Emma’s husband Mark took her to the most exclusive restaurant in town for their tenth wedding anniversary, only to upset her with a cheap salad. Little did he know that she would make him pay for his brutality along with the entire restaurant the following evening. The warm, golden light from the chandelier filled the restaurant with a soft radiance. The exquisite table settings and velvet chairs created an upscale atmosphere. My spouse Mark had promised me that the tenth anniversary of our wedding would be unforgettable. I had envisioned a decadent evening, complete with exquisite dishes and sparkling wine. My Husband Took Me to a Fancy Restaurant for Our Anniversary but Only Let Me Order a Cheap Salad – This Special Day He Won’t Forget | LOLitopia I noticed the knowing glances the waiters exchanged as we sat down. They seemed to know Mark well. The most expensive restaurant in town, «La Belle Époque», was the place where he had a reservation. This place was meant for important events, and tonight was one of them. Mark grinned indifferently and handed me the menu. “Order whatever you like, darling,” he replied, but there was a different message in his eyes. I quickly scanned the menu, which was full of expensive but delicious dishes whose descriptions made my mouth water. Full of anticipation, I said, “I think I’ll have the lobster bisque to start, then the fillet steak.” Mark’s grin narrowed. “Actually, would you like to start with a house salad? Be brief. You really are planning to lose weight, aren’t you? Next time you visit, maybe you’ll wear that beautiful red dress I’ve got my eye on.” His remarks felt like a slap in the face. I felt a sharp shiver of humiliation as I looked around. Was he kidding? But I could tell by the steely gleam in his eyes that he was serious. My wife and I couldn’t go out to a fancy dinner for our anniversary, so I decided to surprise her by whipping something up: Mark, it’s our anniversary,» I objected quietly. «I thought—» He interrupted the waiter with a wave of his hand and said, «You were wrong.» «I will have the Chateaubriand, medium rare, and my wife will order the house salad, and a bottle of your finest red wine.»
The waiter hesitated and gave me a pitying look. «Very good, sir.» With a sad pile of green salad in front of me, I swallowed my anger. Mark savored every bit of his sumptuous dinner, showing off the tenderness of the steak and the depth of the sauce. For him, at least, the wine flowed freely. I sipped my water, feeling as though the meal would never end. It was painful to accept Mark’s bossy behavior during dinner. While I picked at my salad, he savored every bite of his steak and made comments about it. I tried to stay calm, but my anger was simmering under the surface. Without even looking at me, he ordered his dessert—a rich chocolate soufflé—and declared, “It’s ready.” I was ashamed. And here I was, getting the cold shoulder on the wedding day. I decided not to take it lying down while he enjoyed his dessert. I would make this wedding day memorable—for all the wrong reasons. I grinned to myself and began to formulate a strategy. Early the next morning, I got up. Mark continued to snore beside me. With ideas in my head, I silently slipped out of bed. He went to work and I began working on my own. I planned numerous plans and asked friends for a few favors. It was time to switch roles. I prepared all day. I first spoke to the management of La Belle Époque. I explained my situation, made reservations for the next evening at the same table. The manager agreed to help me as he understood my dilemma. Then I borrowed the beautiful red dress that Mark always praised by asking a friend in a boutique who worked there. Then I contacted a friend of mine who works as a lawyer and asked him to open a personal bank account. She checked the details of our account and the emergency money that Mark had hidden. Having the money gave me enough confidence to take the next step. After everything was arranged, I sent Mark a note saying, «Meet me at La Belle Époque at 7pm. Dress nicely. Emma.»When Mark got home, all things were ready. The note was waiting for him on the kitchen counter, and the house was silent. When he spotted it, he grinned, no doubt thinking he was getting away with another night of luxury at my expense. He had no idea what I had planned for him.
As I got ready for the evening, I felt a mixture of fear and excitement. I knew this was a risky move, but it was required. I wanted to be treated like a human being again, and I wanted to show Mark that. For very different reasons, this would be a wedding day we would both never forget. Mark arrived at the restaurant with a smug look on his face. I was seated immediately, dressed in the red outfit he loved. He sat down, and I smiled at him, a mysterious, charming smile. His curiosity was piqued when he asked, “What’s going on here, Emma?” “You’ll see,” I replied, gesturing to the waitress. “I took the liberty of ordering for us.” Though he narrowed his eyes, he remained silent. The first dish, lobster bisque, was brought by the waiter. For both of us. Though Mark’s eyes widened, he remained silent. The beautifully seared fillet steak was served next. I saw him grow more and more confused as the finest wine of the house was poured. “I don’t understand, Emma,” he remarked hesitantly. We were only here yesterday. What is this event?” “Our wedding anniversary,” I replied, my sweetness permeating every word. “Well, it was a memorable night. I want to forget yesterday. This is one I want to remember, and I made sure you do too.” Mark went from confused to suspicious. He inspected the restaurant, trying to piece it all together. I kept a close eye on him, enjoying his discomfort. When the main course was served, I savored every bite.
But Mark was too busy trying to figure out what was going on to really touch his dinner. I stood up and made a speech that caught the attention of everyone in the restaurant. “Excuse me, guys. I have a special announcement to make.” Mark had a startled expression. “Emma, what are you doing?” My voice remained firm and confident as I said, “I just wanted to share something with all of you.” “My husband took me here yesterday for our anniversary, but he demanded that I have a cheap salad while he indulged himself. I wanted to show him what real self-indulgence felt like, tonight.” The room was filled with murmuring. Mark’s face turned bright red. Hissed, “Emma, sit down.” I ignored him. That’s not all, though. Mark, you’ve always taken great pride in being the one in charge and the giver. I paid for our dinner tonight from the emergency money you’ve been keeping from me for years.” His mouth fell open. “What? How did you do that?” “Oh, Mark, you should know by now that my intelligence exceeds yours. Not only that, but also! You’ll all be happy to hear, ladies and gentlemen: my husband is giving you all a portion of his money and covering all your lunch expenses today.” Mark’s face drained of color. “Emma, this isn’t funny.” I stood up and said, “No, it’s not.” “But it’s fair.” When I left, it felt like the last ten years had fallen away from me. The guests cheered me on, and Mark just sat there looking shocked and embarrassed. He would remember this wedding day forever. And neither would I.
