Off The Record
I Overheard My Husband Talking To Our Neighbor’s Daughter About Their Affair—The Next Day, I Invited Her Over
Lexie doesn’t cry or confront her husband and the neighbor’s daughter when she hears them talking about their affair. Rather, she makes plans. She turns the script on their betrayal by sending a witty invitation and a shocking twist, serving up retribution with a dash of sass. It has never felt so good to get revenge.
I had been married to my husband, Mark, for ten years. We were held together by a mortgage, two children, and what I believed to be a stable life. Mark wasn’t really helpful around the house, to be sure.
He didn’t handle the never-ending chaos of childrearing, cook, or clean.
I was just that.
Tired?
Of course.
However, I assured myself that everything was okay as “we’re a team, Lexie.”
However, it seems that Mark had made the decision to join a new squad.
It all began with a grocery bag.
After a tiring trip to the grocery, I had just pulled into the driveway. I was mentally getting ready to carry everything inside by myself as my car was full of bulky baggage.
As usual, Mark refused to do anything.
I heard voices from the porch at that moment.
Mark was talking to Emma, the 25-year-old daughter of our neighbor who had just returned to town. When she landed her internship after studying interior design, her parents were ecstatic.
She was standing there now, laughing like old friends with Mark.
Something stopped me before I could shout out to say hello.
Hiding behind groceries and shadows, I listened from behind my car.
Emma laughed as she stated, “I can’t believe she hasn’t figured it out yet,” as the crisp afternoon air echoed with her laughter.
Mark replied with a laugh.
“Em, she’s really busy with the house and the kids. Not much else catches Lexie’s attention. She has also become very gray. To hide it, though, she just brushes her hair in the opposite direction. She’s let herself go so much, to be honest. I no longer even think of her as a lady. My princess, she is nothing in comparison to you.”
Emma laughed.
“Well, I’m here now, gentleman, which is fortunate for you. You are free to flaunt me as you please. And believe me, there isn’t a single gray hair to be seen.”
They then shared a kiss.
Have you been kissed?
I gripped a bag forcefully enough to feel the plastic beginning to rip. With the embarrassment and anger rushing through me, my vision became blurry due to tears. Ignorant of my presence, they carried on their discussion, the brazen flirtation.
I didn’t cry appropriately, though, save from those few tears. I didn’t shout or scream. I didn’t go up against them.
Rather, I used the back door to stealthily carry the items inside and began making plans.
Even I was amazed at how calm I felt when I woke up the following morning. I prepared Mark’s breakfast, which included particularly crispy bacon and fluffy eggs. I made his coffee the way he preferred, with a touch of cinnamon. As he departed for work, I gave him a final kiss and gave him a happy wave.
After he left, I went over to Emma’s house and knocked.
She was clearly taken aback as she opened it.
“Oh! Hello, Mrs.” She stumbled, her smile too dazzling, “Um, hi, Lexie.”
“Hi, Emma,” I greeted her. Would it be possible for you to visit tomorrow night? Your counsel would be very helpful to me on one particular matter.
Her smile wavered as she blinked.
“Tips? On what?”
“Well,” I said, allowing my voice to seem uncertain. “I’ve been thinking of remodeling the living room. You studied design, according to your parents, so I figured you could assist choose colors or furniture. It will just take a short time.”
Doubt briefly flitted in her gaze. A cheeky smile formed as she tilted her head.
“Oh, I’d be happy to assist! What time is it?”
I believe that seven will be alright. “Eat dinner!” I said, grinning sweetly and sincerely. “Thanks so much, Emma. You’ve saved my life.”
Emma arrived the following night, looking dapper. She welcomed me in her typical upbeat manner, nearly exuding assurance.
I gave her a warm greeting and ushered her inside.
I remarked nonchalantly, “Oh, before we get to the living room,” “I wanted to show you a few things.”
I showed her important areas of household duty as I led her around the house.
“The dishwasher is here. Naturally, Mark doesn’t care, so you’ll have to load it every night. This is where the kids’ laundry goes, but please make sure to separate the loads because different detergents cause different reactions in them.”
She just gazed at me.
“Oh, and this is their after-school activity schedule. Wednesdays are free for doing errands, but Tuesdays and Thursdays are when you’ll need to pick them up. I’ve noted the phone numbers for the pediatrician, electrician, and plumber. Just in case.”
Emma’s face turned pale as her smile wavered.
