My business trip was supposed to last until Friday, but having finished my business early, I decided to surprise Daniel.
I missed him, and the thought of a quiet evening together seemed perfect.
I didn’t tell him I was coming back, just got in a taxi from the airport, anticipating how surprised he’d be to see me.
But in the end, it was me who got the surprise.
The house smelled delicious.
Garlic, rosemary, something rich and savoury.
Daniel rarely cooked unless it was a special occasion, and the smell made my stomach rumble.
Smiling, I walked into the house, expecting to see him setting the table for the two of us.
But instead, I heard laughter.
A woman’s laughter.
My heart raced as I headed into the dining room.
There, at the table, stood Daniel – pouring wine for a woman I’d never seen before.
She was gorgeous.
Long dark hair, perfectly manicured nails, a dress like it was from an expensive restaurant.
Danielle had her back to me, but she saw me first.
Her eyes widened.
Um… Danielle? – she said uncertainly.
He turned around, still holding the bottle of wine.
His face had gone pale.
Sienna?! What are you doing here?
I crossed my arms, forcing myself to remain calm.
I live here.
The better question is, what are you doing here? And who is she?
The woman fidgeted awkwardly and set her glass on the table.
‘I should probably leave.
Yes, you should leave,’ I said sharply, not even looking at her.
All my attention was on Daniel.
He ran his hand through his hair.
Sienna, please let me explain.
Oh, I’d love to hear it,’ I replied venomously.
Come on, tell me.
He hesitated.
It’s not what you think.
I laughed bitterly.
Really? Because it looks exactly like you’re having a romantic dinner with another woman.
He exhaled.
She’s a colleague. I invited her over to discuss work.
I looked round at the candlelit table, the bottle of wine, the gourmet meal he hadn’t even bothered to prepare for me.
Work, huh? Interesting. I don’t recall candles and filet mignon being part of your regular work meetings.
His jaw tensed.
It doesn’t mean anything, I swear.
I stared at him for a long moment.
Then I picked up the bottle of wine and, without averting my gaze, poured it straight into the pasta he’d cooked so diligently.
Sienna! – he shouted.
I carefully put the bottle back on the table.
Oops. Looks like dinner’s ruined.
And so is my trust.
His so-called colleague had already grabbed her purse and hurried towards the exit.
Oh, great.
Daniel made a move toward me, but I raised my hand.
Don’t.
You had plenty of time to be honest with me, but you chose to lie.
Enjoy your dinner, Danielle.
I suddenly lost my appetite.
With those words, I picked up my suitcase, walked out the door and headed for the hotel.
Because if he thought I would just accept it and let myself be deceived, he was sorely mistaken.
