I still remember clearly — about two months ago, my husband Michael started talking about hiring a new secretary. He said he needed someone quick, competent, and able to accompany him to client meetings when necessary. I smiled and said cheerfully:
“Let me introduce a few girls I know — they’re hardworking and reliable.”
But strangely, Michael turned down all of my suggestions, giving excuses like “no experience,” or “not the right fit for the company’s culture.” Finally, he insisted:
“I’m thinking of hiring Emily. She used to work for one of our partner companies. I already know what she’s capable of.”
A faint uneasiness crept through me. The name sounded familiar, and yet somehow wrong.
A few weeks later, I dropped by Michael’s office, pretending to deliver some documents. That’s when I saw her — Emily. A young woman with heavy makeup, a tight-fitting office dress, and a strong scent of perfume that filled the room. She smiled brightly at him, handing him a cup of coffee.
“I bought this for you. Don’t forget to drink it — you’ll need the energy for tonight’s meeting.”
I stood at the door, my heart tightening painfully in my chest. Still, I forced a polite smile, greeted them, and left.
From that day on, she was always around my husband. One day it was tea and pastries, another day coffee; every evening, she went out with him to “meet clients,” sometimes until midnight. I began to feel uneasy.
Then one afternoon, I stopped by his office unexpectedly — I had forgotten to bring him a document for signature. The moment I walked in, I saw Emily unpacking a lunchbox, smiling brightly.
“I cooked your favorite dish today. Eating out all the time isn’t healthy.”
I froze. When she stepped out, I called Michael into his private office, trying to stay calm.
“Fire her,” I said quietly. “I don’t like her unprofessional behavior.”
He frowned.
“You’re overreacting. Everyone at work sees her as hardworking — you’re the only one bringing personal feelings into business.”
I swallowed my anger. There was nothing more to say.
The next evening, something unusual happened — Michael came home early. While he was in the shower, his phone lit up with a message:
“7 p.m. at Rosewood Restaurant. Same private room as before ❤️”
My blood ran cold. I checked his company’s schedule — there were no meetings planned with any clients. Which meant only one thing.
I didn’t cry. I simply turned on my laptop and booked a table at that very restaurant, right next to the private room. I arrived thirty minutes early, choosing a discreet spot where I could see through a small window in the door.
Then they arrived. Emily wore a red dress and smiled radiantly. Michael pulled out a chair for her, his gestures tender — far too tender for mere colleagues. A while later, I saw him take a small box from his pocket — a silver necklace sparkling under the warm light. He clasped it around her neck. She leaned against his shoulder, smiling blissfully.
I felt nothing but emptiness. I quietly raised my phone, took photos, pressed record. When I had enough evidence, I stood up and opened the door.
They both froze. Emily turned pale, Michael’s hand dropped from her waist. I looked straight at him and said slowly:
“You don’t have to explain. I’ve already recorded everything. I’m just here to say — we’re getting a divorce.”
He stood there in shock, his face drained of color. I continued, voice cold and steady:
“The company shares are under the children’s names, the house will be split, and I have solid proof of your affair — the court won’t have any trouble deciding.”
He fell to his knees, trembling.
“I’m sorry… I made a mistake… Please, give me another chance…”
I looked at him and gave a bitter smile.
“You had your chance — but you gave it to someone else.”
Then I turned and walked away, leaving behind his desperate cries and the golden light spilling from that private room — the place where my trust and love had just been shattered beyond repair.