The Pink Car of Betrayal

en Riv

placed on the coffee table. His face lit up. "What's this? Another

d, my voice flat. "Yo

ways so thoughtful, my love." His eyes twinkled. He was so oblivious. He'l

day," I told him, a hi

med photo of us from our wedding. "I will," he promised, his

g me towards the door.

lmate" car, gleaming in the fluorescent lights, its pink paint

e asked, his eyes practically bu

name. Stamped on the vehicle of his infidelity. My body started to tremble, a cold dread seeping into my

t is it, baby? Don't you like i

I'm not used to driving such a big car. I haven't driven in

'll drive. I'll even teach you. Think of all the places

he passenger seat before I sat down. I scrubbed and scrubbed, as if

s a brand new car, honey. W

gs," I said, my voice clipped. The words hu

fear?-crossed his face. He quickly cleared his throat. "Ri

te menu, the perfect wine pairing. I barely heard him. My hand br

shed a deep crimson. "Oh, that! It's... a new marketing gimmick. A

ling smile on my lips. "Is

a sample. Sales team proba

worn down, clearly used. I looked at him, my gaze piercing.

grabbing my wrist. "Gretchen, please! I'm so

and tossed the lipstick into the passing t

ulmate again! Didn't want to mess up my new purse, hehe.

pleading regret. It was all a performa

st. I just wanted this day to be over. I wanted to

a charming, devoted husband. Bystanders cooed. "Wha

nside. A table laden with my favorite dishes awaited us. Co