Yes, but you need her to leave

"I thought I would," you say, attempting to recover, "but it worked out. I finished my tasks and didn't have to work late after all. Weird."

"So you're coming to dinner?" Ariana asked.

"No," you add quickly, realizing your mistake. "I mean, no. I'd love to, but I can't. Matt booked Chez Mignon for two, and even he probably can't get the reservation changed last minute. You and Matt can enjoy the restaurant without me, and I can see you later tonight when you get back."

"Oh," Ariana said.

She didn't say anything more, and you aren't sure what to say either. You'd thought she would be disappointed, or at least put up a fight. Instead, she turns back to the mirror and starts putting on lipstick.

"Well, have fun," you say.

"Mmhmm," Ariana replies, distracted.

You frown and go into the ensuite, undressing quickly. You don't understand your wife's reaction. Maybe she is excited about Chez Mignon and just wants to focus on getting ready, or maybe she is upset and too stubborn to tell you bluntly. You could ask her, but you need Ariana to leave before Kali arrives, or the whole lie will unravel in an instance.

You check the time. It is almost six-thirty, and Kali will be coming around seven. You need Ariana out of the house before then. As you turn on the shower and wait for the water to warm, you glance back at the open door.

"Do I look alright?"

Poking your head out from the ensuite, into the bedroom proper, you see your wife has put the lipstick down and is staring at her reflection, now adorned in various pieces of jewellery. "You look perfect," you tell her, and mean it.

"Thank you," she says. "I'll see you later tonight."

"See you later," you reply, your voice sounding weak and strange in your ears, knowing tonight's true purpose.

She gives you a smile and heads out of the room. You watch her ass as she walked, your heart thudding, wondering how many other men will see her perfect rear-end in that slinky, tight dress tonight, and want her all to themselves. Matt will be one of them, and you are confident that's how it will stay. The messages and the dick pic make your certainty falter slightly, but the lie has been kept in tact, and that alone makes you feel sure that your wife won't go any further, no matter how charming Matt might try to be.