Milly finds two tickets to the Maldives in her husbands jacket pocket while she is sorting his laundry. She pulls out the envelope and, inside, two sleek businessclass boarding passes. The departure is in two weeks, the return in ten days. One pass bears the name Andrew Stone, her husband. The other reads Poppy Stone.
Her heart stops. Poppy? There is no Poppy Stone in their family. After twentyfive years of marriage, a name she has never heard of appears on a ticket meant for her husband.
Could it be a printing error? she thinks, but the name on the second pass is clear, no misprint. She slides the tickets back into the envelope, returns it to the jacket pocket, and feels the tremor in her hands and the dry lump in her throat. She needs to steady herself; Andrew will be home from work in an hour.
Milly wanders to the kitchen, pours herself a cup of tea and settles by the window. Over the years they have had their share of spats, misunderstandings and cold periods, but she has never entertained thoughts of infidelity. Andrew has always seemed dependable, faithful. They met through a shared love of travel, joining a group that tackled the ascent of BenNevis. After that they hiked in the Lake District, explored the Yorkshire Dales, and took holiday trips together. The last time they vacationed as a couple was three years ago, a twoweek stay in Cornwall. Andrew promised that the following summer they would go abroad, but work and urgent projects kept getting in the way. Now it looks as if he is planning a trip to the Maldiveswithout her.
She dials Olivia, an old school friend.
Oi, Liv, can you talk? Millys voice quivers.
Milly? Whats wrong? Olivia answers, sensing trouble.
Ive found two Maldives tickets in Andrews jacketone for him and one for a Poppy Stone.
There is a pause, then Olivia asks cautiously, Could it be a work trip?
Work trip to the Maldives? And why would a Poppy Stone be on the same booking? Milly sighs.
Youre right, its odd. What are you going to do?
I dont know. Should I wait for him to explain?
Or ask him now? Youve lived together twentyfive yearsyoull know his lie when you see it.
Milly nods, though doubt already gnaws at her.
She remembers how Andrew lately stays late at the office, mentions important meetings on weekends, and has started caring more about his appearancenew shirts, a pricey cologne, a trendy haircut. She decides to check his study, a place they usually respect as each others private space.
The study is immaculate, as Andrew likes order. She knows his computer password the date of their wedding. She opens his email, finds only work correspondence and a newsletter from an old university mate. Then she looks at his browsing history and sees searches for best couples resorts Maldives, romantic Maldives holidays, and gift for beloved woman Maldives. The last query makes her breath catch: beloved woman, not wife.
She closes the laptop, wipes away the tears threatening to spill, and steels herself for his return.
When Andrew walks in, he removes his coat, leans in and kisses her cheek.
Hey love, whats cooking? he asks, sniffing the air.
Mushroom casserole, Milly replies, trying to keep her voice steady. Your favourite.
A proper feast, he grins, heading for the bathroom.
During dinner they chat about the weather, the news and weekend plans. Milly watches Andrew, looking for any sign of guilt. He talks about his day, asks about her work, jokes about the garden.
So any trips coming up? she asks, pouring tea.
Nothing set at the moment, he shrugs.
She nudges, I was thinking maybe we could get away somewhere together. Its been ages.
Andrews eyes flicker, as if he wants to say something but holds back.
Yeah, it has. Well think of something.
Milly feels her chest tighten. He is lying, she realizes, right now, looking into her eyes.
What about the Maldives? she asks, trying to sound casual.
He flinches just a fraction. Maldives? Why Maldives?
Just an example, she says, shrugging. People say its beautiful. Would you like to go?
I havent thought about it. Too pricey, probably. Too far.
She presses, And whos Poppy?
Andrew freezes, his tea cup halfway to his mouth.
What Poppy?
Milly, you know the name on the ticket.
He hesitates, then sighs. Milly, this isnt what you think.
What do you think I think? she whispers, tears finally breaking free. That after twentyfive years youre flying to the Maldives with another woman?
He steps toward her, tries to embrace her, but she pulls back.
Just tell me the truth.
He exhales heavily. Alright. The truth is I booked these tickets a month ago for us. It was meant to be a surprise for our silver wedding.
Milly eyes the screen skeptically. The email he shows reads: Dear Andrew Stone, an error occurred when issuing tickets. Your spouses name was entered incorrectly. We apologise. New tickets will be issued within three working days. The message is dated this morning.
How could the name Poppy appear? she asks.
Andrew scrolls down. It says the booking system mixed up our details with another reservation. The airline will send corrected tickets today.
Milly rereads the email, heart pounding.
So these tickets are for us? she asks, voice trembling.
Yes, for us, he says, taking her hands. I wanted to give you a surprise for our anniversarytwentyfive years. Ive been planning it for months, saving money, picking a hotel. I didnt tell you because I wanted it to be a secret.
Why the mistake? she presses.
I have no idea. Some glitch, I guess.
She looks at him, trying to process. I was foolish, wasnt I? I let my imagination run wild.
No, youre not wrong to be concerned. I understand why you felt uneasy with the new shirts, the late nights.
He explains that the extra projects were to fund the holiday. Milly feels a flush of shame for doubting him.
Sorry, she whispers, hugging him tightly. I scared us both.
He pulls her closer. Its okay. The surprise didnt work out perfectly, but well still go together. You want to go to the Maldives, right?
Anywhere with you, she smiles through tears.
That night she cant sleep. Andrews steady breathing fills the room as she stares at the ceiling, thinking how a single doubt can crumble years of trust.
In the morning she calls the travel agency listed in the email. A polite operator confirms the error and promises fresh tickets to be delivered by courier today.
Do you know why the name Poppy showed up? Milly asks.
The system sometimes overlaps data when its overloaded, especially during big sales, the operator explains. It was a busy day for Maldives bookings.
Relief washes over Milly. She thanks the operator and hangs up, feeling lighter.
That evening Andrew returns to find the dining table set with candles and a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket.
What are we celebrating? he asks, surprised.
Were celebrating us, Milly replies, handing him the new envelope. And our upcoming Maldives trip.
Andrew opens it, finds two pristine tickets: Andrew Stone and Milly Stone.
Thank you, she says, looking into his eyes. For believing in me after all these years.
And thank you for trusting me, he answers, his tone sincere. Heres to the next twentyfive.
They clink glasses as snow falls gently outside, blanketing the city in white while their flat stays warm and cosy. Milly watches Andrew and feels grateful for the love she almost lost.
Two weeks later they board a plane to the Maldives. As the aircraft climbs, Andrew squeezes Millys hand.
I was scared youd say no to the surprise, he admits.
I love you, she says simply. Everything else doesnt matter.
He smiles, and they both gaze out the window at the endless sky, as boundless as their love that has survived doubt and time.
Back at Andrews study, a drawer holds another envelope containing a diamond ringa gift for Millys silver wedding, destined for a sunset on a tropical beach. The Maldives become one of their happiest memories, a story they will tell for years to come.
