I always knew my husband was seeing someone else. When I chose to hire his mistress, everyone said Id lost my mind.
When I discovered the messages between my husband and “the other woman,” I didnt shed a tear. I didnt shout. Instead, I smiled. As the CEO of a leading international consultancy in London, I thought of something far more sophisticated than a dramatic scene.
Two weeks on, I advertised for a new Executive Assistant. She applied, of course. Her CV was utterly uninspiring, but her photo was unmistakably the woman from the selfies on my husbands phone.
On the day of her interview, I walked into the boardroom in my sharpest navy suit.
Youre Miss Roberts, right? Please, do have a seat.
She gazed back at me blankly not a hint of recognition. Hardly surprising. Hed never shown her a photo of me. Most likely, hed painted me out to be a dreadful wife, someone unlovable and unremarkable.
So, why do you want to work here? I asked, keeping my voice steady.
Well, your company has a stellar reputation and
Oh, just call me boss, I interrupted with a smirk. Were all one big family here.
I offered her the job on the spot.
For the next few months, it was all an elaborate pantomime. Ill give her this she worked diligently. But the true pleasure was in greeting her every morning, knowing that only two hours ago, my husband had left for work from our home, blissfully unaware that Id be having coffee with his mistress later that day.
Are you married? she asked one afternoon, as we sifted through contracts together.
Yes, very happily so, I said without so much as a flinch. What about you, any special someone?
She blushed crimson.
Its complicated. Hes going through some things.
Married, is he? I said lightly. Textbook.
No, not exactly! He loves me, its just
Relax, Im not judging. The heart wants what it wants, doesnt it?
In the evenings, my husband would ask about my day. Id share stories from the office, casually mentioning my new assistant very committed. He never suspected a thing. Cheating men can be remarkably gullible.
At the six-month mark, I promoted her.
Youve been outstanding. I want you to lead our new office in Singapore. Tremendous opportunity. Eighty percent salary increase, accommodation sorted, three-year contract, I told her.
Her eyes lit up.
Abroad? But I I have someone here.
Long-distance works if its real, I replied, touching her shoulder. And if it doesnt? Well, probably wasnt worth it. Trust me, I know.
My husband became unbearable in those weeks that followed. Hed argue with her over the phone while I pretended to be fast asleep. Eventually, she left in tears at Heathrow, according to my driver, who just happened to be there.
The overseas operation thrived for months. She sent back immaculate reports. Meanwhile, my husband became attentive again, as if guilt gnawed at him. Romantic dinners, flowers, talk of renewing our vows.
How sweet.
Exactly a year after hiring her, I rang her on a video call.
We need to chat.
Her face tensed.
Im afraid we have to let you go. Company restructure and all that.
What? But I left everything! My whole life!
I know. Such a pity you gave up on that complicated man for this role. By the way I paused give him my regards when you return. Although I doubt hell be waiting. Hes rather occupied these days helping me plan our vow renewal.
Blessed silence followed. Her expression shifted from confusion to horror, realising at last who I was.
You You knew
From the very start. Your severance pays sorted. My advice? Spend it on therapy. And next time a married man tells you his wife doesnt understand him, ask whether she controls a multi-million-pound budget. Because women like that understand a lot more than youd think.
I ended the call.
That evening, my husband came home beaming, clutching champagne.
Lets celebrate! Its been a year since things took a real turn for the better for us.
I toasted with him, savouring every sip.
I never told him the truth. Why ruin his peace of mind? Id taken exactly what I needed. He never even realised that the real revenge was all his.
So tell me is ice-cold, calculated revenge better than direct confrontation, or does the truth always need to come out straight away?
