"Happy Valentine's Day, my ass," Harry Andersen muttered, knotting his tie. In a few more hours, he'd be rid of his nagging bitch wife and flying to Samoa with Carole. All the weeks and months of plotting and planning were culminating in this moment. His lawyer had already drawn up the divorce papers, his stockbroker had transferred Harry's assets to overseas accounts, a computer tech from the office had wiped all data files from his hard disc; everything was set.

He snapped the lid shut on the jewelry box and hurriedly signed the Valentines Day card. He would give the diamond choker to Rosalyn after breakfast, giving her something to focus on while he made his escape. She could have the house and the bank accounts; he'd taken what he needed.

Carefully brushing his suit jacket, he recalled the first time he and Carole met at a motivational seminar for Amalgamated Chemicals executives. She was VP for Production, he was VP for Accounting, soon they were friends, then close friends and one afternoon became lovers. After their first encounter in the back seat of his Lexus, they began having skirt up, pants down quickies in each other's offices; progressing to afternoon visits to her apartment, then frequent getaways at 'conventions' and 'seminars'. Lust turned to love and they planned their getaway very carefully. She was already divorced, he was about to be, they would begin a new life together where Rosalyn couldn't bother them.

His bags were already in his BMW's trunk. He would go through the motions as he did every workday, breakfast, then seemingly off to the commuter rail station and to work. However, this time he would never return. He slipped on his jacket, picked up the card and present and went downstairs.

Harry entered the dining room. The table wasn't set. Where was Rosalyn? Then he heard a familiar and annoying humming from the kitchen. Pushing open the door, he saw her bustling about wearing jogging clothes and an apron. She saw him and smiled.

"Good morning, Harry, happy Valentine's Day. I gave Maria the day off, so I could surprise you and cook breakfast. I remember when we were first married how you enjoyed my Belgian waffles." They exchanged pecks on the cheek, and then he proffered the card and gift.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Rosalyn." "Thank you Harry." She opened the box and her eyes grew wide. "Oh, it's beautiful. You shouldn't have." "Only the best for you, my dear," he replied with a smile.

She gestured towards the small table and two chairs where Maria usually took her meals.

"Sit down Harry. It's cozy here. Would you care for some tea?" He sat down at the table, slightly bewildered.

"Yes, that would be fine." "Oh, the first waffles are ready. I have some butter and warm syrup for them too." She placed two waffles on a plate, carried it over to him, and then brought the butter and syrup. He stared at the waffles curiously. He couldn't remember the last time Rosalyn had cooked anything.