I never thought I’d find myself in this position, but sometimes life has a way of turning things upside down. My husband, Robert, decided to surprise me with a luxurious spa weekend — or so I thought. What I didn’t realize was that, while I was away relaxing under eucalyptus steam, he was busy enjoying our family vacation with his mistress. And when I found out, I stopped being the f00l and started planning the ultimate payback.
I stared at the envelope in my hands, confused. Robert wasn’t the type to surprise me with romantic gestures. In the three years of our marriage, there hadn’t been much in the way of sweet, thoughtful surprises. He had always been more practical than romantic.
“What’s this?” I asked, turning the cream-colored envelope between my fingers.
Robert leaned casually against the kitchen counter, a strange smile on his face. “Just open it, Katherine.”
Inside was a confirmation for a weekend at Willow Creek Spa Resort, promising three days of massages, facials, and pampering. The cost was more than I’d ever spend on myself. I was speechless.
“Robert, this is…” I trailed off, trying to find the right words.
“You deserve it,” he said, crossing the room to wrap his arms around my waist. “You work so hard. You can relax while I take the kids on the family vacation.”
I was so stunned by the gesture that I didn’t know what to say. “But I was so excited to finally meet your parents,” I protested, feeling a twinge of disappointment. “After all this time…”
He kissed my forehead, brushing the conversation aside. “Some other time, darling. You’ll enjoy yourself. Besides, you can’t miss that big client meeting anyway, and I have that award ceremony at work, remember?”
I nodded slowly, trying to process what he was saying. In all the years we’d been married, I had never met Robert’s parents. His father had surgery around the time we got married, so they couldn’t attend our wedding, and after that, the timing never worked out. Our busy lives and their location overseas kept us apart.
“Are you sure?” I asked again. “I could reschedule the meeting.”
“No way,” Robert insisted, smiling at me. “This meeting is huge for your career. Trust me — wouldn’t it be better to go in calm and glowing from the spa rather than frazzled?”
I laughed, tucking the envelope into my purse. “When you put it that way, how can I say no?”
“Exactly,” he grinned and kissed me again.
The spa weekend was everything I could have dreamed of. Soft music floated through the air, and the scent of essential oils calmed my nerves. After months of working non-stop, I finally felt like I could relax.
“More lemon water?” my massage therapist asked as I lay back, hot stones tracing the tension from my back.
“Mmm, please,” I murmured, half-drifting into sleep.
When my treatment finished, I checked my phone in the relaxation lounge. Three missed calls from my friend Lennie and a text: “Hey! Where are you? I just saw your kids and Robert… and some woman hanging on him. Thought you were coming too?”
My heart skipped a beat. I immediately called Lennie.
“Lennie, what woman?” I asked, panic creeping into my voice.
“Katherine, thank God. I wasn’t sure if I should tell you… I saw Robert at the pool with your kids and an older couple — I’m guessing his parents? But there was this woman with them. She was blonde, maybe in her early 30s, and she seemed really familiar with everyone.”
“Familiar with everyone?” I repeated, my voice tight with suspicion.
Lennie hesitated. “When Robert went to order drinks, she was playing with the kids like she knew them well. And when he came back…”
“What happened?” I pressed, heart pounding.
“They kissed. Not a friendly peck. A full-on kiss.”
I felt the ground shift beneath me. “Send me a picture. Now.”
Seconds later, a photo appeared on my screen. Robert, our two children, his parents, and Josephine, the woman he’d insisted was “just a colleague” — the same woman I’d suspected from the start.
“She’s not just a colleague,” Lennie added. “I saw them holding hands when they thought no one was looking. Katherine, I’m so sorry.”
“His assistant,” I whispered, disbelief creeping in. “He’s with his assistant.”
“What are you going to do?” Lennie asked.
I glanced down at my spa robe, suddenly feeling f00lish. “I’m going to Bali. Tonight’s his big award ceremony. And I’m not missing it.”
The 12-hour flight gave me plenty of time to plan. By the time I landed in Bali, I was no longer sh0cked — I was furious, but also calmly determined.
I took a cab directly to the resort where the corporate event was being held. In my carry-on was the red dress Robert once told me was “too intimidating” for corporate functions. Tonight, intimidating was exactly what I needed.
The ballroom glittered with crystal chandeliers and white tablecloths. Champagne flowed freely, and Robert’s CEO was near the stage, reviewing notes. I walked up to him with my most pleasant smile.
“Excuse me,” I said, “I’m Katherine, Robert’s wife.”
The CEO smiled warmly. “Oh! Robert mentioned you couldn’t make it.”
“I rearranged some things,” I said smoothly. “Actually, I have a small favor to ask. Robert wanted to add something personal to his speech but was too modest to do it himself. Would you mind reading this as part of his introduction?”
I handed him a sealed card with Robert’s name, written in my best imitation of his handwriting.
The CEO smiled. “Of course! How thoughtful. I’ll make sure to include it.”
“Thank you,” I said, smiling. “I’ll just slip in quietly. I want to surprise him.”
I took a seat at the back of the ballroom, my heart pounding. The lights dimmed, and the ceremony began.
After several awards, the CEO returned to the podium. “And now, for our Outstanding Leadership Award, I’m proud to present Robert.”
Applause erupted as Robert walked to the stage, looking confident. “Robert has been a remarkable asset to our company,” the CEO continued. “His performance this year has been outstanding. He’s reliable, respected, and driven.”
Robert’s smile faltered slightly when the CEO opened my card and began to read: “Robert told everyone his wife couldn’t attend tonight because she was enjoying a spa weekend. But the truth is, he sent her away so he could bring his mistress, his assistant Josephine, on this family trip.”
A gasp swept through the room. I stood up and walked toward the stage.
“Hello, darling,” I said, my voice carrying through the ballroom. “SURPRISE!”
Robert’s mouth hung open, his eyes scanning the room. His parents stared at us, confused. Josephine stood, wide-eyed.
“KATHERINE??” Robert finally managed, his voice strained. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I should meet your parents,” I said calmly. “After three years of marriage, it seemed overdue.”
I turned to Robert’s parents. “Lusiana and Martin, it’s nice to finally meet you in person! I’m Katherine.”
The confusion in their eyes was obvious. “What is going on?” his father asked.
“Oh, I had work,” I said. “But then I got a spa weekend surprise from your son… so his mistress could take my place, apparently.”
Josephine grabbed her purse. “I should go.”
“Sit down,” Robert’s mother snapped, her voice suddenly sharp. “You’re not going anywhere until this is explained.”
I crossed my arms, staring at Robert. “Like you explained to me about bringing your mistress on our family vacation?”
She stood up and reached for my hand. “You’ve got his heart,” she whispered. “We see it every day.”
As we sat with Miss Helena, I smiled, remembering how she helped me feel calm amidst the storm. Her kindness was unwavering, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for her presence.
