I Returned Early to Surprise My Husband Only to Find Him Burying a Large Black Egg in Our Garden – Its Mystery Brought Us Closer

I came home early from my business trip to surprise my husband. But instead of a warm welcome, I found him in the garden, drenched in sweat and burying a large black egg. He wouldn’t tell me the truth, so I dug deeper myself. What I found sent my heart racing.

I hadn’t slept in days. The Chicago business conference had dragged on, each presentation blending into the next until I couldn’t take it anymore. Three years of marriage, and lately, Ben and I had been like ships passing in the night, him with his investment banking and me with my consulting work. When my last meeting finished early, I decided to surprise him with an early return.

A smiling woman holding a cup of coffee | Source: Midjourney

A smiling woman holding a cup of coffee | Source: Midjourney

“You’re really skipping the closing ceremony?” my colleague Linda asked, watching me pack my laptop. “The VP’s giving the keynote. Could be good for your promotion.”

I zipped my bag with finality. “For once, my marriage comes first. Ben and I haven’t had a real conversation in weeks.”

“Regina, putting love before career?” she smiled. “Must be serious.”

“It is.” I checked my phone, calculating times. “If I leave now, I can catch the 6 p.m. flight and surprise my hubby.”

A cheerful woman holding her phone | Source: Midjourney

A cheerful woman holding her phone | Source: Midjourney

“Go get your man,” Linda winked. “But text me when you land. These surprise returns don’t always go as planned.”

If only she knew how right she’d be.

The setting sun cast long shadows across our front lawn as I wearily pulled into the driveway after a long, exhausting flight. My hands trembled slightly as I killed the engine. The house stood quiet, warm lights glowing behind drawn curtains.

Something felt off the moment I stepped inside. The house was eerily quiet. Through the kitchen window, I could see dirty dishes in the sink — so unlike my usually meticulous husband.

A startled woman in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney

A startled woman in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney

“Ben?” I called softly, letting myself in. No answer.

The house felt different somehow. Mail was scattered across the coffee table, including several official-looking envelopes marked “URGENT.”

A half-empty cup of coffee with a lipstick-like ring of dried coffee around its rim sat beside Ben’s laptop.

A cup of coffee near a laptop on a table | Source: Midjourney

A cup of coffee near a laptop on a table | Source: Midjourney

Assuming he was holed up in his office as usual, I decided to check on my garden first. The tomatoes should have ripened by now, and tending to them would help me unwind after the flight.

But as I approached the garden doors and stepped into the backyard, I FROZE.

Ben stood in the middle of our vegetable garden, between the tomato plants he’d been so proud of just weeks ago. His shirt was stained dark with sweat and his sleeves rolled up as he dug into the earth like a man possessed.

But it wasn’t his frantic movements that made my blood run cold. It was the LARGE, OBSIDIAN-BLACK EGG sitting beside him.

A man holding a large black egg | Source: Midjourney

A man holding a large black egg | Source: Midjourney

The thing was enormous, at least two feet tall, its surface gleaming like polished glass under the evening light. As I watched, frozen, Ben kept glancing at it between shovel loads, his movements growing more desperate.

“Just a little deeper,” I heard him mutter. “Has to be deep enough to bury this thing.”

My hand flew to my mouth. Was this really happening? I blinked hard, convinced I was hallucinating from travel exhaustion. But the scene remained unchanged — my husband, digging what looked like a grave for some alien artifact in our backyard.

“Ben?” I called out softly, careful not to startle him.

A woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

A woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

He whirled around, shovel clattering against something metal in the hole. His face, usually so composed, was pale with panic. A streak of dirt ran across his cheek, and I noticed his hands were shaking.

“REGINA?” He shrieked, his voice trembling and loud. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

“I came home early to surprise you.” I took a step closer, gravel crunching under my feet. The egg seemed to pulse in the lamplight, drawing my eyes. “Though I think I’m the one who’s surprised. What is THAT thing?”

“It’s NOTHING.” His words came too fast, too sharp. He moved to stand between me and the egg. “Reggie, just go inside, honey. You shouldn’t be here.”

A startled man holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney

A startled man holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney

“Nothing? Ben, I don’t think that’s ‘NOTHING.’ What is it? What’s going on?”

“I’ll explain later. Please go inside.”

“Later?” I gestured at the hole he’d been digging. “You’re burying something that looks like it came from a sci-fi movie in our garden at sunset, and you want me to wait for an explanation?”

Ben ran his fingers through his hair, leaving streaks of dirt across his forehead. His eyes darted between me and the street as if expecting someone.

“Please, Regina. Trust me on this. I’m just doing what needs to be done. I’m handling it.”

