**Diary Entry**
I remember it like it was yesterday. Popping into the café on my lunch break, I spotted my husband with another womanand decided to teach them both a lesson.
Judith sighed as she stepped out of the office building. The day had been nothing but stress. Did those reports really have to be done right this second? She couldve handled them tomorrow. Exhausted, she headed to her favourite café, already imagining a proper Greek salad and a strong coffeea small escape from the monotony.
Inside, the café was nearly empty. Just as she was about to settle at her usual table, she caught sight of a familiar face. Her husband, Simon. And he wasnt alone. Some glamorous woman sat across from him, laughing at something hed said.
Judith froze, as if doused in ice water. The woman looked like shed stepped straight off the cover of *Vogue*platinum blonde, fitted dress, designer jewellery, flawless makeup. Simon was whispering something, and she laughed, brushing his arm playfully.
Everything inside Judith twisted upside down. *So, this is how it is.* She nearly stormed over right thenmade a scene, shouted, demanded answers. But no. Too predictable.
She forced herself to step back, mind racing. If he wanted a show, shed give him one.
Judith chose a table on the opposite side, close enough to watch them. She ordered her salad and coffee but barely touched them, too focused on Simon and his companion. She pulled out her phone and dialled his number. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, silenced it, and kept talking. Judith smirked. *Too busy to answer me? Interesting.*
She studied themSimon leaning in, murmuring something that made the woman laugh behind her hand. A diamond ring glinted on her finger. Judiths chest tightened. She looked away, gripping her napkin. *Breathe. Dont panic.*
Memories flashedtheir first date, shy smiles, whispered confessions. Had it all been a lie? Was he playing both sides? She bit her lip but kept watching. Maybe it was just a colleague. An overly polished, overly *close* colleague.
Then a man walked past her tabletall, handsome, effortless charm. An idea struck. She caught his eye.
“Excuse me,” she said.
He stopped. “Yes?”
“I have a ridiculous favour to ask.” She hesitated, then nodded toward Simon. “Thats my husband. And, well, I think hes cheating. Fancy helping me make him sweat?”
The man considered it, then grinned. “Why not?” He sat opposite her.
“Judith,” she said.
“Thomas,” he replied.
She forced a smile, though her pulse hammered. She stole another glance at Simonhis confusion was obvious. He hadnt expected to see her here, least of all with another man.
Judith leaned in, playing the part. Thomas matched her energy, laughing at the right moments. Simons jaw tightened. His fingers drummed the table.
*Good.*
“Lets walk past them,” Judith whispered.
Thomas nodded. Hand in hand, they strolled toward the exit, passing Simons table. Judith paused, feigning surprise.
“Oh, hello, darling! What a coincidence. And whos your *friend*?”
Simon stiffened. The blonde frowned.
“This is” Simon stumbled, eyes darting. “A colleague.”
“A *colleague*?” Judith raised a brow. “Funny, I thought you had client meetings today.”
The blondes expression turned icy. “Youre *married*?”
Simons face darkened. “Judith, what the hell is this? Who is he?”
She crossed her arms. “Why can *you* have fun, but I cant?”
Thomas cleared his throat. “Right. Ill leave you to it.” He made a swift exit.
Simon tossed a few quid on the table. “Brilliant performance, Judith.” Then he was gone.
She sat there, numb. How had it spiralled so fast? She called a colleague to cover for her at work and went home. When she opened the door, Simon was on the sofa, strangely calm.
“Judith,” he said quietly. “Were you really cheating?”
His honesty disarmed her. She sat beside him. “No. I met that man today. I just wanted to hurt you like you hurt me.”
Simon ran a hand through his hair. “This was stupid. I shouldve told youthat woman was a client. A *business* meeting. Nothing more. I swear it.”
Judith studied him. She was still angry, but his words soothed the raw edges.
“Promise me you wont lie again.”
“I promise.” He kissed her forehead. “Im sorry, love.”
He pulled her close, and the tension melted. She was still crossbut relieved it had ended like this.
**Lesson learned:** Revenge feels clever until it backfires. Sometimes, the truth hurts less than the games we play.
