“I love you. I will never do that again. You have been faithful to me. I want to be faithful to you. I promise,” he cried.

I should forgive him, I also cheated by kissing Joe, I thought. Frank stood up and wiped tears off my face. He hugged me and we sat down holding each other. His eyes were all over me. I finally fell asleep on his lap. I found myself in bed, I blinked once and found him staring at me.

“I love you Jane,” he said.

I smiled and kissed him. We closed our eyes and slept. He had done a lot to make me happy. Even though he cheated, also I kissed Joe but finally realised it was wrong before the worst happened. Marriage was about forgiveness and love, that’s what my mother told me. That’s why she didn’t want me married at 21 but maybe at 25. I loved Frank, he meant a lot in my life, I remind myself. The vows we made had to keep us stuck together no matter what.

The next morning I smelt chocolate croissants. I woke up and ran to the bath. Frank was in the kitchen, he loved cooking. He could make a good chef but he wanted to do something else.

I wrapped my towel round my body, wore my slippers and walked out of the bedroom. He was there standing holding flowers.

“For my beautiful wife,” he said kissing my cheek. I saw the tray with croissants and coffee on the table.

“Whatever I did to you, I must keep doing it,” I chuckled.

“I love you,” he smiled.

I smelt the flowers and he had brought white lilies. They were the best. The whole weekend had been the best present I ever got in my life.

Monday came too soon. I hated waking up and leaving Frank alone. I had to so I got ready and I kissed Frank on my way out. I walked slowly because I didn’t want to go to work. I wanted to spend the day with Frank again. I met Joe at the reception.

“Jane, we need to talk,” he said.

“I have nothing to say to you,” I said and walked away. He kept calling me then we found Rosie in my office.

“Please let’s talk,” he said pulling my hand.

I pulled it back and went and sat down. Rosie’s face changed and her mouth was wide open. Joe stared at me then Rosie.

“Do you know she is married?” she asked.

“What?” he was surprised.

Frank came in from nowhere, I had left him sleeping. He held a gift bag. I hoped he didn’t see what had happened with Joe. Rosie pulled Joe away. I was happy she did that.

“Hope I am not disturbing you,” he said sitting on the chair.

“No, you aren’t,” I answered.

“I brought us lunch,” he said.

“It’s not even ten,” I said and he walked over to me.

He lifted me up and kissed me. I could smell his fragrance, it was still Black Horse. I missed him a lot.

“I am sorry about my confession,” he said.

“Baby, it’s OK,” I said holding him.

I sat down and he went and fetched a picnic basket which was close the door. I felt his words were honest, I thought he was still going to his business trip as usual. He meant it when he said he wanted to be with me. I never allowed anything to destruct what I had with Frank. Joe wanted to tempt me. If my husband didn’t realise his mistake would I have cheated too?

Rosie was happy that she won Joe but it didn’t end well.

***

Tell us: What did you think of the story?