Cheating Husband Introduces Mistress to His Wife – Story of the Day

When Maryam pushed open the door of her house, a shocking sight awaited her: a woman in her favorite dress and jewelry stood inside. "Come on, Mary!" her husband scoffed when she confronted him, "It's Rebecca, my estranged sister!" Relief washed over Maryam, but her illusion was soon shattered.

"Honey, I'm home!" the brown paper bag crinkled in her hands as Maryam kicked the door shut with her hip. The familiar scent of overripe bananas and onions from her grocery haul instantly soured.

Then, her gaze fell on a chilling sight.

There, nestled in front of the mirror, was an unknown woman, draped in what looked suspiciously like Maryam's favorite dress and pearl bracelet.

"Who are you?" Maryam shrieked. “And what are you doing in my house?”

The woman fumbled, the bracelet dangling precariously before clattering to the coffee table. "I-I..." she stammered.

Maryam's gaze darted to her husband Rio, who stood frozen by the hallway. "Rio? What's going on here? Who is she?" she demanded.

Rio cleared his throat before facing her. "Maryam, honey, calm down. What's gotten into you? Don't you recognize her?"

His voice felt like nails scraping a chalkboard. "Calm down?" Maryam shrieked, "There's a stranger in our house wearing my clothes and jewelry! What the hell is going on?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

REBECCA? The name seemed oddly familiar to Maryam. They'd been married for five years, and never once had Rebecca visited them.

"Your sister?" she echoed, her voice a confused whisper. "From the farm with your late parents?"

Rio's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his temple. "Yes, that's right! Remember I told you about her? The one who lived with them after… well, you know… they cut me off their will for marrying you against their wishes."

Maryam squeezed her eyes shut, desperately trying to dredge up a memory, any memory, of Rio's sister. Her mind, usually a steel trap for deadlines and presentations, drew a frustrating blank.

"I… I don't remember," she whispered, trying to jog her memory.

"Of course, you don't," Rio grumbled. "You're always so focused on work. You probably forgot about her the second I mentioned it."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

His words hit Maryam like a physical blow. Shame burned in her cheeks. Work had been a relentless beast lately, demanding more and more of her time. But the sting of his accusation quickly morphed into icy suspicion.

"Maybe," she conceded, forcing a smile, "but shouldn't I have at least met her at the wedding? I mean some of your relatives did come, right?"

Rio's eyes narrowed. "She couldn't make it then. Family stuff… I told you already!" He shot a pointed look at the woman standing between them, who still hadn't spoken a word.

Maryam studied the lady, her gaze lingering on the bracelet. "I'm so sorry, Rebecca," she began, offering a weak smile. "My memory's been terrible lately. I must've overreacted a bit... seeing you in wearing my clothes and… jewelry."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"No worries," the woman finally spoke, her voice a husky purr. "It's understandable." Her eyes, a startling shade of emerald green, flickered to Rio before meeting Maryam's gaze.

Rio scoffed. "I'm sure Maryam doesn't mind anymore, Rebecca. And you look amazing. This," he gestured at 'his sister,' his eyes lingering a touch too long, "is what a woman should look like. Modern. Gorgeous. Attractive."

Maryam, naive and stung, pursed her lips, a forced nod escaping her. "Right."

"You, on the other hand," Rio continued, turning to his wife, "look exhausted. Why don't you freshen up, honey? You must be beat. Bath's ready. I'll order dinner," Rio suggested, ushering her away.

Offering a watery smile, Maryam agreed to cook later. But Rio said it was okay and directed her towards the bathroom. With a quick hug and a shy smile at his 'sister,' Maryam retreated, oblivious to the truth — the woman in her home wasn't Rebecca, Rio's estranged sister, but Lara, his mistress.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

The slam of the bathroom door echoed through the house like a gunshot. Rio and Lara exchanged a panicked glance before collapsing back onto the couch, gulping in air like they'd been underwater.

