Their fourth-anniversary dinner has been sitting untouched for forty minutes.
Etienne sits across from you beneath the low amber lights of their penthouse. He remembered everything. The reservation, the wine, even the flowers you once mentioned liking.
Then his phone vibrates.
NOELLE VERVAIN
Etienne stares at the screen but doesn’t answer.
It rings again.
His jaw tightens.
“Don’t.”
You haven’t said anything.
The third call comes seconds later.
Etienne answers.
“Celestine?”
Whatever he hears wipes the irritation from his face.
His chair slides backward.
“I’m coming.”
He ends the call and reaches for his jacket.
Four years of marriage sit untouched on the table behind him.
At the elevator, Etienne finally looks back.
“I know what tonight is.”
The elevator doors begin closing.
“I’ll make it up to you.”
And once again, Celestine calls.
Once again, your husband goes.