So, get thisI open up the wardrobe in our hotel room and find a dress tucked away in my husbands suitcase, and let me tell you, I have never seen that dress before in my life. Its made of silk, a deep navy blue, and its folded with such care between his shirts. Theres even a little note from a boutique right next to it.
Normally, Im not the snoopy type, but this was so obviously not mine. We were staying at this fancy hotel for his companys annual galaone of those places with glittering mirrors along the corridor, carpets you basically sink into, and the whole place smells like posh dinners and champagne floating up from the restaurant downstairs.
I glance at the dress again. The tag says its a size smaller than what I wear.
Right then, Daniel walks into the room, loosening his tie.
You not ready yet? he asks, completely casual.
At that moment, Im holding the dress in both hands.
He stops dead in his tracksfrozen, even if its just for a split second. But its enough.
Whose dress is this? I ask, as evenly as I can manage.
He starts slowly coming closer.
Its not what you think.
Which, lets face it, always means exactly what you think.
Youve bought a dress for someone, I say quietly. And that someones definitely not me.
Daniel lets out a big sigh.
Sophie, dont start making a scene. Weve got to be downstairs in a bit.
I see. So the dramas the issue here, not the dress, I reply, keeping my voice calm.
He glances over at the doorlike maybe the hallway could come to his rescue.
Its a present.
For who?
He doesnt answer right away, and lets be honest, that says it all.
The room goes totally silent except for the faint hum of the air conditioning.
How longs it been going on? I ask.
He just shakes his head, Sophie
How long?
It doesnt matter.
I look down at the dress againthe fabrics cool, smooth, expensive.
So, shell be wearing it tonight?
He says nothing.
To the same event, while I sit right next to you?
Daniel presses his lips together, at a total loss.
It wasnt supposed to be like this.
But it is.
I fold the dress back into his suitcase, zip it up neatly.
Who is she?
A colleague.
Of course.
I grab my bag off the bed and start putting on my shoes.
Where are you going? he asks, sort of in disbelief.
To the party.
His face is almost comically confused.
Really?
Absolutely.
I open our hotel room door.
Im quite curious to see wholl be wearing that dress.
Ten minutes later, we step into the grand ballroomcrystal chandeliers everywhere, music drifting through the air, everyone decked out for the night.
At one of the tables sits a young woman with long, blonde hair. And yes, shes wearing that same navy blue dress.
She sees us come in and smiles ever so slightly at Daniel. Thats the moment it clicks. This isnt some hidden affair kept in dark corners. Looks like everybody else already knows.
I walk over to their table. The woman carries herself with absolute confidence.
Hello, she says.
I eye her dress.
It suits you.
She beams, even wider.
Thank you.
Daniel stands next to me like hes bracing for a thunderstorm.
I slip my wedding ring off and place it on the table next to his glass.
Gifts always tell the truth, I say quietly, just sometimes they end up in the wrong hands.
And with that, I turn and walk out of the room.
As I leave, I can hear whispers and the scraping of chairs behind me. Oddly enough, though, for the first time in ages I didnt feel embarrassedjust free.
Tell me honestlydo you reckon its more painful to discover a betrayal in secret, or right there in front of everyone?
