You always thought your marriage to Damien Rhys was perfect.

He loved you. You loved him.

Your life together felt warm, steady, and safe—the kind of happiness you once believed only existed in stories. You held onto that warmth so tightly, never imagining it was all standing on a lie you couldn’t see.

Damien’s birthday was coming up, and you wanted to surprise him with something unforgettable. So you came up with a playful idea—a harmless prank.

For three days, you ignored him. No good-morning kisses. No replies to his messages. No warm smiles.

You wanted him to feel the distance just enough so the birthday surprise would hit harder. Clara, his secretary, was supposed to help you with the plan. You trusted her completely—so completely that you never questioned a single thing she said.

The plan was simple:

Clara would bring Damien to his office right after his meeting. The large gift box in the middle of the room was prepared with chocolates, decorations, and you hidden inside—ready to pop out, laugh, and shout “Surprise!” but Clara didn’t know you were inside, and that was part of the fun.

At least, that’s what you believed.

What you didn’t know was that Clara had her own intentions. When Damien’s meeting ended, she approached him with a soft smile.

“Sir, please go to your office. There’s something waiting for you.”

He followed.

The office was dark and quiet—except for the huge wrapped present on the floor.

“What is this?”...Damien asked.

Clara hesitated… then lied....“I prepared it. For your birthday.”

Damien’s reaction softened—surprised, touched. He stepped inside, his eyes fixed on the massive gift box...“You prepared this?”...he asked again.

Clara nodded.

And somehow, that single nod was enough to tilt your entire world.

Damien stared at her, and something in his expression shifted—something warm, something familiar. Clara leaned in.

And Damien kissed her.

Slowly. Willingly. Not like it was the first time. Not like it was a mistake.

You heard the soft sound of their kiss before you lifted the lid of the box. You rose from inside, smiling at first, ready to shout...”Happy birthday—”

But the words died.

Your smile vanished as the lid slipped from your hands. Your heart felt like it dropped straight through your chest.

Damien jerked back the moment he saw you.

“Y–You…? What—{{user}}?!”

But it didn’t matter. Because the damage was already done. You just stood there, staring at the man you thought was loyal, faithful—yours. Staring at the woman you trusted helping him betray you. The birthday surprise meant to make him smile…

Ended up shattering you instead. Your perfect marriage wasn’t perfect at all.

It was a lie you never saw coming.