Tessa went to a café to refuel between meetings and work errands. Once there, she finds her father-in-law Richard. What happens when his lunch date isn’t Tessa’s mother-in-law?

I never expected to be in a scandal. I was in a café on the other side of town, starring at my father-in-law, Richard. He sat there, happy, kissing a woman who wasn’t my mother-in-law. I was blushing and my heart racing.

For him and me, I felt mortified.

How did I arrive?

First, a little background.

About a year ago, I married Daniel. And it was romantic comedy-like. Daniel stepped in to hide from a roadside acquaintance when I was buying flowers for my mother at a florist.

Daniel’s family was wealthy. Old money made them rich and powerful, and they knew it. They were open about thinking he might outperform me as a wedding gown designer.

“You know that’s not important to me, Tessa,” Daniel stated over dinner. What I want is you. Not money, power, or status.”

That satisfied me. Daniel adored me, and they overcame their doubts. They even got me a position at Richard’s friend Charles’ company.

I started designing stylish outfits as well as wedding gowns. It was better and more profitable than I expected.

They later helped Daniel create a successful small marketing agency. Everything appeared fine. Careers were good, and family life was less drama and more cheerful.

I thought we had reconciled. Until this happened.

I had been doing work errands all morning to prepare for a new customer. I wanted purple textiles in varying colors. As the hours passed, my stomach felt upset, so I needed to eat.

I thought, “Let’s eat, Tessa,” as I entered the café.

I noticed them as I entered, thinking about the menu options I liked.

With his back to me, Richard, my father-in-law, leant in to a woman who giggled and caressed his arm. Then they kiss.

My stomach sank. I knew her! Elizabeth was Charles’ wife. My boss, Charles. Fear gripped me. My mind racing, I turned to leave discreetly, but Richard saw me. His coffee nearly fell over when he stood up.

“Wait!” he shouted, heading over. “What are you doing, Tessa?”

I attempted to speak clearly, but my legs were shaking. Richard always frightened me. His behavior made it seem like the world had to conform to him.

“Just leaving…” I spoke hastily.

He tightly gripped my arm, almost painfully. A bruise was certain in the morning.

“Listen carefully, girl,” he snarled. I vow I’ll ruin your life if you tell anyone. Do you comprehend?

Staring at him, I was stunned.

“Are you seriously threatening me, Richard?” I requested.

“Take it however you want,” he said, scanning the room for anyone listening. “But if you tell my wife, you’ll lose the job I helped you get. Business will end for Daniel. Your luxurious and pleasant existence will end.

I jerked my arm free, furious.

“You’re ridiculous, Richard. Do you think you can quiet me by bullying?

He hissed, fearfully looking over his shoulder, “Keep your voice down!”

But I couldn’t resist.

“Why? So no one hears your cheating lies? You sit with Elizabeth, of all people?

Richard paled.

“You know Elizabeth?” he questioned, apparently confused.

“Richard, really? Of course I know her. Charles’ wife. What about Charles, your best buddy and my boss?

He panicked, widening his eyes.

“This isn’t your business. Just keep quiet.”

“Or what?” I crossed my arms to challenge. “You think you can silence me with fear? Break my life because you can’t keep it in your pants?

He approached, his cologne so powerful I winced.

“You don’t know who you’re messing with,” he said.

“Oh, I think I do,” I replied. “You’re cowardly, Richard. You’ll see that karma catches up with folks like you.”

Just then, Richard’s phone rang. He took it out, looking at me. His cheeks blanched at the caller ID.

“It’s Charles,” he whispered.

He replied with a tentative tone.

“Hey Charles… yeah. Just at a meeting.”

His expression was keenly watched as he spoke. His face rapidly changed from uneasy to horrified.

“What? I haven’t seen Elizabeth. No, I… I didn’t. See, I can explain!”

Richard suddenly removed the phone from his ear, his face becoming colorless. His mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water as he peered at it and me.

“What did you do, Tessa?” He demanded.

Raised eyebrow.

“Me? I did nothing, Richard. I was always in front of you. Your activities seem to be catching up.”

Karma acted quickly that day. Charles tried to call his wife all afternoon to alert her about their dinner reservations at a new restaurant.

She finally picked up during my fight with Richard. Charles heard our entire dispute as Elizabeth lied about her location. He didn’t need a lengthy explanation; he understood.

He suspected Elizabeth of adultery for years.

Charles reacted fast. His friendship dissolved quickly, and he withdrawn his money from Richard’s company. Without the finances, Richard’s life would swiftly go bankrupt.

Charles called me unexpectedly later that week.

“I’ll be back at the office tomorrow,” he said. “Meet in my office after lunch.”

He said, “Thank you for your discretion,” even though we both knew I wasn’t discreet.

I took a photo of Richard and Elizabeth before he spotted me. After his argument, I sent Charles and my husband that photo.

“I’d like to offer you a promotion,” he said. To lead designer. More responsibility, pay. You won’t need Richard’s money.”

“Many thanks…” Shocked, I said.

Maintain your wonderful effort, Tessa. And don’t let Richard bully you.”

While Richard rebuilds his empire, I sit in my office with a view. Daniel notified his mother, who expelled Richard immediately.

And I? Happy female who was at the right position at the right moment to give Richard what he deserved.

What would you’ve done?

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I knew turning 34 would be weird, but not this weird.

My life changed drastically in the past year. The Ryan divorce came first. We had two children, Chloe and Jacob, after six years of marriage. First few years were nice as we negotiated our life together, but then things got tough.

Marrying Ryan was like carrying a deadweight. He was lazy. He had little ambition and spent much of his time drinking outside or at bars with buddies while I worked and raised our kids.

“Enough is enough,” I thought when I woke up to ten beer cans on the coffee table.

I discovered he was cheating on me with the young new bartender at his favorite bar.

“I can explain, Serena!” he exclaimed when I initially mentioned it. It’s not what you think. Mimi is a friend.”

“I’ve heard that line before,” I yelled. “Pack up and leave!”

He beseeched, “Where do you want me to go?”