During her lunch break, she stopped by a café and saw her husband with another womanshe decided to teach them both a lesson.
Eleanor paused at the café door, catching her breath after a gruelling morning at the office. Reports, deadlines, endless emailswhy had he needed those files *right now*? She couldve handled it tomorrow. The tension clung to her like a second skin, and all she wanted was a quiet moment with a Greek salad and a latte, a brief escape from the monotony.
Stepping inside, she noticed the café was nearly empty. Just as she moved toward her usual table, a familiar laugh cut through the hum of conversation. Her husband, James. And he wasnt alone. A striking woman sat across from himplatinum blonde, fitted in a designer dress, diamonds glinting at her wrists. Flawless makeup, effortless elegance. James leaned in, whispering something that made her laugh, her manicured fingers brushing his arm.
Eleanors stomach dropped. Blood roared in her ears. *So this is how it is.* Her first instinct was to storm over, make a scene straight out of a tawdry dramabut no. Too easy. Too predictable.
She forced herself to step back, mind racing. If he wanted a performance, shed give him one.
Choosing a table across the room, she sat where she could watch them unnoticed. Ordered her salad, her coffee, but didnt touch either. Instead, she pulled out her phone and dialled James number. His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen*her* nameand silenced it. Eleanor smirked. *Too busy to answer? Interesting.*
She studied them like a predator tracking prey. James murmured something, lips grazing the blondes ear. She laughed, covering her mouth, the rock on her finger catching the light.
Eleanors chest tightened. She looked away, gripping her napkin until her knuckles whitened. *Breathe. Dont lose it now.*
Memories flickeredtheir first date, shy kisses, whispered promises. Had any of it been real? Was this just another game to him? She clenched her jaw but kept watching. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe it was just a colleaguetoo polished, too close, but still.
Then her gaze landed on a man passing her tabletall, sharp-suited, the kind of handsome that belonged in a cologne ad. Inspiration struck. She raised a hand.
Excuse me, she said, voice steady.
He paused, arched a brow. Yes?
This is going to sound mad, she began, tilting her head toward James, but I need a favour. See that man? My husband. And that woman? Lets just say hes forgotten his vows. Fancy helping me turn the tables?
The manThomasstudied her, then smirked. Why not?
Eleanor exhaled. Game on.
James noticed them first. His grin faltered, confusion flickering as he registered his wife sitting with a stranger, laughing too brightly, leaning in too close. His fingers drummed the table, jaw tightening.
Thomas played his part perfectlysmiling at the right moments, brushing Eleanors hand, murmuring something that made her laugh.
James was unravelling.
Shall we walk past them? Eleanor whispered.
Thomas nodded. They stood, fingers entwined, strolling toward the exit. As they passed James table, Eleanor paused, feigning surprise.
Oh! James, darling. Fancy seeing you here. And whos your friend?
James stiffened. The blonde frowned.
This isuh He stumbled, eyes darting. A client.
A *client*? Eleanors smile sharpened. Funny, I thought you had meetings all day.
The blondes expression darkened. Youre *married*?
James paled. Eleanor, what the hell are you doing? Who is this?
Does it matter? She crossed her arms. You get to have funwhy cant I?
Thomas grip loosened. Right. Ill justleave you to it. He retreated swiftly.
James threw money on the table, jaw clenched. Youre unbelievable.
Eleanors hands shook as she called a colleague to cover her afternoon shift. The moment she stepped through her front door, James was there, waiting, his expression raw.
Eleanor, he said quietly. Was any of that real?
She sank onto the sofa beside him. No. I met him today. I saw you with her andI just wanted you to hurt like I did.
James dragged a hand through his hair. Christ, this is a mess. I shouldve told youit was just business. Stupid, reckless, but nothing happened. You *have* to believe me.
Eleanor exhaled, leaning into his shoulder. Anger still simmered, but beneath it, relief.
Promise me it wont happen again.
I promise. He pressed a kiss to her temple. Forgive me, love.
His arms wrapped around her, the weight of the day finally slipping away. She was still furious about the blonde. But for now, this was enough.
