Mark’s confusion turned to suspicion. He looked around the restaurant, trying to piece it together. I watched him closely, savoring his unease. The main course was served, and I enjoyed every bite. Mark, however, barely touched his food, too busy trying to figure out what was happening.
I stood up and clinked my glass, gaining the attention of the entire restaurant. “Excuse me, everyone. I have a special announcement to make.”
Mark looked horrified. “Emma, what are you doing?”
“I just wanted to share something with all of you,” I said, my voice steady and strong. “Last night, my husband brought me here for our anniversary but insisted I order a cheap salad while he indulged himself. Tonight, I wanted to show him what true indulgence feels like.”
There were murmurs around the room. Mark’s face turned beet red. “Emma, sit down,” he hissed.
I ignored him. “But that’s not all. Mark, you’ve always prided yourself on being the generous one, the one in control. Tonight, I’ve paid for our meal, and I’ve charged it to the emergency fund you’ve been hiding from me for years.”
His jaw dropped. “What? How did you—”
“Oh, Mark, you should know by now that I’m smarter than you think. And that’s not all! Here’s something all of you, ladies and gentlemen, will love to hear: my husband is sharing his fund with you and is paying for all your meals today!”
The color drained from Mark’s face. “Emma, this isn’t funny.”
“No, it’s not,” I said, standing tall. “But it’s fair.”
I turned to leave, feeling the weight of the past decade lift off my shoulders. As I walked out, the diners applauded, and Mark sat there, stunned and humiliated.
This was the anniversary he wouldn’t forget. And neither would I.
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