So, my partners looking after the house while Im here with you, love.
I got a call from an unknown number, and I heard my husband say, My wife is either cooking or scrubbing the loo right now, while Im here with you, my darling.
When James told me he had a work party to go to, I didnt think anything of it. But then that call stopped me dead in my tracks. What I heard made me grab my car keysI was ready to face him head-on and pack his things the next day.
After ten years of marriage, I thought I knew James like the back of my hand. But last week, I realised even a decade together doesnt shield you from betrayalor the satisfaction of karma hitting at just the right moment.
It all started innocently enough.
On Thursday evening, James strolled in whistling.
Brilliant news! he announced. The companys throwing a do for the team tomorrow night. Employees only.
He kissed my forehead and tossed his briefcase onto the floor.
Itll be dull as ditchwater, so dont bother coming. Just a load of shop talk and spreadsheets.
I raised an eyebrow.
James was never one for parties. His idea of a good time was watching golf on telly. But I shrugged it off.
Fine by me, I said, already mentally ticking off my to-do list for the next day.
The next morning, he was sweeter than usual. Too sweet.
As I made breakfast, he came up behind me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and murmured,
You know youre amazing, right?
I chuckled. Whats with the sudden flattery? Trying to score points?
Maybe, he said, handing me his favourite white shirtthe one whose buttons always gave me grief.
Can you iron this? And while Im gone, fancy making your famous lasagne? Extra cheese. You know how I love it.
Anything else, your highness? I teased.
Actually, yes. He grinned. Could you sort out the bathroom too? I like it spotless. Never know when we might have guests
I rolled my eyes but laughed.
James had his quirks, and his diva-like demands never bothered me. If only Id known
That day, I threw myself into chores.
The hoover roared, the washing machine churned, and the house smelled of lasagne. My cleaning playlist played in the background, and for a moment, life felt normal.
Then my phone rang.
Unknown number.
I nearly ignored it, but something made me answer.
Hello?
At first, all I heard was blaring music and muffled laughter. I frowned, thinking it was a prank.
But then I heard Jamess voice.
My wife? He laughed. Shes either cooking or scrubbing the loo. So predictable. Meanwhile, Im here with you, love.
A woman giggled in the background.
My stomach dropped.
I stood frozen, phone pressed to my ear, as my world turned upside down.
Then the line went dead.
A few seconds later, a text came throughjust an address.
No explanation. Just a location.
I stared at the screen, heart pounding.
Maybe it was a misunderstanding. A joke. But deep down, I knew it wasnt.
I didnt cry. Not yet.
Instead, I grabbed my coat, snatched my keys, and marched straight to that address.
The lasagne could wait.
James was about to get the shock of his life.
The GPS led me to a swanky rental house across town.
The place was massive, with pristine windows and a perfectly manicured lawn. Fancy cars lined the driveway. Through the glass doors, I could see people laughing, drinking, having the time of their lives.
My stomach twisted at the familiar faces.
I didnt know whod be more stunnedJames or me. But I had to find out.
As I reached the entrance, a security guard appeared.
Can I help you, madam?
I flashed a tight smile. Yes, just dropping something off for my husband.
The guard eyed me suspiciously, especially when he spotted the cleaning bucket in my handfilled with a toilet brush and disinfectant.
Tall bloke, white shirt, I said calmly.
He hesitated but stepped aside.
Inside, every eye turned to me.
And there he wasJames.
Standing in the middle of the room, arms around a woman in a red dress.
He looked brighter than Id seen him in years, grinning and sipping champagne like he hadnt a care in the world.
My chest tightened.
Every fibre of me wanted to lunge at him, but a voice in my head whispered, *Be smarter. Make it count.*
James spotted me.
His face drained of colour. He choked on his drink and stumbled back.
Emily? he croaked, peeling away from the woman. Whatwhat are you doing here?
Hello, darling, I said, loud enough for everyone to hear. You forgot something at home.
James blinked, bewildered.
I lifted the cleaning bucket and showed him the toilet brush and disinfectant.
Since youre so fond of chatting about my cleaning skills, thought you might need these to sort out the mess youve made of our marriage.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
The woman in red backed away, clearly mortified.
But I wasnt done.
You know, I said to the room, James loves playing the devoted husband at home. But as you can see, hed rather play house with someone wholl stroke his ego.
Emily, please, James whispered desperately. Lets talk outside.
Oh, now you want privacy? I shot back. Where was that when you were mocking 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 sharply on the marble floor.
By the time I reached the car, my phone buzzed again.
Same unknown number.
The message read:
*You deserved to know the truth. Im sorry it happened like this.*
Hands shaking, I dialled the number.
A woman answered.
Hello?
Who are you? I demanded.
My names Lucy, she said after a pause. I worked with James.
Why are you doing this?
Because someone had to, she sighed. Ive watched him lie and cheat for months. It made me sick. You deserved better.
I swallowed hard.
I asked a friend to call so you could hear it for yourself. You needed to know.
For a moment, I closed my eyes.
I didnt feel anger. I felt gratitude.
The next morning, James found his bags waiting by the door.
When he tried to get in, the locks had already been changed.
I dont knowand dont carewhere he spent the night.
His phone had 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.
