{"id":26,"date":"2024-06-12T03:48:47","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T02:48:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news5.chainityai.com\/?p=26"},"modified":"2024-06-12T03:48:47","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T02:48:47","slug":"new-1509","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news5.chainityai.com\/?p=26","title":{"rendered":"new 1509"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I Heard a Woman on the Radio Dedicating a Love Song to My Husband \u2014 A Week Later, I Was the One Calling the Station<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I froze when I tuned into the local radio livestream. A woman requested a special love song for my husband, dedicating it to their first anniversary. A week later, I called the same station, but for a reason my husband could never have imagined.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, it was one of those nights where everything just felt heavy. It was pouring rain. My nerves were shot, and I just wanted to be home with a cup of chamomile tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I was fiddling with the radio, trying to find something to drown out my thoughts, I stumbled upon our local DJ, Max. His goofy banter was a bit of a comfort. Then, as one of my favorite songs, \u201cOne Love,\u201d ended, Max announced a new caller\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright folks, up next is Jessie! Who are you dedicating this song to, sweetheart?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jessie giggled. \u201cHi Max! This one goes out to the most amazing man I\u2019ve ever met, my Ori-bear. We\u2019ve been together a whole year now, and I can\u2019t believe how lucky I am!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I couldn\u2019t help but smile. I was in love too. But then she said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cHe might get embarrassed, but everyone calls him Mr. Lamber. This song goes out to you, Oric. \u2018When a Man Loves a Woman\u2019 is exactly how you make me feel!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My heart stopped. Oric?<\/em> That\u2019s my husband\u2019s name, and it\u2019s pretty unique. The odds of another Oric alias Mr. Lamber seemed impossible. My stomach turned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pulled over, my hands shaking. \u201cOh my God\u2026 is he\u2026 is he having an affair?\u201d I whispered, hoping the universe had played some kind of twisted joke on me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But deep down, I knew. The song, the name, it all clicked into place. Tears welled up in my eyes as I sat there, the DJ\u2019s voice and the song\u2019s cheesy lyrics stabbing at my heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pixabay<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memories flooded back: Oric\u2019s late nights at the office, the missed dinners, the faint scent of unfamiliar perfume. I wanted to scream, but all I could do was just sit there, numb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then my phone buzzed. It was Oric: \u201cSorry, hon! I\u2019ll be late tonight. Have some important work! XOXO.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important work. Yeah, right.<\/em> I knew exactly what \u201cimportant work\u201d Oric would be attending to tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He wasn\u2019t going to get away with this. If this little radio charade was indeed proof of his infidelity, I wouldn\u2019t go down without a fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rest of the night was a blur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I tried to eat, but my stomach wouldn\u2019t let me. I just sat there on the bed, staring at my phone, waiting for a sign that this was all some huge misunderstanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 3:45 AM, I heard his car. I pretended to sleep as he quietly came into the room. I wanted to confront him, to scream, but I held back. I needed to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning arrived, and so did my suspicion. I called in sick, a flimsy excuse of a headache escaping my lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, darling, I want a break! Thought we could take a long drive,\u201d I turned to Oric. His eyes darted around, searching for an escape. My eyes were drilling into his, looking for hints. Any guesses about what he said?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cActually, Suzanna,\u201d Oric stammered, \u201cI have a crucial client meeting this morning. Big deal, you know!\u201d He offered a sheepish apology, suggesting a shopping spree with friends as an alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he rummaged for his keys, I swooped in, casually picking up his phone from the coffee table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A flush crept up his neck as he lunged for it. I held it out of reach, amusement flickering in my eyes as I swiped the screen. \u201cChanged the password, Oric?\u201d I turned to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just work stuff, honey,\u201d he offered, a nervous chuckle escaping him. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t be interested, trust me. Boring stuff, you know!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t that what we promised?\u201d I countered, my gaze unwavering. \u201cNo secrets, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A weak laugh escaped his lips. \u201cBusinessmen have to keep certain things confidential, sweetheart. You wouldn\u2019t understand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I met his gaze, the smile fading from my face. \u201cOh, is that it, Oric? Businessmen? Or something else entirely?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He avoided my eyes. Well, how could he muster the courage to face me?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI, uh, I\u2019ll give you the password later,\u201d he then mumbled, snatching his phone back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later?<\/em> The word sent a cold dread spiraling down my spine. Later meant enough time to disappear\u2026 to erase any incriminating evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offering a smirk, I then started sorting laundry. That\u2019s when I noticed something strange: a long, brunette hair clinging to Oric\u2019s collar. I was blonde. A brunette hair on my husband\u2019s shirt screamed a story I wasn\u2019t quite prepared to hear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOric!