When you love someone, you trust them completely. That’s how it’s supposed to be, right?
That’s what I believed in my marriage to Liam. For three years, I never doubted him. I had no reason to.
Until his birthday came and shattered everything—my trust, my marriage, and even my faith in friendship.
The Unexpected Business Trip
Liam’s birthday was approaching, and I was excited to plan something special for him. But my excitement crumbled when he casually mentioned he’d be away for work that weekend.
“I’m really sorry, Trina,” he said, sighing. “I have an urgent business trip. I can’t refuse. Work is what keeps us going—how we afford this lifestyle.”
I hated when he used that excuse. It made me feel like I was just an accessory in his life.
“So, when I get back, we can celebrate, yeah?” he added, pulling his suitcase out of the closet. “Dinner somewhere nice?”
I forced a smile. “Fine. We can totally do that.”
The night before his birthday, I watched him call a cab and head to the airport.
“I’ll see you soon!” he called out before shutting the door behind him.
I had no idea that “soon” meant the next day.
A Birthday Surprise
The following morning, my mother called as I was sipping my coffee.
“Hi, darling!” she chirped. “What are you and Liam doing for his birthday?”
“Nothing, Mom,” I said, twirling my spoon. “He’s out of town for work. We’ll celebrate next weekend.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” she said. “Well, let’s spend the day together, then! I need a gift for Mimi’s baby shower.”
I agreed, thinking a little shopping might take my mind off my disappointment.
We spent hours hopping from store to store. My mom was determined to find something unique.
“We can’t just get Mimi something ordinary,” she insisted. “She’s too eccentric for that. You know she’ll be raising that baby on crystals and moon water.”
I laughed. “You’re not wrong.”
After what felt like an eternity, we finally decided to grab lunch. But just as we stepped outside, my mother suddenly yanked my arm.
“Look!” she hissed, pointing toward a restaurant window.
And there he was. Liam.
Not in another city. Not at a business meeting.
But here.
With my best friend, Mandy.
Caught in the Act
They were sitting too close, whispering and laughing. Then, Mandy reached up and ran her fingers along Liam’s cheek before leaning in for a kiss.
“What in the name of the Lord is going on?” my mother gasped. “That is Liam, right? And Mandy?”
I nodded, my stomach churning.
“He was supposed to be out of town,” I whispered.
“Well, I guess he decided to spend his birthday with his mistress instead,” my mother said, her voice ice cold.
I clenched my fists. “I should go in there and confront them.”
“No, darling,” she said, already pulling me away. “That’s exactly what you won’t be doing. But I’ve got a plan.”
I glanced at my mother, then back at Liam and Mandy, still obliviously enjoying their cozy meal.
“What kind of plan?” I asked.
“Trust me,” she said, pulling out her phone. She discreetly snapped a few photos before leading me down the street.
“First, we eat,” she declared, “then I’ll tell you exactly how we’re going to ruin them.”
The Perfect Setup
The entire week, I played the role of the loving wife. I smiled. I kissed Liam when he got home. I even asked about his ‘trip.’
Then, on Friday, my mother arrived with everything I needed: a positive pregnancy test (courtesy of my friend Mimi) and a few hidden nanny cams.
The trap was set.
On Saturday, I invited Mandy and her husband, Steve, over for dinner.
“You really went all out,” Mandy said, helping me set the table. “This looks amazing.”
“Of course,” I said, flashing a smile. “It’s an important evening. I have a big announcement.”
Liam perked up at the table. “What kind of announcement?”
I pulled the pregnancy test out of my pocket and held it up.
Liam’s eyes widened. He plastered on a fake smile. “Wow! This is a big surprise!”
Mandy’s smile wavered. “Congratulations!” she said, though she looked uneasy.
“Thank you,” I said sweetly. “Mandy, I’d love for you to be the baby’s godmother.”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Of course. I’d be honored.”
I let them squirm for a moment before dropping the real bombshell.
“But that’s not the biggest news,” I continued. “The real surprise is… the baby is Steve’s.”
Steve choked on his food. “WHAT?!”
Liam and Mandy’s jaws dropped.
“That’s insane,” Steve sputtered. “There’s no way—”
“We’ve been seeing each other for over a year,” I interrupted, looking him dead in the eye. “Isn’t it time to come clean? Just like Liam and Mandy.”
Mandy’s face turned ghostly pale. Liam looked ready to explode.
“What is wrong with you?” Liam spat. “Are you out of your mind?”
Mandy burst into tears and ran to the bathroom. Liam followed, trying to console her.
While they were gone, I turned to Steve and pulled out my phone.
“Here’s why I did it,” I whispered, showing him the live nanny cam feed.
On the screen, Mandy’s voice came through clearly:
“Does Trina know about us?” she asked Liam. “I don’t want to lose Steve. I married him for his money, and nothing will make me give that up.”
Steve turned white as a sheet.
“I can’t believe this,” he murmured.
“Believe it,” I said. “I’m not pregnant, by the way.”
Mandy and Liam returned, but before they could sit, Steve erupted.
“So you’ve been cheating on me this whole time?” he demanded. “You stayed with me for my money?!”
Mandy gaped at him. “Steve—”
“You can get out,” he snapped. “You’re not getting a cent from me. Our prenup has a cheating clause. You’re done.”
Mandy gasped. “No! You can’t do this!”
“Oh, I can,” Steve said, smirking as he sipped his drink.
I turned to Liam, my voice steady. “And you can pack your things, too.”
Liam frowned. “But… what about the baby?”
I smiled. “There is no baby. I just wanted to see if you were actually excited about it. You weren’t.”
Liam stormed out after Mandy. I didn’t care.
Because, thanks to my mother’s plan, I had all the evidence I needed for divorce. And just like Mandy, Liam would be left with nothing.
Justice had never felt so sweet.
