I thought we were celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary. James had made a rare romantic gesture — dinner reservations at the same upscale restaurant we went to on our honeymoon. I let myself hope that maybe, just maybe, he had something special planned.As we sat at a candlelit table, he handed me a small box. My heart fluttered. Could it be jewelry this time?No. It was a set of high-end cooking utensils. Again.I forced a smile. James meant well — he always did. “You love cooking,” he said proudly. But deep down, I wilted a little more. I’d always dreamed of something a bit more thoughtful. Jewelry, a massage, a dress. Something just for me.While he stepped away to the restroom, a waiter brought a salad I hadn’t ordered. Before I could object, he leaned in and said quietly, “Don’t eat it. There’s a surprise inside — from your husband.”

My heart skipped. Was this it? I searched through the salad and found a diamond ring tucked among the greens. Tears sprang to my eyes. Finally, he’d done it.But when James returned and saw the ring, his face turned pale. “Where did you get that?” he demanded, voice sharp.You didn’t…?” I asked, confused.“No. Put it down. We need to talk,” he said urgently.The waiter stayed nearby, clearly not done. “That ring?” he said casually. “It’s the one James gave my girlfriend.”Time stopped.She wasn’t the only one,” the waiter added. His tone was calm, but his words hit like a punch.James tried to deny it. “It meant nothing. It was a mistake.” But I wasn’t buying it. You don’t accidentally give a woman a ring.I turned to the waiter. “Who is she?”Chloe,” he said. “She works at a boutique downtown. I didn’t know she was seeing someone else until I saw them together.”I looked at James. “Is it true?” He didn’t answer. His silence was louder than words.

I stood slowly, heart pounding. “I gave you everything. And you gave her this?”He reached for my hand. I pulled away.hen I picked up the salad — and the ring — and dropped them both in his lap.Gasps echoed around the room. I walked out, head held high.For the first time in years, I felt free. Hurt, yes. But strong. I didn’t know what the future would hold — but at least now, I’d be walking into it with open eyes.