That’s when I found it.
A restaurant receipt from a night he’d told me he was working late. Wine, lobsters for two, desserts for two. He hadn’t been with colleagues.
It’s obvious.
I kept digging into his phone. He was careful, but not careful enough. My worst fears were confirmed.
Harris helped Callie to steal my project. She was his mistress!
It hurt, but I refused to fall apart. Harris and Callie thought they could destroy me, both personally and professionally.
But I wasn’t going to let them. I had other plans.
***
My last day at the office felt surreal. I had spent years walking through these halls, pouring my heart into every project, but today was different.
Today, I had a plan.
The farewell party was set, and I had personally invited all my colleagues, including Callie. My husband also agreed to support me.
My boss, Mr. Thornton, had been a tougher sell, but I knew exactly how to get him on board.
“Look, Mr.
Thornton,” I had said with a calm smile, “there are some things I’m going to reveal that could seriously affect your reputation if you’re not present.”
“I don’t know what you’ve cooked up this time, Alice, but I’ll be there.”
And that was all I needed. The stage was set. Every detail of this party had been meticulously planned—just like my projects always had been.
As guests gathered in the conference room, the air buzzed with casual conversation.
People were laughing, sipping drinks, and offering well wishes for my “new adventures.”
I approached the front of the room.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming,” I began, my voice steady, though inside I was a storm of emotions.
“Before I leave, I wanted to share with you all something very special. This is my final project, the one I’ve been working on for the past year.”
I continued, my gaze sweeping over the room, making sure everyone was listening.
“This is the same project that you’ve heard about recently, the one that was… well, let’s say, subject to some controversy.”
I paused, letting the tension build.
“But today, I’m going to present the unique details, the parts that no one else could have known, because I kept them secret.”
I clicked the remote in my hand, and the screen behind me lit up with the first slide.
It showcased the core of my work, the installation concept that my boss had dismissed as “just an idea on paper.” But it wasn’t. I had been quietly building it all along.
Gasps filled the room as the actual installation appeared on the next slide.
The room fell silent. Even Mr. Thornton, who had been leaning back, unimpressed, sat up straight, his eyes wide.
“I’ve been working with an investor on this project,” I said, watching Callie from the corner of my eye.
“And today, I’m proud to announce that we’re moving forward.
Together.”
I motioned to the back of the room, where the investor I had personally brought on board stood up and waved. He confirmed everything I had said.
“This project is going forward, but only with Alice’s involvement.”
Callie’s face paled. She knew it was over.
Without me, she couldn’t finish what she had stolen. But I wasn’t done yet.
I turned the pink lights for the bigger effect and presented the final surprise. It was a big cake with a photo of Harris and Callie on it.
Together. There were letters on top, “THEY STOLE MY LIFE.”
“In case you were wondering how Callie had access to my work. My husband, Harris.”
***
The room was dead silent after I dropped the bomb.
Harris and Callie stood there, their faces drained of all color, unable to speak. Everyone stared at them. Mr.
Thornton, still looking stunned, finally broke the silence, stretching his hand for the deal.
“Alice, I… I had no idea. I’m sorry for what happened. We’d love to have you back.
With a promotion, of course.”
I looked at him for a moment, considering his offer. But after everything, I knew I needed more than just a job.
“Thank you, Mr. Thornton, but I think I’m done here.
I’ve got my own project now, and I’m moving forward with the investor’s support.”
He nodded, understanding. “I wish you the best, Alice. You deserve it.”
***
After that, everything moved quickly.
I filed for divorce from Harris without looking back. It was the final step in closing a painful chapter.
After everything that had happened, I knew I needed time for myself. I needed to heal, to breathe, to regain my strength.
So, I packed my bags and left for a much-needed vacation.
As the plane took off, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn’t known in years. The past had tried to break me, but instead, I had risen from the ashes of betrayal. I was ready to take on the world again, stronger than ever.
Do you have any opinions on this?
Source: amomama
