softening: “You’re so handsome when you smile. More of that.” She picked up the papers to read, but I stopped her: “I checked ’em. All good.” She ruffled my hair: “Gotta be careful. What if there’s a catch?” My heart raced as she flipped to the next page. Her phone rang. I heard Vincent’s voice through the line. Sophia walked to the balcony, listening. She came back, rushed: “Work emergency. Gotta go.” She signed without reading. “Sophia.” I called as she headed for the door. “Hmm?” “Remember what you said at our wedding?” “If I ever cheated, you’d leave me without looking back.” “That’s right.” I smiled. Sophia crossed her arms, smirking: “Testing me? I remember every word.” She grabbed the doorknob, hesitated, then hugged me tight: “I don’t know why I’m so on edge today. But I meant it—only you, forever. Wait up for me, okay?” I nodded. She exhaled and left. Once I heard her car start, I opened the folder. “Divorce Agreement” stared back at me. Ten years—from high school sweethearts to this. Our story was over. I packed my bags for the movers, then donated everything Sophia gave me—even the fancy gear for the Daybreak project. When we first planned Daybreak, Sophia dragged me to office tours and equipment shopping every free minute. She bought everything—startup to expansion. I told her she was overspending. She just laughed: “So? Our baby deserves the best.” We were both so excited. That project was supposed to be our future. Everything squared away. I left the divorce papers on the coffee table and walked out. On the way, that unknown number texted again—with a photo: [Wonder who Sophia really cares about—you or Vincent?] The photo showed Sophia and Vincent at some fancy restaurant terrace. She was dabbing his mouth with a napkin, same soft look she gave me earlier. Guess she didn’t notice her heart had already picked sides. [Sophia and I are divorced. I’m out of the project. Stop texting. Hope you two work well together.] I hit send and blocked the number. No one stays a secret forever. I knew it was Vincent from the first text. On my way to the lawyer’s, Dad texted—him and Mom were picking me up. Stepping into the elevator, I saw them through the glass—Sophia holding Vincent’s hand, walking out of that Michelin place next door. She saw me too. She dropped his hand and ran across the lobby. “Liam!”
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