I Have An Affair

My husband set me up to cheat.

He framed me, then walked straight into a hotel room with his "special friend."

I played dumb, and then brought my best friend and my in-laws to the hotel.

When the door swung open, the bed was quite the scene.

1. I Was Set Up

I was accused of cheating with my assistant, Caden Jenning, who had worked for me for two years.

And the mastermind behind it all was my husband.

Caden came to my office, his brows furrowed. I had just wrapped up work and was enjoying my coffee when he dropped the bombshell.

The shock hit me so hard, I choked.

I looked at him, frowning just as deeply.

"What did you just say?"

"Ms. Barrett, everyone in the company is talking about us..."

Caden hesitated. It was clear he was just as clueless as I was.

"Well, that's interesting."

I picked up my coffee again, smirking.

Apparently, I had an affair with this good-looking guy standing across from me, and neither of us had a clue.

Caden shifted uncomfortably.

"I... Maybe I've been around you too much?"

"How bad is it?"

I gave him a once-over, and it wasn't hard to figure out why he was the target.

Caden was hired as an assistant two years ago. He was highly competent, earning three raises within that time, and had a clean-cut, almost too-perfect look.

Whoever spread this rumor must have a good understanding of the company.

"Everyone, from department heads to security, is whispering about it. I haven't traced the source yet.

I had Jared Phillips and a few others check with outside contacts. So far, the rumor hasn't left the company."

Good. It wasn't out of control yet. I just needed to find out who started it and shut it down.

The tricky part was that the rumor had already spread, but I still didn't know whether the target was Caden or me.

"Alright, you can go for now."

"Could there have been a mole in the company...?"

A thought hit me.

"Caden, wait."

He stopped, hand on the doorknob.

"See what you can find out. Also, check if there have been any sudden resignations or transfers."

"Got it, Ms. Barrett. I'll keep you updated."

As soon as the door closed behind him, my phone buzzed.

"Hey, honey. What's up?"

My husband rarely called at this hour because his company had morning meetings every day.

"Donna..."

He hesitated.

So he'd heard.

"Honey, you didn't actually believe that nonsense, did you? You know Caden and I are just colleagues."

"I want to believe you. But I saw it with my own eyes. Donna, I really can't believe you would do something like this. I think we should get a divorce. I'm taking our daughter with me. I don't trust you to take care of her."

Before I could say anything, Eric Woodward hung up, leaving me stunned with the phone still at my ear.

Saw what? And how?

My husband had always been rational. Why was he acting so impulsively now? Not even giving me a chance to explain?

If he had given me a chance, I might have cleared things up.

I tried calling him back. Straight to voicemail.

Probably in his meeting.

Fine. I could explain once I figured everything out.

2. All Photoshopped

Just then, my phone rang again. "Hey, Mom!" It was my daughter calling, her voice full of excitement.

"What's up, sweetie?"

"Mom, Dad just called and said he's taking me to Disneyland. Can you come with us? Mom, you haven't spent time with me in a while. Can you join us? If Starlight City is too far, we don't have to go to Disneyland. We can go somewhere closer, as long as you and Dad take me out for a special family trip."

At this time? Was he trying to avoid me?

"I'm afraid I can't, sweetie. I have some things to take care of. You and Dad go ahead. I'll come home early tonight to be with you."

"Oh, okay, Mom."

My daughter was always so understanding. Even though her voice was filled with disappointment, she didn't insist.

It would be best if I went with them, but with the company facing internal and external troubles, and such a scandal about me, I really couldn't get away.

Let them go and relax. I'll have everything sorted out when they return.

I feel guilty for my daughter. The only time I truly fulfilled my role as a mother was during my maternity leave.

Because of the extended break, there were so many company decisions I had to make, and I returned to work in less than two months.

My husband took care of everything at home and with our daughter.

"Ms. Barrett!"

Caden rushed in without knocking.

"I found something. Look at this!"

He handed me his phone.

