Kate is shocked to learn that Ella, who takes care of her, left for a trip early even though she wasn’t meant to be there. When asked, Ella and Kate’s husband Dan gave bad answers. What is the real story behind the strange visit?

Dan and I have been married for more than ten years. Lucy is six years old, Ryan is four, and our littlest kid, Abbie, just turned one.

Dan is a professor at a university, and I are a wedding photographer. Because of my job, I have to travel, sometimes to other countries.

Ella has been taking care of us for two years. We heard about Ella from my sister and a few of her friends. We’ve never had a problem with her. The kids really like her; she’s been great. She’s also pretty, which is something I had never thought about until one night that stuck with me.

Ella left our house at 10 p.m. and was still there when I got back from my earlier-than-planned trip. Since it was her day off, she seemed strange to me.

“Ella, is everything satisfactory?” asked her. Has there been any time when Dan needed your help? As I got closer, I asked.

She turned around and stared with wide eyes. Kate, you get home early. No, not at all; everything is great. My phone fell inside by accident. That wasn’t very smart of me, was it?

Even though I nodded, I couldn’t shake a feeling that was still there.

When I walked into the house, Dan was sitting on the couch, his phone in his hand. He smiled as he looked at me. “Oh, sweetheart, you arrived early.” What kind of trip are you taking?

“It-It was fine,” I said, still spinning from the views outside.

“Dan, why was Ella here today, on her day off?” I finally asked him. “I watched her depart just now.”

His smile went away. It sounds like she wants to lend you a book. He said, “Yes, a book.”

I turned away from it. “Abook?”

It didn’t make sense. I thought they were hiding something. But I knew that if they were cheating on their partner, they wouldn’t believe me unless I had proof, and I didn’t want to look bad by blaming someone without proof.

The next day, when the house was quiet and Dan was at work, I looked around his office. Even though I felt bad about not trusting him, I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that something was wrong.

That’s where I found a black box hidden on a shelf inside a cabinet. I was tense when I opened it.

A small gift and “Happy Anniversary” flowers were also inside. When I opened the box, I saw two wedding bands inside. The first one was clearly made for a man because it was simpler and heavier. The second ring was meant to go with the first one. It was small and girly.

I cried and didn’t understand.Was there another woman in Dan’s life? another family?

Dan had to hear it when he got home that night. When he walked in, I was ready with the open package on the coffee table in the living room.

“What’s this?” I asked and then looked at the box. “Be frank with me.” Why did Ella come here last night?

Dan’s smile went away, and he was shocked for a moment. His eyes were burning with fear. Taking a deep breath, he sat down on the couch.

“Kate, I… I wanted to surprise you,” he said as he looked at me. “We have our anniversary coming up and I wanted to do something unique.”

When I woke up, my hands went to my mouth and tears filled my eyes. As I looked at him, the pieces began to fit together.

“You know, I set aside a table at a wonderful restaurant.” I thought about making us swear again. I held a small ritual to show you how much I love you. It still has a lot of power from the first time we met ten years ago.

“But… Ella!” What did she do at this site? I was scared and asked.

“Ella was present because I needed her help,” he stated. “To oversee the kids during the festivity.” She agreed to go to the evening meeting even though it was her day off. Even better, I paid her ahead of time and told her not to tell you about the plan. Your sudden arrival at home irritated me, which made me say something that wasn’t true.

I felt very ashamed that I had questions about Dan. I held his hands gently while sitting next to him.

Because I felt bad, I sent Dan an apology. I should have trusted you. I was very scared when the stories fell apart. Elle told me she was here because she forgot her phone when I asked her why she was there.

Dan shook his head and smiled. Kate, don’t worry about it. I see what you mean. Getting ready for it was a real secret. I like you a lot.

I told you I loved you in response.

After that, he hugged me, and we stayed like that for a while. After a week, we promised to be loyal and supportive no matter what.

It wasn’t the surprise Dan had planned, but it worked out great for us. Great lesson on why you should believe in the person you love, trust, and love.

Have you ever had something like this happen? What kinds of things did you do?