During her lunch break, Judith decided to pop into a café, only to spot her husband with another woman and resolved to teach them both a lesson.
Judith sighed as she stepped out of her office building. Another day filled with endless work. Did her boss really need those reports this very minute? She could have done it all tomorrow. The stress had built up, so she decided to treat herself at her favourite café. She could already picture herself enjoying a fresh Greek salad and a steaming coffee, letting the day fade away for a while.
Stepping inside, she noticed the café was nearly empty. As she was about to settle at her usual table and finally order her meal, she caught sight of a familiar face. Her husband, Samuel. And he wasnt alonehe was with a glamorous-looking woman.
Judith froze, as if doused in ice-cold water. The stranger looked like shed stepped straight off a glossy magazine cover: platinum blonde hair, a fitted dress, sparkling jewellery catching the light, and flawless makeup. She and Samuel were deep in conversation, laughing together. Samuel leaned closer, telling her something that left her giggling as she touched his arm flirtatiously.
A storm whirled inside Judith. So this was how it was. For a split second, she almost stormed over to confront them and make a fuss, just like in the movies. But no, that would have been all too predictable. Instead, she paused, figuring there had to be a better way to handle things.
She took a table on the opposite side of the café, making sure she could keep an eye on the pair. She ordered her Greek salad and coffee but didnt touch them right away. Pulling out her phone, she dialed Samuels number. His phone instantly rang on the tablehe glanced at the screen and quickly silenced it. Judith allowed herself a tiny smile. So, he didnt want to answer? How interesting.
She watched them intently, missing nothing. Samuel leaned in and whispered in the womans ear; she burst out laughing, covering her mouth with a manicured hand. A large diamond ring gleamed on her finger.
Judiths heart clenched. She looked away, struggling to stay composed. Calm down, Judith, she whispered, nervously fiddling with a napkin. Theres no need to panic. Dont jump to conclusions.
Memories flickered before her eyestheir first meeting, shy dates, words of love. Was it all a lie? Was he living some double life? She gritted her teeth but tried to convince herself it could just be a colleague, albeit one who seemed a little too close. Still, she kept watching, phone clutched in hand.
Thats when a man walked by, pausing at her table. He was tall, attractive, with a bit of rugged charmhe looked like he belonged in an advert. Suddenly, inspiration struck. Judith quickly waved him over.
Excuse me, she said as he stopped to look at her.
Yes? he replied, a bit surprised.
I know this sounds a bit odd she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, Would you mind helping me with a little performance? Nothing complicated. You see that man over there? The one with the flashy woman? Thats my husband. Apparently, hes cheating on me. I want him to know just how it feels.
The man thought for a moment, then smiled broadly.
All right, why not? he replied, sitting down across from her.
Im Judith, she said, forcing a smile.
My names Thomas, he replied, matching her mood.
Judiths heart pounded, but she tried to keep her cool. She glanced over at Samuel, just in time to catch his look of confusion. He certainly hadnt expected to see his wife there, especially with another man. For a moment, Samuel froze but then turned back to his companion, trying to act nonchalant. Judith, though, could see the tension in his posture.
She straightened her back, pretending to be completely engrossed in conversation with Thomas. She leaned closer, as if sharing a juicy secret. Thomas caught on immediately, playing along with the charade at just the right moments, nodding and laughing.
Judith kept glancing back at Samuel and the blonde. Now Samuel looked visibly on edge, drumming his fingers nervously on the table and casting furtive glances their way. The blonde chatted away, but Samuel barely reacted.
Judith decided to up the ante. Boldly, she took Thomass hand in hers. He squeezed back gently, realising what she was doing. Samuel stared at them even more openly now. He muttered something to the blonde, and her laughter stopped. Judith wondered how far this game would go.
Youre quite the actor, Thomas, she whispered.
Look at himhes tense as anything! Thomas replied, grinning. Think weve made our point?
Lets walk past them, Judith suggested. See how he handles that.
Thomas nodded. They both stood up, Judith taking his arm as they made their way towards the exit, passing Samuels table on the way. As they did, Judith couldnt resist tossing one final curveball. She turned to Samuel with an innocent smile and said:
Oh, hello, darling! What a lovely surprise to see you here. And whos your friend?
Samuel looked deeply rattled. The blonde turned to him, waiting for an explanation.
This isum Samuel stuttered, searching for words as his gaze flickered between his wife and the blonde, a work colleague.
The blondes face soured as she looked at Samuel.
A colleague? Really? Judith raised her eyebrows. Funny, I thought you had meetings with clients all day.
Samuels jaw tightened.
Judith, what on earth is going on? he moved closer, clearly losing patience. Whos this man? What do you think youre doing?
And what about you? What would your colleague think if she knew you were married?
The blonde stiffened.
Youre married? she asked Samuel coldly, not taking her eyes off him.
Without another word, the blonde gathered her things and stalked out of the café.
Marvellous, Samuel snapped, throwing a few pound coins onto the table. Are you happy now? Why did you have to pull a stunt like this? She was an important clientthe deal depended on her. This was business, not what you think!
And who is this man with you? Samuel demanded, glaring at Thomas.
Whats wrong with that? Judith replied, folding her arms. If you can have fun on the side, cant I?
So, youre cheating on me? Samuel spat out.
Yes, Judith replied coolly, mostly out of spite.
I think Ill leave you two to sort this out, Thomas said, backing away and making a swift exit.
Youre a real piece of work, Judith, Samuel snorted, slapping on his coat and leaving her alone in the café.
Judith felt as though she might burst. She couldnt believe what had just happened. How on earth was she supposed to return to the office now? She rang a workmate to cover for her, then headed home. When she opened the front door, Samuel was there on the sofa, looking surprisingly calm.
Judith, he said quietly, eyes betraying pain. Did you really cheat on me?
His gaze was so earnest that Judith sat down and let out a heavy breath.
No. I only met that man today. The moment I saw you, I just wanted to hurt you back. I couldnt believe youd betray me.
Samuel ran a hand through his hair.
You know, this whole thing is completely ridiculous. I see now I behaved like a fool. Please, forgive me. I should have been straight with you. I know Im at fault, I was stupid to even let that meeting happen. But you have to believe menothing happened between us. It was purely business.
Judith was quiet for a moment, then leaned on his shoulder. She still felt the sting of the blonde, but she was grateful for his honesty.
Promise youll never do it again.
I promise, Samuel whispered, kissing the top of her head. Forgive me, my silly girl.
He held her tightly, and Judith felt the stress of the afternoon slowly begin to melt away. Despite her anger about the other woman, she realised that, in the end, what mattered most was the trust between them. Life has a way of testing us, but sometimes a moments understanding is worth far more than any act of vengeance.
