Stepping into the café during her lunch break, Emily spotted her husband with another woman and decided to teach them both a lesson.
Emily sighed as she left the office building. The day had been one frustration after another. Did David really need those reports right now? She couldve handled them tomorrow. Stressed, she headed to her usual café, imagining a quiet moment with a Caesar salad and a cup of teaa small respite from the chaos.
The café was nearly empty when she walked in. Just as she moved toward her usual table, she froze. There was David, sitting across from a striking blonde. The woman looked like shed stepped out of a glossy magazineperfectly styled hair, a fitted dress, and jewellery that sparkled under the lights. They were deep in conversation, David leaning in as she laughed, her hand brushing his.
Emilys stomach twisted. So, this is how it is? she thought, her first instinct to march over and confront them. But she held back. No, that would be too easy.
She retreated, choosing a table in the corner with a clear view of them. Ordering her salad and tea, she barely touched them, instead pulling out her phone and dialling Davids number. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, then silenced it. Emily smirked. Ignoring her call, was he? What was so important?
She watched as David whispered something to the blonde, who giggled, a diamond ring flashing on her finger. Emilys chest tightened. She looked away, gripping her napkin. Keep it together, Emily, she told herself.
Memories flooded hertheir first date, clumsy confessions, lazy Sundays. Had it all been a lie? She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to keep watching. Maybe it was innocent. Maybe she was just a colleague. But the way they sat, the way she touched himit felt anything but professional.
Then, a man walked past her tabletall, handsome, with just the right amount of stubble. He looked like he belonged in an ad. An idea struck. She waved him over.
Excuse me, she said. He turned, raising an eyebrow.
Yes?
Ive got a slightly odd favour to ask, she began, nodding toward David. Thats my husband. And unless Im mistaken, hes cheating on me. Fancy helping me turn the tables?
The man considered it, then grinned.
Why not? He slid into the seat opposite her.
Emily, she said.
James, he replied.
Emily kept her voice light, her posture relaxed, but her pulse raced. She glanced at Davidhis expression flickered with confusion. He hadnt expected to see her here, least of all with another man.
She leaned closer to James, laughing at something he said, playing the part perfectly. James played along, nodding, smilingselling the act. Davids fingers drummed the table. The blonde said something, but his attention was fractured.
Emily decided to push further. She reached for Jamess hand. He squeezed back, his thumb brushing her knuckles. Davids gaze snapped to them, lingering. His companions smile faltered.
Youre brilliant at this, Emily whispered.
Look at him, James murmured. Hes stewing. Reckon weve made our point?
Lets walk past them, Emily suggested.
Arm in arm, they strolled toward the exit. As they passed Davids table, Emily paused, feigning surprise.
Oh, David! Fancy seeing you here. And whos your friend?
David stiffened. The blondes eyes narrowed.
This is a colleague, he stammered.
A colleague? Emily tilted her head. Funny, you never mentioned her before.
The blondes lips thinned.
Youre married? she asked sharply.
David opened his mouth, but the woman was already gathering her things. Without another word, she strode out.
Brilliant, David snapped, tossing cash onto the table. Happy now? She was a client. A big one. That meeting was business, not whatever drama youve concocted!
And him? David jerked his chin at James. Care to explain?
Whats the matter? Emily crossed her arms. You get to flirt, and I dont?
So you *have* been seeing someone? Davids jaw tightened.
Yes, Emily lied, chin high.
Right. Ill leave you to it, then, James said, making a quick exit.
David glared. Youre unbelievable, Emily. He stormed out.
Emilys hands shook. She couldnt believe what shed done. Calling a colleague to cover for her, she went straight home. When she opened the door, David was on the sofa, his expression unreadable.
Emily, he said quietly. Did you really?
She sat beside him, exhaling. No. I met that man today. I saw you with her, and I justI wanted you to hurt like I did.
David ran a hand through his hair. Christ, this is absurd. I shouldve told you. It was stupidjust a pitch meeting. She was pushy, but nothing happened. I swear.
Emily stayed silent, then leaned against him. Anger still simmered, but relief crept in.
Promise me no more secrets.
I promise. He kissed her forehead. Forgive me, love.
He pulled her close, and Emily let herself relax. The image of the blonde still stung, but Davids remorse was real. For now, that was enough.
