Never Coming Back by Candice Rowan

NATALIA'S POV

The mall buzzed with life as I pushed my cart through the aisles, grabbing bottles of champagne, chips, and enough party favors to fill a banquet hall. It was my 24th birthday, and I could feel the excitement bubbling inside me. Tonight was going to be perfect!

Robert had promised to make today a special day for me and the mere imagination of the surprise he had in store for me, made me blush. We had been married for six months now and he was still the same charming and sweet Robert I fell in love with.

I paused in the middle of the aisle, and stared up at the rows of colorful balloons. Then, I picked a pack of gold balloons and tossed it into the cart.

"This is going to be the best night ever," I whispered to myself, a smile stretching across my face.

At checkout, the cashier gave me a knowing look. "Big party tonight?"

"Yeah," I said, beaming with smiles. "It's my birthday."

"Well, happy birthday to you!" She said and winked. "I hope you enjoy yourself."

I laughed lightly, thanked her, and hurried outside to hail a cab. The cool evening breeze swept through my hair as I loaded my bags into the backseat and the city lights twinkled like a promise of something wonderful waiting just around the corner.

The cab ride home felt longer than usual. I drummed my fingers on my knee, counting down the minutes until I'd be in Robert's arms. He'd probably set up candles, maybe even cooked dinner. My mind raced with possibilities and every single one of them made me blush in anticipation.

When the cab finally pulled up in front of our house, I grabbed the bags and stepped out at once. The porch light was on, casting a warm glow over the front steps and I frowned slightly when I saw that the door was slightly ajar.

Pushing the door open with my foot, I stepped inside and set the bags down in the hallway.

"Robert?" I called out, my voice echoing through the house.

A deafening silence greeted me and I sighed. He was probably working in his study upstairs. I couldn't bring myself to admit it but the truth was that I was disappointed.

There was no love note waiting for me. No candles. No flowers. Nothing.

I started to the kitchen to get something to eat, but I stopped in my tracks when I noticed something on the floor-a lady's shoe.

My stomach twisted. I took a shaky step forward, my eyes scanning the trail of clothing leading up the stairs. A scarf. A blouse. Lacy red underwear.

No. It couldn't be.

My breath hitched, and my chest tightened as dread settled over me like a heavy blanket. I didn't want to go upstairs, but my legs moved on their own.

When I reached the bedroom door, it was slightly open. My heart pounded in my chest as I heard his familiar voice from within, and then a lady's giggle.

I pushed it open fully and just as I suspected, he was there, naked in our bed, his body entwined with another woman's. Her fiery red hair spilled over the pillows, and her laughter froze in the air as she noticed me.

For a moment, the world stopped. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think.

Robert turned his head lazily, as if my presence in the room was some sort of inconvenience. A smug smile tugged at his lips as he assessed me.

"Oh, you're home finally," He said.

I blinked, my vision blurring with tears I refused to let fall. "What is this?"

He sighed, swinging his legs off the bed and pulling on his trousers with infuriating nonchalance. The woman giggled again, and I clenched my fists to stop myself from doing something reckless.

Robert sauntered over to me, his expression almost bored.

"Natalia, let's not make a scene."