As I stumbled upon the email inviting my husband, Oliver, to a glamorous New Year’s party with a plus-one, I couldn’t help but feel curious. Little did I know, this email would unravel a web of deceit and lead me on a journey of self-discovery.
It was just like any other evening, Oliver and I were watching a movie when his laptop pinged. He had stepped away to the bathroom, leaving his laptop open on the coffee table. My eyes landed on the screen, where an email subject line caught my attention.
“Dear Mr. Oliver,
We are happy to announce the New Year party is coming up! Dress code: White Party. You may bring your plus-one (your wife).”
I blinked and reread the email. Oliver had always complained about his company’s strict no-guest policy for events. Yet, here was an invitation explicitly stating he could bring his wife. When Oliver returned, I casually brought up the email.
“Your office is throwing a New Year’s party?” I asked.
“Yeah, nothing big,” he replied quickly, closing the laptop. “Just the usual work event.”
I tilted my head. “Can I come? The email said plus-one…”
“No,” he cut me off, his tone sharp. “It’s really just for employees. Trust me.”
Something about his response felt off. For the first time in our marriage, I felt a pang of suspicion. But I decided to let it go, at least for the time being.
When New Year’s Eve arrived, Oliver kissed me on the cheek before heading out. “Happy New Year, Jen,” he said, grabbing his coat.
“Happy New Year,” I replied, watching him leave.
But instead of staying home, I put on a white dress and drove to the venue listed in the email. The hotel was dazzling, filled with elegantly dressed guests. My heart pounded as I approached the reception desk.
“Name, please?” the manager asked.
“Jennifer. I’m Oliver’s wife,” I said confidently.
The manager hesitated, his smile faltering. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but Mr. Oliver already checked in—with his plus-one.”
My chest tightened. “What? I am his wife.”