After high school, our friendship gradually became love. Following college, Matthew proposed, and I said yes without hesitation.
For the first several years of our marriage, I believed I’d made the best decision of my life.
Then our fifth anniversary approached.
I wanted to surprise Matthew, so I secretly took the day off work and drove across town to pick up a watch I’d ordered for him.
I thought he’d still be at work.
Instead, when I unlocked our front door, I heard him talking on the phone.
Then I heard my name.
I immediately stopped.
For a moment, I wondered whether he was arranging an anniversary surprise.
So I stayed quiet.
Then Matthew laughed.
“Don’t worry. She walked right into the trap.”
My entire body went cold.
I pressed myself against the wall, afraid he’d realize I was home.
He continued speaking.
