Youre home earlywhats going on? Her husband appeared in the bedroom doorway, looking startled.
Who was calling? Its nearly midnight, Paul asked his wife, confused.
Oh just my boss, Alice answered hesitantly. I have to leave for an urgent work conference.
At midnight? And what kind of conference is it this time? Are you sure its necessary?
Unfortunately, yes. Its one of the biggest events in our industryI cant miss it. Top experts will be there, new developments
But you were just in Manchester for an exhibition last month. Theres really no one else they can send?
I dont want to go either, but you know how important this is for my career. Ill only be gone for two weeks. You understand, dont you?
Fine, if its really that important Paul frowned. But Ive started getting used to being alone, and I dont like it. Ill miss you terribly.
Me too, darling. But the sooner I go, the sooner Ill be back. And when I return, well take a trip somewherejust the two of us! Alice hugged him tightly.
Alright, Ill try to hold on for those two weeks.
Two days later, Paul helped Alice load her suitcase into a taxi.
Thats it, Im off! Love youdont miss me too much!
As the car pulled away, Alice took out her phone and opened a familiar number in her messages.
Just left home. Be at the airport soon, she typed.
Perfect. Im waiting in our room. Cant wait to see youIve missed you! came the reply, accompanied by flirtatious emojis.
Alice smirked, glancing at her wedding ring. Once again, she had lied to her devoted husband. But she didnt feel an ounce of regret. Paul was a wonderful man, but he had become dull. Mark, on the other hand Just thinking about him sent a thrill through her.
Two weeks of blazing sun, turquoise waters, and passionate nights with her loverthat was what she needed now. The conference was just an excuse to keep Paul in the dark. She knew what she was doing was wrong, but her desires had already overpowered reason.
The island was paradise. Alice lounged on the beach, mesmerised by the shimmering sea, blissfully happy in Marks company.
She watched as he emerged from the water, his toned muscles glistening in the sunlight. The sight of his wet body was intoxicating. She wanted to drag him back to their room and lose herself in him.
A wave of melancholy hit her. These were their final days together. She had told Paul she was attending a work conference and would get some restfrom him, she had secretly thought.
She wasnt planning to file for divorce immediately. She needed a safe landing first, a guarantee that she wouldnt be left with nowhere to go.
Mark, do you think we can make this work after I leave Paul?
The broad-shouldered man sat beside her, draping a towel over his shoulders. He traced her knee with his strong hand before reclining, leaving his palm resting on her.
Itll be fine. Just prepare everything carefully. And get a solicitordont try to handle it alone hoping for the best.
His lack of enthusiasm stung. She had hoped that once she divorced Paul, shed move in with Mark, and theyd spend weeks wrapped up in each other.
That evening, they dined at a restaurant to celebrate their last night in paradise. Alice sipped wine, laughing with Mark, but her thoughts drifted back to her husbandand the difficult conversation waiting for her.
In her eyes, Paul was a fool, blindly in love, a mamas boy too naive to see his wifes infidelity. But divorce could be messy, especially if his mother got involved.
Soon, Ill be free, Ill move in with you, and well be happy, Alice said, raising her glass.
Mark chuckled. Waitthat was never part of the deal.
Alice froze, realising they had never actually discussed it. A cold dread washed over her.
We had a great time, but no, youre not moving in. I have a wife and two kids. Didnt I mention that?
Alice stared, stunned, as the man she had fallen so hard for continued.
If you want to divorce your husband, go ahead. But Im not breaking up my family. Things are fine as they are.
Alice couldnt speak. The rest of the dinner passed in silence. The next day, they headed to the airport.
Alice, dont overthink it. I never promised you anything. This was just a getaway. Besides, my wifes expecting our third childthis has to end. Time to be a proper family man.
Right, she replied flatly, wishing she could tear him apart for the hopes hed crushed.
But he was righthe had never lied. The future she had imagined was just her own fantasy.
The flight home was agony. Her heart ached with disappointment so sharp it was physical.
Youre really not leaving your wife? she finally asked.
Alice, no sane man leaves his family for his mistress. If you cheated on your husband, youd cheat on me. I dont need that drama. My lifes goodwhy ruin it?
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. Usually, it would melt her, but now she wanted to hit him, make him feel even a fraction of her pain.
When they landed, Mark called two taxis.
Alright, Alice, talk soon.
No, we wont, she said coldly, refusing to look at him.
She hoped hed chase after her, but he just shrugged, indifferent. The cars drove off in opposite directions.
Tears of humiliation burned her eyes. The future she had imagined was gone. She had to go home, reconcile with Paul, and salvage their marriage. The thought of being alone terrified her.
Alice had never been singleshe jumped from one relationship to another, never learning to stand on her own. Being alone meant being unloved, abandoned.
The holiday had been unforgettable. But now, she had to face reality: return to her husband, end the affairs that led nowhere. These men were never permanentjust distractions.
The taxi stopped outside her building. She dragged her suitcase inside, rehearsing what shed say to Paul. Maybe they could see a therapist, take a trip, rekindle what theyd lost.
She slid her key into the lock, turned it twice, and pushed the door open.
The sounds from the bedroom struck her like lightning.
Youre home earlywhats going on? Paul appeared, startled.
Alice shoved past him and froze. A woman was in their bed, clutching the duvet.
Instead of crumbling, Alice yanked her to the floor. A scuffle broke out, Paul barely pulling her away.
How dare you! Im working, and you bring some tramp here? I hate you both! she screamed.
The terrified woman scrambled for her clothes and fled.
Paul only released Alice when she went limp.
I know you werent at a conference, he said coldly. You were with Mark. While you were gone, I arranged my own surprise.
His words were brutal. Alice searched his eyes for an explanation, anything to make forgiveness easier.
Silently, she packed her things and left.
An hour later, she sobbed on her friend Emmas lap.
Every marriage has rough patches, Emma soothed. Real love means finding a way back to each other.
Alice had always sworn shed never forgive infidelity. Yet now, the idea didnt seem impossible.
By morning, forgiveness felt less unnatural. They had both been cruel. Were they still the couple who had once promised forever?
Ill see him tomorrow, she decided. Well talk.
The next day, she knocked on Pauls door, heart pounding.
To her shock, he let her in, made tea, and spoke first.
Ive thought about it. We should try again. We hurt each other, but we can rebuild something stronger.
His words stunned her. He took her hands.
Lets forgive and move on. Start freshbuy a bigger place, maybe have a child. No more lies.
Alice burst into tears, collapsing against him.
Their marriage grew stronger after the storm. They talked, planned, and vowed never to stray again.
The lesson was clear: love isnt just passionits choice, forgiveness, and the courage to rebuild.
