That $30 cake destroyed my marriage — my husband collapsed in the middle of his birthday party
Tom with his party hat | Source: Midjourney
The party was bursting with energy, and everyone enjoyed the food and music. Tom’s laughter mingled with the cheerful chatter of our friends and family. I moved through the crowd, filling drinks and laughing, with my thoughts occasionally returning to the odd cake in the fridge.
I decided to wait until we were ready to cut it. After all, it was just a cake, and it wasn’t going to ruin the evening I’d been baking for weeks. But deep down I couldn’t get rid of the nagging thought that something was wrong.
Ella in full reflection | Source: Midjourney
The room was vibrant and filled with the warmth of close friends and family members who had all gathered to celebrate Tom’s birthday. As cake time approached, I felt a surge of energy.
I apologized and went back to the kitchen to get the cake. My hands were still, but my heart was not. The previous discomfort had settled in my stomach, constantly reminding me that something was wrong.
Ella takes out the cake | Source: Midjourney
As I rolled the cake onto the cart, the guests gathered and their voices rose in chorus of “Happy Birthday.” Tom’s face lit up with a broad smile, his eyes sparkled in the candlelight. Everyone applauded him, patted him on the shoulder and waited for the big unveiling of the cake.
I took a deep breath and lifted the lid of the cake box. All eyes were on the cake, not because of its design or size, but because of the picture that was attached to it.
It was a screenshot of a text conversation between Tom and a certain Jenna. The messages were clear, unmistakably intimate, words that no woman should ever read about her husband.
Shocked Tom | Source: Midjourney
Whispers broke the silence. “What is that?” “Is it some kind of joke?”
Tom’s face is stripped of its colors. He looked at me, his mouth opened, but no words came out.
I found my voice, even if it trembled. “Tom, what is that?” I asked aloud, and the room echoed my question in its dull murmur.
Answers to the question | Source: Midjourney
“You don’t think so, Ella,” stammered Tom, and his eyes scanned the room as if they were looking for a way out.
“Isn’t that what you mean?” I repeated, raising my voice. “Looks like you cheated on me, Tom. With Jenna? Who is Jenna?”
The room was heavy with shock, Tom’s friends and family were watching from him, not knowing where to stand or what to say. Her mother covered her mouth with her hand, tears stood in her eyes.
“Ella, I can explain,” said Tom, holding out his hand. I took a step back and refused to touch him.
Ella listens to Tom’s lyrics | Source: Midjourney
“Explain? In front of everyone? You owe it to me, don’t you?” I asked, hands trembling but a firm voice. The cake, once a symbol of celebration, now sat between us – a brutal betrayal.
