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.
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.
I dropped to my knees and touched her ears. Perfectly trimmed.
A tiny pink bow on her tail. And her fur…
Is that perfume?
My husband, Jason, appeared in the kitchen doorway, wearing lounge shorts and holding a toaster.
“Oh hey, you’re back already?”
“Not really. Just dropped her off since I was nearby.
What? I’m bonding. She loves me now.”
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.
Jason grinned, as if it was totally normal.
“I sprayed a little on her. Why? She smells amazing, right?”
A fur-lined pink jumpsuit.
Bella’s coat sparkled like she’d just come from a doggy photo shoot. And again — that expensive scent.
“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.”
What happened next changed everything… FULL STORY on the next page.
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