Chapter 7 of I'm not a Third Wheel anymore

I busied myself at work, recalling my husband's deception and ignorance he laced me with. However, his words still echoed in my mind when he was inviting me to the party in excitement. I sighed, thinking I might not have rejected him so bluntly. To run a relationship, one should bend a little. After all, I had seen how hard he had been working for the past few days. Everyday he came late at night suffering from a headache.

Recalling these incidents my heart softened a bit and I decided to join him in the Birthday Party. But, I didn't have enough time to go back home, get ready and then go to the party. I planned to leave for the party venue directly from the office. So, I texted Ryan [Hey, finished my work. I’ll be waiting for you at the door. Don’t let me wait too long. Remember, I don't have an invitation card.]

After leaving a text to Ryan, I took a ride to the party’s venue, thinking he would be happy to see me there.

I stood at the entrance, wearing a suit I wore for my office, scanning the crowded venue for Ryan. We were supposed to meet here, but he was nowhere to be found. The guards were scanning me with suspicious eyes. Before they could ask me for an invitation card, I picked up my phone to call Ryan. But, suddenly he walked past me with a cheerful smile on his lips. However, it wasn't directed at me.

Emily was walking along with him. His hands were wrapped against her waist, looking like a perfect couple. Her slender figure was wrapped in a fitted silver dress, drawing admiring glances from the surrounding men. I recognised the dress at first glance.

A few days ago, we went shopping. He insisted on buying me an anniversary gift since I returned his ring. He asked me to select a beautiful dress for myself and I chose a silver gown. When he asked a sales girl to pack the dress, she blurted out, “Sir, why are you buying the same dress again? Didn't you buy the same gown yesterday?”

I could see the panic in his eyes when he immediately made an excuse, saying, “You must be mistaking me with someone else. I have never visited this shop before.”

The sales girl didn't say anything but her suspicious gaze spoke the truth that I didn't see in Ryan's eyes.

Seeing Emily in the same gown, standing beside my husband as his partner pierced my heart. My heart sank as they approached.

"Ryan," I said, my voice trembling.

He turned. His face instantly turned pale while looking at me.