My Husband Was Invited to a Work Party With a +1 – But When I Arrived, He Was There With His Other ‘Wife’

After years of marriage, Claire believed she knew everything there was to know about her husband, Michael, until the heartbreaking truth about his life that he had been keeping from her was disclosed at a work party. But before she could even plot her retaliation, Michael’s entire life fell apart.

I’ve been married to Michael for six years, and I’m 35 years old. I believed that we had a happy existence together for the majority of our marriage. I recognized that he put in a lot of overtime at a consulting firm.

Sacrifice was necessary for success, and I was proud of the amount of effort he put forth to support us.

One Friday night in particular felt like any other. We were enjoying a bowl of popcorn and watching an action movie on his laptop while cuddled up on our shabby leather couch in the living room.

Then, in the screen’s corner, an email notice appeared.

“We are excited to invite you to our yearly business party, Michael! The theme for this year is ‘Black and Gold.’ You may bring a guest, such as your spouse. “Address…”

My heart jumped. At last! Michael had been going to these workplace functions by himself for years, but now I was getting invited.

With a gasp, I turned to face him, excitedly picturing what I would be wearing, his coworkers, and how amazing it would be to finally get a close-up look at his workplace.

“Oh, Michael. “This is really thrilling!” Almost jumping on the couch, I said. “I wish I could accompany you. Meeting your coworkers at last would mean a lot.

But my excitement vanished when I saw his face. His features were accentuated by the laptop screen’s illumination, and his face had darkened to the point of anger. He used more force than was necessary to close the laptop.

He moistened his lips and murmured, “Honey, trust me, you don’t want to go.” “It’s dull. Numbers, charts, and interminable talks. I’ll go, give my boss a nod, and return in a few hours.

It was a bodily blow of disappointment. However, Michael, the invitation made it clear that you were to bring your wife and that it was a party rather than a business meeting. How come you wouldn’t want me there?

He stroked his temples and moaned. “Claire, because I am aware of these facts. Within ten minutes, you would be asleep. You’re better off at home, I promise.

I backed down because of something in his tone, but the pain persisted. Didn’t he want to brag about me after six years of marriage?

He wanted to tell me about that aspect of his life, didn’t he? I nodded and attempted a grin, though, not wanting to bring up the subject. Perhaps he was correct. It might be dull.

The week before the party went by according to plan. Michael remained late at work most evenings and mumbled about work presentations, giving the impression that he was more worried than usual.

Before long, the big day had come. In front of our full-length mirror on Friday evening, I saw Michael button his immaculate white dress shirt while leaning against the bedroom door frame.

With his hair groomed to perfection and his hands steady while he fixed his silk tie, he looked dapper in a charcoal gray suit.

I said, “You look good,” with sincerity.

He gave me a fake smile as he looked at me in the mirror. “Thank you. I’m hoping that this sleep fest won’t end too late.

He swiftly turned and planted a kiss on my cheek. He took his car keys from the small bowl on our foyer table and I followed him to the front door.

His words were, “Don’t wait up,”

I watched him drive off outside. After that, I shut the door and found myself in our home’s quiet.

I initially tried to divert my attention. I opened a book I had been intending to read, brewed a cup of tea, and browsed through my phone. However, the nagging notion that had been bugging me all week persisted as the evening went on.

If the invitation stated explicitly to “bring your wife,” why wouldn’t he want me there? Was there something he was hiding? I therefore made a choice that would alter everything.

I moved my chair back, unlocked my closet, and went upstairs to our bedroom. I was going to dress appropriately if Michael was attending a party with a black and gold theme.

I took out a chic black cocktail dress that I had never worn before but had purchased for our anniversary dinner the previous year. I accessorized it with the identical bracelet Michael got me for my birthday and my gold hoops.

I meticulously retouched my makeup in our bathroom. After finishing, I looked at my mirror. I felt lovely. assured.

My pulse thumping with anxious anticipation, I snatched up my coat and car keys. I was prepared to confront whatever awaited me at that gathering.

One of the most upscale hotels in the city was the venue for the event. I had never been inside, but I had driven by it innumerable times. I was filled with excitement as I made my way into the foyer.

A young man wearing a black vest was checking people in at the reception counter when I walked up to it. He appeared to be in his twenties.

I confidently said, “Hell, I’m Claire,” giving him my last name and making an effort to stand a little more erect. “Michael’s wife.”

The receptionist scowled as he ran his finger down the list of names on his clipboard. His gaze became bewildered as he glanced up at me and then back down at his list.

He frowned and added, “Uh… I’m sorry, ma’am, but that’s not possible,” nevertheless. “Michael has already checked in… with his wife.”

The chandelier light caused my cheeks to flush hot. “That isn’t feasible. There must be an error. I am his spouse. Ready to show him my ID and the wedding photo I had in my wallet, I fumbled for my handbag.

However, when I did, the receptionist simply shook his head softly and smiled awkwardly at me. “I’m truly sorry, but I do believe you. An hour ago, I checked them out myself.

Fear gripped my throat, but I made myself remain composed. “Will you kindly check again? There may have been some misunderstanding. Are you thinking of someone else?