\u201d I called, holding the offending strand aloft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that, honey?\u201d He came running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis,\u201d I said, thrusting the hair under his nose. \u201cFound it on your shirt. Care to explain?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took one glance, then shrugged dismissively. \u201cProbably someone brushed against me on the bus last night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe bus? Weren\u2019t you taking the car?\u201d I held his gaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes darted to the pristine black SUV parked outside. \u201cUh, yeah, but it broke down halfway. Took the bus to a mechanic, then he towed it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lie tangled with another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHold on, Oric,\u201d I cut him off. \u201cWe both know that\u2019s a lie. Spill it. Which mechanic did you actually take the car to?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He avoided my gaze. Before I could unleash the full force of my anger, he mumbled something about being late. A hurried peck on the cheek, and he was out the door, briefcase clutched tightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day stretched on, suspicion gnawing at my insides. No calls, no texts, just the burning ache of betrayal and a hollow feeling in my gut. Finally, at 6 p.m., a text arrived:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDinner with clients. Don\u2019t wait up. XOXO <\/em>\"\u2764\ufe0f\".\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The once-endearing emojis now felt like a stinging slap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, the bed was empty, a chilling absence where Oric\u2019s warmth should have been. In its place, two missed calls and a voice message on my phone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey babe, just a quick heads-up. Short business trip with a client. Back in five days. Love you, miss you. Mwah!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five days. Five days to stew in this agonizing uncertainty. But one thing was clear: this trip wasn\u2019t about business. It was a desperate attempt to escape the truth, a truth I was determined to unearth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFive days,\u201d I muttered, quickly ringing Oric. \u201cWe\u2019ll see about that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All my calls went unanswered. I grabbed the car keys and the next thing I knew, I was outside Oric\u2019s office building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The receptionist, a woman with a nametag that read \u201cSarah,\u201d offered a tight smile. \u201cCan I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHi Sarah, I\u2019m Suzanna. Is my husband, Oric, in the office today? He mentioned a last-minute business trip, and I was hoping to get some details.\u201d Her smile faltered and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cUh, Mrs. Lamber, actually, Mr. Lamber hasn\u2019t been in all week.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

My stomach lurched. A concerned frown creased Sarah\u2019s brow. \u201cIs everything alright?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s fine,\u201d I lied through gritted teeth, rushing out of the lobby and to my car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where was he? Was he with her? <\/em>My head pounded with a million questions, each one sharper than the last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five days crawled by. Every unanswered text, every silent phone call, chipped away at the last vestiges of hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, one evening, the front door creaked open. Oric stood there, exhaustion etched on his face. He wore a casual outfit I\u2019d never seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHey, babe,\u201d he mumbled, offering a tired smile. \u201cSorry about that. Last-minute deal. Had to stay with a client to finalize everything.\u201d I crossed my arms, not believing a word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s quite a story, Oric. Especially since I visited your office and found out a little truth. Where were you exactly? Spill it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smile vanished, replaced by a flicker of fear in his eyes. \u201cYou\u2026 you went to the office?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust a little fact-finding mission, honey!\u201d I said. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t believe the fun facts I learned.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He started to stammer. \u201cWhat are you talking about, babe? Don\u2019t you trust me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course, I do!\u201d I echoed. \u201cOh, Oric, you have no idea what kind of surprise I have planned for you.\u201d His eyes darted between me and the door. \u201cSurprise?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh yes,\u201d I purred, pushing him playfully towards the bedroom. \u201cGet ready, honey. You\u2019re going to love it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He followed me, brow furrowed in confusion. But for the first time in days, a sliver of hope bloomed in my chest. The truth would come out, and tonight, the tables were finally about to turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust you wait,\u201d I playfully whispered. \u201cThis surprise is going to be epic. You\u2019re gonna love it, babe!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minutes later, Oric emerged from the bedroom in a crisp blue suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He leaned in for a kiss, but I held him at bay. \u201cPatience, honey,\u201d I murmured. \u201cThe best things are worth waiting for.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His eyes narrowed in confusion, but he followed me out to the car without further comment. As I pulled out of the driveway, a mischievous glint gleamed in my eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s make a quick stop,\u201d I announced, taking a detour towards his parents\u2019 house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oric\u2019s jaw dropped when he saw them waiting on the porch, smiles plastered on their faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBabe, what\u2019s going on?\u201d he exclaimed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSurprise!