I Grabbed the Wrong Phone at the Gym and Found Out My Husband Was Cheating – So I Changed One Thing About His Birthday Celebration
The week dragged by, every day a lesson in biting my tongue.
At school pickup, Mia slipped her hand into mine, swinging our arms. “Mom, can I wear my rainbow dress to Daddy’s party?” she asked, hope lighting up her face.
“Of course you can, sweet pea,” I said, brushing hair from her eyes. “You’ll outshine the cake.”
She grinned, then skipped ahead.
**
Later, Carla from Frank’s office spotted me in the grocery store.
“Big party coming up?”
I smiled. “Frank wants everyone there.”
The week dragged by.
She patted my arm. “You’re a saint.”
“Sometimes patience is all you have left,” I said.
Back home, Spencer hovered near the fridge, clutching his school picture.
“Are you okay, Mom?” he asked.
I hugged him, holding tight. “You three are my whole world. Don’t forget that.”
He brightened. “Can I give Dad my mug at the party? The one I painted?”
“Definitely. He’ll love it,” I said, even as Frank walked in, beer in hand.
“What’s this, a therapy session?”
I kept my eyes steady. “Just family, Frank. Just family.”
“Are you okay, Mom?”
He shot me a look, but let it go.
**
Saturday came. I dressed carefully, choosing the dress Frank hated least. I curled my hair, let Mia apply a dab of glitter to my eyes, then zipped up my heels and gathered the kids.
Frank watched, arms crossed.
“Nice. You’re really making an effort, Whitney. Keep it up for tonight.”
“That’s the plan.”
At the restaurant, guests mingled, laughter rising in waves. Frank greeted everyone like a politician, shaking hands, offering big smiles.
He shot me a look.
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