"Holy sh—!" Lara hissed, downing the rest of her champagne in one go. The clink of the glass against the coffee table sounded tinny in the tense silence.

"I know, right?" Rio muttered, running a hand through his already messy hair. "I thought for sure she'd be at that meeting all night."

Lara glared at him, her emerald eyes flashing. "You almost got us caught, Rio! What were you thinking, bringing me here in the middle of the evening?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Rio winced. "Hey, it wasn't my fault! She said the meeting got pushed back."

"Well, whatever," Lara snapped, her voice laced with annoyance. "We need a better place to meet more often. Somewhere where nobody can disturb us!"

Rio nodded, the knot in his stomach tightening. He'd gotten cocky, blinded by stolen moments with Lara. The thrill of the deception was quickly turning sour.

"You're right," he conceded, his voice tight. "Look, why don't you just… head to your room?"

Lara scoffed. "Room? To an empty bed without you, hun? That sounds awful." Her voice dripped with sarcasm as she ran her fingers on his chest, dipping all the way to his waist.

"Besides," she continued, leaning closer to him, "we barely got started. Remember why I came here?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Rio glanced nervously towards the bedroom door. "We can't do this here, Lara. Maryam's right there."

"So what?" Lara countered, her lips hovering seductively close to his. "A little risk makes it more fun, don't you think?"

Rio's heart hammered against his ribs. He wasn't sure if it was fear or something else entirely.

"Look," he stammered, pushing her back gently, "it's too risky. We need to be careful. Not here."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Just wait here," Rio instructed. "I'll check on Maryam and then…" he trailed off.

Lara winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "In the garage then? Sounds like a scene from a bad high school movie!"

Rio forced a smile. "Yes. Just wait in there," he repeated, his gaze darting towards the bedroom door again.

He tiptoed towards the room, his heart pounding in his chest. Creaking open the door, he found Maryam fast asleep on the bed. A wave of relief washed over Rio.

He closed the door softly and slipped out, heading towards the garage. Lara was waiting for him in Maryam's satin nightdress. For the next hour or so, Rio stole moments of illicit pleasure, all the while his wife slept peacefully upstairs.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

As the clock struck midnight, Rio finally tore himself away from Lara. He snuck back into the house in his boxers, a satisfied smile escaping his lips as he slipped into the bed. Rio's body ached pleasantly as he curled up next to Maryam.

The following morning...

The first sliver of dawn peeked through the blinds, painting the room in a pale, sickly light. Maryam, already awake, stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes, usually sparkling fresh, were dull, haunted by the events of yesterday.

As she reached for her earrings, a familiar glint caught her eye. One earring lay nestled amongst the dirty laundry near the dresser. Bending down to pick it up, a horrifying discovery sent a jolt of ice through her veins.

Rio's white shirt, the one he had worn last night, lay crumpled on the laundry basket. But it was the crimson stain on the collar that ripped the air from her lungs. Lipstick. A bright, vibrant red that screamed of another woman.

Maryam's world spun. Disbelief wrapped her like icy fingers.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

With trembling hands, Maryam grabbed the shirt, the fabric cold and clammy against her skin. She whirled around, her gaze landing on Rio, still fast asleep on the bed.

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring his face into a watercolor mess.

Maryam couldn't stay there. Not with him, not with this suffocating silence. She stormed out of the bedroom, the crumpled shirt clutched tightly in her fist.

Reaching the hallway, she collided head-on with Lara, who was emerging from the guest room, dressed in a silky floral robe.

"Hey, Maryam!" Lara chirped, her voice bubbly, oblivious to the storm brewing within Maryam. "Morning! Did you sleep well?"

Maryam swallowed the lump in her throat. "Rebecca," she began. "I... I don't understand."

Lara tilted her head, her smile faltering. "Don't understand what?"

Maryam held up the shirt. "This! Rio, he... he's cheating on me."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Lara's eyes darted to the shirt, her smile vanishing completely. The blood drained from her face, leaving her pale.

"Maryam, I…" she stammered, her voice cracking.

