Anniversary of a Lie

The night before our wedding anniversary party, my husband—Harvey Clarke—receives constant calls from his first love, Cassie Moss. He responds by holding me closer, and I ask, "Aren't you going to pick up? What if it's urgent?"

He firmly shakes his head and says he has already moved on. But when he receives news of her at the party, he breaks down right there and then, oblivious to the room of staring guests. When he tries to leave, I stop him in a panic, but he turns to me with a pure look of disgust.

"Cassie's dead. Happy now?"

The words hit me like a lightning bolt.

Harvey didn't hesitate to yank his hand off and walk out, never once looking back.

Even after he was gone, I was frozen in that moment and could still see the look of pure hatred in his eyes. It was a mix of venom and bitterness so intense that it nearly brought me to my knees.

His mother—Wendy—rushed forward to steady me and stomped her foot. "This is such a mess!"

I steadied myself, forced a smile, and turned back to appease the guests with the excuse that Harvey had left for an urgent issue at the company. But everyone had seen what happened and knew I was just trying to preserve what was left of my dignity.

Their looks carried disdain, mockery, and a touch of pity.

With that, it was official that on our wedding anniversary, Harvey—my husband—abandoned me for his first love—Cassie Moss—and left me alone to face the guests.

One of our mutual friends raised a glass as though to console me. "The dead are the priority right now."

I stayed silent and didn't argue.

It made sense. Even if it had just been a casual friend, death would have been a solemn distress, not to mention that this was Harvey's first love, who had weighed heavily in his heart.

Before walking away, he had asked if this was what I wanted. But I hadn't known what to say when I had no idea what I had done wrong.

Last night, Cassie had called again and again. I had asked if he'd like to answer, but he had resolutely said no. The constant ringing annoyed him so much that he completely shut off his phone and pulled me in for a tight hug.

"The phone's too loud, and I just wanna be here with you. Don't tell me to answer it, babe. Please don't doubt how I feel about you, alright?"

I thought he had moved on and believed that after five years, we had finally found our way into each other's hearts.