“How is my favorite instructor doing?” He handed me a cup of herbal tea and asked.
I laughed and said, “Tired,” before collapsing into the couch. “But it’s better with your tea.”
Adam always managed to make me feel like the most significant individual on the planet. We had a strong relationship filled of love and common goals, making us one of those couples that everyone envied.
I had been quietly pinning nursery ideas to my Pinterest board as we began our family planning.
Adam ran a hand through his dark hair and remarked, “I might have to work late tonight, and tomorrow I’ll be staying at work overnight, unfortunately.” “A large project at work.”
I nodded without giving it any thought. He worked a lot of strange hours as a successful manager for a mid-sized marketing company.
“Please don’t overwork yourself.”
He kissed me once more and said, “I won’t,” but he also said, “I made an appointment for you tomorrow afternoon at Lily’s Luxe Nails to make up for it.”
Before he kissed me on the cheek and vanished into his home office, I stood up and thanked him.
I treated myself to the infrequent luxury of visiting Lily’s Luxe Nails the following day. One of my favorites was the owner, Lily. She had a captivating personality, full of extravagant flair and never-ending rumors!
Every time she told a story, I either laughed or clutched my pearls.
Lily came over with her typical big smile as I was getting comfortable in the chair.
“You’re shining, honey! Your husband is taking good care of you?
“As usual,” I answered, extending my hands for her inspection.
She pulled out her tools and giggled.
“Well, at least he’s valuable.” Not everyone is that fortunate.
I took notice of her comment. Lily never complained about her private life. Indeed, she frequently boasted about her romantic exploits.
“Oh? Someone causing you problems? I inquired.
Leaning forward conspiratorially, she grinned.
“Not a problem at all. I’ve begun dating a new person who is truly amazing! Funny, successful, and intelligent! And he knows how to treat a lady, I tell you!
“Well done! How does it feel?
Lily’s eyes glistened. “We have a fantastic relationship! This is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced! James is nothing compared to him!
Lily’s husband is James. I had previously met him when he visited her place of employment.
I replied, “I suppose I am an old-fashioned girl because I could never cheat on my husband, and I know he feels the same way.”
“That’s YOUR loss, girl! His amorous side would surprise you. He brought flowers last week just because he “felt like it.” Not to mention his dimples, you haven’t even SEEN who I’m referring to!
Still not sure that cheating on Adam would be a smart decision, I said, “Uh huh.
He works for a corporation as a manager as well. Despite his hectic schedule, he always finds time for me. He’s telling his wife that he’s working late so that we can meet up in that adorable boutique hotel across the street tonight. I’m keeping track of the minutes!
A peculiar cold crept up my spine as I froze.
My voice trailed off as I managed to reply, “That’s sweet.”
Lily failed to notice.
Dimples? My chest constricted. Adam has dimples. Adam works as a manager. Adam had been scheduled to work late tonight. I made an effort to get rid of the uneasy sensation that was tearing at my chest. It must have been an accident.
Do you have a photo of this “dream guy,” then? In an attempt to calm my paranoia, I said, “I’m curious.”
Lily took out her phone and smiled.
“Obviously, sweetheart! Taking out her phone, she said, “Look at this stud muffin!”
I felt sick to my stomach.
In the picture, he was MY Adam, grinning and letting his arm hang loosely over Lily. I gazed at the photo, hoping it wasn’t real. I might have been seeing things. It might have been a doppelgänger. But I knew the truth in my heart.
I trembled as I said, “Wow,” keeping my composure for the sake of appearances. “He is undoubtedly a catch.”
“All right?” Lily put her phone on the table, still unlocked, and gushed, utterly oblivious to my distress.
My mind was racing, so I forced a laugh.
“Pardon me,” I murmured, suddenly getting to my feet. I swiftly took her phone when she wasn’t looking. “I have to go to the bathroom.”
I tried to calm my breathing by splashing cold water on my face once I was inside. Adam. Adam of mine. Having an affair with Lily? The ground seemed to have been torn out from under me. When the shock wore off, however, anger replaced it.
This was not something I was going to overlook. I began to plot, and tonight in the hotel across the street, I was going to get my retribution.
Since Lily’s husband had a significant role in my retaliation, I promptly saved his number to my phone.
I called Lily’s husband after my meeting with her was over and informed him of what I knew about her romance with Adam. Like me, he was taken aback and immediately agreed to exact retribution that same evening!
I urged that we make a stop at the hardware shop before we went to the motel later that evening. As I loaded cans of unwashable paint into our cart, James followed me.
Still attempting to understand my unpredictable actions, he inquired, “What’s this for?”
I thought we could use it to identify the cheaters. You’ll see,” I snapped.
James and I had our “props” ready when we got to the hotel, eager to make the “couple’s” meeting one to remember.
“Are we really taking this seriously?” James enquired.
With paint cans in hand, I marched right through the hotel doors and resolutely yelled, “Watch me!”
I was expecting Adam and Lily to be caught red-handed when I threw open the doors. Instead, I was confronted by an entryway adorned with balloons, streamers, and a huge banner that said, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!”
My mouth fell open. Lily and Adam stood in the center of the room, smiling like two naughty children. My sister, dad, and a few close friends were behind them!
“Surprise!” came from everyone.
The paint cans were falling out of my hands while I stood motionless. “What is this?” I stumbled.
Adam took a step forward, showing off his dimples.
“My dear, it’s your birthday celebration! You ALWAYS forget your birthday, so we wanted to do something special for you.
“Wait,” I murmured, my mind lagging behind. “You’re not cheating, then?”
Adam pulled me into an embrace as he chuckled.
“Obviously not. For weeks, Lily, James, and I have been organizing this!
When James grinned, I realized at last that he had joined the others. “You should’ve seen your face!” Lily added as he stood holding his wife. Priceless!
I was so relieved and embarrassed that I started crying. “I considered…”
Adam wiped away my tears and cradled my cheek.
“I apologize; I understand. I shouldn’t have carried out the plan that far. When I scheduled your appointment with the manicurist, I assumed you would understand, but you have to agree, it was worth it.
It was
With lots of cake, emotional toasts, and laughing, the party was a huge success! Though a bit silly for my presumptions, I felt like the luckiest woman alive by the time we left the hotel the following morning.
We saw “CHEATER!!!!” written in bright red lipstick on the windshield of Adam’s car as we pulled up to it in the parking lot.
I covered my face and moaned. “I sincerely apologize.”
Adam merely chuckled.
“Isn’t it washable? In addition, it’s a fun story to share with our children in the future!
I couldn’t help but giggle as well as we washed the car together. This would be a memorable birthday, if nothing else!
Unfortunately, Adam’s wife is not the only woman who believes her husband is unfaithful. To read about a wife who thought her husband was having an affair with their son’s fiancée and who later learned the much more difficult truth, click here.
About The Author