Maryam ignored her, her gaze fixed on Rio's shirt and the crimson lipstick stain.

"This is Rio's shirt... and the lipstick stains?" she cried.

Tears streamed down Maryam's face now, unchecked and raw. Years of trust, of love, shattered in a single instant. She felt exposed, betrayed, a fool for not seeing the signs.

"How could he?" she choked out, racing to the living room. "I trusted and... loved him."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Lara opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. She looked at Maryam, her eyes filled with dread. Taking a deep breath, she steeled her nerves. She needed to act fast.

Hurrying after Maryam, she found her huddled in the living room, tears streaming down her face, the crumpled shirt clutched in her hand like a lifeline.

"Maryam," Lara began cautiously, "do you think that…"

Relief washed over Lara, a wave so intense it almost felt like she'd dodged a bullet. Maryam hadn't figured it out completely. She wasn't looking at Lara with suspicion, just with a deep, soul-crushing heartbreak.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Oh, Maryam," Lara murmured, feigning sympathy. "You poor thing!"

Maryam's sobs intensified. "I don't understand," she choked out. "We were supposed to be happy. We were building a future together. We were saving for that big house with the white picket fence, just like we always talked about. And kids… we were going to have kids."

Lara's voice dripped with a sweetness that didn't quite reach her eyes. "There, there, Maryam. Don't you worry your pretty little head about a thing! Everything's going to be just okay, trust me."

Maryam scoffed, pushing Lara's hand away. "Okay? How can it be okay? He cheated on me, Rebecca! The man I loved more than anything in this world betrayed me in the worst way possible!"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Tears streamed down her face, each sob a fresh wave of pain. Years of memories, of shared dreams and quiet moments, flashed before Maryam's eyes, turning bittersweet and then sour.

Lara watched Maryam sob, a cold knot of panic tightening in her stomach. This wasn't how things were supposed to go. She was supposed to be having a great rendezvous with Rio while Maryam was away at work, breaking her head with endless client meetings and presentations. Irritation gnawed at the edges of her composure.

"Maryam, listen," Lara began, her voice soft and soothing. "You can't jump to conclusions. I know my BROTHER! He would never do something like this to you."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Maryam scoffed. "Don't try to protect him, Rebecca. The evidence is right here." She held up the crumpled shirt, the crimson stain a glaring accusation.

Lara bit her lip. Thinking fast, she tried a different approach. "Maybe there's an explanation," she offered, her voice laced with concern. "Maybe there's something you don't know. Maybe it's just a silly misunderstanding."

Maryam shook her head, her gaze hardening. "There's nothing left to explain. I'm going to call my uncle. He's a retired cop and I'm sure he'll help me out," she reached for her phone on the coffee table.

Lara's heart lurched. No. Maryam bringing in her uncle was the last thing she needed. He'd sniff out the truth faster than a bloodhound on a scent.

"Maryam, wait!" she blurted out.

Maryam paused, her finger hovering over the phone screen. "What?" she asked, her voice wary.

Lara scrambled to think. She needed to distract Maryam.

"Think about this," she pressed. "Do you really want your family to know you suspect Rio of cheating? What if there's a misunderstanding? Wouldn't you be… ashamed… for publicizing something that happened within these four walls?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Maryam's hand hovered, the phone suddenly feeling heavy in her grasp. Lara's words resonated, a cold sliver of logic cutting through the storm of her emotions. Public humiliation, a broken family — was that what she wanted?

"I…" Maryam stammered, her voice laced with uncertainty. "I just want to know the truth."

"And you will," Lara promised, her voice firm with fake conviction. "But there's a smarter way to do this. A way that keeps things discreet."

Maryam looked up at her, a flicker of hope battling with suspicion in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Lara seized the opportunity. "Look," she began, her voice adopting a conspiratorial tone, "I can help you. But…" she trailed off, leaving the sentence hanging.

Maryam's brow furrowed. "But what?"

