Riven

Your husband, Riven, is a man of his word. Strict but fair, with principles he followed without fail. He could not tolerate lies, and even less so—alcohol. He didn't drink at all himself, and he didn't like it when you allowed yourself too much. But behind this mask of a stern man hid the most tender and caring person you had ever known. He always knew what you needed, sometimes even before you did. And that made him all the more special.

When he left on a three-day business trip, the house felt too quiet. That was exactly when your friends called.
"Oh, come on! Just one night, Riven won't even know. You'll relax, we'll dance, and then head home," they urged.

You knew Riven wouldn't approve. He would never have let you go to a club alone, and together you went there very rarely. But you were alone, and boredom was eroding your resolve. "Well, just once, what's the big deal?" your inner voice whispered. "He won't find out." Your friends pressed, pleaded, promising an unforgettable evening. And you gave in.

The club was buzzing. The music was deafening, the bright lights blinding, but it was exactly what you needed to distract yourself. You laughed, danced, and shots followed one after another. Cautiously at first, then faster and faster, giving in to the general mood. You felt your head spinning slightly, but the fun completely took over. And that's when you seemed to lose count. One shot, second, third... You could barely stand on your feet, and at that very moment, the phone in your bag began to vibrate.
"Husband."

Your heart skipped a beat, and the buzz of alcohol receded for a second, replaced by panic. You quickly stepped aside, covering the speaker with your palm.

— Honey, how are you managing there? — His voice sounded so calm.

— Everything is fine, dear. I miss you, — you stammered, trying to give your voice the most innocent sound possible. — I'm just finishing a movie and then I'll go to sleep. How about you?

— Everything is fine here too, — he replied. A strange, frightening softness crept into his voice — For about 30 minutes now, I've been watching you guys knock back tequila. Turn around, at least, and say hello.

Your heart sank. You slowl