My wife tends to the home while Im here with you, my love.
A stranger called, and I heard my husbands voice say, My wife is cooking and cleaning the bathroom while Im with you, my love.
When my husband told me he had to attend a work party, I didnt suspect anything. Yet a call soon after left me frozen. The words I heard made me grab the car keysready to confront him and, the next day, pack his belongings.
After ten years of marriage I thought I knew Rui inside out. Last week, however, I realized that a decade together doesnt shield you from infidelityor from the sweet taste of karma striking at just the right moment.
It all began innocently.
On Thursday night, Rui slipped in humming, his stride unusually buoyant.
Great news! he announced. Tomorrow night the company is throwing a staffonly gettogether.
He kissed my forehead and dropped his briefcase on the floor.
Itll be dull, you dont even have to show up. Just a few work talks and some Excel sheets.
I raised an eyebrow.
Rui never liked parties; his idea of fun was watching golf on TV. I shrugged.
As far as Im concerned, thats fine, I said, already thinking about the chores awaiting me the next day.
The following morning he was unusually affectionatefar more than usual.
While I was making breakfast, he came up behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and whispered, You know youre amazing, right?
I laughed out loud. Whats this for? Trying to earn points?
Maybe, he replied, handing me his favorite white shirt, the one with the annoyingly loose button.
Could you iron it for me? And while youre at it, could you make my favorite lasagna? Lots of cheese. You know how I like it.
Anything else, Your Excellency? I teased.
Actually yes, he smiled. Could you clean the bathroom? I love everything spotless, and you never know when guests might drop by
I rolled my eyes but chuckled.
Ruis quirks were always a bit over the top, and I never gave them much thoughtif only I had known
That day I dove straight into the housework.
The vacuum droned, the washing machine spun, and the scent of lasagna filled the air. My cleaning playlist played in the background, and for a moment everything felt normal.
Then the phone rang.
An unknown number.
I almost let it go to voicemail, but something made me answer.
Hello?
At first I only heard loud music and muffled laughter. I frowned, assuming it was a prank.
Then I heard Ruis voice.
My wife? he said, laughing. Shes probably cooking or scrubbing the toilet. Shes so predictable. And Im here with you, love.
A woman laughed in the background.
My stomach turned over.
I stayed frozen, the phone pressed to my ear while my world spun.
The call dropped.
Moments later a message appearedjust an address, no explanation, only a location.
I stared at the screen, heart racing.
Maybe it was a mistake, a joke. Deep down I knew it wasnt.
I didnt cry. Not yet.
Instead, I grabbed my coat, the keys, and headed straight for that place.
The lasagna could wait.
Rui was about to get the surprise of a lifetime.
The GPS led me to a luxurious Airbnb on the other side of town.
The property was massive, with gleaming windows and a manicured garden. Outside, in the garage entrance, a lineup of expensive cars. Through the glass doors people were laughing, drinking, enjoying themselves.
My stomach churned at the sight of familiar faces.
Would Rui be the one shocked, or me? I was about to find out.
As I approached the entrance, a security guard stepped forward.
Can I help you, maam?
I forced a smile. Yes, Im just here to drop something off for my husband.
The guard eyed me warily, especially when he saw the cleaning bucket I was holdinginside were a toilet brush and a bottle of disinfectant.
Its the tall guy in the white shirt, I said, keeping my tone steady.
He hesitated, then, deciding I wasnt a threat, stepped aside.
The moment I entered, every pair of eyes turned toward me.
And there was Rui.
He stood in the middle of the room, arm draped around a woman in a tight red dress, laughing, sipping champagne as if nothing mattered.
My heart clenched.
Every part of me wanted to rush at him, but a voice in my head whispered, Be smarter. Make it count.
Rui saw me.
His face drained of color. He choked on his drink and stepped back.
Marta? he stammered, pulling away from the woman. What what are you doing here?
Hello, darling, I said loud enough for everyone to hear. Did you forget something at home?
Rui blinked, bewildered.
I held up the cleaning bucket, showing him the brush and disinfectant.
Since you love bragging about my cleaning skills, I thought you might need them to tidy up the mess you made of our marriage.
A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
The woman in red stepped away from Rui, clearly uncomfortable.
But I wasnt finished.
You see, I continued, addressing the onlookers, Rui pretends to be the devoted husband at home. Yet, as you can tell, he prefers playing house with anyone who strokes his ego.
Marta, please, Rui begged, voice trembling. Can we talk outside?
Oh, now you want privacy? I retorted. Where was that concern when you were mocking me behind my back?
I turned to the gathered guests.
Enjoy the party. And remember: once a cheat, always a cheat.
With that, I tossed the bucket at his feet and strode out, my heels clicking on the marble floor.
When I reached my car, my phone buzzed again.
The same unknown number.
The message read: You deserve the truth. Im sorry it had to come this way.
My hands shook as I dialed the number.
A woman answered.
Hello?
Who is this? I asked.
My name is Sofia, she said after a pause. I worked with Rui.
Why are you doing this?
Because someone had to, she sighed. I watched him lie and cheat for months. It disgusted me. You didnt deserve that.
I swallowed hard.
I asked a friend to call you so you could hear it yourself. You needed to know.
I closed my eyes for a moment.
I felt no rage, only gratitude.
The next morning Rui found his suitcase at the door.
When he tried to get back in, the locks had already been changed.
I dont know, and I dont care, where he spent the night.
The only message left on his phone was from me:
Enjoy.
And for the first time in years, I smiled.
Not out of vengeance, but because, at last, my life was back in my own hands.