He gave me a sorrowful smile, and as I didn’t want to dispute any more, I turned to face the glass doors leading into the ballroom. Searching the gathering of well-dressed individuals conversing under those gentle golden lights, I stood on my tiptoes.

My heart then struck my ribs with a smash.

I could see Michael in his gray suit and tie through the glass. But unlike what I had imagined, he wasn’t standing awkwardly by himself, nursing a drink.

A woman wearing a golden outfit that nicely accentuated her curves had his arm wrapped around her. She was laughing at something he had said, and her hair was immaculate.

Michael went down and gave her a gentle peck on the cheek as I stared in disbelief. They appeared to be a married couple having a fun evening out, with their bodies pushed closely together in the golden light.

I turned back to the receptionist rather than barging into the ballroom and causing a commotion.

I gave him a shoulder pat and said, “Thank you,” “I was… mistaken.”

I felt the embarrassing tears welling up in my eyes as I turned abruptly and left the hotel as quickly as my heels would allow.

My hands were shaking so much at the parking garage that I was having trouble getting my key into the ignition.

However, the ache I was experiencing had solidified into something more intense and concentrated by the time I turned into our driveway.

I started preparing my remarks for when Michael got home as soon as I entered our front door and noticed our wedding pictures on the hallway table. I started packing his belongings as well.

However, karma proved to be quicker than any form of retaliation I could have thought of.

When I heard the knock on our front door, it was almost midnight. After changing from that black dress into pajamas, I was waiting for my husband while perched on the side of our bed.

I stood up and moved to the corridor. Only briefly did my hands freeze on the brass handle. Michael was standing there when I opened the door, but he didn’t resemble the self-assured man I’d seen hugging another lady.

He had a pale, drawn face, red-rimmed, desperate eyes, and a loose tie around his neck. There on our porch, he fell on his knees at the sight of me.

“Please, Claire. In a harsh voice, he pleaded, “Just listen.” “It’s not… I was foolish.

He knew I knew, then? Furthermore, where were his keys? He had knocked, but why? However, I crossed my arms rather of posing these sensible queries.

The words “I guess you know that I saw you with my own eyes, Michael,” came out of my mouth. “You brought another woman to the party, and the receptionist referred to her as your wife, partner, or whatever! I’m not sure if the other employees share your opinion.

The words tumbled out of Michael in frenzied, fragmented syllables as his face crumbled. “No, just him. When I referred to her as my wife, not even Anna heard. However, he is a fool. entered and claimed that a different woman had arrived posing as my wife and that she had pictures and identification to support her claim. He informed me that she left after seeing us.

Anna? That was her name, then.

I nodded as he raised his head.

“When Anna heard him, she turned to face me. Everyone around us began to stare as her shouting grew louder and louder,” he added.

Did this Anna not know who I was? I suppose I could be lenient with her. Perhaps.

Michael went on to cry as though I would feel sorry for him. “She turned to me and demanded to know the truth because I had told her I was divorced and that I lived alone,” he said. “She gave me a firm shove after I told her everything. I collapsed on my back after colliding with a waiter. In front of everyone, right there.

The image was nearly humorous, but I couldn’t laugh because of the intense ache in my chest.

His words, “The whole room went silent,” “People took their phones out. While they were filming, Anna kicked me in the… Then my boss—”

He choked.

“What about your boss, Michael?”

“He approached me directly. didn’t hold out for my explanation. He stated that what he heard was unacceptable and that integrity was the company’s top priority in front of the entire staff. We had looked awful in front of the customers there after that scene. He dismissed me after telling me I was an embarrassment.

His words filled me with grim joy, but I maintained a bland expression.

“Claire, I lost everything tonight, including my wallet and keys. I don’t know where anything is, but I do know that I can’t let you go. I will stop at nothing to gain your forgiveness, please.”

His cheeks were wet with tears as he gazed up at me. “You need to trust me. She had no significance. She was simply me being foolish. Claire, you’re my wife. The only person who matters is you.

I nearly felt terrible for him for a second. However, the man I’d married didn’t look anything like the broken man on my porch.

I took a step back and pointed to the hallway where I had previously set his bags by the door. “You can enter,” I answered calmly, “but only to retrieve your belongings.”

When Michael noticed the packed bags, his eyes widened. In dramatic fashion, he gripped his chest.

“No, Claire. Please. This is something we can resolve. I’ll find another work, stop communicating with her, and give you access to all of my passwords. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it. I come to tell you the whole tale, please. I should be commended for my honesty.

I shook my head and gasped. “Acknowledgment? Being truthful? You’re not worthy of anything! Not from me, in particular. You cut me off a long time ago, and the instant you let someone else to replace me, our marriage was over. I simply wasn’t aware of it yet.

“But I love you!” he exclaimed, stumbling away. “I made a mistake!”

I retreated when he attempted to touch me.

“How long?” I inquired.

“What?”

“How long have you been with her?”

His silence was sufficient response.

“Take your things, and I will throw them away,” I yelled.

He nodded resignedly and began unpacking his bags. He turned back to face me after finishing. “Claire —”

However, I closed the door in his face.

I watched from the window of our living room as he slouched his shoulders as he packed his bags into his car. Additionally, I witnessed him drive off into the night after slamming the driver’s door harder than was required.

I was able to breathe again at last.