I unexpectedly gained an ability to hear my husband's inner thoughts.

"Vivienne, happy anniversary. You will always be my one and only, my guiding star," Azrael said on our first anniversary, pouring out his emotions. But his thoughts told a different story:

"Don't worry, darling. No matter how tempting the distractions may be, you'll always be my mainstay."

My smile wavered. Was he thinking about keeping his options open?

==============================

"Hey babe, are you coming home tonight?"

After sending the text via WhatsApp, I freshened up from my sleepy morning.

His reply arrived a few minutes later, "Sorry, love, I'm buried at work. I definitely can't get home early today."

Disappointment swept over me. "I understand. Just make sure you eat and rest. Don't overdo it, okay?"

"You're amazing, love. I'll wrap things up here and get home as soon as I can. Stay sweet and wait for me."

A notification buzzed with an incoming transfer of 1,000 pounds, along with Azrael's thoughtful note: "Happy anniversary, love. I can't be with you today, so take your best friend shopping and have some fun."

My spirits lifted a little.

After quickly accepting the money, I called Megan for a shopping spree.

I didn't drive my car today. Missing Azrael, I took his, hoping to feel a bit closer to him.

While at the movies with Megan, I took a bathroom break and overheard a familiar name:

"Azrael, let's go."

I froze, crouching low for a peek, and saw a familiar silhouette.

Wasn't that Azrael, my husband?

I watched him sling a girl's bag over his shoulder and hug her as they laughed and headed toward the elevator.

I couldn't see the girl's face.

Keeping a safe distance, I followed them discreetly. As the elevator doors closed, I noticed Azrael inside.

Wasn't he supposed to be on a business trip? How was he here, and who was that woman?

Distracted, I wrapped up the day with Megan and trudged home, exhausted.

When I flipped on the lights, I was taken aback.

Rose petals traced a path forward, heart-shaped candles illuminated the living room, and "Happy First Anniversary" was emblazoned across the wall.

"Darling, you're finally home. Come and try the dinner I prepared with love," Azrael said, taking my hand and leading me to the table, slipping a Victorian-style gold necklace into my palm.

"Do you like it, sweetheart? It's my gift for our anniversary."

With thoughts of the earlier incident swirling in my mind, I forced a smile and said, "I love it."

After fastening the necklace around my neck, Azrael sat across from me.

I scrutinized his face, my smile slightly fading. "Weren't you busy with work? How did you manage to get back now?"

He reached out, holding my hand. "Silly, how could I not be with you on such an important day as our anniversary? I rushed back home while you were out with Megan to set everything up—hoping to surprise you."

Caressing my face tenderly, he said, "Vivienne, happy anniversary. You'll always be the brightest light in my life."

Feeling bashful, I turned my gaze slightly, ready to respond when his inner thoughts intruded:

"Rest assured, darling, no matter how appealing the distractions are, you'll always be number one in my heart."

My smile froze. Was he considering keeping his options open after all?

My eyes widened in disbelief. Was that really my husband's inner voice I just heard? How could I be tuning into his thoughts? Had he done something so outrageous that fate decided to grant me this unexpected ability to read minds?

It seemed my wonderful husband, who always seemed so devoted and reliable, might have a few extracurricular activities on the side. The incident at the cinema earlier today only fueled my suspicions. This newfound ability could come in handy to discern if he's been deceitful.

I resolved to confront him directly. "Honey, when Megan and I were at the Regal Cinema today, I saw you with another woman. Who was she?"

Azrael paused from clearing the dining table, turned, and regarded me with calm eyes. "She's my cousin's sister visiting from out of town. I ran into her while shopping and invited her for a meal. It was pure coincidence that you saw us. If you don’t believe me, you can call and ask. I really don’t want this to turn into a misunderstanding."

As he reached for his phone, I waved him off. "No need, just curious."

"Are you sure you're not upset?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

I shook my head. "I’m not that petty. As long as you’ve explained it, I’m fine."

He chuckled, looking a bit goofy before resuming his chores. I kept a close eye on Azrael, but I didn't pick up on any thoughts just then. Was I overthinking all this?

After finishing tidying up, he unexpectedly suggested taking a bath together. Though surprised and lacking evidence to back my doubts, I hesitantly agreed.

