What are you doing home so early? came the startled voice of her husband from the bedroom.
Who called? Its nearly midnight, Paul asked his wife, bewildered.
Oh that was my boss, Alice replied hesitantly. I have to leave for an important work conference.
At midnight? And what conference is this? Are you sure its necessary?
Yes, unfortunately. Its one of the biggest events in our fieldI cant miss it. Top experts, groundbreaking research
But you just flew to that exhibition in London last month. Is there really no one else they can send?
I dont want to go either, but you know how important this is for my career. Its only for two weeks. You understand, dont you?
Fine, if its truly necessary Paul frowned. I just dont like getting used to being alone. Ill miss you terribly.
Me too, love. But the sooner I go, the sooner Ill be back. And when I return, well book a holidayjust the two of us! Alice pressed against him.
Alright, Ill manage these two weeks.
Two days later, Paul helped load her suitcase into the taxi.
Thats itIm off. Love you, dont miss me too much!
As the car pulled away, Alice took out her phone and opened a familiar number in her messages.
Ive left the house. Ill be at the airport soon, she typed.
Perfect. Im waiting in our room. Cant wait to see youIve missed you! came the reply, adorned with flirtatious emojis.
Alice smirked, glancing at her wedding ring. Yet again, she had lied to her devoted husband. And yet, she didnt regret a thing. Paul was a good man, but life with him had grown dull. But with Mark Just the thought of him sent a shiver of anticipation through her.
Two weeks of scorching sun, turquoise seas, and passionate nights with her loverthat was what she needed now. The conference was nothing but a cover to keep Paul in the dark. She knew full well how immoral this was, but reason had long surrendered to desire.
The island was paradise. Alice lounged on the beach, mesmerised by the shimmering water, utterly content beside Mark. She watched as he emerged from the sea, muscles glistening under the sun, his damp body stirring something reckless in her. She yearned to drag him back to their room, where they could lose themselves in each other once more.
A pang of melancholy struck herthese were their final days together. She had told Paul she was away for work, needing a break from everythingincluding him, though shed never say it aloud.
Of course, she wouldnt divorce him yet, not until she secured her own perfect landing spot.
Mark, do you think we could really make this work after I leave Paul?
The broad-shouldered man settled onto a lounger, draping a towel over his shoulders. His rough hand traced her knee as he leaned back, fingers lingering.
Youll need to plan carefully. Get a solicitordont try handling it alone.
His lack of enthusiasm stung. She had imagined rushing to him after the divorce, their first weeks a blissful tangle of limbs.
That evening, they dined at a restaurant to mark their last night in paradise. Alice sipped wine, murmuring sweet nothings to her lover, yet her thoughts kept drifting to Paul and the reckoning awaiting her at home.
In her eyes, Paul was a foolmamas boy, hopelessly in love, blind to her infidelity. But divorce loomed like a storm. If his mother got involved, the legal battle could drag on forever.
Soon, Ill be free. Ill move in with you, and well be happy, Alice declared, raising her glass.
Marks laugh was sharp. That was never part of the deal.
Alice froze, ice flooding her veins. They had never discussed it.
We had a fantastic time, but theres no future here. Ive got a wife, two kidsdid I never mention that?
She shook her head slowly, studying him as if seeing him for the first time.
Divorce your husband if you want, but Im not leaving my family. A third childs on the wayIve got to be a proper family man now.
Alice couldnt speak. The rest of dinner passed in silence. The next day, they boarded the plane home.
Dont overthink it. I never promised you anything, Mark said casually. No man leaves his wife for his mistress. If youd cheat on him, youd cheat on me too.
He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, kissing her foreheada gesture that once melted her, now only fuelled her rage.
The flight was agony. When they landed, Mark called separate taxis.
Well talk soon, he said.
No, we wont, she snapped, turning away.
She hoped hed chase her, beg her to stay. Instead, he shrugged and walked off without a backward glance.
Tears of humiliation burned her throat. The future she had imagined was ash. She had no choice but to return to Paul, to salvage what remained of their marriage. She couldnt bear to be alonenever had, never would.
The taxi stopped outside her building. Alice dragged her suitcase inside, rehearsing her speech. She would beg forgiveness, suggest counselling, a holidayanything to rekindle what theyd lost.
She unlocked the doorand froze.
Youre home early, Paul said, stepping from the bedroom, startled.
Alice shoved past him. In their bed lay a woman clutching the sheets.
Rage exploded in her chest. She lunged, yanking the girl to the floor, nails clawing at skin until Paul hauled her back.
How dare you? Im working, and you bring some tart into our bed? I hate you both! she screamed.
The girl scrambled for her clothes and fled, shoes in hand, as Alice thrashed against Pauls grip.
I thought youd be waiting for methat wed celebrate my return! And instead, youve replaced me with her? Her voice broke.
I know you werent at any conference, Paul said coldly. You were with Mark. And while you played by the sea, I had a surprise of my own.
His words were brutal, final. Alice searched his eyes for some shred of regret, some excuse to forgive him. Finding none, she packed her things in silence and left.
An hour later, she sobbed into her friend Emilys lap, staining her dress with tears.
Every marriage hits rough patches, Emily murmured, stroking her hair. Real love means forgiveness.
Alice had always sworn shed never forgive infidelity. Yet here she was, considering the unthinkable.
By morning, the idea no longer felt impossible. They had both acted horribly. Were they still the same people whod once loved each other so fiercely?
Ill go to him tomorrow, Alice decided. Well talk properly.
Good. Dont waste months crying. Youve both had a taste of losing each othermaybe now youll fight to keep what you have.
Alice didnt share her optimism. If Paul had strayed, did love even exist between them anymore? Yet they had built a life togetherhabits, routines, comforts. Could that foundation bear the weight of betrayal?
The next day, she stood at his door, heart pounding.
Paul let her in without a word, putting the kettle on.
Ive thought it over, he said quietly. We should try again. Weve hurt each other, but I believe we can rebuild something stronger.
His words stunned her. He took her hands, his grip steady.
Lets forgive each other. Start fresh. A baby, a bigger housea proper life. And never, ever betray each other again.
Alice collapsed against him, tears streaming.
Their marriage emerged scarred but unbroken. They talked more now, planned futures, vowed never to wander again. Alice didnt know how long it would last, but for the first time in years, she dared to hope.
