During her lunch break, Emily popped into a café and spotted her husband with another womanso she decided to teach them both a lesson.
Emily paused in the doorway of the café, catching her breath after leaving the office building. Today had been nothing but stress, and now this. Did he really need those reports right this second? She couldve sorted it all tomorrow. The workday had been relentless, so shed decided to treat herself to her favourite café. Shed been imagining a fresh Greek salad and a latte, a little moment where life felt lighter.
Stepping inside, she noticed the place was nearly empty. Just as she moved toward her usual table to finally order, she froze. A familiar face. Her husband, James. And he wasnt alonesome glamorous woman was sitting with him.
Emily felt like shed been doused in ice water. The stranger looked like shed stepped off the cover of a glossy magazineplatinum blonde, fitted dress, gleaming jewellery, flawless makeup. James was leaning in, telling her something, and she laughed, fingertips brushing his arm.
Everything inside Emily flipped upside down. “Right, then,” she nearly marched over, ready to make a scene straight out of a soap opera. But she stopped herself. No, that would be too easy.
She stepped back, reconsidering. Shed give him a proper show instead.
Emily chose a table across the room but kept them in view. Ordered the salad and coffee but barely touched either. Pulled out her phone and dialled Jamess number. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen, silencing it quickly. Emily smirked. Didnt want to answer? Interesting. What was so important about *this* conversation?
She watched them, not missing a beat. James whispered something in the blondes ear, and she burst out laughing, fingers covering her mouth. A massive diamond glittered on her ring finger.
Emilys chest tightened. She turned away, gripping her napkin. “Alright, breathe, Em. Dont lose it,” she muttered, forcing herself to stay calm.
Memories flickeredtheir first date, shy smiles, whispered “I love yous.” Had it all been a lie? Was he playing both sides now? She gritted her teeth but kept watching. Maybe just a colleague. A very touchy, overdressed colleague.
Then her gaze landed on a man passing her tabletall, handsome, that effortless charm like hed walked out of an ad. Inspiration struck. She waved him over.
“Excuse me,” she said, flashing a hesitant smile as he paused.
“Yeah?” He raised a brow.
“Ive got this ridiculous favour to ask,” she began, choosing her words carefully. “Need to stage a little scene. Nothing wild. See that man over there?” She tilted her head toward James. “My husband. Andwell, I think 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 chair opposite her.
“Im Emily.”
“Oliver,” he replied, matching her smile.
She kept her voice light, though her pulse hammered. She glanced at James. Hed noticed. Confusion flickered in his eyes.
Clearly, he hadnt expected to see his wife hereespecially not with another man. James stiffened, then forced a laugh at whatever the blonde said. But Emily saw his knuckles whiten.
She straightened, playing the partleaning in, laughing at Olivers jokes like they shared secrets. He played along perfectly, nudging her elbow, grinning at just the right moments.
Another glance at James. Now he was drumming his fingers, stealing sideways looks. The blonde was talking, but his replies were stiff. Time to turn the screw. Emily reached for Olivers hand. He squeezed back, smiling.
James stared.
“Youre brilliant at this, Oliver,” she murmured.
“Look at him,” he whispered. “Proper rattled. Reckon weve simmered him enough?”
“Lets walk past them,” Emily suggested. “See what he does.”
Oliver nodded. They stood, hand in hand, strolling toward the exit. As they passed Jamess table, Emily couldnt resist. She paused, all innocence.
“Oh! James, lovefancy seeing you here! Whos your friend?”
James went rigid. The blonde blinked, waiting.
“This is, uh” He stumbled, eyes darting. “A work colleague.”
The blonde frowned.
“A *colleague*?” Emily tilted her head. “Funny, I thought you had client meetings all day.”
Jamess jaw twitched.
“Emily, whats this act?” He stepped closer, voice low. “Who the hell is *he*?”
She crossed her arms. “Oh, you can chat up strangers, but I cant?”
“Are you *cheating* on me?”
“Yep.” She lifted her chin, watching the hurt flash in his eyes.
Oliver cleared his throat. “Right, Ill leave you to it,” he muttered, making a swift exit.
“Classy, Emily,” James spat, tossing a few quid on the table before storming out.
Her hands shook. She couldnt believe it had actually happened. Called a coworker to cover for her at the office, then headed home. When she opened the door, James was on the sofa. Calm. Too calm.
“Emily,” he said, voice raw. “Tell me the truth. Did you cheat?”
The pain in his eyes made her sit beside him. She exhaled, defeated.
“No. I met that guy today. Saw you and justwanted you to hurt like I did. I couldnt believe youd do this.”
James dragged a hand through his hair.
“Christ, this is insane. Look, I get itI was an idiot. I shouldve told you. That woman was a client. Big deal hinged on her. It was business, nothing else. I swear.”
Emily stayed quiet, then rested her head on his shoulder. Still furious about the blonde, but his words sank in.
“Promise you wont lie to me again.”
“Promise,” he murmured, kissing her hair. “Sorry, love.”
He held her tight, and she felt the tension easejust a little. Still angry, but relieved. Because in the end, theyd be alright.
