Victoria found two tickets to the Bahamas hidden in her husbands jacket pocket. She had been folding his laundry when her fingers brushed a thick piece of paper. Pulling it out, she saw an envelope and, inside, two airline tickets. The departure was in two weeks, the return ten days later, both in business class. The first ticket bore the name Andrew Clark, her husband; the second read Ellen Clark.
Her heart stalled. Ellen? There was no Ellen Clark in their family. Victoria sank onto the edge of the bed, tickets clenched in her hand. Twentyfive years of marriage, and suddenlyEllen.
Could it be a mistake? A typo? she thought, but the second name was printed clearly, without error. It wasnt Victoria Clark, but some Ellen.
She slipped the tickets back into the envelope and returned the envelope to the jacket pocket. Her hands trembled, her throat went dry. She needed to collect herself. Andrew would be home from work in an hour, and she had to decide what to do.
She shuffled to the kitchen, poured herself a cup of tea, and sat by the window. In twentyfive years theyd weathered arguments, misunderstandings, periods of coolness. But infidelity? Victoria could never imagine it. Andrew had always seemed reliable, faithful. They had met through a shared love of travel, joining a group climbing Ben Nevis. Later they hiked the Lake District, visited the Scottish Highlands, and slipped away for a twoweek holiday in Cornwall three years earlier. After the wedding they kept traveling, though less often as work and responsibilities piled up.
The last joint vacation had been that Cornwall trip. Andrew had promised that the following summer theyd go abroad, but work kept getting in the way for both of them. Now he seemed to be planning a Bahamas getawaywithout her.
She dialed Olivia, an old friend.
Hey, Olly, can you talk? Victorias voice quivered.
Victoria? Whats wrong? Olivia sensed something amiss.
I found two Bahamas tickets in Andrews jacketone for him, one for a Ellen Clark.
A pause, then Olivia asked gently, Could it be a clerical error? A work trip perhaps?
Work trip to the Bahamas? Victoria laughed bitterly. And why is there an Ellen?
Youre right, its odd, Olivia agreed. What will you do?
I dont know, Victoria sighed. Maybe wait for him to explain?
What if he doesnt? Olivia replied softly. Youve been together forever, but people do change, especially at this age.
Andrew isnt like that, Victoria insisted, though doubt flickered inside.
Everyone says that until reality hits, Olivia said. Why not ask him straight away? Show the tickets and demand an explanation.
And if he lies?
Youve lived with him twentyfive years. Youll know his lies when you hear them.
Victoria considered it. After all those years they did read each other, or so she thought.
Alright, Ill think about it, she said finally. Thanks, Olly.
She sat there, replaying recent memories: Andrew staying late at the office, sudden important meetings on weekends, his newfound attention to appearancenew shirts, an expensive cologne, a trendy haircut. He had never cared much for those things before.
She steadied herself. She needed facts, not speculation. She went to Andrews studya tidy room he liked to keep orderly. She knew his computer password: the day they were married. Opening his email, she found only work correspondence and newsletters. Then she checked his browsing history and saw a series of searches: Best hotels for couples in the Bahamas, Romantic Bahamas getaway, What to pack for a Bahamas vacation, and the last one, Gift for beloved wife in the Bahamas.
Her breath caught. Beloved wifenot wife, but woman.
She closed the browser, switched off the computer, and fought back tears. She couldnt let Andrew see her crying.
When Andrew arrived home, she had composed herself and even prepared dinner as usual. He slipped off his coat, kissed her cheek, and said, Hey love, whats on the menu?
Chicken and mushroom casseroleyour favourite, Victoria replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
Great, Im starving, he said, heading for the bathroom.
They ate, chatting about the weather, the news, weekend plans. Victoria watched him closely, looking for any sign of deceit, but he behaved normallytalking about work, asking about her day, cracking jokes.
So any trips coming up? she asked, pouring tea.
Nothing set yet, he shrugged. Why?
Just thinking we could go somewhere together. Its been ages since we took a proper break.
He stared at her a moment, as if choosing words, then said, Yes, its been a long time. Well have to figure something out.
Victoria felt a knot tighten. He was lying, right then, looking her in the eyes.
What destination would you like? she continued, trying to sound casual. Maybe the Bahamas, for example?
He winced slightly, a subtle twitch she caught.
The Bahamas? he said, forcing a smile. Why the Bahamas?
Just an example, Victoria shrugged. People say its beautiful. Would you like to go?
I havent thought about it, he said, looking away. Probably too pricey and far.
Lies, lies, Victoria thought, a lump forming in her throat.
Whos Ellen? she asked abruptly.
