**Diary Entry 12th October**
I needed a break after the chaos at the office. Bloody reports couldve waited till tomorrow, but nohad to be done today. Stress was gnawing at me, so I popped into my usual café, craving a Caesar salad and a strong cuppa. A little moment of peace, thats all I wanted.
The place was nearly empty when I walked in. I was about to take my usual seat when I spotted himDaniel, my husband. And he wasnt alone. Some posh-looking woman sat across from him, dripping in designer labels, her blonde hair perfectly styled, laughing like hed just told the funniest joke in the world.
My stomach dropped. Cold rage coiled inside me. *So this is how it is, then?* I wanted to march over, make a scene straight out of a telly drama, but I stopped myself. No, thatd be too easy. If he wanted to play games, Id give him a proper match.
I slipped into a corner table where I could watch them unnoticed, ordered my salad and coffee, and pulled out my phone. Dialled Daniel. His phone lit uphe glanced at it, then silenced it. *Oh, didnt fancy answering, did you?*
They leaned in, whispering. She laughed again, touching his arm, flashing a diamond ring big enough to blind someone. My fingers tightened around my napkin. *Stay calm, Charlotte. Dont lose it now.*
Memories flickeredour first date at that dodgy pub, him fumbling over his words, the way hed looked at me like I was the only woman in the world. Was it all rubbish?
Then I noticed a bloke walking pasttall, sharp suit, light stubble. Looked like hed stepped out of a bloody cologne ad. Perfect.
“Excuse me,” I called. He turned, eyebrows raised. “Mind helping me with something? Bit mad, really.” I nodded toward Daniel. “Thats my husband. And, wellseems hes got company. Fancy helping me rattle him?”
The man smirked. “Why not? Names James.”
I forced a smile. “Charlotte.”
James sat opposite me, playing his part flawlessly. Leaned in, laughed at the right moments. I stole glances at Danielhis expression shifted from shock to irritation. His fingers drummed the table.
Time to twist the knife.
I took Jamess hand. He squeezed back, grinning. Daniels jaw tightened. *Good.*
“Shall we stroll past them?” James murmured.
We stood, arm in arm, and as we passed their table, I feigned surprise. “Oh, darling! Fancy seeing you here. Whos your friend?”
Daniel went pale. The blonde blinked, frowning.
“Shesa client,” he stammered.
“A *client*?” I tilted my head. “Funny, thought you were in meetings all day.”
The blondes smile vanished. “Youre married?”
Daniel shot me a glare. “What the hell, Charlotte? This was businessshes an investor!”
The woman stood, snatched her bag, and stormed out.
Daniel rounded on me. “You happy now? That deals gone to potand who the hell is *he*?”
“Just a friend,” I said coolly. “You get to flirt, why shouldnt I?”
His face darkened. “So youve been cheating?”
James cleared his throat. “Right, Ill leave you to it.” He bolted.
Daniel tossed cash on the table. “Brilliant, Charlotte. Bloody brilliant.”
I barely made it home. Found him on the sofa, quiet.
“Did you really with him?” His voice was raw.
I sighed. “No. I made it up. Saw you with her andI just wanted you to hurt like I did.”
He dragged a hand through his hair. “Christ, this is a mess. I was an idiot. Shouldve told you. She was just businessstupid, but nothing more.”
I didnt speak.
“Promise me,” I finally said.
“I swear.” He pulled me close. “Forgive me, love.”
I let myself lean into him, anger ebbing. Still stung, buthe was here.
**Lesson learned:** Sometimes the quickest way to wound someone backfires worse than youd think. Better to talk first, play games later.