\u201d his parents chorused, bustling towards the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My MIL squeezed into the back seat, beaming at me. \u201cSuzanna, dear, this is wonderful! It\u2019s been ages since we\u2019ve all had dinner together. With Oric always so busy with work\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I glanced at him, a pointed look in my eyes. \u201cYeah, right!\u201d I said, my voice dripping with irony. \u201cMr. Lamber here is swamped these days.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oric let out a sheepish laugh, clearly bewildered by this sudden turn of events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I drove to the restaurant, a glance at the dashboard clock confirmed it was showtime. I tuned the radio to the familiar station, DJ Max\u2019s cheerful voice filling the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlright folks, welcome back! Up next is Emma, and she\u2019s dedicating a song to the love of her life. And here we go! Enjoy the track, folks!\u201d he chirped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the last notes of the love song faded away, the DJ prompted the next song\u2019s dedication. Taking a deep breath, I dialed the number for the radio station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As soon as a cheery voice answered, I blurted out, \u201cHi, this is Suzanna. I\u2019d like to dedicate a song with a special message to my husband, Oric.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhoa there, Suzanna,\u201d the DJ boomed. \u201cSounds like there\u2019s a story behind this special song dedication! Mind sharing it with our listeners?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A flush crept up Oric\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking another deep breath, I plunged into the story. I spoke of the betrayal, the shattered trust, the way I\u2019d stumbled upon the truth, a truth that had left me reeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I spoke, I stole a glance at Oric. The color had drained from his face, replaced by a sickly pallor. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple, his gaze desperately pleading with me to stop but I continued:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cAnd there\u2019s more. It seems Oric\u2019s little secret wasn\u2019t so secret after all. Thanks to his\u2026 \u2018special friend\u2019 who called in last week to dedicate a love song, his infidelity is out in the open. And let me tell you, Oric\u2019s parents deserve to know exactly what kind of son they\u2019ve raised!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DJ fell silent for a moment. Then, a gentle sympathy seeped into his voice. \u201cSuzanna, that\u2019s a story that deserves to be heard. We can only imagine the pain you\u2019re going through right now. Thanks for calling and here\u2019s a song that might echo a little bit of what you\u2019re feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a heartbreaking ballad filled the airwaves, I pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. I got out of the car and left Oric and his bewildered parents scrambling to keep up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I settled at a familiar table by the window. This was the same table where we\u2019d shared our first date, filled with hopes and dreams that now lay shattered on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without a word, I slipped off my wedding ring. Slamming it on the table, I met Oric\u2019s pleading gaze. \u201cConsider this my treat,\u201d I finally declared, \u201cfor our upcoming divorce.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The clatter of the ring on the table echoed in the sudden silence. Oric\u2019s parents, mouths agape, stared between me and their son, their faces etched with dawning horror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSuzanna, honey, what\u2019s going on?\u201d Oric\u2019s mother stammered. \u201cWhat did Oric do?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAsk your beloved son who\u2019s playing innocent,\u201d I countered. \u201cThe radio said it all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oric, desperation etched on his face, reached for me. \u201cSuzanna, please,\u201d he pleaded. \u201cLet me explain. It wasn\u2019t what it looked like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the words rang hollow. The blind trust I\u2019d placed in him, the years of love and devotion, all felt like a cruel joke as I said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing left to explain. This marriage is over.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

His father, a stern-looking man with a salt-and-pepper beard, finally found his voice. \u201cOric,\u201d he boomed, his voice heavy with disappointment. \u201cIs this true? What Suzanna says? Were you having an extramarital affair?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oric mumbled something incoherent, his gaze darting around the room like a trapped animal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t lie to your father,\u201d his mother snapped. \u201cWe deserve the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shame finally flickered in Oric\u2019s eyes. He hung his head, a defeated sigh escaping his lips. \u201cThere is someone else,\u201d he finally confessed. \u201cBut it meant nothing. It was a mistake.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA mistake that destroyed our trust, our future,\u201d I choked out. \u201cYou lied to me, Oric. For how long? How would you feel if I did this to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He remained silent. But his damn silence wasn\u2019t gonna fix things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t stay here,\u201d I declared. \u201cI need some air.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a final, withering glance at Oric, I pushed myself away from the table and walked out of the restaurant, the clatter of the wedding ring against the table echoing in my wake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It broke my heart to do this, but tell me, was what he did right? Did I deserve to live a life of lies with a man who not only cheated on me but also wished to keep me in the dark all my life?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"For<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s another story about how a woman unraveled her husband\u2019s secret when their daughter chirped about her new teacher, \u201cDaddy has a picture of her!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n