It showed photos of me and him "dating."

I scrolled through them one by one.I took his phone and flipped through the pictures. Aside from a few normal group photos, the rest were all photoshopped!

I clicked on the account profile, and the profile picture was of me!

That was interesting.

Who was foolish enough to impersonate me and posted fake photos of my affair?

"Share this account with me."

"Okay, Ms. Barrett."

"You can leave now."

"But... they're still secretly spreading it."

"Just go."

My thoughts were a bit all over the place. Could Eric have seen this too?

Looking at the account's posting timeline, these photos had been up for at least half a month. Why did they happen to see these photos on the same day?

And it was Monday morning. He should be too busy to be scrolling through social media.

Who could it be?

I went through every photo on the account, saved some of the photoshopped ones on my phone, and shared the account with my best friend.

Her family had many connections and resources, so looking into an account wasn't a big deal.

"Damn it, Donna! What's going on? You hooked up with your company's young assistant? How could you, Donna? How could you do this..."

I couldn't take it anymore and interrupted her.

"Shut up! You're quick to react. I didn't even get a chance to explain before you called. What? You don't believe me either?"

"It's not about believing or not believing! These photos say it all. Your assistant was really good-looking, huh?"

"Stop joking. Help me figure out who owns this account."

"What? Isn't this your account? I was wondering why you lost your mind, cheating and then posting the proof for everyone to see."

"Look carefully! None of those photos are real!"

There was a pause on the other end.

"So, you're being slandered? This person must be an idiot. Most people spread rumors anonymously, but this idiot actually posted it with the account! Hold on, I'll find out who it is for you!"

3. He Didn't Love Me

Before the end of the workday, my best friend sent me a long string of messages.

Then her call came through.

"Hey, this idiot! I found out right away.

This phone number was just registered a few days ago, probably created just to spread rumors. It's linked to a recent college graduate. I found her main account; she's pretty, but it seems like you two have no connection.

If there's any connection, it's that she works at the same company as your husband.

I asked around, and I heard she got in through connections. She started as an intern and was made permanent right after graduation. She's not in the same department as your husband. Did you offend her by any chance?"

Now I was completely baffled. Eric's colleague?

Spreading rumors about me? Why?

A terrifying thought suddenly crossed my mind. Could it be...?

My hand holding the phone started to tremble.

"Send me her main account. I hardly know any of Eric's colleagues. I've never been to his office, so I shouldn't have offended anyone. Send it to me, and I'll see if I recognize her. Could it be that Eric offended someone?"

Even though that thought flashed through my mind, I didn't want to believe it.

"Okay, I've sent it to you."

"Don't tell anyone about this yet. Just pretend you don't know. I need to sort things out first."

"What? Aren't you going to clear things up? This can't wait."

"I know, I will clarify it, but not right now. Please keep it a secret for me. Oh, and block that account for a few days so no one else sees it."

"Don't worry, no one can see it now. You know you can trust me!"

I opened the account my best friend sent over.

The young girl in the videos was full of sunshine, running, jumping... full of youthful energy.

Almost all the videos featured her alone, except for one, where a man's hand appeared.

And that hand- I recognized it immediately as Eric's.

His thumbnail was noticeably shorter than normal.

I often joked with him about it, never imagining that this distinctive nail would turn out to be so helpful.

I began recalling the moments in my marriage with Eric over the years. Although it wasn't exactly passionate, we had always been affectionate enough.

In seven years of marriage, we hardly ever argued.

The small annoyances of daily life never affected our relationship, thanks to both of our efforts.

But now, thinking back, I realized that I had never experienced the kind of passionate love that others often talked about.

Everything between us felt more like fulfilling a duty.

We got married at the right age, taking our parents' expectations into account, and we did it without haste.

Eric, working as a government employee, had a modest salary. So, before we got married, I started my own company, believing that life should offer more opportunities.

Thankfully, the business did well, and after we got married, I was able to buy us a house and a car.

