Chapter 1 Anniversary gone wrong

Kayla Pov

“It’s past ten p.m.! What’s taking him so long?”

I mutter for what feels like the hundredth time tonight, pacing across the living room like a restless ghost. My eyes keep darting toward the clock above the fireplace, its steady ticking feels like mockery. Ten-fifteen. Ten-twenty. Ten-thirty.

Adrian Ward, my husband of three years, is late. Again.

But tonight isn’t just any night. It’s our wedding anniversary. Our third year together as husband and wife.

I spent the entire day planning every detail… the lights, the flowers, the meal, the wine.

I wanted everything to feel special, magical, just like the early days when he used to surprise me with weekend getaways or handwritten notes. When he used to look at me and make me feel like the only woman alive.

Now, the only thing that fills this house is silence and the faint smell of burnt candles.

The dining table is still set beautifully — two plates of creamy mushroom pasta, grilled steak perfectly seared, a bottle of red wine unopened beside two empty glasses.

The roses I placed in a crystal vase this morning have already begun to wilt.

I walk around the table, my fingertips brushing against the napkins, straightening things that are already perfect, just to keep myself from crying.

It’s ridiculous. I shouldn’t feel this anxious. He’s probably just working late again. That’s what he always says. Meetings. Mergers. Conferences. Adrian Ward, the ever-busy CEO of Ward International.

But tonight… Tonight feels different.

He didn’t even text to say “Happy anniversary.” No call, no message, no reminder that he remembers the vows we once made.

I sit on the couch and glance at the photo frame on the wall — our wedding picture. Adrian in his tuxedo, smiling like a man who had everything he wanted, and me in white lace, my veil floating in the breeze, eyes shining with love and hope.

I reach out to touch the frame, tracing the curve of his smile.

When did that smile stop being mine?

A lump forms in my throat. I push myself up, walking toward the large window that overlooks the city. The night skyline sparkles… tall buildings, moving cars, distant laughter. Everyone else seems to be living, loving, existing, and I’m here, waiting for a man who’s forgotten me.

I grab my phone again, scrolling through our chat. The last message from him this morning still stings:

Adrian: Don’t wait up. Might be late.

No heart. No emoji. Just… businesslike indifference.

My hand trembles slightly. I could call him. I should call him. But I already know how it’ll go. He’ll answer in that clipped, irritated tone and tell me he’s busy. He’ll remind me how demanding his work is.

And I’ll end up apologizing. Again.

I sigh and drop the phone onto the couch. The screen lights up with my reflection — tired eyes, smeared lipstick, curls falling apart. I don’t even recognize myself anymore.

Three years ago, I was full of life and dreams. I had quit my small interior design business to help him with his growing empire. He said we’d build our future together, that I’d never have to worry again.

And now, I feel like a ghost in my own marriage — present but unseen.

A soft rumble of thunder rolls in the distance, followed by light rain tapping on the window. The city fades behind misty glass. I hug my arms around myself, the silence pressing in harder than ever.

The doorbell suddenly rings.

My heart leaps. Finally! I rush toward the door, smoothing my hair and forcing a smile onto my lips.

“About time,” I whisper under my breath, trying to hide the tremor in my voice.

But when I swing the door open, my smile dies instantly.

It’s not Adrian.

It’s his driver — Mark. He stands awkwardly under the porch light, holding a small white box. His eyes flicker nervously, avoiding mine.

“Mrs. Ward,” he says quietly, “Mr. Ward asked me to deliver this to you.”

The rain behind him grows heavier, a low rhythm against the concrete. I stare at the box for a moment before taking it from his hand.

It’s wrapped neatly, too neatly, like something arranged by an assistant, not a husband.

“Where is he?” My voice comes out colder than I intended.

Mark hesitates. “He’s at the Grand Regency Hotel, ma’am. Business dinner.”

A bitter laugh escapes me before I can stop it. “At ten-thirty? On our anniversary?”

He doesn’t answer. He just nods slightly, mutters a polite “Goodnight,” and walks back toward the car.

I close the door slowly, my chest tightening. The box feels heavier now. I set it on the table and remove the ribbon with trembling fingers. Inside lies a gold necklace… delicate, elegant, beautiful… expensive.

But it feels empty. No card. No note.

It’s not a gift from a husband in love — it’s guilt money.

Tears prick my eyes as I sink to the floor, clutching the box. The necklace glints under the dim light, mocking me.

He didn’t forget.

He just didn’t care enough to show up.

The rain outside intensifies, wind howling through the cracks in the windows.

I sit there on the cold marble floor, staring at the dinner table across the room, the one I spent all day perfecting for a man who chose to be somewhere else.

A dull ache grows in my chest until it feels unbearable. I wipe my tears, stand up, and blow out the last candle still burning faintly on the table.

“Happy anniversary, Kayla,” I whisper bitterly.

I pour myself a glass of wine and down it in one gulp, the warmth doing nothing to ease the sting in my throat.

I glance once more at the necklace, at the empty chair across from me, and then toward the door he should have walked through hours ago.

Somewhere deep inside, something shifts. Quiet, almost unnoticeable, but real.

Maybe it’s the first crack in my blind loyalty.

Maybe it’s the beginning of an ending I didn’t see coming.

Either way, I know one thing for sure.

This night will stay with me.

Because when the heart breaks enough times, it stops waiting and mine just did.