Olivia couldn’t wait for the workday to end. She imagined stepping out of her office to find her beloved husband, James, waiting to whisk her off to their favourite café. It was the very place where they’d met five years ago on this exact day.
She dashed out and spotted him leaning against his car, grinning.
“Hi, Jamie,” she murmured, hugging him. He kissed her cheek.
“Hello, love. Fancy a trip to our spot?” he said, half-question, half-statement. She giggled and nodded, expecting a gift.
After tea, with no present in sight, James finally spoke.
“Right, let’s head home. Your gift’s waiting there.”
“Really? What is it? Why didn’t you bring it?”
“You’ll see soon enough.”
At home, James walked to a parked car, clicked the key fob, and opened the door.
“Here you are, my love. She’s all yours—drive her well.”
Olivia froze. She’d hoped for jewellery, maybe a holiday—never a car. Overwhelmed, she threw her arms around him.
“Jamie, thank you! I’ve got the best husband in the world. I love you so much.”
She adored him—his hard work, his love. He often skipped weekends to fund her gifts or save for their countryside cottage. Once they had the house, children would follow. For now, they lived in Olivia’s inherited three-bed flat.
“Darling, I knew you’d love it,” James said.
They toasted their anniversary—and the new car—at home since James had driven.
The next day, Olivia arrived at work in her shiny red car. Colleagues flocked around, eager to hear James’s gift.
“My Jamie gave me a car!” she beamed, eyes briefly shut. “Five years, and we’ve never even had a proper row.”
“Lucky you!” they chorused.
Most meant it. Except Nicole, James’s old schoolmate, who burned with envy. She’d loved him for years. Watching Olivia now, she seethed.
*Why does she get everything?* She forced a smile. *Her time will come.*
Olivia, oblivious, never hid her joy. She assumed others shared it. She never imagined someone would scheme to steal her happiness.
Later, James called. “I’ve got extra work, love—late again.” She sighed but understood. Every penny counted for their cottage.
After work, Olivia stopped at the mall, buying James a sleek watch.
*It’s just as lovely to give,* she mused, driving home.
Nearing her flat, she slowed to park—then *thud*. A man sat in the road, clutching his leg.
“Oh my God! Did I hit you? Let me call an ambulance—or I’ll drive you!”
He shook his head. “Just a bruise. Ice’ll do.”
She took him inside, bandaged his leg, apologising endlessly.
“Don’t fuss,” he said. “I’d take a hundred knocks to meet you. I’m Liam. And you?”
“Olivia…”
His lingering looks unsettled her. Soon, he left, refusing a lift. Then he paused, spotting a photo of James.
“You know him? Wait… Brother, right?” He smirked.
“You know James?”
“Course. He’s married to my sister. Works like a dog—side jobs, trips—saving for a house. Hardly home, but hey, goals, eh?”
Her world shattered.
Liam vanished, sensing her distress. The words festered. *Two families? Our dreams—with her?*
When James returned, she pretended to sleep, heartbroken. She withdrew, silent at work too.
*Is he at work—or with her?*
Then Liam kept “bumping” into her—outside work, near home.
“Fate, Olivia,” he’d say.
One café visit, she confessed.
“James isn’t my brother. He’s my *husband*.”
Liam feigned shock. “Two-timing scoundrel! My sister’s pregnant by him. Dump him!”
James noticed her distance and resolved to talk. Meanwhile, Olivia debated confronting him—until his office called.
“Olivia—James was rushed to hospital. Head injury.”
She raced there. A colleague, Ian, explained:
“He’s been non-stop on a rush job.”
“Really? No… second family?”
Ian frowned. “Only ever talks about you. Why?”
She told him about Liam. Ian urged the police.
They revealed Liam’s record—extortion. Worse—his sister was *Nicole*, her colleague, James’s old crush. They’d plotted: Nicole would get James once Olivia left him.
Nicole’s hatred had driven it. She’d fed Liam details—their house plans—and paid him to play suitor.
Soon, Liam and Nicole faced questioning. Olivia held James’s hand as he woke.
“Jamie… you’re back. The doctor says you’ll recover. I’ll help you—every step.”
He smiled, relieved to see her happy again.
Home soon, Olivia gave him the watch. He promised a gift too—then said:
“Liv, let’s not wait for the house. Let’s start our family.”
She glowed. “I’d love that.”
“I love you,” he whispered.
Happiness bloomed. In time, a son arrived, filling their hearts.
**Lesson:** Trust is fragile—envy wears many masks. True love withstands even the craftiest lies.
