Emma begins to question Lisa’s intentions as she struggles with the overt attentions from her husband Alex’s colleague. With Lisa’s surprising presents and even her handmade dinners, the issue gets worse. Things reach a breaking point, though, when Lisa blatantly suggests having an extramarital affair with Alex.
After ten years of marriage, Alex and I have maintained a strong, loving relationship.
Because he manages projects for a well-known software company, Alex frequently works late.
During a late meal, he apologized, saying, “The hours are excessive.” Emma, we’re almost done with a new project. We’ll soon be back to regular hours.
That’s okay, I said in response. “Try to finish your meal before we have to reheat it in the microwave.”
I still had complete trust in Alex, even with his hectic schedule. However, Lisa, his coworker, has been acting in a way that has strained their trust lately.
My mother asked me, “Does this woman intimidate you?” after I told her that Lisa was making me uncomfortable.
Perhaps. No. It’s not clear,” I acknowledged. She is simply too controlling. Her motivations are called into doubt by her behavior.
“What precisely is she doing?” my mother said.
Lisa had accomplished a lot.
She was attractive, young, and closely worked alongside Alex on a number of projects.
“Alex has brought her up before, but I kind of wrote it off at first,” I said. “Mom, her behavior is getting more and more unsettling.”
“What actions, Emma?” Mom put pressure on me. “Explain in detail!”
“Mom, gifts. She has been showering him with individual presents.
Yes, Alex began to receive presents. They started out little but quickly became closer.
“Mom, I want personalized coffee mugs. I clarified, ‘They even have his name. “And a tie with little rockets on it, because he likes space.”
My mother said, “Are these gifts definitely from Lisa?”
Without a doubt! Alex absolutely attested to that,” I said.
“Emma, just keep a close eye on things,” my mom said.
And I was going to do exactly that.
But one evening, I couldn’t resist chuckling when Alex came in with a little plant.
“Is this another gift that Lisa gave you?” As he brought the plant inside, I asked.
“Just a little something she said she found at the Farmer’s Market,” my spouse responded, seeming surprised, before heading to the kitchen.
“Why does she keep giving these things to you?” Struggling to keep my cool, I asked.
Emma, she’s only trying to be friendly. It’s safe, sweetie.
I tried brushing it off as nothing special, but then there were the home-cooked meals.
Alex used to compliment my cuisine all the time, saying it was better than his mother’s.
During our first early meal together, Alex joked, “Don’t let her hear that,” solidifying my position in his life.
Alex once said, “You really should try Lisa’s lasagna, dear,” as we were eating lasagna. It’s amazing!
“Alex, why is she feeding you?” I did put down my fork and demanded.
I hated being envious of my husband, annoyed by his long hours, and wary of his social connections.
I didn’t want to question if his meetings for business were real or secret meetings.
However, Lisa’s presence brought up those very fears.
Emma said she was going to make extra and bring some for my lunch, so pay attention. He was perplexed by my response and said, “I accepted because I didn’t want to come out as disrespectful.
I apologized, taking note of his reaction. “It’s simply too much for me.”
With a smile, Alex refilled our wine glasses and refrained from probing more into my fears, knowing that deep down I still had faith in him.
But the breaking point happened during the company’s yearly gala. For Alex, it was a big deal because all the wives were invited.
This year, Alex said, “it’s at a fancy downtown hotel.” “Get dressed up, my dear.” This is our opportunity to truly shine.
I’ll admit that I was thrilled. There was usually a sumptuous ballroom, fine dining, and live music during the occasion.
Dressed in my favorite dress and my wedding jewels, I temporarily forgot about Lisa that evening.
As soon as we walked into the ballroom, where a band was playing and the mood was perfect, Alex said, “You look stunning, dear.”
Lisa, dressed in a spectacular red dress, burst into our social gathering with Alex’s coworkers and walked straight over to my husband, disregarding me.
She enthusiastically greeted him and said, “This is my office spouse.”
I felt queasy as Lisa turned to face me with a patronizing smile and Alex, clearly uncomfortable, said nothing.
It had to be Emma, she thought. “Alex has nothing but praise for you. He really is the finest! Without him, I couldn’t function.”
I forced a grin.
“He really is amazing,”
Lisa went on, unfazed.
He loves the food I make! Given that you’re frequently too busy to cook, I’ve had to make a number of his favorites. Alright?
Laughing and murmuring to Alex, Lisa clung to him, and I watched, feeling demeaned yet composed. He excused himself shortly after, and Lisa focused her entire attention on me.
“Emma, let’s talk straight,” she said, holding her champagne tightly. “He’s given me something special tonight, even though you are his wife.”
She took out a letter with a hotel room number from her handbag.
“He has a surprise planned. He’ll come visit me. She grinned, “Let’s see what justification he brings back when he gets home for why he had to go.
“Lisa, those who think they can take what’s not theirs often end up disappointed,” I shot back.
Lisa chuckled.
“We shall see, Emma,” she said.
When we got home later that night, Alex instantly came up with a reason to depart.
“Emma, I have to help a friend.” He had to get a ride since his automobile won’t start. It must be done immediately. I’ll be back soon.
Which pal? I asked in jest.
“Are you familiar with John? from the workplace? You also saw him this evening.
“Obviously,” I pretended to comprehend. “Be careful.”
I followed him to the hotel as soon as he left, parking quietly and trailing him into the lobby.
I knocked on the door and was welcomed by an astonished and worried Alex.
“Em? Why have you come here? He asked.
I retorted, going inside the room, “I should ask you the same.”
John showed in out of the blue, looking uncomfortable in his hotel robe.
“What’s going on?” I insisted.
Stunned, John moved forward.
“I wanted to ask Lisa out, so I asked Alex for her number. After the event, we had dessert together, but she unintentionally spilled a drink on me, so I had to change into new clothing. I requested that Alex bring some.
You wanted to meet Lisa, then? I explained, taking my time to understand.
“Yes,” John said. She didn’t seem to be interested in me, but I was. Shortly after, she departed, saying she didn’t feel good.
Emma, why did you follow me? Alex asked.
I stabilized myself by taking a big breath.
“Alex, Lisa told me at the gathering tonight. She pointed out to me the letter that said, “This room number.” She said you would find a way to get out of your house and come see her. I needed to verify for myself.
“Emma, I had no idea,” he answered. “I sincerely apologize.”
“Pay attention,” John said. “Why don’t you two discuss things in the room? Neither Lisa nor I will need it.
In the end, we took that action. Alex also promised to speak with the corporation about Lisa’s actions.
“Now that I know what you’ve been seeing,” Alex said.
How would you have responded in the situation?