During her lunch break, she popped into a café and spotted her husband with another woman, deciding then and there to teach them both a lesson.
Emily paused in the doorway of the café, catching her breath after stepping out of the office tower. Today had been nothing but stressagain. Did he really need those reports right this second? She couldve sorted it all tomorrow. The workday had been relentless, so she decided to treat herself to her favourite café. She could already taste the Greek salad and the sharp bite of coffee, life briefly tinted with different hues.
Inside, the place was nearly empty. Just as she moved toward her usual table, ready to finally order, a familiar face caught her eye. Her husband, Simon. And he wasnt alonesome striking woman sat across from him, laughing too brightly.
Emily froze, as if doused in icy water. The stranger looked like shed stepped straight off the cover of a fashion magazineplatinum blonde, fitted dress, jewellery that sparkled under the café lights. Her makeup was flawless. Simon was mid-story, grinning, while the woman touched his wrist and giggled.
Everything inside Emily turned upside-down. *So thats how it is.* She nearly stormed over right then, ready to make a scene straight out of a telly drama. But she stopped herself. No, that would be too easy.
Instead, she stepped back, a plan forming. Shed give him a proper show.
She chose a table on the opposite side, close enough to watch. Ordered her salad and coffee but didnt touch them. Pulled out her phone and dialled Simons number. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, silenced it. Emily smirked. *Wont answer, then? Whats so important about this little chat?*
She didnt look away, tracking every movement. Simon leaned in, whispering something to the blonde. She burst into laughter, covering her mouth with a manicured hand. A diamond ring glinted on her finger.
Emilys chest tightened. She turned away, gripping her napkin too hard. *Alright, keep it together. No need to panic.*
Memories flickeredtheir first date, the hesitant kisses, the promises. Had it all been a lie? Was he playing both sides now? She gritted her teeth but kept watching. Maybe it was just a colleague. An overly polished, overly *close* colleague.
Phone in hand, she resumed her surveillance. Then her gaze landed on a man passing her tabletall, well-dressed, stubble just so. Like hed walked out of an advert. Inspiration struck. She waved him over.
“Excuse me,” she called. He paused, glancing at her.
“Yes?”
“Ive got a ridiculous favour to ask,” she said, weighing her words. “I need to stage a little scene. Nothing complicated. See that man over there?” She nodded toward Simon. “My husband. And” a tight smile, “apparently, hes cheating. Fancy helping me out? I want him to feel what Im feeling.”
The man considered it, then grinned.
“Alright, why not?” He slid into the seat opposite her.
“Emily,” she said.
“James,” he replied.
She kept her voice light, though her pulse hammered. A glance toward Simonhis confusion was immediate. He hadnt expected to see her here. Especially not with another man. He faltered, then turned back to the blonde, forcing a smile. But Emily saw his fingers tighten around his cup.
She leaned closer to James, as if sharing a secret. He played along perfectlylaughing when she did, nodding at all the right moments.
Another glance. Simon was fidgeting now, drumming his fingers, sneaking looks their way. The blonde said something, but his responses were duller now. Time to escalate. Emily reached for Jamess hand. He squeezed back, smiling. Simon stared a beat too long.
“Youre a brilliant actor,” she murmured.
“Look at him,” James whispered. “Proper wound up, isnt he? Think weve stewed him enough?”
“Lets walk past them,” Emily suggested. “See what he does.”
James nodded. They stood, fingers laced, and strolled toward the exit. As they passed Simons table, Emily couldnt resist one final twist.
“Ohhello, darling!” she chirped, all innocence. “Fancy seeing you here. And whos your *friend*?”
Simon stiffened. The blonde frowned, waiting for an explanation.
“This is” he stammered, eyes darting, “a colleague.”
The blondes smile vanished.
“A *colleague*?” Emily arched a brow. “I thought you had client meetings today.”
Simons jaw clenched.
“Emily, whats this performance?” He stepped closer, voice low. “Who the hell is this bloke?”
“You get to have fun, why cant I?”
“Are you *cheating* on me?”
“Suppose I am,” she shot back.
James cleared his throat. “Right, Ill leave you to it,” he muttered, making a swift exit.
“Bloody brilliant, Em,” Simon spat, tossing a few quid on the table before storming out.
Emilys hands shook. She called a coworker to cover for her, then left. When she got home, Simon was on the sofa, eerily calm.
“Emily,” he said, eyes raw. “Did you really cheat?”
His honesty disarmed her. She sat beside him with a sigh.
“No. I met that man today. Saw you andI just wanted to hurt you. I thought you were lying to me.”
Simon dragged a hand through his hair.
“This whole things ridiculous. I was an idiot. Please, forgive me. I shouldve told you. That womanshes a client. A *big* one. It was business, nothing more.”
Emily stayed quiet, then rested her head on his shoulder. The anger still simmered, but his words soothed the worst of it.
“Promise you wont lie to me again.”
“Promise,” he murmured, kissing her hair. “Sorry, love.”
He held her tight, and slowly, the tension unspooled. The blonde still rankled, but in the end, it had worked out. Almost.
