The first signal should have been in the way he was acting – secretive, nervous, as if he was hiding something.
But I, as the ever trusting wife, thought it was just excitement.
Our seventh anniversary was approaching, and I dared to believe that Aaron had something special prepared.
He’d been hinting at it for weeks.
‘You’re going to love your surprise,’ he said with a smirk.
‘It’s something you’ve wanted for a long time.’
My mind was literally buzzing with possibilities.
A trip? Jewellery? And then I saw it – a sleek, navy blue sedan parked in our front yard the day before our anniversary.
My heart beat faster as I ran my fingers over its immaculate surface, the fresh smell of new leather filling my senses.
I turned to Aaron, eyes wide with joy.
‘You did this for me?’
He slowed down a little. Just for a second.
Then he smiled.
‘Yeah, well, you deserve better.’
I hugged him, my heart overflowing with gratitude.
But something wasn’t right…
He didn’t seem as excited as I was.
No big speech about how important I was to him.
Just an absent-minded pat on the back before he pulled away.
The next morning I woke up early to go for a ride in my new car.
But Aaron was already outside, talking to someone.
I looked out from behind the curtains and felt my legs give out.
His sister, Olivia, was standing next to the car, her face shining with happiness.
Aaron handed her the keys.
‘Are you serious?’ I ran outside, my heart pounding.
‘That car was for me!’
Aaron’s eyes widened, but Olivia just looked confused.
‘Wait… you thought it was yours?’ She laughed awkwardly.
‘Aaron, you didn’t tell her?’
I turned to my husband, expecting an explanation that would make the whole thing a misunderstanding.
But he just sighed, rubbing his temples like I was the one making a scene.
‘Lena,’ he began, ’I was going to tell you. Olivia needed a car. And you already have one.’
I paused.
‘So all these hints, all this preparation-you let me believe that-’
‘It wasn’t a gift for you,’ he admitted.
‘But look, it’s just a car.’
Just a car.
Just more proof that I was in last place in my own marriage.
I’ve supported Aaron through everything-his career changes, his debts, his night shifts at the office.
And what do I get for it?
Seeing him spoil his sister and seeing me as someone who no longer matters?
I turned in a harsh laugh, but there wasn’t an ounce of humour in it.
‘You know what? You’re right. It’s just a car. And this is just a marriage. And I’m just… over it.’
Aaron’s face went pale.
‘Lena, don’t be ridiculous.’
I turned on my heels and walked inside.
My hands shook as I grabbed my suitcase, filling it with everything I could get my hands on.
I heard his footsteps behind me.
‘Lena, seriously, you’re overreacting!’
I turned around, my voice was like steel.
‘Really? Tell me, Aaron, when was the last time you put me first?’
His mouth opened, but no words came out.
That was answer enough.
When I walked out the door with my suitcase in my hand, Olivia was already gone.
Aaron stood on the veranda watching me, finally realising what he’d done.
Or maybe he was just realising what he was losing.