The scent of a roast chicken filled the air as I walked her into the kitchen. “And this,” I continued.
“You’ll prepare all of the meals here. And let me tell you, there are a lot of snacks and sweets in addition to the various school and work lunches and breakfasts. By the way, Mark like his steak medium-rare.” The kids will only eat steak if it’s cooked all the way through. “The deader, the better.”
She let out a gasp.
“Mark is not good with etiquette, so don’t expect him to say thank you. I hate to tell you that the kids are finicky eaters, but you’ll work things out.”
Her eyes were wide as she gazed at me.
“Well, Lexie. I don’t know. I don’t think… I didn’t volunteer to watch them.”
At that moment, Mark entered. When he saw us, his face became white.
“Lex, what’s going on?” His voice was high-pitched and strained as he inquired.
“Oh,” I answered with a smile. “I probably need to have mentioned you as well. However, I’m merely teaching Emma how to manage the household. Since you think I’ve let myself go, I figured that it’s time for me to prioritize myself. Additionally, it might be time for me to meet someone who considers me to be his princess. You’re going to take over everything I do, Emma. Good luck!”
The door was knocked on before either of them could answer.
When I opened it, Emma’s parents were inside. The same couple that frequently watched my children when I was in trouble.
“Oh! It has a wonderful scent!” Emma’s father exclaimed, “I told Annie that you were going to make your roast chicken, Lexie.”
“Anne and Howard, thank you for coming.” And I added, “Thank you for having such a helpful daughter.” “She and Mark have grown so close that I thought it was time to make her part of the family.”
“Wait, what?” Anne asked, her eyebrows wrinkled.
“Emma will handle everything now that I’m leaving! Your little girl must make you very proud.”
Emma’s mother appeared perplexed. Her father, however, was furious.
“Emma,” said her mother. Let me know that this is untrue. Tell me this isn’t what I believe it to be.
“It’s not what it looks like!” Emma stumbled.
Ever the coward, Mark attempted to place the responsibility elsewhere.
“This is unfair, Lexie! Emma came to me! She stumbled upon me.”
“Oh, did she?” I raised an eyebrow in question. “So, you’re saying that you’re not responsible for sneaking around with a 25-year-old while insulting your wife?”
He started to argue, but Howard interrupted him.
“This is on you, Mark. This is equally on you, Emma. Let’s go. Now.”
Emma gave me a fierce look and then hurried away. With a thousand apologies, her parents trailed behind.
Mark turned to me, desperation etched over his features.
He uttered, “Lexie, please, babe,” “Let’s discuss this. You should at least have a chat with me since we’ve been dating for so long.”
I said, “Oh, sweetie,” “Don’t worry, we’ll discuss. Tomorrow, my lawyer will give you a call. However, I believe you should get your belongings and depart for the time being.”
A pitiful “Where will I go?” he inquired. “My family lives in a different state.”
I answered, “I don’t really care, Mark,” as I removed the chicken from the kitchen. Visit a motel. Visit a pal. Come and see the circus.
“And the children?” “Where are the children?”
“My sister is with them. And they will remain there until you get your act together. You can tell them the truth after the lawyers work out a settlement. Mark, I won’t be defeated easily.”
I found out via rumors that Emma had broken up with Mark a week later.
“I didn’t sign up to play mom, but it was entertaining while it lasted. To him or his children.”
After two weeks, Mark returned.
“What do you want?” Observing the bouquet of flowers in his hand, I inquired.
His words, “I’ve been so miserable without you,” were almost a plea. “Please allow me to return. Lexie, please. This is something we can resolve. My children are missed. Our family is missed.”
“I don’t care, Mark!” I blurted out. “I really don’t give a damn. Now, leave if you have nothing worthwhile to do here. I’ll only be picking up the kids in a few hours from their playdate.”
Then I shut the door and he was dumbfounded.
Months have passed since that evening, and I’ve never been more content. I’ve found aspects of myself that I previously believed had vanished. I’ve started taking up salsa dancing, and with that, my confidence, joy and freedom came flowing in.
My children and I have discovered a new rhythm—one that is full of love and laughter—amid the chaos.
What about Mark? He hasn’t found a partner yet. Emma’s parents aren’t happy with her either, based on what I’ve heard. However, Anne frequently sends over cakes and pies that she bakes. Additionally, Howard enjoys raking the leaves in our front yard.
Karma’s a funny thing, isn’t it?
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