I thought I knew everything about my husband Adam. We loved each other deeply and had been married for seven years. I thought that. What I saw at the nail shop shocked me and made me question everything.
My husband planned a surprise visit to Lily’s Luxe Nails for me. It was known that Lily, a friend, liked to act out and spread rumors. She told me about her new boyfriend while she worked on my nails. When she talked about his dimples, successful job, and romantic gestures, I paid attention.
I got a chill. Adam is a boss and has cutie marks. He told me he had to work late that night. Random event? Lily was asked to show me a picture of her unknown boyfriend. When I saw Adam’s smile, my stomach dropped.
I tried not to laugh because I wanted to stay calm. But I was shaking inside. Why would Adam lie to me like this? It felt like the end of the world.
I waved goodbye and went to the bathroom, where I splashed water on my face. I had to make a plan. I took Lily’s phone and saved the number for her husband. James would help me get back at him.
We came up with a plan to catch Adam and Lily in the act. We would talk to them at the hotel where they were going to meet. I bought paint that can’t be washed off to mark the cheats.
When we got to the hotel, I was ready to have a fight. I was supposed to go somewhere else, but I ended up at a surprise birthday party. A sign that said “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!” and balloons were all over the room.
“Surprise!” were yelled by Adam, Lily, James, and our family and friends. I stood still, hands shaking as paint cans fell from my grasp. “What…is this?” I spoke slowly.
I felt a mix of relief and shame when Adam told me that they had planned the party as a surprise. I jumped to conclusions, and my plan to get even didn’t work out.
We laughed and had a good time all night. The next morning, we saw that Adam had written “CHEATER!!!!” in lipstick on the window of his car. Adam just laughed while I cringed.
He said, “It can be washed.” “Besides, it’s a good story to tell our kids one day!” I couldn’t help but laugh as we cleaned the car together. I will never forget this birthday treat.
