The Perfect Wife's Trap

Today is Thanksgiving. Outside the window, the plane tree leaves lay thick on the ground, golden fragments scattered across the lawn like someone had scattered broken sunlight. I stood by the entrance changing my shoes, the coolness of the office air conditioner still lingering on my fingertips. The scent of roast turkey drifted through the house, mingling with the sweet notes of cinnamon and apples—Sabrina Thompson's favorite. "Jack, you're home!" Sabrina came running out of the kitchen, flour smudged on her apron. I gave a grunt in reply, setting my briefcase down on the sofa. The dining table was already set in the living room; crystal glasses caught the light and sparkled. "Mom's already here, resting in her room." Sabrina Thompson took my hand, her smile warm and sweet. I nodded silently. Actually, I hadn't really had a proper conversation with her since last week. It's not that I didn't want to—I just didn't know how to find the words. Dinner was ready quickly; Sabrina Thompson brought the roast turkey to the table, its golden skin looking so tempting. "Mom, try this. I learned it specially from the recipe." Sabrina served a piece of meat to my mom. My mom smiled and nodded. "Mmm, this tastes really good. Sabrina really put her heart into it." Sabrina Thompson picked up another piece for me. "Jack, you should eat too—you've been busy all day." I took the fork and ate slowly, but my heart felt weighed down by a heavy stone. There were other relatives and friends at the table, all invited by Sabrina, who said it was to liven up Thanksgiving. Everyone was chatting and laughing; the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Halfway through the meal, Sabrina suddenly stood up, holding a glass of red wine. "Today is Thanksgiving. I have something I want to say to everyone." Her voice was gentle as her gaze swept over the people gathered. My heart skipped a beat—I had a bad feeling. "First, I want to thank Mom for taking care of us these past few years and managing the household. You've worked so hard." Sabrina Thompson bowed deeply to my mom. My mom quickly stood up and said, "We're family—there's no need to be so formal." "Also, the person I'm most grateful to is Jack." Sabrina turned to look at me, her eyes shining. "Thank you for always accepting me, supporting me, and giving me a warm home. From now on, I'll live well with you and take good care of Mom." After she finished speaking, she bowed deeply to me. Everyone around applauded, and someone even smiled, saying, "What a loving couple." My mom was grinning from ear to ear, repeatedly saying, "Good, good." But I couldn't smile; the heaviness in my heart only grew. I put down my fork, looked up, and stared at Sabrina Thompson. She remained bowed, a hopeful smile on her face. The applause went on, but to me, it sounded unbearably sharp. "Sabrina," I said softly, my voice enough to silence the room. Sabrina froze for a moment, then slowly straightened up and looked at me with confusion. "Jack, what's wrong?" I took a deep breath and said, slowly and clearly, "Let's get a divorce." That sentence hit like a thunderclap, silencing the entire room. Everyone's smiles froze, their eyes fixed steadily on me. Sabrina's face went pale instantly; she stared at me in disbelief. "Jack, you... what did you say? You must be joking." I shook my head. "I'm not joking. I'm serious." "Jack! Are you out of your mind?" My mother suddenly stood up, pointed at me, her voice shaking, "What day is today? What nonsense are you spouting?" "Yeah, Jack, have you been drinking too much?" The cousin next to me stood up as well and tugged on my arm. "Sabrina is such a good wife—how can you just say divorce like that?" The cousin frowned, her tone tinged with displeasure. Sabrina Thompson stood there, tears rushing down instantly. "Jack, why? Weren't we fine? Why suddenly divorce?" I looked into her tear-red eyes, my heart not stirring in the slightest. Because I know what kind of conspiracy lies behind this "we were fine."