An anxious man holding his head | Source: Midjourney

An anxious man holding his head | Source: Midjourney

“Handling what exactly?” My voice rose. “Because from where I’m standing, my husband is either having some kind of breakdown or—”

“I said I’m handling it!” The force in his voice made me step back. In three years of marriage, I’d never heard him shout.

“Fine.” I turned toward the house, tears stinging my eyes. “Handle it yourself. Just like you’ve been handling everything else lately.”

“Reggie, wait—” He reached for me, but I pulled away.

“Don’t. Just… don’t.”

A furious woman | Source: Midjourney

A furious woman | Source: Midjourney

Sleep evaded me that night. Ben never came to bed, and the couch creaked periodically with his restless movements. Around 3 a.m., I heard the back door open and close. Through the bedroom window, I watched him check on the place where he’d buried the mysterious egg, pacing around it like a sentry.

What’s wrong with him? What is he hiding from me?

Morning came too quickly. I waited until Ben’s car disappeared down the street before grabbing the garden shovel. My hands trembled as I approached the freshly turned earth. I HAD TO DIG UP THAT THING!

“What are you hiding, Ben?” I whispered, pushing the shovel into the soft dirt.

A woman holding a shovel | Source: Midjourney

A woman holding a shovel | Source: Midjourney

It took 20 minutes of digging before I hit something solid. The egg was surprisingly light when I unearthed it, though my arms shook with the effort.

Up close, its surface felt wrong — not like shell, but like… plastic? I twisted it slightly, and to my shock, it separated in the middle like some oversized Easter egg.

Empty. Completely empty except for more layers of black plastic.

“Regina?” Someone called out from behind.

I jumped, nearly dropping the egg. Our elderly neighbor, Mr. Chen, peered over the fence, his eyes fixed on the object in my hands.

A shocked woman holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney

“I saw someone in your garden late last night,” he said slowly. “Everything okay?”

“Fine,” I said quickly, hiding the egg behind me. “Just… gardening.”

His expression said he didn’t believe me, but he nodded politely and disappeared. I waited until I heard his door close before examining the egg more closely. The craftsmanship was impressive, but it was definitely artificial. What had Ben gotten himself into?

My mind raced through possibilities. This wasn’t just about a buried object. It was about Ben’s bizarre behavior and the way he was terrified when he saw me home early.

Something bigger was happening. Something that made my usually steady-handed husband dig like a madman in our backyard.

A puzzled woman holding a big glossy black egg | Source: Midjourney

A puzzled woman holding a big glossy black egg | Source: Midjourney

With trembling fingers, I wrapped the egg in an old blanket and tucked it behind the lawn equipment in our garage. It was out of sight, but not out of mind.

“Think, Regina, think,” I muttered, pacing the concrete floor. “Maybe this was some elaborate joke? A midlife crisis? Or something far more sinister?”

I dragged myself to the car, hoping work might distract me from this madness.

The radio clicked on automatically as I started the engine. The news anchor’s voice cut through my fog of exhaustion, making my blood run cold:

“Breaking news: Local authorities have uncovered a massive counterfeit operation targeting antique collectors. The scammers sold fake antiques, including unique black egg-shaped plastic containers, to unsuspecting buyers. Total losses are estimated in the millions…”

A shocked woman driving a car | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman driving a car | Source: Midjourney

My coffee cup slipped from my fingers, splashing across the dashboard. The pieces started falling into place. That evening, I placed the egg on our kitchen table and waited. When Ben walked in, his briefcase hit the floor with a thud.

“Reggie, I-I can explain—”

“How much did you pay for this thing?” I cut him off.

He sank into a chair, his shoulders slumped. “Fifteen thousand.”

“Jesus, Ben.”

A nervous man | Source: Midjourney

A nervous man | Source: Midjourney

“I wanted to surprise you.” His voice cracked. “This guy at work, he said he knew someone selling rare artifacts. Said the egg was some ancient fertility symbol that would triple in value within a year.”

He pressed his palms against his eyes. “I used our savings. I was going to sell it and take you on that European trip you’ve always wanted.”

“The trip we’ve been saving for? That we’ve talked about for years?” My voice quavered. “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

“Because I’m an idiot who got scammed like some naive teenager. I was so ashamed.” He looked up, eyes red-rimmed. “Things have been so tight lately, with your mom’s medical bills and the house repairs. I just wanted to fix everything.”

An upset man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

An upset man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

“By gambling our savings on some stranger’s promise?”

“I know, I know.” He slumped forward. “When I realized it was fake, I couldn’t face you. Couldn’t admit I’d thrown away our money on a plastic egg.”

“We’ll figure this out,” I said, moving around the table to take his hand. “But no more secrets, okay? We’re supposed to be partners.”

