"Honey, I just want to tell you how great tonight has been. While the company certainly spares no expense for these little shindigs, the real pleasure is enjoying a wonderful evening with my husband. The man I've loved for 15 years with all of my heart.
"I know I don't have to say this, but I want you to know that you are, and always have been, my one and only. Making a home and raising our two children together has been the highlight of my life. My love and respect for you will never waver. Now, I need to visit the ladies' room. Don't miss me too much while I'm gone."
Kate leaned over as she stood to give her husband, James, a tender kiss before she left the table. A quick thought passed through his mind about how lucky he truly was; he could only smile as he lifted his glass. Before the very expensive, crisp champagne could touch his lips, James felt a tap on his shoulder.
"Oh, hey, sweetie. Did you forget some--"
"James," his wife interrupted, "I've been asked by the CEO to accompany him to his private island. It will only be a week, and there is nothing you can do to stop me."
"Wait. What? You've never even met the CEO, and you've only been gone five sec--"
"I'm going, James! I have to do this for me. It's only one week, and when I get back I'll be your loving wife again. Everything will be completely the same!"
"Kate, I cannot possibly stress enough the fact that if you do this, it will be over. I will hate you with the heat of a thousand burning suns. Divorce will be the only option, and that's if you're lucky enough that I don't strangle you with my bare hands upon your return. Need I remind you that my father is a divorce lawyer, my brother is in the CIA, and my favorite cousin is a pig farmer. You will get nothing, and they will find nothing."
"Don't be silly, James. Now, we are just going to leave from here. Apparently, he has all I would need, including the lingerie that I'll be spending most of the week in. I love you more than anything, James. Tell the kids the same."
***One Week Later***
"James? Honey?! I'm home!"
Kate entered the kitchen to find James seated at the dining table. "Oh, shit! James, baby, you startled me!"
James said nothing but leaned back and to the side as Kate leaned in for a hug and kiss.
"Babe?" Kate sighed, "Baby, I'm finally home, and I've missed you so much. Why do you recoil at the very sight of me? What did I do wrong?"
