I fell in love with another woman, and we’re expecting a baby, the husband said….

Happy birthday, dear. This is for you. Wes handed a beautiful bouquet to Anne.

And where is our hard worker? Is he not here yet? Well, you know, it’s always urgent projects, meetings and business for Christopher, Anne replied. I don’t understand how you can endure such a life. You’re always alone.

Maybe you should go to work. Wes is actually looking for a new specialist and, as you know, finding a good architect is as difficult as finding a surgeon. I remember you were the best in the course, Gwen suggested, feeling the oppressive atmosphere in her friend’s home.

I would be happy to, but you know that Christopher is against it, Anne replied. Anne, forgive me, of course, but I will say what I think about it. Christopher is selfish and you are foolish.

Don’t you see that he has turned you into a housekeeper and spends his time when he wants? It’s so convenient for him, Gwen expressed her opinion. Well, my dears, I am glad to see you. Please come to the table.

As for Christopher, I hope he can join us soon. Anne tried to smooth the situation, leading other guests to the festive table. After some time, when the company had eaten their fill and were now remembering the curious stories of their student years, Christopher finally returned home.

The man was serious and smiled at the guests more out of politeness than joy. Christopher, you could have come earlier today. We haven’t seen each other for so long, and it’s your wife’s birthday today.

And where are the flowers for the hostess and beloved woman? Gwen couldn’t remain silent when she saw Christopher walk into the room empty-handed. I am also glad to see you, but work doesn’t wait. Wes probably understands me, the man replied, showing everyone that he did not like listening to such speeches.

I didn’t have time to buy flowers. I was rushing, as you see. Anne, happy birthday.

Thank you, dear. Anne opened the box and smiled sadly. Christopher never bothered about getting her a gift.

He always gave his wife something from jewellery, and this year was no exception. The table became a little more cheerful with the arrival of the homeowner, but constant messages on his mobile phone interrupted conversations. At the end of the evening, after saying goodbye to Anne and Christopher, friends left the big house, and silence fell again.

Anne began to clean up the table, and Christopher was constantly absorbed in his phone. When the cleaning was done, Anne turned to her husband. Christopher, don’t you think that even when you’re at home, you’re very far from it in your thoughts? Anne, don’t nitpick.

I’m working. Okay, I understand. The woman sat silently and walked to the bedroom.

Barely holding back tears, she entered the room and allowed herself to cry. Despite being married, Anne felt very lonely and unwanted. Her father passed away when she was young, and her relationship with her stepfather never really worked out.

Thankfully, Anne’s friends never disappeared from her life. Otherwise, she would have been completely alone. Anne remembered her conversation with her friends, and seriously considered the need to start working.

She could spend her time productively and not feel so lonely. The next morning, Anne woke up early and noticed that her husband wasn’t next to her. She had a bad feeling and knew that something wasn’t right.

Anne peeked into her husband’s slightly open study door and saw Christopher sleeping on the couch, hiding under a jacket. Her heart raced in her chest. Something was definitely going on with her husband and their family as a whole.

After taking a shower and getting ready, Anne went downstairs to the living room. Christopher was sitting in a chair, staring thoughtfully at the landscape beyond the window with a cup of coffee in his hands. He didn’t notice his wife’s presence at first, and when Anne greeted him, Christopher jumped in surprise.

You’ve been acting strange lately. Are you okay? You slept in the office? Are you avoiding me? Christopher, do you encounter problems at work? What’s going on? Anne asked all the questions that bothered her. We need to talk, Christopher replied in a calm voice…