**Diary Entry**
It was just another ordinary evening when my wife, Eleanor, was tending to the house while I was outor so I thought. Then, the phone rang from an unknown number, and I heard my own husband say, Oh, my wife? Shes probably cooking or scrubbing the loo right now while Im here with you, love.
When James told me he had a work party to attend, I didnt think much of it. But that call stopped me dead in my tracks. What I heard sent me straight for the car keysready to face him and pack his things the next day.
After ten years of marriage, I thought I knew James like the back of my hand. Yet last week proved that not even a decade together can shield you from betrayalor the satisfaction of karma striking at the perfect moment.
It all started innocently enough.
On Thursday evening, James strolled in whistling.
Brilliant news! he announced. The firms throwing a do tomorrowemployees only. He kissed my forehead and tossed his briefcase aside.
Itll be dull, so dont bother coming. Just a lot of shop talk and spreadsheets.
I raised an eyebrow. James was never one for partieshis idea of fun was watching football on telly. Still, I shrugged.
Fine by me, I said, already thinking of my to-do list for the next day.
The next morning, he was sweeter than usual. *Too* sweet.
As I fixed breakfast, he came up behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and murmured, You know youre amazing, right?
I laughed. Whats with the sudden flattery? Trying to earn brownie points?
Maybe, he said, handing me his favourite white shirtthe one with the stubborn cufflink I always struggled with. Could you iron this? And while Im gone, think about making your famous lasagne? Extra cheese. You know how much I love it.
Anything else, *Your Majesty*? I teased.
Actually, yes. He grinned. Could you tidy the bathroom too? I like it spotless. Never know when we might have guests
I rolled my eyes but chuckled.
James had his quirks, and his diva-like demands never bothered me. If only Id known
That day, I dove into choresvacuum roaring, washing machine spinning, the house smelling of lasagne. My cleaning playlist hummed in the background, and for a moment, life felt normal.
Then the phone rang.
Unknown number.
I nearly ignored it, but something made me answer.
Hello?
At first, just loud music and muffled laughter. I frowned, thinking it a prank.
Then I heard Jamess voice.
My wife? he chuckled. Shes either cooking or scrubbing the loo right now. So predictable. Me? Im here with you, darling.
A woman giggled in the background.
My stomach dropped.
I stood frozen, phone pressed to my ear, as my world flipped upside down.
The line went dead.
A moment later, a textjust an address. No explanation.
I stared at the screen, heart pounding.
Maybe a misunderstanding. A joke. But deep down, I knew better.
I didnt cry. Not yet.
Instead, I grabbed my coat, snatched the keys, and marched straight to that address.
The lasagne could wait.
James was in for the shock of his life.
The GPS led me to a posh rented house across towngrand windows, immaculate lawn, a row of luxury cars outside. Through the glass doors, I saw people laughing, drinking, enjoying themselves.
My stomach twisted at familiar faces.
Whod be more stunnedJames or me? But I had to see for myself.
As I approached, a security guard stepped forward.
Can I help you, madam?
I forced a smile. Just dropping something off for my husband.
He eyed the cleaning bucket in my handfilled with toilet brushes and disinfectant.
Tall bloke. White shirt, I said coolly.
The guard hesitated but stepped aside.
Inside, all eyes turned to me.
And there he wasJames.
Arms around a woman in a red dress, grinning, sipping champagne like he hadnt a care in the world.
My chest tightened.
Every part of me wanted to lunge at him, but a voice whispered, *Be smarter. Make it count.*
James saw me.
His face paled. He choked on his drink, stumbling back.
Eleanor? he gasped. Whatwhat are you doing here?
Hello, darling, I said, loud enough for the room to hear. You forgot something at home.
He blinked, bewildered.
I lifted the bucket, showing off the toilet brush and bleach.
Since you love talking about my cleaning skills, thought you might need theseto tidy up the mess youve made of our marriage.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
The woman in red stepped back, clearly mortified.
But I wasnt done.
You see, I announced, James loves playing the devoted husband at home. But as you can see, hed rather play house with someone wholl stroke his ego.
Eleanor, please, James begged. Lets talk outside
Oh, *now* you want privacy? I snapped. Where was that concern when you mocked me behind my back?
I turned to the crowd.
Enjoy the party. And rememberonce a cheat, always a cheat.
With that, I dropped the bucket at his feet and strode out, heels clicking on the marble floor.
By the time I reached the car, my phone buzzed again.
Same unknown number.
A text:
*You deserved the truth. Im sorry it happened this way.*
Hands shaking, I called back.
A woman answered.
Hello?
Who *are* you? I demanded.
My names Lucy, she said after a pause. I work with James.
Why are you doing this?
Because someone had to, she sighed. Ive watched him lie for months. It made me sick. You deserved better.
I swallowed hard.
I asked a friend to call so youd hear it yourself. You needed to know.
For a moment, I closed my eyes.
I wasnt angry. I was *grateful.*
The next morning, James found his bags waiting at the door.
When he tried to get in, the locks had been changed.
I dont knowdont *want* to knowwhere he spent the night.
His phone held one message from me:
*Enjoy.*
And for the first time in years, I smiled.
Not out of revenge.
But because my life was finally my own again.
**Lesson learned: Never mistake kindness for weaknessand never underestimate a woman who knows her worth.**
