Anya sighed as she stepped out of the office building. One of those days. Everything had been a hassle from the moment she arrived. Did he really need those reports today? Couldn’t it have waited until tomorrow? Her nerves were shot, and she needed a break.

Deciding to stop by her usual café, she let herself imagine a quiet moment—a Greek salad, a steaming cup of coffee, and a brief escape from the chaos.

As she walked in, the café was nearly empty. She was just about to claim her usual table when her gaze landed on something—or rather, someone—that made her blood run cold.

Her husband.

Sergey.

And he wasn’t alone.

Seated across from him was a woman who looked like she had stepped straight off a magazine cover. Platinum blonde, a figure-hugging dress, glittering jewelry, and flawless makeup. She laughed, a delicate hand brushing Sergey’s as he leaned in, speaking animatedly.

Anya felt like she had been doused with cold water.

So that’s how it is, huh?

Her first instinct was to storm over, make a scene, demand answers. But no, that would be too easy.

Instead, she took a breath and sat at a table in the corner—close enough to watch, but far enough to remain unseen. She ordered her salad and coffee, but her appetite had vanished.

Instead, she reached for her phone and dialed Sergey.

From across the room, she watched as his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen—and muted it.

Anya smirked. Didn’t want to answer? Busy, was he?

She kept watching, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. Sergey leaned in closer, whispering something. The blonde laughed, throwing her head back, her diamond ring catching the light.

Anya’s chest tightened. Memories flickered in her mind—their first dates, their whispered “I love yous,” the quiet mornings with coffee in bed. Had it all been a lie?

She clenched her jaw. No. This wasn’t over yet.

That’s when she noticed him.

A tall, attractive man with light stubble, walking past her table. He looked like he belonged in a high-end fragrance ad. And suddenly, an idea sparked.

She boldly lifted a hand.

“Excuse me,” she called out.

The man stopped, turning toward her with a curious expression.

“Yes?”

Anya hesitated for only a moment before deciding to go for it.

“I have a… strange request,” she said, lowering her voice. “See that man over there?” She nodded toward Sergey. “That’s my husband. And judging by what I’m seeing, he’s cheating on me.”

The man raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“I want to give him a taste of his own medicine,” she continued. “Would you mind playing along? Just for a bit.”

The man chuckled, then extended his hand.

“Igor,” he introduced himself.

“Anya,” she replied with a smirk.

Igor slid into the seat across from her with a relaxed confidence, leaning in slightly as if they were already deep in conversation.

Anya glanced at Sergey. He had noticed. His posture stiffened.

Sergey turned back to his companion, but the easy charm he’d displayed moments ago was gone. He was distracted now, sneaking glances at Anya and Igor.

She decided to turn up the heat.

Leaning in closer, she touched Igor’s hand lightly. Sergey tensed. His fingers began tapping against the table. The blonde was still talking, but he was barely responding now.

Igor played along brilliantly, laughing at just the right moments.

“See how tense he is?” Igor whispered. “I think we’ve got him.”

Anya smirked. Time for the final act.

She stood up, looping her arm through Igor’s as they strolled toward the exit. Just as they passed Sergey’s table, she turned, wearing the sweetest expression she could muster.

“Oh, hello, darling!” she said brightly. “What a surprise to see you here! And who is your lovely friend?”

Sergey’s face paled.

“This is… uh…” he stammered, eyes darting between his wife and the blonde, “a work colleague.”

The blonde’s smile vanished.

“Oh?” Anya said, tilting her head. “That’s funny. I thought you had client meetings today.”

Sergey’s jaw clenched.

“Anya, what is this?” he hissed, stepping closer. “Who is this guy?”

“And you?” Anya shot back. “Would your ‘colleague’ like to hear about your actual marital status?”

The blonde’s expression darkened.

“You’re married?” she demanded, turning on Sergey.

“I—” Sergey started, but she was already standing, grabbing her bag.

“Enjoy your ‘meetings,’” she spat before storming out of the café.

Sergey turned back to Anya, his eyes blazing.

“Are you satisfied?” he snapped. “That was an important client. The deal depended on her! It wasn’t what you thought.”

“Sure looked like it,” Anya countered.

Sergey scoffed, then turned his glare to Igor.

“And what about him?” he demanded. “You’re cheating on me now, too?”

Anya lifted her chin. “Oh, so you can do whatever you want, but I can’t?”

“So you are cheating?” His voice was sharp.

“Yes,” she said, watching his reaction.

Sergey’s fists clenched.

Igor awkwardly took a step back. “Uh… I think I’ll let you two handle this,” he muttered before slipping out.

Sergey let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “Unbelievable.” He threw a few bills on the table and walked out.

Anya stood frozen, her heart pounding. She had won—but why did it feel so empty?

She couldn’t go back to work after that. Instead, she went home.

A Different Kind of Truth
When she opened the door, Sergey was already there, sitting on the couch, his face unreadable.

“Anya,” he said quietly, looking at her with something that almost resembled hurt. “Did you really cheat on me?”

She hesitated. Then sighed.

“No,” she admitted, sitting beside him. “I met Igor for the first time today. I saw you, and I just… wanted to hurt you back.”

Sergey ran a hand through his hair.

“This whole thing is ridiculous,” he muttered. Then, his voice softened. “I know I was an idiot. I should have told you about that meeting. I see now how it looked. But you have to believe me—there was nothing between us.”

Anya studied his face, searching for lies.

Nothing.

Just regret.

She let out a shaky breath and leaned into his shoulder, the tension of the evening finally releasing.

“Promise me,” she whispered. “Promise me you’ll never lie to me again.”

Sergey wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“I promise,” he murmured. “Forgive me, my foolish one.”

And just like that, the storm had passed.

She still didn’t like thinking about the blonde. But for now, Sergey was here.

And in the end, that was enough.