At my birthday celebration, my sister revealed she was pregnant with my husband’s child, anticipating my devastation

It’s just stress from the new promotion, he’d say whenever I tried to discuss the distance between us. Once this project is over, things will go back to normal. But they never did.

Instead, the gap widened. I found myself checking his phone bill, noting frequent calls to a number I didn’t recognize. I smelled unfamiliar perfume on his shirts, not mine, not anything I owned.

Once, I found a long blonde hair on his jacket. Jessica had long blonde hair. I told myself I was being paranoid, that my childhood insecurities were clouding my judgment.

After all, Jessica lived in the same city, but we rarely saw her except at family gatherings. Why would Kyle be involved with her? As my 32nd birthday approached, I hoped it might be a turning point. Kyle had been especially distant, but he promised to make my birthday special.

My parents decided to organize a family dinner at Merlot, my favorite restaurant. I spent extra time getting ready that night, wearing the blue dress Kyle had once said brought out my eyes, styling my hair the way he liked it. I was determined to reconnect with my husband, to find our way back to each other.

Looking in the mirror before we left, I whispered to myself, Tonight will be different. Tonight will be a new beginning. I had no idea how prophetic those words would be, though not in the way I’d hoped.

Merlot was the perfect setting for what I hoped would be a healing evening. The restaurant’s warm amber lighting and exposed brick walls had always made me feel at home. The scent of fresh bread and rosemary filled the air as the hostess led me to our reserved table.

Kyle had texted that he’d meet me there, claiming a last-minute work call he couldn’t avoid. Mrs. Parker. The hostess smiled.

Your family has already arrived. My parents stood as I approached the table. My mother’s face lighting up in that contained way that meant she was happy to see me, but trying not to show too much emotion.

My father gave me a brief hug, patting my back awkwardly. Happy birthday, sweetheart, he said, handing me a small gift bag. Nothing fancy, just something your mother picked out.

My mother touched my hair. You look nice, Samantha. Though you might want to touch up your lipstick before the photos.

Typical. I hadn’t even sat down, and she was already finding something to improve about me. I tucked the critique away with all the others and smiled.

Thanks for organizing this, Mom. It means a lot. Jessica wasn’t there yet, which was no surprise.

She had elevated tardiness to an art form, ensuring all eyes would be on her when she made her entrance. I checked my phone for messages from Kyle, but found none. Kyle’s running late.

I explained as I took my seat. Work thing. My father nodded sympathetically.

That’s how it goes when you’re climbing the ladder. Your Kyle’s a hard worker. The waiter came by to take our drink orders.

I asked for water, still hoping to share the first toast with Kyle. My parents exchanged glances. Go ahead and have some wine, dear.

My mother encouraged. It’s your birthday. Before I could respond, there was a commotion at the entrance.

Jessica had arrived, and as always, she’d made sure everyone noticed. Her laugh rang through the restaurant as she tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder. She wore a tight red dress that left little to the imagination, drawing appreciative glances from nearby diners.

What made my heart stop was who accompanied her, Kyle. My Kyle, holding the door for her, his hand briefly touching the small of her back as they navigated between tables. They were walking too close, smiling too intimately, to be just in-laws who happened to arrive at the same time.

Sorry we’re late, Jessica announced. Leaning down to kiss my cheek with practiced precision that left no lipstick mark. I ran into Kyle in the parking lot.

Lucky coincidence, right? Kyle avoided my eyes as he took the seat beside me, squeezing my shoulder in what felt like an apologetic gesture. Happy birthday, Sam. Sorry about the delay.

I noticed he smelled freshly showered, his usual cologne stronger than normal. The work call excuse suddenly seemed flimsy. No problem, I replied, keeping my voice steady.

I’m just glad everyone’s here now. The waiter returned, and we ordered our meals. My parents dominated the conversation, talking about their recent cruise and the neighbor’s landscaping drama.

Jessica interjected frequently with stories about her latest sales triumph or the celebrities she’d allegedly met at a recent conference. Kyle remained unusually quiet, contributing only when directly addressed. Under the table, I placed my hand on Kyle’s knee, seeking connection.

He flinched slightly before covering my hand with his own. His palm felt clammy. Everything okay? I whispered while my father was deep in a story about golf.

Fine, Kyle replied, too quickly. Just tired. The gifts came next…