He knew it would be difficult for him to afford a house on his salary, so he happily accepted the arrangement-me making money and him taking care of the household.

Later, we had a daughter, and every step of our life felt like it was part of a plan.

I used to think that this calm and steady relationship was the best way to live.

But now, looking back, I realized that all of his tolerance and gentleness were likely because he didn't love me.

Later, my in-laws started pressuring us to have a second child, saying that since we already had a daughter, we should have a son as well.

I didn't mind having a second child, but the idea of having a son just to please them really bothered me.

So, I became busier with work and started coming home later and later.

4. Playing The Victim

"Ms. Barrett."

Caden knocked on the door.

I composed myself, wiping away the tears on my face, and let him in.

"Caden, I've already had those photos dealt with. The Photoshop traces have been marked. Please explain everything to the team so there are no misunderstandings."

Due to the difficult situation, only six people were left in the company.

These six had been with me through thick and thin, and I didn't want them to misunderstand me.

Besides, not explaining would be unfair to Caden.

As for Eric, our relationship had indeed encountered issues over the years. Even without that pretty girl in the video, there would have been others. I never had a deep love for him.

To be honest, I owed him a lot too. Since things had reached this point, it was better for us to leave each other a way out.

He could continue his life with whoever he wanted, and I would focus on running the company, making sure to provide clarity to those who had always supported me.

I dialed Eric's number once more.

"Hello, what do you want now?"

"Eric, I know everything."

I got straight to the point.

"Those photos, I'm willing to believe they have nothing to do with you. I don't want to pursue anything about you and that girl.

I'll draft the divorce agreement. I'll take our daughter, and we'll split the savings, house, and car equally."

I said it all in one breath, feeling a wave of melancholy as our seven-year marriage came to an end.

I had gone this far; Eric shouldn't have any more objections.

"What girl? Donna, do you even know what you're talking about? You're involved with your assistant, and now you want to take our daughter? Don't even think about it!"

What? Eric actually denied everything!

I let out a small snort, never expecting things between us to reach this point.

Originally, when I realized there might never have been love between us, I thought about giving him a way out.

Now it seemed I was too kind-hearted.

"Eric, you know what you've done. You must have seen that account to be so sure about me and Caden.

Don't worry, after this call, I'll send you the evidence. Take a good look.

Also, you better hide your mistress well, or I can't guarantee what will happen.

Oh, by the way, since you're unwilling to split the assets, you can leave with nothing.

Everything at home was bought with my money. I gave you a chance, and you didn't take it, so don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Eric, what is she talking about? Has she found out about us?"

A sweet, innocent voice of a young girl came through the receiver.

Of course, I'd found out about her.

I didn't want to tip them off, so I pretended not to hear.

"Donna, what are you talking about? Don't slander me without evidence."

Eric sounded a bit panicked.

"Don't talk about me. We're discussing you and that assistant. How long has he been at the company? He got promoted so quickly, and looks like a pretty boy. Who would believe there's nothing going on?

If anyone's leaving with nothing, it's you! I've always acted with integrity and never done anything wrong!

You damn harpy! We've been married for seven years, and all you've given me is a daughter! And you're out there keeping a pretty boy on the side! How dare you have the nerve to shout at me! You're using our joint assets to support that guy! Half of it is mine! You better give it all back!"

Having seen Eric's usual gentle and refined demeanor, I never imagined he had this side. It seemed the mistress had had a big influence on him lately.

"Eric, I don't have the energy to argue with you. I'm giving you one last chance. I'll take our daughter, and we can split the assets. If you agree, fine. If not, there's no need for us to continue this conversation."

"Do you think I have time to argue with you? Why should you take our daughter? Let me be honest, our feelings disappeared long ago when you stopped coming home at night.

You can forget about taking our daughter. If you want her, give me a son, and then you can take her wherever you want."

Hearing his words, I couldn't hold back my temper any longer, which I had been suppressing all morning.