The Day My Husband Promised Another Woman Forever

Kyson said he loved me, but then he disappeared for 12 hours on my birthday. He was busy taking his assistant, who had attempted suicide, to the hospital. I pleaded with him to stay, to not leave for another woman. He said he couldn’t make that promise. Later, when I was about to leave him for Bjorn, Kyson’s eyes flashed with anger. “Don’t hold his hand. That will drive me insane.” I smirked and shook my head, “I can’t make that promise.”

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It was my birthday, and a light rain was falling outside the window. I cleaned the room, changed the flowers in the vase, put on a new dress, prepared an extravagant dinner, set the music, and looked toward the door, waiting for my husband, Kyson, to come home. For ten years, ever since I was eighteen, Kyson had celebrated my birthday with me without fail. Even during important negotiations, he’d have his assistant reschedule to be with me.

But tonight, he didn’t come home. I couldn't even reach him by phone. I started to feel anxious. Kyson had always assured me that celebrating my birthday together was a promise he'd never break. By eight in the evening, there was still no sign of him. Nervously, I decided to call him. Until this year, I could call him anytime. But as his business boomed, he got busier and asked me not to call before nine. “In case I’m at a dinner meeting,” he'd say, after pulling me close, fingers entwined in my hair. I’d agreed.

My friends said Kyson’s behavior felt off and urged me to check on him, but I trusted him completely. I kept calling, but Kyson wouldn’t answer. I reheated the food, waited another thirty minutes, and called again. Still no answer. An hour later, I tried once more. Nothing.

Feeling increasingly anxious, I messaged him on WhatsApp, “What’s going on? Are you okay? Should I call the police...” His response came instantly, “Don’t worry, I’m dealing with something. Don’t call the police.” It felt strange to me. He could answer a message right away but not take my call? I asked, “When will you be home? I’m waiting to have cake with you.” He didn’t reply.

My friends’ cautionary words echoed in my mind, “A man can always find time to answer his wife’s call unless he chooses not to.” I bit my lip. I’d always believed that whatever happened, Kyson wouldn’t deceive me. He knew he was the only family I had. I couldn’t bear a betrayal from him. I waited in the living room all night. He returned in the morning, after twelve hours.

He looked exhausted, didn’t offer an explanation, and just fell into bed. His clothes had a faint scent of blood and hospital disinfectant. I felt scared. He’d been so busy this past year that he no longer shared every detail with me. I worried he might be sick and hiding it. I wanted to ask him, but he