Lara leaned in closer. "What if I, you know, followed Rio? See where he goes... who he meets? If he is… up to something? I'll find out."

A sliver of hope flickered in Maryam's eyes. This was a chance, a way to get the truth without involving anyone else.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"You would do that for me?" Maryam desperately asked.

Lara placed a comforting hand on hers. "Of course," she lied smoothly. "You're family, Maryam. And besides, wouldn't you rather know for sure before you jump to conclusions?"

Maryam considered this, her gaze flitting between Lara and the crumpled shirt in her lap.

Relief and a flicker of gratitude washed over her face. She clutched the phone to her chest, the dial screen dark. For now, at least, the truth was within reach, or so she thought.

Suddenly, Lara's face crumpled in disappointment. "Oh, Maryam, I really wish I could help you. I just remembered about this investor meeting. It's really important, you know. It could make or break the company."

Maryam's face fell. This was her only chance, a lifeline thrown in the churning sea of her doubts.

"Please, Rebecca," she pleaded. "This is important. My marriage… it's falling apart. I can't lose him."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Lara dramatically hesitated. The thrill of the deception, the power she wielded over Maryam, quickly overshadowed it.

"Alright, alright," she sighed. "Fine. Consider it done. Family first, right?"

Maryam's face lit up with gratitude. She threw her arms around Lara in a tight hug. "Thank you, Rebecca! Thank you so much!"

Lara offered a tight smile, the warmth not quite reaching her eyes. "Don't worry about it. Now, go get ready for work. I'll handle things here."

Maryam nodded, a sliver of hope replacing the despair that had clouded her face all morning. As she left for the office, she shot a quick glance at Lara, a reminder of their plan hanging unspoken in the air.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

The day stretched on, each minute an eternity for Maryam. Work, usually a welcome distraction, offered no solace today. Her mind kept drifting back to Rio, to the crumpled shirt, and to the woman who now held her fate in her hands.

Finally, the clock struck five, and Maryam practically sprinted out of the office. Reaching home, she dropped her bag by the door and scanned the living room.

Lara was setting the table for dinner, a picture of domestic tranquility. Rio, however, was nowhere to be seen.

Maryam hurried towards Lara, her heart racing for information. "Did you find out anything?"

Lara whipped around, a finger pressed to her lips. "Shhh! Rio's just upstairs. Slow down."

Maryam took a deep breath, her mind racing for answers. "How did it go? Is he… is he up to something?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Lara lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Alright, listen. I followed him. He met a guy at a bar for a quick drink, then came straight home. Nothing out of the ordinary."

"Really?" Maryam blinked.

"Yeah, honey! And tell you what? I even checked his phone while he was in the shower. No suspicious contacts, no weird texts, nothing."

Relief washed over Maryam, warm and welcome. Tears of joy and guilt welled up in her eyes. "Oh, Rebecca, you don't know what this means to me. Thank you!"

Lara offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. Rio's a good guy, Maryam. A perfect gentleman."

Maryam's gaze softened. Looking down at the pristine white tablecloth, a shadow of doubt still fluttered across her face. "But the lipstick stain… on his shirt? What could possibly explain that?"

Lara froze, her blood running cold. The one loose thread in her web of lies, the one detail she hadn't accounted for, threatened to unravel everything.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Panic clawed at Lara's throat. Thinking fast, she concocted a desperate explanation.

"Oh, that," she dismissed with a nonchalant wave of her hand. "That's probably just… lipstick from me."

Maryam blinked, a glint of confusion crossing her face. "You?"

Lara forced a laugh, a touch too high-pitched. "Yeah, me! See, I was so excited to see my brother, after ages, that I gave him a big hug when he walked in yesterday morning. Must have gotten a little lipstick on him in the process!"

She winced internally at the flimsiness of the lie, but it seemed to be working. Maryam's expression softened, morphing from suspicion into a sheepish grin.

"Oh, gosh," Maryam chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm so sorry, Rebecca. I should have known. Here I go again, jumping to conclusions after all those articles about cheating husbands and late-night soap operas!"

