Waking in the dead of night, Evelyn felt an emptiness beside her. Bewildered, she reached out, hoping to feel the familiar warmth of her husband, William.
But sleep did not return, and William, it seemed, had no intention of rejoining her in bedfifteen minutes had passed. Her heart pounded uneasily, and she sat up, staring into the darkened room. What if something had happened? Had he taken ill?
She tried to calm herself, reasoning that perhaps he had simply woken from restlessness and busied himself with work. Yet unease clung to her.
Unwilling to fret needlessly, Evelyn rose carefully from the bed and, quietly opening the bedroom door, tiptoed toward the kitchen. Approaching, she froze a few steps short.
She heard her husbands voice. He was on the phone. The speaker was loud enough for her to make out the other voiceor rather, the womans voice.
*”Yes, darling, Ive already booked the tickets to Spain,”* Williams voice rang out, laced with anticipation. *”Well have an unforgettable time together. No one will ever know.”*
Evelyn felt the ground slip from beneath her. Her world shattered in an instant. Each word, each phrase struck her like a blade, sharp and merciless.
So many years together, so many shared plans, joys, and sorrows endured side by side. How could he?
Evelyn turned back to the bedroom. Lying in the dark, she felt hot tears trace her cheeks. Her heart ached, torn between anger, hurt, and bitter disappointment.
At last, resolve steadied her. She rose, walked to the wardrobe, and began packing his belongings into a suitcase.
When William stepped back into the bedroom, he found her with the case and blinked in confusion.
*”Whats going on?”*
Evelyn lifted her eyes to his, brimming with sorrow yet steeled.
*”Ive packed your suitcase,”* she said evenly. *”So you can take it with you to Spain.”*
*”What are you talking about?”* He forced a nervous smile.
*”Dont pretend, William. I heard your call in the kitchen.”*
His hands trembled, his composure fraying. He opened his mouth to speak, but Evelyn stopped him.
*”You can pack the rest yourself. For now, take this and go to a hotelor wherever you please. And after your holiday, I dont want to see you here again.”*
That night, Evelyns life changed forever.
As William left, she lay back down, knowing sleep would not come. One thought consumed her: everything would be different now. No more illusions, no more pain of betrayal. She was, at last, free.
What do you thinkdid Evelyn do the right thing? Or should she have stayed silent? Share your thoughts below!
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