Every time I came back from a work trip, my dog looked… different. New collar, new perfume, new attitude. My husband said he was bonding. I felt something smelled off.
It was another Sunday morning. I pulled into our driveway after a long night shift at the café, eyes burning, brain buzzing with one thought.
Tea. Silence. Couch.
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The second I opened the door, Bella launched at me like a furry rocket. She was my sweet little white-and-caramel cocker spaniel.
But that time, she looked… airbrushed. And I definitely hadn’t scheduled any grooming appointments.
“What happened to you?!”
I dropped to my knees and touched her ears. Perfectly trimmed. A tiny pink bow on her tail. And her fur…
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Is that perfume?
My husband, Jason, appeared in the kitchen doorway, wearing lounge shorts and holding a toaster.
“Oh hey, you’re back already?”
“Hi. You took Bella to the groomer?”
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“Not really. Just dropped her off since I was nearby. What? I’m bonding. She loves me now.”
It Was Just Grooming—Until It Wasn’t
He winked. I blinked. That, from the same man who last week said, ‘She stinks and keeps licking my slippers.’ I scooped Bella up and took another whiff. Nope, not my imagination. Chanel No.5.
“Is that… your perfume?”
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Jason grinned, as if it was totally normal.
“I sprayed a little on her. Why? She smells amazing, right?”
The following Sunday?
A fur-lined pink jumpsuit. Bella’s coat sparkled like she’d just come from a doggy photo shoot. And again — that expensive scent.
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“Okay. So now you’re what, a dog fashion influencer?”
I laughed, even though a knot was tightening in my stomach.
“I just want her to feel loved while you’re away. It’s our little tradition now.”
“You had a football match today.”
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“Cancelled. Actually… I bailed. I’d rather hang out with Bella than yell at a screen with grown men.”
This is from the man who once shouted “sacrilege!” when I turned off a game during overtime.
Something was off.
***
Then came my business trip. Three days. I came home to Bella’s latest upgrade — a shiny beige collar with a tiny heart-shaped pendant.
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Jason ran a hand over her head.
“Pretty, huh? The old one broke. Thought I’d surprise you with something fancy.”
“Wow… it’s… sparkly.”
I smiled. Forced it. Waited until he went into the shower.