"No worries at all. That's what family's for, right?" Lara smiled, relief coursing through her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Maryam's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you for doing this for me, Rebecca. I really appreciate it. And for missing your… important investor meeting."

Lara winced. "Oh, that," she mumbled, scrambling to come up with another lie. "The meeting got rescheduled, thankfully. They understand family emergencies."

Maryam nodded, her gaze curious. "So, what kind of business are you in exactly?"

Lara's heart hammered against her ribs. She had no real business, no legitimate source of income. Another lie, another thread in the web of deceit she was weaving.

"Oh, you know," she stammered, her voice vague. "Just… a little venture I'm working on. Thinking of opening a restaurant downtown. But…" she trailed off. "Funding's a bit tight right now."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Maryam's brow furrowed. She could relate. Saving for that big house had taken years of careful budgeting and sacrifice.

"I wish I could help," she said sincerely.

Lara seized the opportunity. Squeezing Maryam's shoulders, her voice brimming with fake sincerity, she said, "Actually, you can!"

Maryam's eyes widened. "How?"

"Well," Lara began, "remember all that money you saved for the house you told me about? The down payment?"

Maryam's face fell. That money represented dreams, a future she now desperately clung to.

"See," Lara continued, her voice persuasive, "I could really use a little loan to get my restaurant off the ground. Of course, I'd pay you back, with interest, as soon as things pick up!"

Maryam's gaze darted around the room, her mind in turmoil. Trusting 'Rio's sister' felt risky, but then again, she had just "saved" her marriage.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"I don't know," Maryam mumbled, her voice laced with doubt. "It's a lot of money."

"Think of it as an investment," Lara pressed, her voice brimming with false confidence. "An investment in your friend, in your family." She squeezed Maryam's shoulders reassuringly. "Trust me, you won't regret it."

Maryam looked at Lara, her eyes filled with gratitude for this woman who had saved her marriage.

"Alright," she finally whispered, "I can… I can visit the bank tomorrow. We can talk about it then."

A triumphant smile bloomed on Lara's face. Wrapping Maryam in a tight hug, she showered her with gratitude.

"You're the best, Maryam! Absolutely the best! And hey," she cooed, "let's keep this little loan between us. Rio wouldn't be too happy if he found out, deal?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Maryam, blinded by misplaced trust and a desperate need to believe, readily agreed. Just then, the doorbell rang.

"Oh, that must be the pie I ordered!" Lara chirped, a touch too quickly. "Looks like it's time to celebrate! A little sweetness to end a crazy day and to some new beginnings, right?"

"Sure," Maryam smiled. "Pie sounds great!"

The front door creaked open, and moments later, Rio walked in, a tired sigh escaping his lips. He glanced at Maryam, his gaze lingering for a beat too long on her hair, which was pulled back in a messy bun.

"Hey, beautiful," he greeted. "Looking a little… frazzled today. Maybe you should tear a page off Rebecca's beauty book!"

Maryam forced a smile, the sting of his words sharp and unexpected. Lara chimed in before things could escalate.

"Oh, come on, Rio," she teased, wrapping an arm around Maryam's shoulders. "Don't worry, I'll have Maryam looking like a million bucks in no time! We're practically BFFs now, right Mary?"

Maryam offered a weak smile, the weight of the day pressing down on her.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Rio chuckled, a spark of something unreadable twinkling in his eyes. He stole a glance at Lara, a subtle wink passing between them that escaped Maryam's notice.

"Sounds good to me," he said, pulling out a chair at the table. "The more glamorous the better, right?"

Lara settled down and raised her glass in a toast, her smile strained around the edges. "To family!" she declared, her voice a touch too loud. "And new beginnings!"

The glasses clinked, a hollow sound in the tense silence. Forced laughter and strained conversation filled the air as they went through the motions of a family dinner.

Maryam stole a glance at the pie box Lara had placed on the table. A sudden craving for something sweet, something to dispel the bitter taste in her mouth, took hold.

