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When Anna came across an email inviting her husband to a lavish plus-one New Year’s Eve party, her curiosity was piqued. What she discovered at the event shattered her confidence and was the beginning of an unexpected journey of self-discovery.
The evening began like any other. Anna and her husband Dimitri were sitting on the couch watching a film when Dimitri’s laptop beeped. Dimitri retreated to the bathroom, leaving the laptop open on the coffee table. Anna’s gaze fell to the screen where the subject line of the email stood out:
‘Dear Dimitri,
We are pleased to announce that the New Year’s Eve party is coming up! Dress code: white party. You are welcome to come with a plus-one (with your spouse).’
Anna blinked, rereading the letter. Dimitri always complained that his company didn’t allow guests to be invited to their events. But here was an invitation, clearly indicating that he could bring his wife along. When Dmitri returned, Anna carelessly mentioned the letter.
‘Is your company having a New Year’s Eve party?’ – She asked.
‘Yeah, nothing special,’ he replied quickly, closing his laptop. ‘Just a normal work event.’
Anna tilted her head. ‘Can I go? The letter said about the plus-one…’
‘No,’ he interrupted her in a harsh tone. ‘It’s for employees only. Trust me.’
Something about his answer struck her as odd. For the first time in their entire marriage, Anna felt suspicious. She decided to let it go, but only for the time being.
When New Year’s Eve came, Dmitri kissed her on the cheek before leaving. ‘Happy New Year, Anna,’ he said as he put on his coat.
‘Happy New Year,’ she replied as she watched him leave.
But instead of staying home, Anna put on a white dress and went to the hotel listed in the letter. The hotel was dazzling, full of elegantly dressed guests. Anna’s heart beat faster as she approached the front desk.
‘Your name, please?’ – The receptionist asked.
‘Anna. I’m Dmitri’s wife,’ she said confidently.
The receptionist hesitated, his smile fading. ‘I’m sorry, madam, but Mr Dmitri has already checked in – with a plus-one.’
Anna’s breath caught. ‘What? But I’m his wife.’
The receptionist’s face reddened with embarrassment. ‘I… don’t know what to say. He arrived about thirty minutes ago with another woman. They are frequent guests at our events.’
Anna’s breath quickened when she noticed Dimitri at the other end of the hall, laughing with a woman who had her arm around his shoulder. Anna didn’t need an introduction to realise who it was. Her heart was breaking, but she refused to show it. She turned and walked away without approaching him.
The cold night air stung her face as she walked to her car. Anger, betrayal and grief mixed inside her. She didn’t know what she would do next, but one thing was certain – Dimitri’s actions would not be without consequences.
The next morning Anna was drinking coffee when the phone rang. A calm, professional voice greeted her: ‘Is this Mr Dmitri’s wife? This is Mercy Hospital. Your husband was in an accident earlier this morning.’
Anna’s heart sank. ‘Is he okay?’ – She asked.
‘He has a concussion and a broken arm. There are complications that we’ll explain when you get here.’
At the hospital, Anna stood by Dimitri’s bedside, her emotions like a storm. He looked pale and frail, his arm in a cast. When he saw her, his eyes filled with guilt.
‘Anna,’ he said hoarsely. ‘I know you’re angry, but it’s not what you think.’
Anna’s voice was icy. ‘It’s exactly as I think it is. I saw you with her.’
‘Please,’ he pleaded. ‘I’ve made a mistake. I need you to sign the paperwork for my surgery. My insurance has lapsed.’
Anna stared at him, feeling the anger boiling up inside her. ‘You lied to me. You brought another woman to the party and humiliated me. And now you want me to make up for it?’ She stepped back. ‘Ask your ‘plus-one’ to take care of it.’
‘Anna, don’t do this,’ he pleaded. ‘She’s gone. I don’t have anyone else.’
Anna’s heart clenched, but she remained adamant. ‘You’ve made your choice, Dimitri. Now live with it.’
She walked out, leaving him behind.
In the weeks that followed, Anna learnt from mutual friends that Dimitri’s life was falling apart. His career had staggered and the woman from the party had disappeared, realising he wasn’t who he said he was. Anna, on the other hand, felt lighter than she had in years.
For the first time, she focused on herself. She took up pottery, explored hiking trails, and started painting again. Gradually, she regained the life she had put aside for marriage.
Anna’s story didn’t end with Dmitri’s betrayal. It began with her discovery of her own strength and independence. She had once been a devoted wife. Now she has become a woman boldly stepping towards her future.
