The anniversary felt like a milestone she had been quietly counting down to for months. Three years together carried weight—shared routines, inside jokes, future plans spoken half-seriously but held close to the heart. When her boyfriend suggested a reservation at a refined restaurant and mentioned a “special surprise,” her imagination filled in the gaps. She took extra care getting ready, enjoying the ritual of preparation and the hope that this night might mark the beginning of a new chapter. As they sat across from each other beneath soft lighting, she noticed his nervous energy, but she interpreted it as anticipation rather than doubt.
Throughout dinner, something felt slightly off. He checked his phone more than usual and barely touched his food, offering distracted smiles that didn’t quite reach his eyes. She tried to keep the mood light, reminiscing about their first date and the small moments that had defined their relationship. Still, an uneasy silence lingered between bites. When dessert arrived, the room seemed to pause. The server placed a single slice of cake in front of her, decorated with a short message written in careful lettering. She leaned forward, smiling at first, expecting a heartfelt surprise.
