FULL PART: The Anniversary Toast That Changed Everything

My husband forgot to disconnect the call, thinking we had already hung up. The second I heard what he truly thought about me, I started planning a small surprise he would never forget.

Liam and I had been married for two years. I was on maternity leave at home with our newborn daughter, Hailey.

Liam never really helped with anything, choosing to spend almost all of his time at work. His so-called late meetings had become an almost nightly routine.

One afternoon, I called him to ask whether he would be home for dinner.

Probably not, he replied sharply. Can you stop checking up on me? I’m working.

I swallowed the sting of his words.

Okay. Love you.

He said nothing.

I placed my phone beside Hailey’s bottle, then realized the call timer was still counting.

I was just about to hang up when I heard an unfamiliar sound. A woman laughing.

Then I heard my husband speak.

She’s driving me insane. Sending me pictures of the baby, asking when I’m coming home... I just want her to leave me alone.

My fingers went completely numb.

The woman whispered something I couldn't make out.

Liam laughed.

Of course I hate her. I barely touch her anymore. Just wait. I’ll divorce her, and then I’ll marry you.

Then I heard the sound of a kiss through the speaker.

I couldn't move.

With my other hand, I quietly ended the call.

That evening, Liam came home carrying flowers from the grocery store and kissed me on the forehead.

Missed my girls, he said with a smile, as if he hadn't shattered my entire world only hours earlier.

I smiled back.

We missed you, too.

For six days, I didn't say a word. I watched Liam carry his phone into the shower, change his passcode, and spray cologne before every late shift.

Meanwhile, I was getting our anniversary surprise ready.

I had originally planned to celebrate our anniversary with just the three of us, but at the last minute, I changed my mind.

So on Sunday, I hosted dinner and invited both of our families. Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie. A simple, warm American dinner that looked completely ordinary.

Once the plates had been cleared away, I stood up with my glass of water.

I want to make a toast, I said.

Liam immediately stiffened.