“I filed a police report this morning,” Ben added. “They said we’re not the only ones. Apparently, this guy’s been targeting young professionals and antique collectors, playing on their financial stress.”

An anxious man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

An anxious man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

I squeezed his fingers. “I don’t need expensive trips or ancient artifacts. I just need my husband to talk to me, even when things get hard. Especially when things get hard.”

“What should we do with it?” Ben gestured at the egg, still gleaming mockingly in the kitchen light.

I studied it for a moment. “Maybe we’ll plant it in the garden for real. Right next to those tomatoes you’ve been trying to grow.”

A smiling woman holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney

A smiling woman holding a big black egg | Source: Midjourney

“As a reminder of what not to do?” A ghost of a smile crossed his face.

“As a reminder that the only thing we need to grow is our trust in each other.” I leaned against him. “And maybe as a conversation piece. ‘Hey, want to hear about the time my husband buried a fake artifact in our backyard?!’”

Ben’s laugh was shaky but real. “I love you, Reggie. Even when I’m an idiot.”

“Lucky for you, I love idiots.” I kissed his forehead. “Now, let’s figure out how to get our money back. Together this time.”

A man laughing | Source: Midjourney

A man laughing | Source: Midjourney

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

Our Granddaughter Demanded We Give Her Our Villa as It Was Nicer despite Us Paying for Vacation – I Taught Her a Lesson

My plan to treat my grandkids to a luxurious family vacation took an unexpected turn when one of my granddaughters demanded the grandest accommodation. I decided to take the unconventional route to teach her a memorable lesson.

So, my husband, John, and I, we’ve been pretty lucky in life, and we wanted to do something special for our family. Our granddaughter, Robin, got married recently, and we thought, “Why not celebrate with a big family vacation?”

A happy older couple looking out at the ocean | Source: Shutterstock

A happy older couple looking out at the ocean | Source: Shutterstock

We picked Bora Bora because, honestly, who doesn’t dream of going there? It’s like one of those places you see on postcards and think, “People actually go there?” Yes, they do, and we decided we were going to be those people.

A resort in Bora Bora | Source: Shutterstock

A resort in Bora Bora | Source: Shutterstock

We got a great deal on this trip. We found this beautiful place that had room for all of us – three bungalows for the grandkids and their families, and one big villa for John and me.

Villas by the beach in Bora Bora | Source: Shutterstock

Villas by the beach in Bora Bora | Source: Shutterstock

The bungalows were nice, each one a thousand square feet with a king bed or two queens, a bathroom, and some outdoor space.

A tropical bungalow on the beach | Source: Shutterstock

A tropical bungalow on the beach | Source: Shutterstock

But the villa, oh boy, it was something else. Four thousand square feet all to ourselves, with a bedroom, a bathroom that had a sauna, a living room, and the best part, an outdoor area with a bathtub, a pool, and a slide straight into the ocean. It was paradise.

A sundeck with a pool overlooking the beach | Source: Shutterstock

A sundeck with a pool overlooking the beach | Source: Shutterstock

Now, we hadn’t even been there for a full day when the trouble started. We were all having dinner together, enjoying the breeze and the sound of the waves, when my other granddaughter, Jenny, said something about wanting to use our slide.

Dinner by the water | Source: Shutterstock

Dinner by the water | Source: Shutterstock

Robin, who hadn’t seen our villa yet, asked to see pictures. I showed her, thinking she’d be excited. Instead, she got upset. Really upset.

“You expect us to live like peasants while you have a 4000 sq ft villa with a sauna and pool? I want it!” she demanded, right there at the dinner table.

Woman gesturing being upset | Source: Shutterstock

Woman gesturing being upset | Source: Shutterstock

I couldn’t believe my ears. First off, nobody’s a peasant in Bora Bora. Second, we thought we’d done something nice by bringing everyone there.

Woman looking confused | Source: Shutterstock

Woman looking confused | Source: Shutterstock

I tried explaining to Robin that it wasn’t about the size of the room but about spending time together as a family. Plus, there was only one villa, and if we gave it to her, what would that say to the others?

But she wasn’t having any of it. She accused us of holding money over her head and stormed off, threatening to leave the next day.

An older woman arguing with a younger woman who looks away as another man sits in front of them | Source: Shutterstock

An older woman arguing with a younger woman who looks away as another man sits in front of them | Source: Shutterstock

John thought maybe we should just give in to keep the peace, but something in me just couldn’t do that. It wasn’t right. All we wanted was a nice family vacation, and now it felt like everything was falling apart because of a room.

A man listening to a woman who's touching his shoulder | Source: Shutterstock

A man listening to a woman who’s touching his shoulder | Source: Shutterstock

So, that night, I barely got a wink of sleep. John was out like a light, but me? I was tossing and turning, thinking about Robin and her tantrum over the villa.

