My wife manages the household 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, darling.
When my husband told me he had to attend a work party, I didnt suspect anything. Then a phone call left me frozen. The words I heard made me grab the car keysI was ready to confront him and, the next day, pack his things.
After ten years of marriage I believed I knew Rui like the back of my hand. Yet last week I realized that a decade together doesnt shield you from betrayalor from the sweet taste of karma at just the right moment.
It all began innocently.
On Thursday evening Rui walked in humming, his steps 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 handful of work chatter and Excel sheets.
I raised an eyebrow.
Rui never cared for parties; his idea of fun was watching golf on TV. But I shrugged.
Fine by me, I said, already thinking about the next days chores.
The following morning he was unusually affectionatefar too affectionate.
While I was making breakfast, he slipped 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 that irritatingly undone button.
Could you iron it for me? And while youre at it, make my favorite lasagnalots of cheese. You know how I like it.
Anything else, Your Excellence? I teased.
Actually yes, he grinned. Could you clean the bathroom? I love everything spotless, and you never know when guests might drop by
I rolled my eyes but chuckled.
Rui had his quirks, and although his requests sounded like a ladyofthehouses, I didnt pay much attention. If only I had known
That day I threw myself into the housework.
The vacuum droned, the washing machine whirred, and the kitchen filled with lasagna scent. My cleaning playlist played in the background, and for a moment life seemed normal.
Then the phone rang.
An unknown number.
I almost ignored it, but something made me answer.
Hello?
At first all I heard was loud music and muffled laughter. I frowned, assuming a prank.
Then Ruis voice cut in.
My wife? he said, laughing. Shes probably cooking or scrubbing the toilet. Shes so predictable. And here I am, with you, love.
A woman giggled behind him.
My stomach turned upside down.
I stood frozen, the handset pressed to my ear while my world spun.
The call dropped.
Moments later a message arrivedjust an address, no explanation, just a location.
I stared at the screen, heart pounding.
Perhaps 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 to the address.
The lasagna could wait.
Rui was about to get the surprise of his life.
The GPS guided me to a swanky Airbnb on the opposite side of town.
The property was massive, with gleaming windows and a manicured garden. Outside, by the garage entrance, a line of pricey cars. Through glass doors I could see people laughing, drinking, enjoying themselves.
My stomach churned at the sight of familiar faces.
Would Rui be the one stunned, 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 dropping something off for my husband.
He eyed me suspiciously, especially when he spotted the cleaning bucket in my handinside were a toilet brush and a bottle of disinfectant.
Its the tall guy in the white shirt, I said, keeping my voice steady.
He hesitated, then, deciding I wasnt a threat, stepped aside.
The moment I crossed the threshold all eyes turned toward me.
And there stood Rui, in the middle of the room, arm draped around a woman in a tight red dress.
He looked more alive than Id seen him in years, 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, dear, I announced loud enough for everyone to hear. You left something at home.
Rui blinked, bewildered.
I walked over to the bucket, holding up 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 amazement rippled through the crowd.
The reddressed woman edged away from Rui, clearly uncomfortable.
But I wasnt finished.
Listen, I addressed the onlookers, Rui pretends to be the devoted husband at home, but as you can see, he prefers playing house with anyone who strokes his ego.
Please, Marta, Rui whispered desperate, Can we talk outside?
Oh, now you want privacy? I replied. Where was that concern when you were mocking me behind my back?
I turned to the assembled 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.
Back at the car, my phone rang again.
The same unknown number.
The text read:
You deserve to know the truth. Im sorry it had to end this way.
My hands trembled 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 deceive for months. It repulsed 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 anger, only gratitude.
The next morning Rui found his suitcase waiting by the door.
When he tried to get back in, the locks had already been changed.
I have no idea, nor do I care, where he spent the night.
The only message left on his phone was mine:
Enjoy.
And for the first time in many years I smilednot out of vengeance, but because, at last, my life was back in my hands.
