After years of marriage, Claire thought she knew everything about her husband, Michael, until a company party invitation revealed the devastating truth about the life he’d been hiding from her. But Michael’s world crumbled before she could even plan her revenge. I’m 35 and have been married to my husband, Michael, for six years.
For most of our marriage, I thought we had a good life together. He worked long hours at a consulting firm, and I understood that. Success required sacrifice, and I was proud of how hard he worked to provide for us.
One particular Friday evening felt no different from any other. We were curled up on our worn leather couch in the living room, sharing a bowl of popcorn while watching an action movie on his laptop. Then an email notification popped up in the corner of the screen.
“Dear Michael, we are delighted to invite you to our annual company party! This year’s theme is ‘Black and Gold.’ You are welcome to bring +1 (your wife or partner). Address…”
My heart leaped.
Finally! After years of Michael attending these company events alone, I was actually being invited. I gasped and turned to him with excitement, already imagining what I’d wear, what his colleagues would be like, and how wonderful it would be to finally see his work world up close.
“Oh, Michael. This is so exciting!” I said, practically bouncing on the couch. “I’d love to go with you.
It would mean so much to finally meet your colleagues.”
But when I looked at his face, my enthusiasm died. The glow from the laptop screen highlighted his features, and his expression had turned dark, almost angry. He closed the laptop with more force than necessary.
“Honey, trust me, you don’t want to go,” he said, wetting his lips. “It’s boring. Just charts, numbers, endless speeches.
I’ll go, nod to my boss, and be back in a few hours.”
The disappointment hit me like a physical blow. “But Michael, the invitation specifically mentioned bringing your wife, and that it’s a party, not a business meeting. Why wouldn’t you want me there?”
He sighed and rubbed his temples.
“Because I know these things, Claire. You’d be asleep in ten minutes. Trust me, you’re better off at home.”
Something in his tone made me back down, but the hurt lingered.
After six years of marriage, didn’t he want to show me off? Didn’t he want to share that part of his life with me? Still, I forced a smile and nodded, not wanting to push the issue.
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
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