It’s funny, you know? One minute they’re little, needing you for everything, and the next, they’re all grown up and demanding villas in Bora Bora.

A woman laying in bed awake | Source: Shutterstock

A woman laying in bed awake | Source: Shutterstock

I spent the whole night thinking about what to do. Part of me wanted to let Robin have her way just to stop the drama, but another part of me thought, “No, this is a chance to teach her a valuable lesson.”

A woman in deep thought while laying in bed | Source: Shutterstock

A woman in deep thought while laying in bed | Source: Shutterstock

So, the next morning, when Robin refused to come to breakfast and was acting like she wouldn’t join us for anything as long as we were there, I decided on a new approach.

Breakfast by the water | Source: Shutterstock

Breakfast by the water | Source: Shutterstock

I told everyone that if Robin and her husband really wanted to leave, I’d respect their decision and even help them find a flight back. I wasn’t kicking them out, but I also wasn’t going to beg them to stay.

Two women at a dining table peeling apples | Source: Shutterstock

Two women at a dining table peeling apples | Source: Shutterstock

I decided it was time to take action, not just stand by hoping Robin would come around. So, I did something I never thought I’d do on what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation: I went and booked a flight for Robin and her husband to head back home.

An older woman on the phone while looking at a laptop | Source: Shutterstock

An older woman on the phone while looking at a laptop | Source: Shutterstock

I know, it sounds harsh, right? But sometimes, you’ve got to cut the line to save the net, as my old friend used to say. I asked the hotel staff to cancel Robin’s and her husband’s remaining reservations. They were kind about it, understanding the family drama more than I wished they had to.

Receptionist taking a call | Source: Shutterstock

Receptionist taking a call | Source: Shutterstock

Then came the packing. The hotel staff, bless their hearts, went over to help Robin and her hubby pack up their things. I didn’t go with them; felt it was better to keep my distance.

A man packing clothes in a suitcase | Source: Shutterstock

A man packing clothes in a suitcase | Source: Shutterstock

But I stood there on our villa’s balcony, watching them, feeling a mix of sadness and, weirdly, relief. It was like finally deciding to take an old, broken-down fence to the dump. You didn’t want to see it go, but it had to be done for the new one to come in.

An older woman looking out from a balcony | Source: Shutterstock

An older woman looking out from a balcony | Source: Shutterstock

Breakfast was awkward. Everyone was tiptoeing around the elephant in the room, barely touching their tropical fruit plates. I decided it was time to clear the air. “Look,” I said, “last night got out of hand. We’re here to enjoy ourselves, not fight over who gets the fancier room.”

Untouched tropical breakfast spread | Source: Shutterstock

Untouched tropical breakfast spread | Source: Shutterstock

Just then, Robin storms in, looking like she’s ready to battle. “So, what, you’re kicking me out now?” she throws out, pointing a finger at me,

An angry woman pointing an accusatory finger | Source: Shutterstock

An angry woman pointing an accusatory finger | Source: Shutterstock

“No, Robin,” I sigh, “We’re not kicking you out. We just think if you’re so unhappy, maybe it’s best you head back. We want this vacation to be peaceful, you know?”

You could’ve heard a pin drop. Robin looked like she couldn’t decide if she was more shocked or angry. “I…I haven’t even looked up flights yet,” she stammers out, which was pretty much what I figured.

Woman looking upset | Source: Shutterstock

Woman looking upset | Source: Shutterstock

“Well, I already helped you with that,” I calmly said, trying to keep the peace but stay firm.

You should have seen the look on Robin’s face when she realized I wasn’t playing the game she expected. For so long, whenever she threw a fit, the family would scramble to make things right for her. Not this time. I was calm and firm. I said I’d miss her but understood if she felt she needed to go.

Woman looking surprised | Source: Shutterstock

Woman looking surprised | Source: Shutterstock

After they left, something unexpected happened. The rest of the family came together like never before. My other grandkids told me they were proud of how I handled the situation. They said the trip was more enjoyable without the constant drama Robin tended to bring.

An older woman and a younger woman smiling at each other | Source: Shutterstock

An older woman and a younger woman smiling at each other | Source: Shutterstock

And just like that, the vacation turned around. We enjoyed the villa, the slide, the ocean, and most importantly, each other’s company. It was a reminder that sometimes, standing your ground does more good than giving in to unreasonable demands.

A family enjoying at the beach | Source: Shutterstock

A family enjoying at the beach | Source: Shutterstock

So, that’s the story. It’s not just about a fancy villa or a family vacation gone wrong. It’s about setting boundaries, about respect, and about showing love in tough situations. And you know what? I think we all learned something valuable from it, even Robin, wherever she is.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*