When Clara embarks on her business trip, excited to take her career to a whole new level, an unexpected encounter changes everything. A stranger delivers devastating news—news that marks the end of her marriage. What will she do now?
Traveling alone had always been something she enjoyed, especially when it was for business. There was something uniquely charming about being a stranger in an unfamiliar place, even if only for a few days.
The absences due to work often made the distance from her husband, Tom, more bearable. She knew he’d be home, relaxing in front of the TV and enjoying unhealthy snacks until her return.
—”I won’t do anything different anyway,” Tom joked, smiling as he held his suitcase and waved goodbye.
But this time, things were different. This time, he also had his own travel plans.
As she prepared for her departure, Clara felt a mix of emotions. This wasn’t just any trip; her business’s future was at stake. After months of hard work, the opportunity to turn her restaurant into a franchise depended on securing the investors’ support.
—”Don’t worry, Clara,” her partner, Malcolm, reassured her with a warm smile. “Just go in there and present everything we’ve worked on these six months. And above all, be yourself.”
—”You should come with me,” Clara insisted.
It was the night before her departure, but Malcolm remained convinced it wasn’t necessary.
—”I trust you completely. Besides, I can’t leave the city right now. I could become a father at any moment.”
At least he had his priorities straight.
—”You’ll do great,” Tom assured her as he dropped her off at the airport. “You’ve done presentations like this many times before.”
—”Yes, but this time there’s much more at stake,” Clara admitted. “We’re asking for a huge sum from the investors.”
—”And they wouldn’t have considered you if they didn’t think you were worth it,” he said confidently. “Relax, darling. Be yourself, and you’ll impress them.”
She knew he was right. If their proposal wasn’t promising, they wouldn’t have booked them a room in such a luxurious hotel.
—”Besides, it’s just a short trip. We’ll be back home soon,” he added.
—”Are you nervous about your trip?” Clara asked as she rummaged for a piece of gum in her bag.
—”Not at all. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been feeling restless lately, and this is a good chance to clear my head. We really should plan a vacation.”
—”When we get back,” she promised, “we will.”
Tom kissed her forehead and left.
As soon as Clara boarded the plane, a wave of emotions enveloped her: excitement, anticipation, but also a persistent unease that she couldn’t decipher.
—”This is no ordinary business trip, Clara,” she reminded herself. “You have to prove you’re worth it.”
A flight delay left her with just enough time to rent a car and get to her meeting.
—”I’ll have to check in later,” she muttered as she exited the airport.
The presentation went flawlessly.
—”Thank you for your time, Clara,” Grant, the lead investor, said, shaking her hand. “You and Malcolm have done an excellent job. Your presentation was impressive.”
—”I’m glad to hear that.”
—”We see the potential and we want to make it happen. You can expect an official response in a day or two; my assistant will schedule a follow-up meeting.”
A wave of relief washed over her body. The hardest part was over. Now, she just had to wait.
—”Enjoy your stay,” Grant added before disappearing into the conference room.
The hotel was majestic, the perfect place to relax while she waited for the final decision. Her plan was simple: check in, take a shower, and let Tom and Malcolm know about the meeting.
As she waited at the reception, her eyes landed on a familiar woman. She had been sitting next to Clara on the plane.
—”Hi!” the woman greeted her enthusiastically. “Are you staying here too?”
Clara smiled back and nodded. Though they were strangers, there was something comforting about seeing a familiar face.
—”How long will you be in town?” Clara asked.
—”Just a few days. I’m here for a little adventure,” she replied. “A break from home. With my boyfriend. But it’s a bit complicated.”
—”What do you mean?” Clara asked, taking a sip of the complimentary champagne.
—”He’s married,” the woman confessed. “So everything is a bit of a secret. But I try not to think too much about it. Actually, his wife travels a lot and he suspects she’s having an affair with a colleague.”
Clara laughed, uncomfortable.
—”That sounds crazy!”
She couldn’t imagine justifying infidelity because someone traveled a lot for work.
“Don’t think about it,” she told herself. “Other people’s decisions are not your problem.”
The woman was called to the reception. Clara stepped aside as she spoke with the receptionist.
—”Hello!” the woman said cheerfully. “My name is Veronica. The reservation should be under the name of Tom Harrison. He hasn’t arrived yet; he’ll take a flight tonight.”
Clara’s heart stopped.
Tom Harrison?
Her husband, Tom Harrison?
It couldn’t just be a coincidence.
—”Of course, ma’am,” the receptionist responded professionally. “Since Mr. Harrison made the reservation, I need a contact number or email to verify. It’s part of our security policy.”
The woman laughed softly, as if she understood the need for such precautions. Then, without hesitation, she recited Tom’s phone number.
Reality hit Clara like a cold wave. It wasn’t just a random name. This woman was here with Tom. A flood of emotions consumed her: surprise, rage, betrayal.
—”Enjoy your stay,” the woman said with a calculated smile as she took her key. “I’m sure we’ll see each other again.”
Dazed, Clara checked in. She didn’t even remember if she had mentioned to Tom which hotel she’d be staying at. Had she? Had he asked?
Back in her room, the excitement from her successful meeting had vanished. Her mind was a whirlwind of dark thoughts and painful certainties.
She wanted revenge.
Later, as Tom’s arrival time neared, she went down to the lobby.
At the reception, she overheard the room number assigned to Tom and his mistress. She tore a page from her notebook and wrote a simple note: an invitation for a free massage at the hotel spa.
She waited.
When the woman left, the receptionist had changed shifts. A new receptionist assisted her.
With a smile, Clara repeated exactly the same words Veronica had used earlier and explained that she needed to meet her husband, who had already checked in. When they asked for his contact number, Clara provided it without hesitation.
And just like that, she got a key.
She entered their room, settled on the bed, took off her shoes, and turned on the TV.
—”Honey, I’m here,” she heard Tom’s voice as he entered.
—”Surprise!” she exclaimed with a venomous smile. “I had no idea you were planning to surprise me in my hotel.”
The color drained from his face. His eyes widened in panic. His forehead began to shine with cold sweat.
—”Clara!” he stammered, trying to compose himself.
—”Not who you were expecting?” she asked, crossing her arms.
—”How long?” she demanded to know. “How long has this been going on?”
—”Seven months,” he admitted without hesitation.
Clara almost laughed at his audacity.
—”I deserve someone who respects and values me, Tom. And you’re not that person.”
He said nothing. No pleas, no excuses, not a single word of regret.
She turned around and walked out of the wreckage of their marriage. Bigger things awaited her. But his indifference hurt more than the betrayal.
Back in her room, Clara called Malcolm to tell him about the meeting.
—”Now we just wait,” he said.
—”Yes, we just wait,” Clara repeated, feeling something inside her change forever.
She took a shower, ordered room service, and waited for Grant’s email.
From now on, there was only one way to go. Or was there?