I knew my husband was having an affair. People called me mad when I hired his mistress.
When I found the messages between my husband and the other woman, I didnt cry. I didnt scream. I just smiled. As the CEO of a major consulting firm in London, I thought of something much better than a scene.
Two weeks later, I put out a job advert for a new executive assistant. She applied. Her CV was unimpressive, but her photo matched exactly with the woman from my husbands selfies.
On the day of the interview, I walked into the boardroom wearing my sharpest navy suit.
Youre the candidate, arent you? Please, take a seat.
She looked at me with not a flicker of recognitionit didnt surprise me. Hed never shown her my picture. Most likely, hed told her he was married to a ghastly, frumpy wife.
So, tell me, why do you want to work here? I asked smoothly.
Your companys reputation is excellent, and
Call me just boss, I interrupted, giving her a smile. Were a bit like a family here.
I hired her on the spot.
The first few months were nothing but theatre. Ill admit itshe worked diligently. Yet the most satisfying part was seeing her each morning, knowing my husband had just left our home, completely unaware that two hours later Id be sharing coffee with his girlfriend.
So, are you married? she asked one afternoon while we reviewed contracts.
Yes, very happily, I replied, not a hint of hesitation. And you? Do you have someone special?
She blushed.
Its complicated. Hes going through a rough patch.
Hes married, isnt he? I said airily. Classic.
Its not like that! He loves me, its just
Dont worry, Im not judging. The heart wants what it wants, right?
Over dinner, my husband would ask about my day. Id regale him with stories from the office, casually mentioning my new assistantvery keen. He never suspected a thing. Cheating men are surprisingly naïve.
At the six-month mark, I promoted her.
Youve done outstanding work. I want you to lead our new office in Singapore. Incredible opportunity. Eighty percent pay rise, accommodation included, three-year contract.
Her eyes lit up.
Abroad? But I have someone here.
Long-distance love works if its real, I said, touching her shoulder. If it doesnt, perhaps it wasnt worth it in the first place. Trust me, I know.
My husband was unbearable in those weeks. They argued on the phone while I pretended to be asleep beside him. In the end, she leftmy driver told me, with tears in her eyes at Heathrow.
Months went by and her project overseas went brilliantly. She sent immaculate reports. My husband became doting again, as if guilt gnawed at him. Romantic nights out, flowers, proposals to renew our wedding vows.
How very touching.
Exactly a year after hiring her, I called her over video chat.
We need to talk.
Her face tightened.
We have to terminate your contract. Restructuring, you know how it is.
What? But I left everything! My whole life!
I know. A shame about that complicated boyfriend you gave up for this chance. By the way I paused, do send my regards when youre back. Though I doubt hell be waitinghes rather busy these days organising our vow renewal.
Divine silence. Her face flickered from shock to horror as, finally, she realised who I am.
You you knew
From the start. Your redundancy package is ready. I recommend spending it on therapy. And next time a married man tells you his wife doesnt understand him, ask if she runs a multimillion-pound company. Because that woman probably understands much more than he thinks.
I ended the call.
That same evening, my husband came home with a bottle of champagne.
Lets celebrate! Its exactly one year since things have got so much better between us.
I toasted him, savouring every sip.
I never told him. Why disturb his peace of mind? Id already got my satisfaction. He never realised that the real revenge was directed at him.
So, what do you thinkis measured, cold revenge better than a direct confrontation, or should the truth always come out straight away?
