Anya let out a long sigh as she stepped out of the office building. The day had been nothing but stress. Endless reports, last-minute requests, and a boss who seemed to think deadlines were mere suggestions. Couldn’t he have waited until tomorrow? Her head throbbed from the pressure, and all she wanted was a moment to breathe. The thought of her usual café brought her some relief. A Greek salad, a hot cup of coffee, a brief escape from the madness. Just a little while to herself, where the world wouldn’t feel so overwhelming.
The café was nearly empty when she arrived, the soft hum of music filling the air. She was just about to settle into her usual spot when her gaze landed on a familiar figure. Her husband, Sergey. But he wasn’t alone.
Anya stopped in her tracks. Seated across from him was a woman who looked as if she had stepped right out of a glossy magazine. Platinum blonde, a tight dress hugging her curves, expensive jewelry catching the light. Her makeup was flawless, her movements poised and elegant. And Sergey? He leaned in close, whispering something that made the woman laugh. She reached out, lightly touching his hand in a way that sent a shiver through Anya’s spine.
A cold wave washed over her. Her first instinct was to march up to their table, demand an explanation, make a scene like in the movies. But she forced herself to stop. No, that would be too easy. Too predictable. She needed something better.
Keeping her composure, she stepped back and found a table where she had a clear view of them. She ordered her salad and coffee but barely touched them. Instead, she pulled out her phone and dialed Sergey’s number. The phone vibrated on the table in front of him. He glanced at the screen, hesitated, and then silenced it.
Anya smirked. So, he didn’t want to answer.
She continued to watch, noting every little detail. The way he smiled at the woman, how she leaned in a little too close, the way his hand occasionally brushed against hers. Every gesture sent a fresh sting through Anya’s chest. Was this real? Had he really been betraying her all this time?
Her thoughts swirled, memories flashing before her. Their first dates, their laughter, the way he had once looked at her with such love. Was it all an illusion? Her fingers gripped the edge of the table as she fought the wave of emotions crashing over her.
Then, something unexpected happened. A tall man passed by her table, his presence catching her attention. He was handsome, effortlessly so, with light stubble and an air of quiet confidence. In a moment of boldness, she made a snap decision.
She waved him over.
The man paused, raising a brow before stepping toward her.
“Yes?” he asked, his voice smooth and curious.
Anya took a breath. “This might sound strange, but I need your help.” She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. “See that man over there? My husband. And from what I can tell, he’s cheating on me. I want to turn the tables. Would you be willing to play along?”
The man studied her for a moment before a slow smile spread across his lips.
“Why not?” He pulled out the chair and sat across from her.
“I’m Anya,” she said, a little breathless.
“Igor,” he introduced himself, still grinning.
She stole a quick glance at Sergey. He had noticed. His body stiffened slightly, though he tried to act unfazed. He turned back to the blonde, but his focus was no longer on her. Anya could see the shift.
Perfect.
She leaned in toward Igor, speaking softly but laughing lightly, as if they were sharing an intimate conversation. He played along effortlessly, nodding at the right moments, even reaching out to touch her hand. Anya felt a strange thrill course through her. She glanced at Sergey again. His fingers tapped against the table, his expression unreadable.
The blonde was still talking, but now she seemed aware of Sergey’s distraction. Her smile had faded slightly, and her eyes darted toward Anya.
Anya decided to take it a step further. She gently squeezed Igor’s hand. He returned the gesture, playing the role perfectly. Sergey’s gaze locked onto them.
Igor leaned in, his voice low. “He looks tense. Want to push it further?”
Anya smirked. “Let’s walk past them. See what he does.”
They stood together, Anya slipping her arm through Igor’s as they strolled toward the exit. As they neared Sergey’s table, she paused just slightly, turning toward him with an innocent smile.
“Oh, hello, dear,” she said sweetly. “What a surprise to see you here. And who is this friend of yours?”
Sergey’s expression faltered for a split second before he recovered. “This is… a work colleague.”
Anya raised an eyebrow. “A colleague? That’s interesting. I thought you had meetings all day.”
The blonde’s smile vanished as she turned toward Sergey. “You’re married?” she asked sharply.
Sergey hesitated, caught between explanations.
The blonde didn’t wait for an answer. She grabbed her purse and walked out without another word. Sergey watched her leave before turning back to Anya, his face darkening.
“Are you satisfied now?” he asked through gritted teeth. “She was an important client. This meeting was business.”
Anya crossed her arms. “Funny, you didn’t seem too concerned about professionalism when you ignored my call.”
Sergey ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “What about you? Who the hell is this guy?” He motioned to Igor.
“And what? You can flirt, but I can’t?”
“So you’re admitting it?”
“Maybe.” Anya lifted her chin defiantly.
Igor cleared his throat, sensing the tension. “I think I’ll leave you two to it.” He nodded and slipped away.
Sergey exhaled sharply. “You’ve really outdone yourself, Anya.” He tossed some cash onto the table and stormed out.
Anya sat there, her emotions tangled in knots. She wasn’t sure if she felt victorious or utterly defeated. She called a colleague, asking her to cover for her at work, and then headed home.
When she unlocked the door, Sergey was there, sitting on the couch. He looked up, his expression unreadable.
“Anya,” he said, his voice quieter than before. “Did you really cheat on me?”
She hesitated before sitting beside him. “No,” she admitted. “I met him today. I saw you, and I just wanted you to feel what I felt. I couldn’t believe you were cheating on me.”
Sergey sighed, rubbing his face. “I was an idiot. I should have told you. I handled it wrong. But there was nothing between us, Anya. I swear.”
She studied him, searching for deception, but all she saw was regret.
“Promise me,” she whispered. “Promise you won’t lie to me again.”
He reached for her hand, pressing it gently. “I promise.”
Anya exhaled, tension slowly fading. She wasn’t ready to forgive completely, but in that moment, she wanted to believe him.
And for now, that was enough.