The first signal should have been in the

The first signal should have been in the way he was acting – secretive, nervous, as if he was hiding something.

But I, as the ever trusting wife, thought it was just excitement.

Our seventh anniversary was approaching, and I dared to believe that Aaron had something special prepared.

He’d been hinting at it for weeks.

“You’re going to love your surprise,” he said with a smirk.

“It’s something you’ve been wanting for a long time.”

My mind was literally buzzing with possibilities.

A trip? Jewellery? And then I saw it – a sleek, navy blue sedan parked in our front yard the day before our anniversary.

My heart beat faster as I ran my fingers over its immaculate surface, the fresh smell of new leather filling my senses.

I turned to Aaron, eyes wide with joy.

“You did this for me?”

He slowed down a little. Just for a second.

Then he smiled.

“Yeah, well, you deserve better.”

I hugged him, my heart overflowing with gratitude.

But something was wrong…

He didn’t seem as excited as I was.

No big speech about how important I was to him.

Just an absent-minded pat on the back before he pulled away.

The next morning I woke up early to go for a ride in my new car.

But Aaron was already outside, talking to someone.

I looked out from behind the curtains and felt my legs give out.

His sister, Olivia, was standing next to the car, her face shining with happiness.

Aaron handed her the keys.

“Are you serious?” I ran outside, heart