As Emma grapples with her husband Alex’s colleague’s overt attentions, she starts doubting Lisa’s motives. The situation escalates with unexpected gifts and even homemade meals from Lisa. However, Lisa’s brazen suggestion of an illicit romance with Alex brings things to a head.
Alex and I have shared a decade of marriage, fostering a robust, affectionate bond throughout.
Alex’s role as a project manager at a prominent tech firm means he often works late.
“I apologize,” he expressed during a late dinner, “The hours are excessive. We’re close to finishing a new project, Emma. Regular hours will resume shortly.”
“That’s alright,” I responded. “Just try to eat before we need to microwave the meal again.”
Despite his demanding schedule, my faith in Alex remained unwavering. Yet, recent actions by his colleague, Lisa, started to strain this trust.
“Does this woman intimidate you?” my mother inquired after I confessed my unease about Lisa.
“Maybe. No. It’s unclear,” I confessed. “She’s just overbearing. Her actions raise questions about her motives.”
“What exactly is she doing?” probed my mother.
Lisa had done quite a bit.
She was youthful, appealing, and collaborated closely with Alex on numerous projects.
“Alex has mentioned her previously, but I initially dismissed it,” I admitted. “Now, her behavior is increasingly unsettling, Mom.”
“What behaviors, Emma?” my mother pressed. “Elaborate!”
“Gifts, Mom. She’s been giving him numerous gifts, all personalized.”
Indeed, Alex started receiving gifts. They began modestly but soon became more intimate.
“Personalized coffee cups, Mom. They even have his name,” I explained. “And a tie adorned with tiny rockets, as he’s fond of space.”
“Are these gifts definitely from Lisa?” my mother queried.
“Absolutely! Alex confirmed it unequivocally,” I answered.
“Just monitor the situation closely, Emma,” my mother advised.
And I intended to do just that.
However, one evening, as Alex entered with a small plant, I couldn’t help but make a sarcastic remark.
“Is this another present from Lisa?” I questioned as he carried the plant inside.
Surprised, my husband replied, “Just a little something she said she found at the Farmer’s Market,” and proceeded to the kitchen.
“Why does she continue to give you these items?” I asked, struggling to remain calm.
“She’s merely being sociable, Emma. It’s harmless, dear.”
I attempted to dismiss it as trivial, but then came the homemade dishes.
Alex always praised my cooking, claiming it surpassed even his mother’s.
“Don’t let her hear that,” Alex joked during an early dinner in our relationship, cementing my place in his life.
Once, as we enjoyed lasagna, Alex commented, “You really should try Lisa’s lasagna, dear. It’s fantastic!”
“Why is she feeding you, Alex?” I demanded, setting my fork down.
I despised feeling like a jealous spouse, frustrated by his long hours and suspicious of his interactions with others.
I didn’t want to doubt whether his work meetings were genuine or clandestine rendezvous.
Yet, Lisa’s presence evoked exactly those insecurities.
“Listen, Emma, she mentioned making extra and brought some for my lunch. I didn’t want to appear rude, so I accepted,” he explained, puzzled by my reaction.
“I’m sorry,” I replied, sobered by his expression. “It’s just overwhelming for me.”
Alex offered a smile and filled our glasses with wine, choosing not to delve deeper into my insecurities, knowing I still trusted him at heart.
However, the breaking point arrived at the company’s annual gala. It was a significant event for Alex, with all spouses invited.
“This year, it’s at a fancy downtown hotel,” Alex mentioned. “Dress up, love. It’s our chance to really shine.”
Admittedly, I was excited. The event typically featured a lavish ballroom, exquisite cuisine, and live music.
That evening, adorned in my favorite dress and wedding earrings, I momentarily forgot about Lisa.
“You look stunning, dear,” Alex complimented as we entered the ballroom, where a band played and the atmosphere was ideal.
As we socialized with Alex’s colleagues, Lisa made her dramatic entrance in a striking red dress, immediately approaching my husband while ignoring me.
“Here’s my office spouse!” she declared loudly, embracing him.
I felt nauseous as Alex, visibly embarrassed, remained silent while Lisa turned to me with a condescending grin.
“Must be Emma,” she said. “Alex speaks so highly of you. He’s truly the best! I couldn’t manage without him.”
I managed a smile.
“Indeed, he is remarkable.”
Unfazed, Lisa continued.
“He adores my cooking! I’ve had to prepare several of his favorites since you’re often too busy to cook. Right, Al?”
Feeling demeaned yet composed, I observed as Lisa clung to Alex, laughing and whispering to him. He soon excused himself, and Lisa directed her full attention towards me.
“Emma, let’s be straightforward,” she stated, clutching her champagne. “You may be his wife, but tonight, he’s given me something special.”
She retrieved a note from her purse displaying a hotel room number.
“He’s planning a surprise. He’ll see me. Let’s see what excuse he offers when he returns home for why he had to leave,” she smirked.
“Lisa,” I retorted, “those who assume they can take what’s not theirs often face disappointment.”
Lisa laughed.
“We’ll see, Emma,” she remarked.
Later that evening, as we arrived home, Alex immediately made an excuse to leave.
“Emma, I need to assist a friend. His car won’t start, and he requires a ride. It’s urgent. I’ll return shortly.”
“Which friend?” I casually inquired.
“Do you recall John? From work? You saw him tonight as well.”
“Of course,” I feigned understanding. “Take care.”
As soon as he departed, I followed him to the hotel, parking discreetly before following him into the lobby.
Upon reaching the room, I knocked, and Alex, surprised and concerned, greeted me.
“Em? What brings you here?” he questioned.
“I should ask you the same,” I countered, entering the room.
Unexpectedly, John appeared, looking sheepish in a hotel robe.
“What’s happening?” I demanded.
John stepped forward, embarrassed.
“I requested Lisa’s number from Alex because I wanted to ask her out. We shared dessert after the event, but she accidentally spilled a drink on me, necessitating a change of clothes. I asked Alex to bring some.”
“So, you wanted to meet Lisa?” I clarified, slowly comprehending.
“Yes,” John admitted. “I was interested in her, but it seems she wasn’t. She left shortly after, claiming she felt unwell.”
“Why did you follow me, Emma?” Alex inquired.
Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself.
“Alex, Lisa informed me tonight at the event. She showed me the note with this room number on it. She claimed you’d concoct some excuse to leave home and meet her. I had to see for myself.”
“Emma, I was unaware,” he responded. “I’m truly sorry.”
“Listen,” John suggested. “Why don’t you both use the room to talk things through? I won’t be needing it, nor will Lisa.”
Ultimately, that’s what we did. And Alex vowed to address Lisa’s behavior with the company.
“I now understand what you’ve been seeing,” Alex acknowledged.
What would you have done?