My partner takes care of the house while Im here with you, my love
I remember the day vividlyeven now, I can recall every last detail. It started with a phone call from an unfamiliar number, and as I answered, I heard my husbands voice saying: My wifes probably cooking dinner or scrubbing the bathroom while Im here with you, darling.
When Edward told me he needed to attend a work function, it had never occurred to me to be suspicious. But that phone call brought everything to a crashing halt. What I heard made me snatch up my car keys, determined to confront him andcome morningpack up his belongings.
After ten years of marriage, I thought I knew Edward better than anyone. Yet just last week, I learned that a decade together doesnt shield you from betrayalor from the peculiar satisfaction of karma arriving right on time.
It all began innocently enough.
That Thursday evening, Edward breezed into our home, whistling a cheerful tune.
Splendid news! he declared. The firms holding a do for the staff tomorrow evening. Staff only.
He kissed me on the forehead and flung his briefcase down by the stairs.
Itll be frightfully dull, so dont trouble yourself about coming along. Just endless drivel about spreadsheets and deadlines.
I raised an eyebrow.
Edward had never been the party-going sort. His idea of fun was watching the cricket with a glass of ale. But I thought nothing of it.
Fine by me, I replied, already planning my next days chores in my head.
The following morning, he was uncommonly sweet. Too sweet, in fact.
As I busied myself with breakfast, Edward sidled up behind me, put his arms around my waist, and whispered:
You know youre wonderful, dont you?
I laughed. Whats brought this on? Trying to earn brownie points?
Perhaps, he said, handing me his favourite white shirtthe one whose cufflinks endlessly annoyed me, slipping through my fingers.
Think you could iron it for me? And while Im out, how about that shepherds pie I like? With extra cheesejust how I like it.
Anything else, your lordship? I teased.
Well, actually, yes. He grinned. Would you mind giving the bathroom a good scrub? I do like everything spotless. You never know when we might have company…
I rolled my eyes and had a laugh.
Edward always had his quirks, his little prima donna requests, but they never bothered me. If only Id known…
That day, I threw myself into housework.
The hoover roared, the washing machine spun, the entire house filled with the warm smell of shepherds pie. My cleaning playlist hummed in the background, and for a while, everything felt comfortingly normal.
Then the phone rang.
Unknown number.
Nearly ignored it, but something made me pick up.
Hello?
All I heard at first was blaring music and muffled laughter. I frowned, thinking it was a wrong number.
But then I heard Edwards voice.
My wife? he chuckled. Right now, shes baking or scouring the loo. Shes ever so predictable. Meanwhile, Im here with you, my love.
A womans giggle echoed in the background.
My stomach dropped.
I stood motionless, clutching the phone to my ear. My entire world flipped upside down.
Then the line went dead.
A moment later, a message arrivedjust an address.
No explanation. Just a location.
I stared at the screen, my heart pounding.
Maybe it was nothing but a misunderstanding, a bad joke. But deep down, I knew better.
I didnt cry. Not yet.
Instead, I threw on my coat, grabbed my keys, and strode out the doorstraight to the address Id been given.
The shepherds pie could wait.
Edward was about to receive the surprise of his life.
The directions led me to an opulent rented house at the edge of town. It was the sort you see in glossy magazinesperfect sash windows, a manicured lawn, luxury cars lining the gravel driveway. Through the glass doors, I could see people reveling, laughing, drinks in hand.
My stomach churned at the sight of so many familiar faces.
Whod be more shockedEdward or me? I needed to know the truth for myself.
As I approached the entrance, a security guard appeared at my side.
Can I help you, madam?
I managed a forced smile. Oh yes, Im just bringing something for my husband.
The guard eyed me warily, especially when he noticed the cleaning bucket in my gripwith a loo brush and bottle of disinfectant nestled inside.
Tall fellow in a white shirt, I said calmly.
The guard considered for a moment, then decided I was harmless and let me through.
Inside, all eyes turned in my direction.
And there he wasEdward.
Standing right in the centre of the room, arm around a woman in a red dress.
He looked fresher, livelier than Id seen him in years, glass of champagne in hand, acting as though he didnt have a care in the world.
My heart ached.
Every part of me wanted to shout at him, but a voice inside my head told me: Be clever. Make this count.
Edward caught sight of me.
The colour drained from his face, he spluttered on his drink and stepped away from the woman.
Edith? he stammered, completely stunned, moving away from her. Wh-what on earth are you doing here?
Hello, darling, I said, loud enough for all to hear. You left something at home.
Edward blinked, bewildered.
I held the cleaning bucket up and showed him the loo brush and disinfectant.
Since youre so fond of talking about my domestic skills, I thought you might like these for cleaning up the mess youve made of our marriage.
There was an audible gasp from the crowd.
The woman in the red dress hastily moved away from Edward, clearly mortified.
But I wasnt finished yet.
You see, I addressed the guests, Edward here likes to play the devoted husband at home. But as you can see, he much prefers a bit of excitement when someone strokes his ego.
Edith, please, Edward muttered, panic in his eyes. Can we speak outside?
Oh, you want privacy now? I shot back. Where was that sense of decency when you were making a mockery of me behind my back?
Turning to the crowd once again, I continued, Enjoy your party. And rememberonce a scoundrel, always a scoundrel.
With that, I deposited the bucket at his feet and strode out, my heels tapping across the marble floor.
When I reached the car, my phone rang once more.
Same unknown number.
A message flashed up:
You deserved the truth. Im sorry it had to happen this way.
My hands trembled as I dialed back.
A woman answered.
Hello?
Who are you? I asked.
My name is Grace, she said after a pause. I worked with Edward.
Why did you do this?
Because somebody had to, she sighed. Ive watched him lie and cheat for months. It made me sick. You deserved better than him.
I swallowed hard.
I asked a friend to call so youd hear it with your own ears. You needed to know.
For a moment, I closed my eyes.
I didnt feel anger. I felt gratitude.
By morning, Edward found his suitcases waiting at the door.
When he tried to come inside, he discovered the locks had already been changed.
Where he spent the night, I neither know nor care.
The only message he found on his phone from me read:
Enjoy.
And for the first time in years, I smiled.
Not out of vengeance.
But because, at long last, my life was my own again.
