During her lunch break, Emily stopped by a café and spotted her husband with another woman. She decided to teach them both a lesson.
Stepping out of her office building, Emily sighed. Today had been nothing but stress. Did he really need those reports right this moment? She couldve sorted it all tomorrow. Exhausted, she headed to her favourite café, already imagining the rich taste of Greek salad and coffeea brief escape from her hectic day.
Inside, the café was nearly empty. As she moved toward her usual table, a familiar face caught her eye. Her husband, James. And he wasnt alonea striking woman sat across from him.
Emily froze, as if doused in icy water. The stranger looked like shed stepped off a magazine coverplatinum blonde, fitted dress, flawless makeup. She laughed, touching Jamess arm as he leaned in, whispering something.
Emilys stomach twisted. “So thats how it is,” she nearly stormed over, ready to make a scene. But notoo predictable.
She retreated, forming a plan. If he wanted a performance, shed give him one.
Choosing a table on the opposite side, she ordered Greek salad and coffee but barely touched them. Instead, she pulled out her phone and called James. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, silencing it. Emily smirked. Avoiding her call? Interesting.
She watched them, every gesture magnified. James whispered something, and the woman laughed behind her hand, a diamond ring glinting. Emilys chest tightened. She looked away, steadying herself. “Enough, Emily. Dont panic,” she muttered, fiddling with a napkin.
Memories flashedtheir first date, shy confessions, promises. Had it all been a lie? She clenched her jaw but kept watching. Maybe just a colleague. Overdressed, sitting too close.
Then, a man walked past her tabletall, handsome, like hed stepped out of an advert. Inspiration struck. She waved him over.
“Excuse me,” she said.
“Yes?” His gaze flickered over her.
“Ive got a strange favour to ask,” Emily paused, choosing her words. “See that man over there? Thats my husband. And apparently,” she forced a smile, “hes cheating. Fancy helping me make him feel what I do?”
The man considered it, then grinned.
“Alright, why not?” He sat across from her.
“Im Emily.”
“Oliver,” he replied.
She smiled, though her pulse raced. A glance at Jameshis confusion was obvious. He hadnt expected her here. Especially not with another man. His posture stiffened.
Emily leaned closer to Oliver, laughing at something he said. Oliver played along, matching her energy. Jamess fingers drummed the table, his glances more frequent.
“Brilliant acting,” Emily whispered.
“Look at him,” Oliver murmured. “Think weve rattled him enough?”
“Lets walk past them,” she suggested.
Oliver nodded. They stood, hand in hand, and strolled toward the exit. As they passed Jamess table, Emily feigned surprise.
“Oh, hello, darling! What a lovely coincidence. And whos your friend?”
James paled. The blonde frowned.
“This is a colleague,” he stammered.
The womans expression darkened.
“A colleague?” Emily arched a brow. “Funny, I thought you had client meetings today.”
James gritted his teeth.
“Whats this charade, Emily?” He stepped closer. “Who is he?”
“Does it matter? You entertain company; so can I.”
The blonde stood abruptly.
“Youre married?” she demanded.
James barely had time to respond before she stormed out.
“Perfect,” he snapped. “That was a major client. You just cost me a deal!”
“And what exactly were you discussing that required such closeness?” Emily crossed her arms.
James glared at Oliver.
“Think Ill leave you to it,” Oliver muttered, slipping away.
James tossed some pounds on the table and left.
Emily exhaled, shaking. She called a coworker to cover for her, then went home. When she opened the door, James sat on the sofa, unusually calm.
“Emily,” he looked pained. “Were you really with him?”
His sincerity made her sit beside him.
“No. I met him today. I justI wanted you to hurt like I did.”
James ran a hand through his hair.
“This was stupid. I shouldve told you. That woman was a client. Nothing happened, I swear.”
Emily stayed silent, then leaned into him.
“Promise me you wont lie again.”
“I promise,” he kissed her forehead. “Im sorry, love.”
He held her tight, and she felt the tension ease. Still angry, but relieved. At least it ended well.
