**Diary Entry**
I stopped by a café during my lunch break today, only to find my husband with another woman. The sight of them together made my blood boil, and I decided then and there to teach them both a lesson.
Work had been relentlessendless reports, looming deadlinesand all I wanted was a moment of peace. My favourite café, tucked away just off the high street, usually felt like a safe haven. I imagined sipping my latte and picking at a quinoa salad, letting the tension of the day melt away. But the moment I stepped inside, that illusion shattered.
The place was nearly empty, which should have been nice. I was about to settle at my usual table when I spotted a familiar face. My husband, James. And he wasnt alone.
My stomach lurched as if Id been doused in ice water. The woman beside him looked like shed stepped straight out of a glossy magazinesleek blonde hair, a fitted dress, jewellery that caught the light with every movement. Her laugh was too bright, her hand lingering on his arm as she leaned in.
The world tilted. Part of me wanted to storm over, make a scene right thenscream, throw my drink, something dramatic. But I clenched my fists and forced myself to think. No, that would be too predictable.
I chose a table across the room, close enough to watch but far enough to remain unnoticed. I ordered my salad and coffee but didnt touch them. Instead, I pulled out my phone and dialled James number. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, hesitated, then silenced it. My lips curled. Too busy to answer your own wife?
I studied themthe way he whispered something in her ear, her delighted laugh, the flash of a diamond ring on her finger. My chest tightened. I had to look away, fiddling with my napkin just to steady my hands.
Memories flickered. Our first date, shy smiles, whispered confessions. Had any of it been real? Was this who he was now? I gritted my teeth but kept watching. Maybe she was just a colleague. Maybe I was overreacting.
Then I spotted hima tall, well-dressed man passing my table. He looked like he belonged in a cologne advert. An idea sparked. I caught his eye and waved him over.
“Excuse me,” I said, forcing a smile. “I have a ridiculous favour to ask.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”
“I need you to play along. Just for a moment,” I nodded toward James and the blonde. “Thats my husband, and unless Im mistaken, hes cheating. Id like him to feel a fraction of what Im feeling.”
The manThomasconsidered it for a second, then grinned. “Why not?”
We made a show of itleaning close, laughing, my fingers brushing his. I stole glances at James. His posture stiffened. His fingers drummed the table. Good.
“Shall we walk past them?” Thomas murmured.
I nodded. As we passed, I made sure to catch James eye. “Oh, hello, darling! What a lovely surprise. And whos your friend?”
James flushed. “This isshes a work colleague.”
The blonde frowned. “A colleague?”
“Funny,” I said sweetly. “I thought you had client meetings today.”
James jaw tightened. “Judith, what is this? Who is this man?”
I shrugged. “Just a friend. You get to enjoy company, why shouldnt I?”
Thomas, sensing the storm brewing, made his exit. James threw some pounds on the table and stormed out.
By the time I got home, he was already there, waiting on the sofa. His voice was quiet. “Was any of that true? Were you seeing him?”
I exhaled. “No. I met him today. I just wanted you to hurt like I did.”
James ran a hand through his hair. “God, this is such a mess. Im sorry. There was nothing between usjust business. Stupid, reckless business.”
I wanted to stay angry. The image of that woman still burned. But his apology felt real.
“Promise me,” I said. “No more lies.”
“I promise.” He pulled me into his arms, and for the first time all day, I breathed.
