When my husband, Brian, casually mentioned a work party, I thought nothing of it. We’d been married for ten years, and trust wasn’t something I questioned—until that night turned my world upside down.

Brian came home with an unusual spring in his step. “There’s a work party tomorrow. Just for employees,” he announced, kissing my forehead. “Nothing special, just numbers talk and team bonding. You’d be bored.”

I didn’t think twice. Brian wasn’t the social type, so his excitement struck me as odd, but I brushed it off, assuming it was just a rare mood. The next morning, he was unusually sweet, even buttering me up with compliments and requests: ironing his favorite shirt, making lasagna, and cleaning the house. His requests were normal enough, but something about his behavior made my stomach churn.

As he left for the party, I spent the day fulfilling his requests, trying to shake off the strange feeling lingering in the back of my mind. Then, just as I was finishing up, my phone rang. The number was unfamiliar, and for a moment, I hesitated before answering.