“What the hell?” I muttered, storming toward the house.

Inside, everyone turned as I burst in. “Alright, you win,” I said, my voice shaking. “Everyone knew about this? Even Oliver? Even my sister?”

Laura’s face paled. “Please, stop!”

I turned to Mr. Smiles. “Who do you think you are? This is my house, my—”

Then I saw it.

A banner, still on the floor, golden letters gleaming: Happy 10th Anniversary!

Silence filled the room.

Mr. Smiles cleared his throat. “Sir, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I’m a wedding planner and entertainer. Your wife hired me to plan your anniversary party.”

“You thought I was cheating on you?” Laura’s voice wavered between anger and hurt.

“I—I didn’t know what else to think,” I admitted, feeling the weight of my mistake.

As guests awkwardly left, Laura and I sat in silence. “I spent months planning this,” she finally whispered. “I wanted it to be special.”

“I ruined everything.”

“You did,” she said, voice firm but not cold. “And it’s going to take time to fix.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.”

After a long pause, she let me take her hand. “Happy anniversary, you idiot,” she sighed, half-laughing.

Upstairs, Oliver’s laughter echoed—a reminder of all we had to lose, and everything still worth saving.