Claire rushed into ‘Sweet Fries’ restaurant, her eyes searching around frantically for just one person — Abraham. A sigh of relief escaped her lips when she didn't see Abraham — her husband, yet.

It was their third wedding anniversary and Claire was particularly happy because Abraham had chosen this restaurant. This was where Abraham had first proposed to her.

She settled down on a chair just before the entrance. Soon, a waiter appeared before her and she ordered a drink.

As Claire sipped her drink, her eyes scanned around the environment, she saw mostly couples having a nice time.

She glanced at her watch impatiently, unable to grasp while Abraham wasn't still at the restaurant. She had thought she would meet Abraham already waiting.

“Maybe he's held up in traffic,” Claire mumbled, trying to console herself. She was beginning to feel bored drinking alone at the restaurant.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

Claire looked up to see a young man smiling at her. He was dressed in a navy blue suit. But even the suit couldn't hide his athletic build, and Claire seemed to be lost in his ocean blue eyes for a moment.

“Excuse me, do I know you?” Claire stared at the man in surprise.

“Sorry, I didn't introduce myself properly. I'm John Rhodes. The CEO of Rhodes enterprises, and your new husband,” he said, stretching his arm.

Claire suddenly breaks into uncontrollable laughter. She was holding her belly while laughing. Abraham had clearly outdone himself this time around. So he put up with a random man to come act as her husband? That's some crazy shit!

“Where's the camera?” She asked, her eyes searching around. Abraham must be up to mischief for putting up this innocent man to this act. Why did he do it anyway? Was it to make their anniversary more memorable? She applauded him in her mind.

She heard someone clear their throat and she looked back up at the man. “You still haven't answered me. Where's the camera?”

“What camera?” The man inquired with a look of surprise.

She gave the man a closer look, his dark hair was tousled and his ocean blue eyes sat on a well rounded face. His lips were full and inviting. He was insanely hot. Gosh! Why would Abraham hire a Greek God to act on their anniversary? Wait, stop it, Claire. Focus. Abraham is playing a game, and you need to see through it.

“If you are done checking me out, we should finalize the marriage plans.” A deep baritone voice brought her back to her senses. His ocean blue eyes were staring at her grey ones.

Damn! He had caught her staring. She chastised herself inwardly. She was still married to Abraham for Pete's sake. Abraham could be watching her reaction to this hot geezer from somewhere close.

And did she just hear right? What the hell was the marriage talk she just heard him mention?

She cleared her throat then stood from where she sat. She was now facing the man directly. He was tall but she was no short person either.

“Tell Abraham this script is enough, I'm done playing this movie.”

“Abraham? Who the hell is Abraham? And no, this isn't a movie.” John redponded. Who is Abraham? Was this woman confusing him with someone else? Maybe she's expecting her date. But she seemed so sure she was Abraham.

Claire turned her head away from him then brought out her phone to dial her husband's number. She got the feedback from the dialer that the number is busy. A frown appeared at the corner of her lips.

She heard the man curse under his breath and her frown deepened.

“I don't know what joke Abraham seems to be planning but this isn't funny any more.” She hissed, staring at the entrance and hoping Abraham would show up.

“Listen, I don't know who Abraham is. I thought Tony spoke to you about meeting here at 5pm today?” he asked, brushing his hand on his hairs. He was trying not to lose his cool. Why was the woman acting so tough-headed? It's not like they are going to marry for love. She was just here because of his money.

“I see you have conjured up a new name to support your claim.” Claire paused, her eyes scanning his face to get the faintest hint that he was acting. When she didn't see any sign like that, she continued. “I’ll give it to you, your acting skills are superb, when my husband comes, I'd tell him to add to your fee.”

At the mention of husband, his eyes flashed momentarily. “Wait, did I hear you right? You are married?”

She gave him a quizzical look. Was he really sincere and had mistaken her for someone else?

“Yes, Mr… ” She tried to remember his name.

“John. John Rhodes,” he responded promptly.

“Well, you see, I wanted to believe your story. It happens nowadays in New York. Contract marriage is the new norm.” She breathed in, looking at his face to see if he was still following. “But the fact that you mentioned John Rhodes gave you away so fast. Why lie about who you are, just because you wanted to get a contract wife?”

