“The Business Trip” with a Hint of Betrayal: The Note That Changed Everything
David came home exhausted after a gruelling day at work. Tossing his briefcase by the door, he walked into the kitchen, where his wife, Sophie, was frying sausages.
“I’ve been sent on a business trip tomorrow,” he said flatly. “Pack a bag for me.”
Sophie turned, frowning in disbelief.
“Nobody else available? Bit odd, isn’t it—a trip over the weekend?”
David didn’t answer. He just shrugged and went to change.
The next day, he left. Two days later, he returned. The flat was silent. No Sophie, no son. It was evening—they should have been home.
“Strange,” David thought, hanging up his coat.
He pulled out his phone and dialled Sophie’s number. No answer. He was about to try again when he spotted a folded piece of paper on the kitchen table. A note. The handwriting was neat, calm, but with every word, panic tightened his chest.
*Dave. Don’t look for us. I’m tired of the half-truths, the distance, the lies. Jack’s come with me to my mum’s. We need time. Don’t call. If you love us—give us space.*
He read it again and again. His heart sank. He slumped onto a chair, staring blankly. Fragments of the past few weeks flashed through his mind…
The new boss had appeared without warning. Replacing the respected, long-serving Mr. Thompson was a sharp, confident woman—Janet Ward. Rumours said she’d been appointed through connections, but no one dared say it aloud.
At the first meeting, Janet made it clear she tolerated no nonsense. Discipline. Deadlines. No slackers. David arrived two minutes late—and earned an icy glare.
“Take notes,” she said, her voice like a blade. “There won’t be a second chance.”
Three weeks passed. Everyone adjusted. David kept his head down. Then, one day, he was called into her office.
“Your work is solid,” Janet said, twirling a pen. “Why haven’t you moved up?”
“Dunno,” he admitted.
“There’s a key exhibition in London this Friday. You’ll attend. Evaluate the equipment. If it goes well…” She paused. “…we’ll discuss a promotion.”
His stomach twisted. He’d promised Jack a trip to the park this weekend. And Sophie—she’d see right through it.
But he went.
And, of course, Janet was in the same train carriage. Dressed casually but elegantly, she almost looked… human.
“Relax. I don’t bite,” she smiled. “This trip will be good for you.”
They talked the whole way. At the hotel, their rooms were side by side. He wondered if it was a coincidence.
Then, a knock at his door. Janet stood there—champagne in one hand, chocolates in the other.
“May I?” she murmured.
It happened fast. The champagne, the laughter, the lingering touch… A kiss he didn’t refuse.
Coming home, he sensed something was off. Sophie was distant. Then—she found the lipstick on his collar.
“What’s this?” Her voice was quiet, terrifyingly calm. “I knew it wasn’t just a business trip.”
Shouting. Tears. David stayed silent. That night, he slept on the sofa.
The next day—the note on the table.
He stood, paper trembling in his hands. Tears welled up. He hadn’t meant for any of this. But it was done.
At work, he fell back into routine. Janet acted as if nothing had happened—cool, professional. When she offered another trip, he shook his head.
“Sorry. I can’t. Promised my son. Someone else can go.”
Her brow arched. “You realise this could cost you everything?”
“I know. I’ve already cost myself too much.”
He walked out without looking back.
That weekend, he took Jack to the park. Bought him ice cream. Rode the carousel. Watched him laugh. For the first time in months—peace.
Someone else got the promotion. And though Sophie didn’t return straight away, after a month, they started talking. Slowly. Like adults.
David never confused career with family again.
