When Liam’s, Trina’s husband, birthday rolls around, she is excited to plan something for his special day. But he reveals that he will be away for work on his birthday. Later on, the surprises keep coming when Trina discovers that her best friend is having an affair with her husband. Naturally, Trina plans a surprise in return. When you’re in love, you trust the person that you’re with. That’s how it’s supposed to work, right?

I mean, that’s how it was for me and Liam, my husband of three years. I never doubted him because there just didn’t seem to be a reason for it.

Until his birthday rolled around and shattered my faith in love, marriage, and friendship. Liam’s birthday came around, and he told me that he had an urgent business trip to another city. He assured me that he couldn’t refuse and promised that we’d celebrate later. “I’m sorry, Trina,” he said. “But you know how important work is and I just can’t refuse something like this. Work is the only way we can afford our lifestyle.” It annoyed me that every time he needed to work, Liam always brought up “affording our lifestyle.”

“So,” he continued. “When I’m back, we can celebrate by going out to dinner or something.”

He pulled a suitcase out from the closet and began packing.

“I’ll be back on Sunday evening,” he said.

Naturally, I had a heavy heart, but what else could I do?

“Fine,” I said. “We can totally do that.”

The night before his birthday, Liam called a cab and was off to the airport.

“I’ll see you soon!” he said, slamming the cab door behind him.

The following day, as I was making myself some breakfast, my mother called me.

“Hi, darling!” she said excitedly. “What do you and Liam have planned for his birthday weekend?”

“Nothing, Mom,” I replied, sipping on my coffee. “Liam is actually away for the weekend. It’s for work, so he didn’t exactly have a choice. We’re going to celebrate his birthday next weekend, instead.”