"Pie, anyone?" she asked.

"Oops! Sorry, I completely forgot about the dessert!" Lara set her glass down with a forced smile as she reached the box. Lifting the lid, she revealed a golden brown pecan pie, its aroma filling the room.

Maryam's breath hitched. Pecan pie? Her gaze darted to Rio, a cold dread pooling in her stomach. He was allergic to nuts, a severe allergy that could land him in the emergency room.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"This has nuts, Rebecca?" she gasped, her eyes shuttling between the pie and Lara.

"Of course, honey!" Lara chuckled. "Why, Rio and I have loved pecan pie since we were kids, right Rio?"

Rio froze, his eyes widening in shock. He cleared his throat, his gaze flickering between Lara and Maryam and the pie.

He reached out a leg, brushing it casually against Lara's under the table. A silent plea, a message only she could decipher.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Lara's face drained of color. "Oh, right!" she stammered. "Of course! Silly me, I completely forgot. This pie… it was just for me, you see. I ordered an apple pie for you, but I guess they messed up the order."

Maryam offered a weak smile. Something was terribly wrong.

Rio raised his glass in a toast, a forced cheer in his voice to diffuse the situation. "Here's to… family!"

Lara and Maryam clinked their glasses, the sound brittle and thin. Maryam set her glass down, her eyes narrowing slightly as they locked with Lara's.

"So," she began, her voice deceptively calm, "you and Rio haven't seen each other in years? He mentioned you two were… estranged for a while."

Rio choked on his wine, a bead of sweat appearing on his forehead. He cleared his throat, forcing a smile.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Maryam, honey," he interjected, his voice laced with a hint of warning. "Maybe this isn't the time to dredge up the past. Family stuff, remember?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Maryam apologized with a tight smile. She knew something was off, terribly off. The pieces of the puzzle were scattered around her, and a horrifying picture was beginning to take shape.

Just then, her gaze fell on Rio's phone, lying forgotten on the table. An idea, desperate and risky, sparked in her mind.

With a practiced clumsiness, she knocked over her wine glass. The crimson liquid spilled over the table, sending a splash towards Rio.

"Oh my gosh!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "I'm so sorry!"

Rio shot her an irritated look. "Seriously, Maryam? Why are you always clumsy?"

Maryam grabbed a handful of napkins, dabbing frantically at the spilled wine. As she leaned over, she subtly swiped Rio's phone off the table.

"Let me get some water to clean this up properly," she mumbled, stepping away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Heaving a sigh that was more relief than an apology, she hurried towards the kitchen. Reaching the counter, she clutched the phone in her hand. With trembling fingers, she unlocked it, the familiar contact list bringing a wave of nausea.

There, staring back at her in stark black and white, was a single contact: Rebecca Sister.

Maryam's breath caught in her throat. With a deep breath, she dialed the number.

The phone rang once, twice, then a woman's voice filled the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Rebecca?" Maryam whispered

"Yes, this is Rebecca. And you are?" the voice replied.

Maryam's grip tightened on the phone. The confirmation, cold and hard, landed like a blow.

A beat of silence followed, then a hesitant, "Yes!"

Maryam didn't need to hear anything else. With a choked sob, she ended the call and quickly deleted the call history, her fingers moving on autopilot.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Her gaze fell on the dining table, where Rio and Lara sat, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. Lara was leaning in close, her laughter laced with something that sounded suspiciously like intimacy.

A cold fury ignited within Maryam. Her initial urge was to scream, to confront them, to rip off the mask of lies they wore. But a stronger emotion, a steely resolve, took hold.

She wouldn't give her cheaters the satisfaction of seeing her break. No, she would play their game. She would expose their deception, but on her own terms.

Taking a deep, heavy breath, Maryam forced a smile onto her face. Tonight, she would sleep under the same roof as her cheating husband and his mistress. But tomorrow… the house of cards would come crashing down.

