Chapter One
Sarah had always been the perfect wife, a steadfast supporter of her husband Gage. They had been together for a decade, a milestone that marked their tenth anniversary. This year, Sarah decided to pull out all the stops to celebrate their love. She pampered herself, spending hours at the salon for an elegant hairdo, manicured nails, and flawless makeup. She even treated herself to a stunning, figure-hugging dress that accentuated her beauty and made her feel extraordinary.
As the evening approached, she eagerly awaited Gage's arrival, her heart racing with excitement and anticipation. The hours slipped by, and soon, two hours had passed without a word from him. Deciding to call, she felt a flutter of nerves as she dialed his number for the third time. When he finally answered, her voice was laced with joy. “Gage, what time are you coming home? I’ve planned a surprise for our anniversary!” She could hardly contain her smile.
But her excitement turned to confusion and then to anguish as she heard his dismissive reply. “I won’t be home on time. I have a crisis.” In the background, she heard the sounds of muffled giggling and whispering, making her stomach knot. Just as she was about to question him further, she caught a glimpse of a woman’s voice before the call abruptly dropped.
As the shock settled in, Sarah quickly composed herself. She packed her bags with a determined heart, refusing to let her hard work and anticipation go to waste. With her keys in hand, she stepped out into the cool evening air, adrenaline coursing through her veins.
On her way out, she unexpectedly encountered her mother-in-law, Helen, in the driveway. The older woman’s eyes widened in disbelief as she took in Sarah’s glamorous appearance. “Sarah, where—what—you… ” Helen stuttered, clearly at a loss for words. Sarah stood tall and radiant, looking as if she had stepped out of a high-fashion magazine—a stark contrast to the haughty remarks and cruel jibes she had endured over the years.
“Mother, an old friend is in town, and we’re going out,” she replied, relishing the look of astonishment on Helen’s face. For once, Sarah reveled in the power shift, enjoying the sensation of standing confidently on the other side of the table, no longer the small and silent figure who had weathered Helen’s insults.
Helen opened her mouth to say something—perhaps to remind her of the anniversary—but was swiftly interrupted. “Mother, there’s always next year. I have to run, or I’ll be late.” With that, she climbed into her car, offering a saccharine smile that masked her inner turmoil. As she closed the door, she muttered 'Witch' under her breath, feeling a surge of defiance.