The Man I Shouldn't Want: A Game of Seduction and Lies

TAL

econd wedding anniversary, and Michael insisted on dining out, even though I would've preferred a quiet night at home. He's always been the social butter

dress up tonight, slipping into a red silk dress that hugs my curves in all the right places. I look amazing-ever

t once made him fall head over heels for me has faded. Lately, he's been distant, coming home late with weak excuses about work. H

used to burn in his eyes is gone. He doesn't buy me flowers anymore -

ember tomorrow's

ucts of my overthinking. I love this man. He proposed to me in front of a crowded stadium, fearlessl

I force a smile, but inside, I'm jealous that he com

uddenly gone. Trying to sound hopeful, I ask, "

his mouth with a napkin, he

I murmur, fidgeting with my fingers. "

with a shake of his head. "Besides,

rget our anniversary because he's planning

Then I get an idea, a way to test him. "I'll ask M

how some sign he's planning something. But a

ok back. But I remember my mom's words: You have to be patient, an

gives more attention to his food than to me. He d

gain and again. He tries to ignor

s, flashing that charming smile as he s

important than us?" I want to ask, but I just nod and watch

s. Why hasn't he come back? Did he leav

o clear my head. The warm lighting and rustic charm of the r

. My breath catches as I watch him pull a beautiful woman into a passionate kiss. They cling t

woman say, smiling as they break

e before pulling her back in for another kiss. "After my company's launch event goes well, an

silence. The man I've devoted my life to, the man I've loved unconditionally, is betray

on it. The pain threatens to consume me, but my anger ri

d with my arms folded, my voice surprising

uilt. I recognize her now-from his office parties. She has the d

rs, stepping toward me. "Th

"I don't need your lies, Mike. I've h

my voice dripping with contempt. "Didn't you know he was married? It was in

t. Because if you did, you wouldn't be standing here, pretendi

ck her. I see the guilt and confusion battling inside her,

n front of a fucking stadium full of people. Was it all for show? Just to impr

s, reaching for me. "I do love y

r anniversary-which is tomorrow, by the way - or misplacin

ut you know what? I'm done. I'm done being your fool. I'm done being the d

ack," I say firmly, more to myself than to him. "And I'm going to enjoy

ouch of pity in my voice. "You can have him. Just remember, a man who cheat

eets me as I step outside, stinging my skin, but I welcome it. As I take a deep brea

s, and it's time to remember that. I lost myself becoming

myself imagine a future - a future where I'm free. I picture myself traveling, rediscovering my

ured by me-and pour myself a glass of wine, savoring the rich flavor as it slides down my throat. I strip off my clothes, admire my fig

g the wine in my glass with a smile, I