I checked into a hotel only to discover that my husband was already there—accompanied by someone else

As Clara embarks on her work-related journey—poised to elevate her professional life to a whole new tier—she unexpectedly encounters a stranger who delivers devastating news. News that signals the collapse of her marriage. What will Clara do next?

Traveling solo was something I typically relished. Particularly when it involved business—there was an undeniable thrill in being an outsider in a foreign environment, even if only temporarily.

Business trips usually made it easy to be apart from my husband, Tom—because I knew he would be lounging at home, indulging in television and unhealthy snacks until I returned.

“I won’t be doing anything else,” he’d chuckle, waving me off with my suitcase in hand.

But this trip was different. Tom had his own work-related travel plans this time.

Preparing for this journey stirred a mixture of emotions within me. Firstly, this was a pivotal moment—we were on the verge of expanding our restaurant into a franchise, and securing investor backing was crucial to making that happen.

“Don’t stress over anything, Clara,” my business associate, Malcolm, reassured me. “Just go in there and present everything we’ve worked toward over the last half-year. And, most importantly, be yourself!”

“You should come along,” I urged.

It was the eve of my departure, yet Malcolm still didn’t believe he needed to accompany me.

“I have complete confidence in you. Besides, I can’t afford to leave town. Any moment now, I’ll be a father.”

At least his priorities were in the right place.

“You’ll do great,” Tom assured me as he dropped me off at the airport. “You’ve tackled these presentations solo before.”

“Yes, but this time there’s a lot more at stake,” I admitted. “We’re requesting a huge sum from the investors.”

“And they wouldn’t even consider you if they didn’t believe you were worth it. Relax, love. Just be yourself—they’ll be impressed.”

He was right. If our proposal wasn’t promising, they wouldn’t have booked us at such an upscale hotel.

“Besides, it’s just a short trip, and soon we’ll both be back home,” he reminded me.

“Are you anxious about your trip?” I asked while rummaging through my bag for gum.

“Not at all,” he replied. “Actually, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been restless lately, and this is a chance to escape for a while. We really need to plan a vacation.”

“When we return,” I promised. “We’ll plan the entire thing.”

Tom kissed my forehead and left.

As soon as I boarded the plane, a surge of mixed emotions swept over me—excitement, anticipation, but most notably, a lingering sense of unease I couldn’t quite place.

“This isn’t just any ordinary work trip, Clara,” I reminded myself. “You have to prove your worth.”

A flight delay meant I barely had time to rent a car and get to my meeting.

“I’ll have to check in later,” I muttered as I pulled out of the airport.

“Thank you for your time, Clara,” said Grant, the lead investor, shaking my hand. “You and Malcolm have done an excellent job with the proposal, and your presentation was impressive. We see the potential and would love to help bring it to fruition. Expect an official response in a day or two—my assistant will arrange a follow-up meeting.”

The meeting had gone as smoothly as possible, and I felt a wave of relief. The hardest part was over—now, all that was left to do was wait for the final verdict.

“Enjoy your stay,” Grant added with a nod before disappearing back into the boardroom.

The hotel’s grandeur instantly enveloped me—it was exactly the kind of place I needed to unwind while awaiting the final decision. My plan was simple: check-in, shower, and update Tom and Malcolm on how it all went.

As I stood at the reception desk, I waited for my turn. Amidst the hustle and bustle of guests, I spotted a woman I had sat next to on the flight.

“Hey!” she greeted me cheerfully. “You’re staying here too?”

I returned her smile and nodded. Although we were strangers, there was something reassuring about seeing a familiar face.

“How long are you in town?” I inquired.

“Just a few days. I’m here for a little adventure,” she replied. “A getaway from home. With my boyfriend. But it’s a bit complicated.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, sipping my complimentary champagne.

“He’s married,” she revealed. “So, it’s all hush-hush. But I try not to dwell on it! If anything, she travels a lot, and he suspects she’s cheating with a coworker.”

I chuckled.

“That sounds insane!” I blurted out.

The whole situation was overwhelming. I couldn’t fathom excusing an affair just because someone frequently traveled for work.

Don’t dwell on it, I reminded myself. Other people’s choices are not your responsibility.

The woman was next in line, so I stepped aside, making room for her to check in.

“Hi!” she chirped at the receptionist. “I’m Veronica. The reservation should be under Tom Harrison. He hasn’t arrived yet—he’s flying in tonight.”

My heart pounded. Tom Harrison? My husband—Tom Harrison?

It couldn’t be a mere coincidence.

“Certainly, ma’am,” the receptionist responded. “Since Mr. Harrison made the booking, I’ll need a contact number or email for verification. It’s our security policy.”

The woman laughed, acknowledging the necessity of protocols.

Then, she recited my husband’s phone number.

The realization crashed over me like a tidal wave. This wasn’t a random name—this woman was here with Tom! A storm of emotions surged—shock, fury, betrayal.

“Enjoy your stay,” she said to me, flashing a smile as she collected her keycard. “I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.”

In a daze, I checked in. I couldn’t recall if I had mentioned my hotel to Tom. Had he even asked?

Once inside my room, my thoughts spiraled. The high from my successful meeting was completely overshadowed.

I wanted revenge.

Later, as Tom’s arrival neared, I made my way downstairs.

When I reached reception, I overheard the room number assigned to Tom and his mistress. Tearing a sheet from my notebook, I penned an invitation for her—a complimentary massage at the hotel spa.

I lingered at the end of the corridor, waiting for her to leave.

Luckily, the shift had changed, and a new receptionist was at the desk.

I repeated Veronica’s exact words—explaining that I was meeting my husband, who should have already checked in. When asked for his contact number, I supplied it without hesitation.

And just like that, I had a keycard.

Entering their room, I made myself comfortable—kicking off my shoes and turning on the television.

“Honey, I’m here,” Tom’s voice rang out.

“Surprise!” I announced. “I had no idea you were planning to surprise me at my hotel.”

His face drained of color. His forehead glistened with nervous sweat.

“Clara!” he stammered, struggling to regain composure.

“Not who you were expecting?” I asked, arms crossed.

“How long?” I demanded. “How long has this been going on?”

“Seven months,” he admitted without hesitation.

“I deserve someone who respects and values me, Tom,” I declared. “You’re not that person.”

He remained silent, not even attempting an excuse.

I walked away, leaving behind the ruins of our marriage. Bigger things awaited me. But his indifference stung more than the betrayal.

I returned to my room and called Malcolm, filling him in on the presentation’s outcome.

“Now we wait,” he said.

“Now we wait,” I echoed.

I showered, ordered room service, and waited for Grant’s email.

Things could only improve from here. Right?