Andrew froze, cup in his hand.
Which Ellen? he asked.
Ellen Clark. Do you know her?
From where, he began, then stopped. Victoria, whats happening?
She stood, fetched the jacket, placed the envelope with the tickets on the table.
I found these while doing the laundry. Explain, please.
Andrew stared at the tickets as if seeing them for the first time, then met her gaze.
Victoria, its not what you think.
What do you think, Andrew? she whispered. That youre planning to fly to the Bahamas with another woman? That twentyfive years mean nothing to you?
No, thats not it! he snapped, standing quickly. Its completely different!
What do you mean? tears finally spilled over. Who is Ellen and why are you lying to me?
Andrew moved toward her, tried to embrace her, but she stepped back.
Dont. Just tell me the truth.
He sighed heavily. Alright. The truth is I messed up. I booked the tickets a month ago for us.
Victorias eyebrows knit. Then why is Ellen on the ticket?
Andrew scrolled down the email hed just opened on his laptop.
Look, he said, showing her a message from a travel agency. I bought two tickets for the Bahamas, for Andrew and Victoria Clark.
She examined the screen. The email indeed confirmed the reservation for both of them, but the ticket still listed Ellen.
Why is her name there? she asked.
He pointed to the bottom of the message. Dear Mr. Clark, an error occurred when printing the tickets. Your spouses name was entered incorrectly. We apologise. New tickets will be issued within three working days. This email arrived this morning. I didnt get a chance to tell you.
Victoria read it several times, disbelief mixing with relief.
So these tickets are for us? she asked, voice shaking.
Exactly, for us! Andrew took her hands. I wanted to surprise you for our silver weddingtwentyfive years. Ive been saving, planning the trip for months.
But why keep it a secret? And where did Ellen come from?
I wanted it to be a surprise, he admitted, smiling ruefully. I have no idea how the system mixed up the name. Probably a clerical glitch.
Victoria stared, trying to process. Had she imagined the whole drama?
Im sorry, she whispered. I must have looked foolish.
No, Andrew said, rubbing her cheek. I understand how it could look. Did you really think I could cheat on you?
I dont know, she confessed. Youve changed latelynew shirts, a haircut, late nights. I let my mind run wild.
I was preparing for the trip, he interrupted. I wanted to look my best beside a beautiful wife. The extra work was to afford the holiday.
Shame flushed her face. How could she have doubted him?
Im sorry, she said, hugging him. Did I ruin everything?
Nothings ruined, he held her tighter. The surprise may have flopped, but were still going together. You still want to go to the Bahamas?
With you, anywhere, Victoria smiled through tears.
That night she couldnt sleep. Andrews steady breathing filled the room as she stared at the ceiling, realizing how easily a single doubt can crumble years of trust, like a house of cards.
The next morning, after Andrew left for work, Victoria called the travel agency. The operator confirmed the mistake and said new tickets would be delivered by courier that day.
Do you know where Ellens name came from? Victoria asked.
The system sometimes glitches when its overloaded, the woman explained. We had a big promotion that day, and records got mixed.
Relief washed over Victoria; the baseless suspicion lifted like morning fog.
That evening, when Andrew returned, the table was set with candles and a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket.
What are we celebrating? he asked, puzzled.
Us, Victoria replied simply. And the upcoming Bahamas trip.
Andrew smiled, reached into his coat pocket, and produced a fresh envelope.
By the way, here are the new ticketsdefinitely in your name.
She opened it to see two tickets addressed to Andrew Clark and Victoria Clark.
Thank you, she said, meeting his eyes. For everything.
And thank you for believing in me, he said earnestly. For the past twentyfive years and the next twentyfive to come.
They clinked glasses as snow fell outside, blanketing the town in white, while the flat was warm and cosy. Victoria thought how lucky she was, and how fragile happiness can beeasily shattered by a single misstep.
Two weeks later they boarded the plane to the Bahamas. As the aircraft rose, Andrew took Victorias hand.
I was scared youd refuse to go, he admitted. You never like surprises.
I love you, she replied simply. Everything else doesnt matter.
He squeezed her hand, and they both smiled, gazing out at the endless skyjust as boundless as a love that has survived doubt and emerged stronger.
Back at home, in Andrews desk drawer, lay another envelope containing a diamond ringa gift for their silver wedding, intended for a sunset on the beach. He was sure this surprise would finally land.
The Bahamas holiday became one of the happiest moments of their lives, a testament that trust, open communication, and patience are the true foundations of any lasting relationship. The lesson: never let unfounded suspicion eclipse the years of love youve built; speak openly, and the truth will always find its way.
