But what she discovered at the event turned her world upside down.
The soft ping of a laptop broke the rhythm of the movie we were watching. Marcus had just gone to the bathroom, leaving his laptop open on the coffee table.
My eyes drifted to the screen.
“Dear Mr. Marcus,
We are happy to announce that our New Year’s Eve celebration is fast approaching! Dress code: White Party. You’re welcome to bring a guest (your wife). Address…”
That stopped me cold.
Marcus’s company had a notoriously strict no-guest policy. For years, I’d been told spouses weren’t allowed. Yet there it was in black and white—plus one (your wife).
When he returned, I tried to sound casual. “So, your office is throwing a New Year’s party?”
“Yeah,” he said without hesitation. “Nothing fancy. Just the typical year-end thing.”
“Can I come?” I smiled, watching his reaction closely.
He barely glanced at me. “Nah, guests aren’t allowed. It’s strictly for employees.”
I tilted my head. “But the email said—”
“They don’t, Elise. Trust me.” His tone was sharper now. “Besides, I’ll just be working late. No big deal.”
That was the first time something didn’t sit right.
New Year’s Eve.
I stood before the mirror, smoothing the white fabric of my dress. My reflection stared back—uncertain, wounded, but resolute. Why lie if he had nothing to hide?
“Happy New Year, Elise!” Marcus called out, grabbing his coat and planting a quick kiss on my cheek.
“Happy New Year,” I replied, watching him disappear out the door.
As soon as I was alone, I grabbed my purse and keys and followed my instincts.
The hotel gleamed beneath the city lights, decked in gold and silver. I walked in, heart pounding.
“Name, please?” the front desk manager asked with a warm smile.
“Elise. I’m Marcus’s wife.”
The manager paused, glancing down at the guest list. His smile faded slightly.
“I’m sorry?”
“I said, I’m Marcus’s wife.”
He gave a short, awkward chuckle. “That can’t be. Mr. Marcus already arrived—with his wife. They checked in about thirty minutes ago.”
My heart froze.
“I am his wife,” I said, ice in my voice.
The manager looked uncomfortable. “Ma’am, they’ve attended many events before… together.”
I turned my head—and there they were.
Marcus, in white linen, laughing with a woman I’d never seen. Her long, dark hair framed her face as she leaned in close to him. Her hand rested possessively on his shoulder. Their connection was undeniable.
“Ma’am?” the manager’s voice pulled me back to the moment.
“There’s no need to double-check,” I said, staring straight at the man I thought I knew. “I see him.”
I had no plan. No script for what to do next. But I knew one thing—he had made his choice.
The next morning, as I was pouring my coffee, the phone rang.