My Husband and His Mistress Changed the Locks While I Was at Work They Had No Idea What Was Coming
I walked through the door after a grueling shift, only to find the lock on our Lisbon flat had been swapped. My key didnt turn, and I stood there, heart shattered, wondering how all that effort to rescue our marriage could crumble in an instant. Little did they know I was about to teach them a lesson theyd never forget.
João, its almost ten oclock, I said, my voice shaking as I called him the night before. You promised youd be home by seven!
He tossed the keys onto the table without looking at me.
Work, Inês. What am I supposed to tell the boss? That I have to go to my wifes house? he snapped, treating me like a nuisance.
I swallowed my tears, staring at the modest dinner Id set for my birthdaytwo candles flickering beside the cake Id bought during my lunch break.
Yes, João. Exactly that. Just this once, I replied, crossing my arms, trying not to cry. Today is my birthday.
He finally glanced at the table, his expression shifting as he realized.
Boss, Inês, I forgot he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Seems that way, I answered coldly, a knot forming in my throat.
Dont start, he rolled his eyes. I work for us, you know that.
I let out a bitter laugh.
For us? I asked. Youre hardly ever home, João. When was the last time we dined together? Watched a film? Talked like a married couple?
Thats unfair, he frowned. Im building a career for our future.
What future? Were strangers living under the same roof! my voice cracked. I earn more than you, so spare me the providing for the family line.
His face went icecold.
Sure, youd throw that at me, he replied sarcastically. How am I supposed to compete with a successful wife?
I didnt mean it like that
Enough, Inês. Im going to sleep. He cut me off and left, leaving me alone with a cold cake and candles sputtering out.
I blew out the flames, trying to convince myself that everything would improve. He was my husband. I loved him. Every marriage has its problems, right? Thats what everyone says.
How wrong I was to forgive so easily.
Wed been married three years, but the last year had turned into a slow, painful breakup. We had no childrenthank God for that. I, a marketing director, covered most of our expenses, while João, a salesman, constantly complained about stress, overtime, traffic everything except the truth I discovered far too late.
Three weeks after my ruined birthday, I returned home early with a pounding headache, craving medicine and a place to lie down. As I approached our building in the Alvalade district, something felt off. The golden doorknob and lock were now shiny silver and brand new.
What the? I tried my key. It wouldnt turn.
I tried again, to no avail. The apartment number was unmistakably mine.
Then I saw a handwritten note stuck to the door, signed by João: This is no longer your home. Find somewhere else.
The floor seemed to disappear beneath me.
What the hell?! I shouted.
I banged on the door, calling his name. He finally opened it, and there stood João, his lover behind him, wearing my cashmere robea gift from my mother.
Is this serious? I demanded, voice trembling with rage and pain.
Inês, look he crossed his arms, grinning. I moved on. Soraia and I are together now. We need this space. Youll have to stay elsewhere.
Soraia the coworker hed mentioned for months stepped forward, hands on her hips, arrogant.
Your stuff is in boxes in the garage. Pack it up and leave.
I was stunned, then turned and walked to the car, fury building. They thought they could evict me like trash and get away with it? Not a chance.
I needed a plan. A good one.
I called my sister, Luísa.
Inês? My God, what happened? she cried, pulling me into her apartment as soon as she saw my tearstreaked face.
I collapsed onto the sofa and poured everything out.
What a piece of junk of a man! she scoffed when I finished. And that Soraia wearing YOUR robe?
My mothers gift, I sobbed. The cashmere one, remember?
Luísa disappeared into the kitchen and returned with two glasses of wine.
Drink, she ordered. Then well figure out how to crush them.
What can I do? I sipped. The lease is in his name. The mortgage was taken out with his credit because mine was still being rebuilt after my masters.
Luísas eyes narrowed.
And who paid for the rest? she asked.
We both did, but I paused, realizing. I bought everythingfurniture, appliances, even the bathroom remodel last year. All of it.
Exactly! she said with a wicked grin. What does João have besides an empty flat?
I opened my banking app and reviewed the statements.
I have every invoice. Ive always kept everything organized.
Of course, Miss Accountant, Luísa laughed. Queen of order!
For the first time that dreadful day, I felt control returning.
They think theyve won, dont they? I whispered.
She clinked her glass against mine.
They have no idea who theyre messing with.
The next morning I phoned my lawyer friend, Filipa.
What he did is illegal, she told me over coffee. He cant just change the lock and throw his wife out, even if the property is in his name. You have the right to stay.
I dont want to go back, I said firmly. But I do want whats mine.
Filipa smiled.
Then lets make a list.
We spent the morning cataloguing everything Id purchased: the sofa, the TV, the fridge, even the rugs. By lunchtime I had a detailed spreadsheet with invoices, dates, and amounts.
Impressive, she approved. With this evidence, nobody can dispute it.
Can I just take everything? I asked.
Legally, yes. Id suggest having a police officer accompany you to avoid any trouble.
I recalled Joãos smug grin, Soraia in my robe, their certainty that theyd won.
No, I said slowly. I have a better idea.
That same day I hired a moving company. The owner, Rui, listened to my story and agreed.
Weve handled a similar case, he said. A woman caught her husband cheating and wanted to take everything while he was away.
I need the same, I replied. But I want them home when it happens.
I waited until Saturday. On the agreed day, the movers arrived at noon. I knocked on the door with a smile on my face, ready to have every piece of that home Id built with my own hands taken away.
