The only reason I went to my husband’s office party for the first time was to see the other “wife.” He got what he deserved afterward.
Jennifer was immediately interested when she found an email inviting her husband to a fancy New Year’s party with a “plus-one” choice. But what she found at the event broke her trust and caused something she didn’t expect to happen.
The laptop’s sound cut in and out of the movie we were watching. Oliver had just left to go to the bathroom, leaving his laptop on the coffee table open.
I had to take a quick look at the screen.
“Dear Mr. Oliver,
We’re excited to let you know that the New Year’s party is coming up! The dress code for the party is white. You can bring a guest, like your wife. Address…
His business had always had a strict “no-plus-one” rule. They had never let it happen. Sure enough, it was written there—plus one (your wife).
I tried to stay calm when Oliver came back, but my interest was rising. “The office is having a party for the New Year?” I asked in a casual way.
He said, “Yeah.” “Not anything fancy.” The usual end-of-the-year get-together.
“May I come?” I smiled and tilted my head as I asked.
“No, they don’t let guests in.” It is only for work.”
I gave them a raised look. “ But the email said—
“No, Jen, they don’t.” Believe me. His voice was short. “Anyway, I have to work that night.” It’s not a big deal.
That was the first time I thought something wasn’t right.
On New Year’s Eve, I stood in front of the mirror and fixed my white dress. Why did he not want me there? Was he embarrassed? Not telling me something?
“Happy New Year, Jen!” he said as he put on his coat and gave me a quick kiss on the face.
I told him “Happy New Year” as I watched him walk away.
I grabbed my bag and left right away, as soon as the door shut behind me.
The hotel where the party was held looked like a gem in the dark. Walking up to the front desk made me feel a mix of nerves and drive.
The boss asked with a smile, “May I have your name, please?”
“Hi Jennifer. I said, “I’m married to Oliver.”
He looked down at the list in front of him for a moment and then back up at me. He let out a laugh. “Good one!”
“My name is Jennifer,” I said over and over again. “Wife of Oliver.”
The manager’s face changed into one of unease. “Uh-huh…” He paused and cleared his throat. “Maybe we don’t understand each other.” Oliver already checked in, but he brought someone with him. “His real wife.”
My chest got tight. “Excuse me?”
“They did show up about 30 minutes ago,” I said. They always get together. “I’ve seen them at a few events,” he said, shuddering a little as if he was ready to lose it.
“I’m married to him,” I said in a firm voice.
He looked like he was going to answer, but he stopped, and a worried look came over his face. He nervously said, “Let me check the guest list again.”
That’s when I saw them. She was with Oliver. She was a woman with long, dark hair, and her arm was casually over his shoulder. As they laughed together, they got closer. It was clear that they were close.
“Ma’am?” The boss’s soft but strong voice cut through my racing thoughts.
He was scared by how calm I was when I turned to him. “You don’t need to check.” “I see him.”
I didn’t know what to do next or have a plan. But one thing was certain: Oliver would feel bad about what he did.
The next morning, the phone rang right as I was making my first cup of coffee. I was still angry from last night, and I almost left the message on voicemail, but I had to answer it.
A steady voice asked, “Is this Mr. Oliver’s wife?”
With a knot in my stomach, I said, “Yes.”
“This is the Mercy Hospital.” This morning, your husband was in a car crash. He’s safe, but you need to come in right away.
“A car crash?” My heart was racing as I stuttered. “Is he…is he okay?”
“He hit his head and broke his arm.” What’s going on we’ll explain when you get there.
As soon as I walked into the waiting room, I could smell how clean the hospital was.
“Jenn Ifer?” A doctor came up to me with a clipboard.
“Yes.” Is Oliver all right?”
The doctor motioned for me to take a seat and said, “He’s stable, but there’s a big problem we need to talk about.” “He has a badly broken arm.” There is a chance of lasting damage if surgery is not done. However, his insurance stopped last month. As his spouse, you can okay the treatment and make plans for payment.
As I tried to understand what he said, I blinked. “His insurance… ran out?” “Why did he not renew it?”
The doctor gave a small shake of his head. “I don’t know, but time is very important.” Are you okay with the surgery?”
Soon after, I walked into Oliver’s hospital room. I was shocked when I saw him—pale and weak.
“Jen,” he croaked, and it was hard to hear him.
I stood still by the door and didn’t move. Oh, Oliver.
His eyes begged me to look at them. “I know you’re mad, but please listen to me.” “What you think is wrong.”
It was very cold in my voice. “Oh, I see what you mean. You told me lies. You’ve been telling me lies. I saw you with her last night. Did you not bring her to the party?”
His face turned as pale as a ghost. “Let me explain—”
“I don’t want your explanations,” I snapped back. “Your insurance ran out, but the doctor says you need surgery.” That looks like something your real wife should take care of.
He whispered, “Jen, please.” His voice broke. “I did something wrong.” Let’s just sign the papers.
I told Oliver, “No,” and I wasn’t going to change my mind. “You chose what to do.” You can now live with them.
I turned around and left the room without saying anything else. I turned around and left.
After a few days, the hospital called again. This time, Oliver was calling.
“Please Jen,” he begged, his voice so weak that it was hard to understand. “She didn’t show up.” I’m by myself. “I need you.”
I didn’t answer.
“Jen?” he begged in a whisper.
“Oliver, you made your choice,” I told him in a firm voice. “You have to deal with the results now.”
I hung up on him and blocked his number.
Over the next few weeks, I learned from people we both knew that Oliver’s life was falling apart. His affair was talked about around the office, and his job was falling apart.
But I didn’t feel sorry for them. On the contrary, I felt free.
It had been too long since I had been Jennifer, the lovely wife. Now, though, Jen was taking charge, and she wasn’t looking back.