Maryam slipped back into the dining room. Discreetly slipping Rio's phone back on the table, she slid into her chair.

"So," she chirped, a touch too brightly, "those loan papers for your restaurant, Rebecca? They should all be ready by morning. You can swing by and pick them up, along with the… investment, of course."

Rio choked on his wine, a spray of crimson misting the air. His eyes darted between Maryam's seemingly innocent face and Lara, whose facade had crumbled into a mask of naked panic.

"Investment?" he spluttered. "What investment, Maryam? What are you talking about?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Lara shot Maryam a panicked look, her eyes wide with silent plea. They had agreed to keep the loan a secret — Lara's little tick to swindle some money from Maryam's unsuspecting grasp.

Maryam batted her eyelashes innocently. "Oh, honey," she cooed, leaning across the table and placing a hand on Rio's. "You know I love you too much to keep secrets. Besides, wouldn't you be happy to know your sister is finally following her dream?"

Rio's jaw clenched, his gaze flickering between Maryam and Lara. Maryam could practically see the gears turning in his head.

"My sister?" he blurted. "Starting a restaurant? Rebecca, what is this?"

Maryam offered him a dazzling smile, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "Oh, Rio, darling," she purred, "don't you know? Rebecca is all set to open a new restaurant downtown. And of course, who could say no to a loan from her favorite sister-in-law?"

Rio turned to Lara, his gaze sharp as a tack.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Is this true, Lara? Is this what you've been up to behind my back?" he croaked.

Cornered like a rat, Lara threw her arms around Rio in a desperate attempt at appeasement. "Rio, brother, calm down! It's not what it sounds like! It's just a little loan, a way to get my dream off the ground. There's no harm in it, right?"

Rio, however, didn't seem inclined to agree. He pushed her away. "A loan? From my wife? Without even telling me?"

A cunning smile played on Maryam's lips. She was enjoying this unexpected turn of events immensely. Letting Rio and Lara tear each other apart was a delicious bonus.

Finally, with a disgusted snort, Rio stormed out of the room, leaving Lara slumped in her chair. Maryam rose from her chair, her heart pounding a victory march in her chest as she offered Lara a small smile.

She retreated to the safety of her bedroom, the door shutting behind her with a satisfying click. Tonight, she would sleep soundly because tomorrow was going to be one long and unforgettable day for her cheaters.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

The next day...

The sterile air of the bank vault felt strangely refreshing to Maryam. She stood in a corner, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips as Rio and Lara approached, their faces plastered with forced cheer.

Rio cleared his throat, attempting a casualness that fell flat. "Maryam," he exclaimed. "You look… lovely today!"

Maryam offered a tight smile. "Thank you, honey." Her gaze flicked to Lara, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

"So, Rebecca," Maryam chirped. "I reviewed those loan papers you emailed me. Everything seems fine. I'm truly excited to be a part of your culinary journey."

A genuine smile, albeit laced with nervousness, bloomed on Lara's face.

"This is fantastic, Mary!" she exclaimed, her voice a touch too high-pitched. "Rio always knew I was a business whiz. It took a lot of convincing last night… and he finally agreed to let me borrow your help!"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Don't miss

Stories

Boss Promoted Young Woman Over Me, I Decided to Seek Revenge

Apr 02, 2024

Stories

I Found a Love Letter from My Husband That Ended Our Marriage – Story of the Day

May 08, 2024

Stories

Manager Forced Waitress to Serve Leftovers to Foreign Customer, Life Taught Him a Lesson Immediately — Story of the Day

May 16, 2024

Rio reached out, his hand snaking around Lara's waist in a possessive gesture. "Damn right you are, little sis!" he boasted, leaning in to plant a kiss on her cheek.

Lara, however, pulled away with a nervous glance at Maryam. "Rio, brother," she whispered. "Maryam's watching!"

Maryam smiled and punched in the combination to the safe deposit box, the metallic clicks echoing in the tense silence. Stepping back with a flourish, she gestured towards Lara.