“I'm not lying, I'm John Rhodes.” His hands were fisted by his side. Why would this woman think he was lying?

Claire was about to give a response when she saw Abraham's car pull into the driveway. She gave the man before her one last look, he was still maintaining his earlier stance. She smiled, then took her purse and the gift she got for Abraham before walking off.

Her eyes fell on Abraham who had now stepped out of the car. He was dressed in a casual shirt tucked into denim jeans. He walked around to the other side of the car and opened the door. A woman in a red, fitted gown stepped down elegantly.

Seriously? A guest? On their anniversary? Is Abraham trying to make her jealous as part of the game? The dress was… bold. Claire's confusion warred with a prickle of unease. This felt different from Abraham's usual elaborate stunts.

‘Had he brought a friend over to celebrate their anniversary?’ Claire thought. She was just a few steps away from them now.

Abraham helped the woman, ushering her forward like a gentleman would. He kissed her hands lovingly.

Claire's eyes flashed with a mixture of confusion and anger.

She stopped in her tracks then called.

“Abraham.”

Abraham turned around to face Claire; the smile on his face instantly vanished.

Claire couldn't place the look on his face. Was that coldness she saw in his eyes?

She cleared her throat and handed him the gift. “I’ve been waiting for you forever, happy anniversary.”

Abraham brushed the gift away roughly from her hands. His eyes were colder now. Claire almost couldn't recognize them. A wave of genuine fear, cold and sharp, pierced through her forced amusement. This wasn't a joke. Not this. This was Abraham, her Abraham, looking at her like a stranger. Or worse, an enemy. Her mouth was opened in surprise, but no sound came out.

“Who is she?” The woman in red asked Abraham.

“My ex-wife,” Abraham replied. He then opened the car, retrieving a file, handing it to Claire. “Have this!”

Claire collected the file, closing her mouth and finally recollecting herself. Did she hear him right? Ex-wife? Was this another joke on Abraham's menu?

“Abraham,” Claire called out his name in forced politeness. “I see you have some wonderful jokes up your sleeve,” she said while smiling and reaching for his hands. “The man you sent earlier was quite the actor too; in fact I would have recommended him for an Oscar.”

Abraham quickly snatched his hands away like she were some piece of crap. “Don't touch me. I don't know what man you are talking about. You should check the file in your hand.”

Claire saw a sneer flash across his face. Was this still an act? She glanced from Abraham to the woman in red. The woman gave her an evil look.

She opened the file in her hand and gasped. Divorce? Her mind reeled. Divorce? Today? On their anniversary? It had to be a mistake. Abraham, you sick man, this is too much!

“Divorce? What's this Abraham? You are taking this drama too far.”

“What drama is she talking about, darling?” The woman in red asked Abraham, then broke into a laugh.

“I don't know, love.” Abraham smiled back at the woman. “You think this is some kind of a soap opera?” He demanded, facing Claire.

“Darling? Love?” Claire mumbled, audibly enough for Abraham and the other woman to hear.

“Oh, I see. You are still confused.” Abraham said, holding Rebecca's hand. “Rebecca here is my new wife. We just got married at the registry.”

Claire froze, feeling like she just had a punch to her gut. Her eyes roamed between Rebecca and Abraham, and she swallowed hard.

“What are you talking about, Abraham?” Claire's voice shook. “I'm your wife–”

“Not anymore, just sign the divorce and then we're done.”

A sharp, agonizing pain raced through her chest. Every happy memory, every whispered promise from their anniversary, curdled into a bitter mockery. This wasn't a prank; this was a betrayal so profound it stole the air from her lungs.

“Done? Are you crazy? This is beginning to sound like a dream. Today is our anniversary, remember?”

“Then you'd have to wake up, because right here, is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.” Abraham said, kissing Rebecca's hand.

Claire blinked, trying to clear the image from her mind. Had she heard that right? Abraham, her Abraham, kissing someone else's hand? And saying that? Her mind scrambled for an explanation, anything to counter the image burning itself into her vision.