I thought that would be the end of it, but once we were back in the bedroom, he leaned in with a mischievous smile. "Honey, how about we watch a movie together?"

Intrigued, I asked, "What movie?"

When he showed me the screen, my cheeks flushed bright red. "What made you choose this?"

It was a steamy film, the kind that gets your heart racing.

"Honey, it’s our first anniversary. I thought it might spice up our night," he explained.

I instinctively shook my head, trying to gently decline. "Well, I..."

Before I could finish, he pleaded, sounding a bit disappointed, "I just want to try this with you, please?"

["My wife is so reserved. Just the thought of this makes my heart race."]

His thoughts echoed in my mind again, making me blush deeply. In the end, after much coaxing, I gave in.

After it was all over, I lay nestled in his arms, listening to his rhythmic heartbeat, filled with doubt about his behavior tonight. While his words seemed reasonable, he had never shown such enthusiasm before. What was going on today?

As I lay closest to him, I heard Azrael's thoughts once more: ["There's nothing quite like my wife. No other woman compares."]

I was taken aback as I gently removed his hand and sat up slowly, staring at his serene, sleeping face. An unsettling mix of worry and suspicion began to bubble up inside me.

Could it be that my husband really is cheating on me? Otherwise, why would these thoughts arise in my mind? But at that moment, I hadn’t picked up anything suspicious from him. Is my superpower unreliable, or does it only kick in when he's being dishonest?

This sudden ability caught me off guard, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Initially, I feared it might be a nuisance, especially at work where I encounter countless people each day, and I have no interest in prying into their thoughts. Curiously, this ability doesn't seem to work on anyone else.

A few days later, I was invited to a friend's birthday party. The villa was extravagantly decorated, both inside and out, with an outdoor barbecue and a champagne tower, contributing to the festive atmosphere.

Everyone engaged in small talk, exchanged the latest gossip, and showered Makayla Thompson, the birthday girl, with gifts and well-wishes.

"Vivienne, why didn't your husband join you today?" Makayla asked inquisitively.

Given the cheerful occasion, she had encouraged everyone to bring their partners. I was the only one who hadn’t brought a spouse, so she asked out of genuine curiosity.

I replied politely, “He’s caught up with work and couldn’t get the time off.”

She nodded understandingly, then enthusiastically continued the tour of her home.

“Hey, everyone, come check this out! There's something happening across the street!” a girl in the crowd called out, capturing everyone’s interest. We all gathered at the second-floor window to see what the fuss was about.

Across the way, in the villa's glistening pool, a couple was wrapped around each other, seemingly oblivious to being observed, with a laptop on the table playing a video.

“Wow! It's not even dark yet, and they’re going at it.”

“Oh, you women don’t get it, this is what romance looks like. The way the sunset highlights their bodies is truly captivating. They sure know how to have a blast.”

Caught in the crowd’s excitement, I was nudged closer for a view, my face burning with embarrassment as I couldn’t clearly make out the couple’s faces but witnessed their daring and uninhibited poses.

The couple, apparently unaware they had an audience, continued unabashed. The man's endurance was impressive, and I felt my face grow hotter as I watched. Eventually, they finished and covered up with towels before heading inside.

In the reflection on the glass, I caught a glimpse from the side, and my husband's familiar profile was seared into my mind.

What? My husband was part of the couple having a fling? It was like a lightning strike; I had never imagined his display of love was so well acted. One moment he was showering me with affection, and the next, he was involved with another woman.

My heart raced as I recalled the night before when I asked him if he would join me for the birthday party. I had heard his inner thought: "Going to a get-together with my wife and her friends isn't thrilling; I need something more exciting."

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out onto the balcony and dialed Azrael's number on my phone. It connected after a few rings.

His concerned voice came through, “Hey, honey, what’s up? Are you having fun?”

Watching the amorous couple across the way, I calmly asked, “Honey, could you pick me up later? I’ve had a bit to drink and shouldn’t drive.”

He sounded slightly regretful. “Sorry, love. I’m stuck working late tonight and can’t make it. Maybe you could grab an Uber?”

Looking at the couple embracing across the way, I replied coolly, “Got it, honey. You focus on your work.”