I stormed into the hotel lobby, my heart pounding. The cheerful Christmas decorations and soft holiday music felt mocking as I approached the reception desk.
The receptionist, a young woman with a warm smile, looked up. “Merry Christmas! How can I help you?”
I didn’t have time for pleasantries. “My husband’s car is parked outside, and I’m looking for him. He told me he was out of town on a business trip. Can you tell me what room he’s in?”
Her smile faltered, and she looked uneasy. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I can’t give out that information.”
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Listen, I know he’s here, and I just need to talk to him. His name is Jeff Sanders. Please, can you check?”
The receptionist hesitated, glancing around nervously. Finally, she sighed. “I’m not supposed to do this, but… let me see.” She typed on her keyboard for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, he’s checked in. Room 215.”
I thanked her and rushed to the elevators, my hands shaking. My mind raced with possibilities. Who was he with? What was he hiding?
When I reached Room 215, I hesitated, staring at the door. Then I raised my hand and knocked.
A few seconds later, the door opened, and there he was—Jeff, standing in the doorway in casual clothes, looking stunned to see me. “Laura? What are you doing here?”
“I should be asking you that!” I snapped. “You told me you were out of town on a business trip. What’s going on, Jeff? Why are you here? Who are you with?”
Before he could answer, a voice called from inside the room. “Jeff, is everything okay?”
I froze as a woman appeared behind him, holding a glass of wine. She was wearing a sleek dress, her hair perfectly styled.
“Who is she?” I asked, my voice trembling.
Jeff’s face turned pale. “Laura, I can explain—”
“Explain?!” I shouted. “You lied to me! You left me alone at Christmas, and now I find you here, with her?”
The woman looked at me with wide eyes. “Wait, you’re his wife?”
“Yes, I’m his wife,” I said, glaring at Jeff. “And who are you?”
She stepped back, clearly shocked. “He told me he was separated,” she said, her voice shaking.
I turned back to Jeff, fury boiling over. “Separated? Really? Is that your excuse for this? For lying to me and sneaking around?”
Jeff tried to stammer out an excuse, but I’d heard enough. I turned on my heel and marched out of the hotel, my chest tight with betrayal.
As I drove home, tears streamed down my face. This wasn’t the Christmas I’d imagined, but I knew one thing for sure: I deserved better than this. Jeff had made his choice, and now I was going to make mine.