How it all happened
886 Words
It was a cool evening when I pleaded with my boss to dismiss me early.
"I really need to leave," I said, clutching my bag against my side. "It's something urgent and important."
She looked at me for a moment, probably debating whether to ask more questions, but instead she simply nodded.
"Fine. You can go."
A grin instantly spread across my face.
"Thank you!"
I practically skipped out of the office, smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. I must have looked ridiculous, flashing my teeth like someone who had just won the lottery, but I couldn't help it.
Tomorrow was Ethan's birthday, and everything was finally falling into place.
My phone rang just as I reached my car.
"Hey, babe," I answered.
"Hey, girl. Or should I say lover girl?" Maddy teased. "You're still at work?"
"No. I just got out," I replied, opening the car door and sliding inside. "I'm heading to his place now."
"So soon? Girl, you really don't joke with Ethan. I wish I was him."
I laughed, shaking my head. "Girl, shut up. It's not like you wouldn't do the same for Anthony."
Her voice softened slightly. "Yeah... about him. He's been so busy lately. We haven't really seen each other in a while."
I started the engine.
"Yeah, Ethan's probably been caught up with a lot too," I said. "How's the shopping going?"
Maddy had been a lifesaver through all of this. Between work and trying to organize a surprise birthday party for Ethan, I would have lost my mind without her help. She'd volunteered to buy the decorations and some of the things I needed while I handled the rest.
"No, baby girl," she said dramatically. "I got distracted by a promo for a dress. My bad."
"Maddy!"
She burst into laughter.
"I'm kidding, girl. Chillax. I'll be there in a jiffy."
Before I could threaten her, she hung up.
I smiled to myself and continued driving.
The past few days had been exhausting. Work had been relentless. Assignments piled on top of assignments, documents waiting to be filled, deadlines breathing down my neck. I barely had enough time to eat, let alone spend time with Ethan.
A small part of me wondered if he thought I'd forgotten his birthday. I hadn't—Not even close.
I pulled up in front of the ten-foot grey-colored luxury building Ethan called home.
He hadn't been home for the past two days, which made this the perfect opportunity to get everything ready before he returned tomorrow evening.
Luckily for me, he'd given me his spare key card months ago when he needed me to pick up some documents while he was away in Orlando.
I stepped out of my car and hurried up the front stairs.
The familiar beep echoed as I inserted the key card.
A second later, the door unlocked.
I stepped inside.The house was quiet, really quiet.
Dropping my bag beside the sofa, I collapsed onto the soft leather cushions and let out a long breath.
It had been a long day— a long week infact.
I leaned back and closed my eyes for a moment.
Ethan hated parties. He always said they were unnecessary and stressful.
But this time, he was going to make an exception, he had to.I had spent weeks planning this.
I reached for my phone and dialed Maddy's number again.
She answered immediately.
"I'm in already," I said. "Are you close to being done with shopping?"
"No, baby girl. remember that model i told you of , i just saw him….”
"Maddy..."
"Alright, alright" she squealed. "Relax. I'll be there soon."
"You better."
She laughed before ending the call.
I tossed my phone onto the sofa.
Since Maddy wasn't here yet, I decided to change into something more comfortable. I still had some clothes at Ethan's place anyway.
I stood up and headed upstairs.
I had barely made it halfway when I stopped.
A sound floated through the hallway. I frowned.
At first, I thought I imagined it.Then I heard it again.
A muffled sound, like someone trying to suppress a scream…. I froze.
My fingers tightened around the staircase rail.
The house suddenly didn't feel as welcoming as it had moments ago.
I listened carefully, then another sound came, soft, breathless. Coming from upstairs…. from Ethan's bedroom.
My heart gave a violent thud against my ribs.
"Ethan said he isn't home," I whispered to myself.
Then whose voice was that?
Maybe the television was on or maybe one of his staff had stopped by. No, Ethan hated strangers in his home. So who was upstairs?
This time, a soft moan drifted through the corridor.
A drop of sweat drained from my face.
Slowly, I climbed the remaining stairs.Each step feeling heavier than the last.
The sounds became clearer and my stomach twisted painfully, and I hated it.
I stopped in front of the bedroom door.
It was slightly open.
I stared at the narrow gap, my pulse roaring in my ears, I quietly pushed the door open. And came face-to-face with the one thing I never expected to see.
Ethan's hands were on another woman.
The birthday surprise slipped from my fingers and shattered against the floor.
"Ethan?"
My voice broke, because the woman on his sheets wasn't a stranger.
- Writer
