Why are you home so early? a startled voice called from the bedroom.
Who was calling? Its nearly midnight, Paul asked his wife, puzzled.
Oh just my boss, Alice replied hesitantly. I have to leave for an important work conference.
At this hour? And what conference is it this time? Are you sure its necessary?
Afraid so. Its one of the biggest events in our fieldtop experts, cutting-edge developments. I cant miss it.
But you were just in London for that expo last month. No one else can go?
I dont want to either, but you know how important this is for my career. Ill only be gone two weeks. You understand, right?
Paul frowned. Fine, if its that important Im just getting used to being alone, and I dont like it. Ill miss you.
Me too, love. But the sooner I go, the sooner Ill be back. Then well take a trip somewherejust us! Alice pressed closer.
Alright, Ill manage.
Two days later, Paul helped load her suitcase into the taxi.
Thats itIm off! Love you, dont miss me too much!
Once inside, Alice opened her phone and messaged a familiar number.
*Just left home. See you at the airport soon.*
*Perfect. Waiting in our room. Missed you!* came the reply, dotted with flirtatious emojis.
A sly smile curled her lips as she glanced at her wedding ring. Yet another lie to her devoted husband. Not that she regretted it. Paul was lovely, but dull. Marat, thoughjust thinking of him sent a warm ache through her.
Two weeks of scorching sun, turquoise seas, and passionate nights was exactly what she needed. The conference? A convenient excuse. She knew it was wrong, but reason had lost to desire.
The island was paradise. Lazing on the beach, watching the shimmering waves, Alice reveled in every moment with Marat.
She studied him nowmuscles glistening as he emerged from the water. His damp skin stirred something primal in her. She wanted to drag him back to their room, to lose themselves in each other again.
A pang of melancholy hit. Their time was running out. Shed told Paul she was at a work conference, needing a breakfrom him, though shed never say it aloud.
Divorce wasnt an option yet. Shed need a safety net first.
Marat, do you think we could make this workpermanently?
The broad-shouldered man lounged beside her, draping a towel over his shoulders. His calloused hand traced her knee absently.
If you handle it right. Get a solicitor, dont wing it.
His lack of enthusiasm stung. Shed imagined moving in with him, inseparable at last.
That evening, they dined at a seaside restaurant, toasting their final night. Wine warmed her throat, but her thoughts drifted to Pauland the reckoning awaiting her.
To Alice, Paul was a foolblind, dull, and utterly clueless. But divorce? A messy affair, especially if his mother got involved.
Soon, Ill be free. Then we can be happy, she declared, raising her glass.
Marats smirk faded. Hold onwe never agreed to that.
Her stomach lurched. He was rightthey hadnt.
We had fun, but Im not leaving my family. Wife, two kidsdid I forget to mention?
Alices breath caught. Shed fallen hard for himonly to realise hed never promised her anything.
Want a divorce? Fine, but dont drag me into it. Ive got a third on the way. Time to be a proper family man.
The rest of dinner passed in silence. The next morning, they boarded separate flights.
Dont overthink it, Marat said at the airport. No sane man leaves his wife for his mistress. If youd cheat on him, youd cheat on me. Not my problem.
His kiss on her foreheadonce thrillingnow felt like salt in a wound.
Well talk later, he offered.
No, we wont, she snapped, walking away without a glance.
She hoped hed chase her. He didnt.
Tears burned her throat as the taxi carried her home. The future shed imagined was ash. Shed return to Paul, rebuild what theyd hadanything to avoid being alone.
Her whole life, shed leapt from one relationship to another. Solitude terrified her.
The cab stopped. Dragging her suitcase inside, she steeled herself. Theyd talk, maybe see a therapist. Perhaps she could rekindle what theyd lost.
The bedroom door creaked open.
Youre home early? Pauls startled voice rang out.
Alice shoved past himand froze.
A woman scrambled from their bed, clutching the duvet.
Instinct took over. Alice yanked her to the floor, fists flying until Paul pulled her back.
How dare you! Im working, and you bring some tart home? I hate you both!
The woman fled, dress half-on, as Alice struggled free.
Paul held her until her fury waned.
I thought youd be waiting for me, she spat. Instead, you replace me just like that?
Pauls voice was ice. I know you werent at any conference. Two weeks with Maratso I arranged a surprise of my own.
Her hope for an explanation died. Wordlessly, she packed and left.
Hours later, Alice sobbed into her friend Annies lap.
All couples go through rough patches, Annie soothed. Real love means forgiving.
Alice had sworn shed never tolerate betrayal. Yet here she was, wondering if forgiveness was possible.
By morning, the idea felt less absurd. Theyd both been vile. Were they still the people whod once adored each other?
Ill see him tomorrow, Alice decided.
Good. Youve both had your wake-up call. Next time, Ill be godmother, youll see! Annie laughed.
Alice didnt share her optimism. If Paul had strayed, was love even left to salvage? Yet their life together had been comfortable. Maybe that was enough.
The next day, she knocked, heart pounding.
Paul let her in, wordlessly putting the kettle on.
She longed to reclaim this lifecoming home to him, sharing quiet evenings. But would he even want her now?
Ive thought about it, he said finally. We should try again. We hurt each other, but I think we can make it work.
She stared, stunned.
Taking her hands, he went on, Lets forgive and forget. Start fresh. A bigger house, maybe a baby. No more mistakes.
Tears spilled over as she collapsed into his arms.
Somehow, their bond grew stronger. They talked more, planned futures, vowed never to stray again.
Alice didnt know how long it would last. But for now, theyd fight to keep it alive.
