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I quickly put the phone back on the nightstand, trying to steady my breathing. I didn’t know what to do.
I took the gift and quickly finished wrapping it, pushing thoughts of ‘Baby’ out of my mind, at least for the moment.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
When Adam came out of the bathroom, he didn’t seem to notice my agitation. He kissed me on the cheek, but I barely responded.
“I’m feeling a little tired tonight,” I mumbled. “I think I’ll stop early.”
Adam raised an eyebrow. “Are you okay? You look a little out of it.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
“I’m just… I don’t know. Maybe I just need some space to think.”
“Okay. I’ll be here if you need me.”
***
The next morning was our first wedding anniversary. Adam left early without saying a word. I decided to follow him to see what he was really up to.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
So I immediately grabbed my keys and followed him out of the house. He didn’t head to the office like usual.
Instead, he took a different route and stopped in front of a house I didn’t recognize. He got out of the car, looking around quickly as if to make sure no one was watching him.
I parked a few streets away, my eyes never leaving his. He opened the trunk of his car and took out two bags of groceries.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
That’s when it happened. The door opened, and someone I didn’t expect to see came out. A woman I recognized all too well. She smiled at him, and Adam smiled back.
They hugged. It wasn’t a quick embrace. It was long, warm, the kind of hug that made them feel like they’d missed each other.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I sank back into my seat. I couldn’t breathe. My husband, the man I thought I knew, was standing there with her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
I sat in the car for what seemed like hours, trying to take it all in.
Why? Why her? And why on our anniversary?
I thought, ” At least now I know. ” It was painful, more painful than anything I could have imagined, but I was relieved to know the truth.
I wiped away my tears, took a deep breath, and turned back. I had learned the truth, and now I had a decision to make.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
That evening, I was already dressed, ready for our anniversary dinner. I wanted everything to be perfect, so I put on my favorite dress, curled my hair, and carefully applied my makeup, hoping to look my most beautiful.
I wanted to feel beautiful, to be confident, but all I could think about was the cold knot in my stomach.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
Adam walked in just as I was finishing my makeup. He smiled when he saw me, his eyes lit up.
“Wow, you look great.”
” THANKS. “
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” I said.

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
We called a taxi, and as we drove to the restaurant, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was wrong.
When we arrived at the restaurant, Adam started laughing. “I knew it! I knew you’d bring me here. In fact, I made a reservation here too… although mine is an hour later than yours.”
“Really? I guess we’re both full of surprises.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama
We sat down at our table, and Adam leaned over to whisper something to the waiter. A few moments later, the waiter returned with a large bouquet of flowers.
“Happy birthday,” Adam said, beaming, as he handed me the flowers.
I smiled weakly, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to overflow.
” THANKS. “

For illustration purposes only | Source: AmoMama