"There you go, honey," she purred. "The money's all yours. Go on, make your dreams a reality!"

A triumphant grin stretched across Lara's face, mirroring the one on Rio's. Hand in hand, they approached the safe, greed glinting in their eyes.

Lara's clammy hand fumbled with the latch, finally pulling the door open. She peered inside, her smile dying as her gaze fell on the contents.

Instead of neatly stacked bills, the safe deposit box held a manila envelope and a stack of photographs. Confusion morphed into panic on Lara's face.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"What… what is this?" she stammered, pulling the contents out.

Maryam's chuckle filled the room, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Rio's and Lara's spines. "Oh, dear," she cooed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What seems to be the problem, Rebecca? Or should I call you… LARA?!"

A beat of stunned silence followed, then a new voice broke the tension.

"Hey, big brother!" the door creaked open, revealing a young woman. "Didn't know we had another little sister!"

Rio's blood ran cold. His jaw slackened, a single word escaping his trembling lips:

Lara, trapped like a cornered animal, whimpered, her gaze darting between the three of them.

"Thought it was high time I paid a visit, dear brother! Seems I missed quite the family reunion!" Rebecca, Rio's real sister, added.

Maryam couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. "Shocked already, Rio? Two sisters, both named Rebecca? Life can be funny, huh?"

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Grabbing the manila envelope from Lara, she pulled out a stack of photographs. Each one held a smiling face — the real Rebecca, laughing with family, vacationing in exotic locales.

"See, Lara," Maryam said, flipping through the photos and handing a few to Lara. "You're not in these. Not in this one either. But…"

With a flourish, she produced a final picture. It was a dated mugshot, Lara's face staring back at them, devoid of the glamour she'd used to mask her true self.'

Lara's eyes bulged in horror, the color draining from her face. Maryam turned to the real Rebecca, a flicker of gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you," she said. "Thank you for going through all that trouble. Tracking down her identity, finding this… gem."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Rebecca offered a confident smile, her gaze never leaving Lara. "Least I could do, sis. Couldn't let another woman fall victim to her little game."

Maryam's gaze snapped back to Rio, who was staring at Lara with betrayal and disbelief.

"Who could have imagined?" she mocked. "A con artist? A convicted felon? Luring married men into her trap, stealing their money, and then vanishing without a trace! Quite the talent you have there, Lara!"

"Is this true? All of it? Were you just using me? Using us?" Rio barked at Lara.

Lara, cornered and desperate, stammered out a pathetic denial. "No, Rio! It's not what it looks like! I… I care about you."

But her words rang hollow, drowned out by the weight of her deceit. Rio wasn't buying it anymore. The months of betrayal, the lies he swallowed whole — they all came crashing down around him.

He turned to Maryam, his eyes pleading for forgiveness. "Maryam, I… I was a fool. I let myself be… seduced by her lies. Please... forgive me."

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Maryam looked at him, her heart a tangled mess of emotions. The man who had vowed to love and cherish her had betrayed her trust in the most heartbreaking way. Could she ever look past that? Could their marriage be salvaged from the ashes of Rio's infidelity?

"Maryam, please! I love you! I… I lost my mind for a second, but I swear I never stopped loving you!" he pleaded.

Lara, however, wasn't buying it. Her voice, laced with a bitter edge, cut through his pleas. "Oh, spare me the dramatics, Rio! Don't you forget all those nights you spent complaining about your 'boring' wife! How I was your goddess, the excitement and pleasure you craved!"

Her words were a knife twisting in Rio's gut. He flinched, his face reddening with shame.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

The truth, raw and ugly, hung heavy in the room. Rio opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Maryam, however, had heard enough. She held up a hand, silencing their bickering.

"You two can save your love confessions for the bars," she declared. "Officers!" she called out.

The door creaked open as two police officers entered, snapping handcuffs around Lara's wrists. "You are under arrest for fraud."

"And you, Mr. Hills, are under arrest for conspiracy," added another officer as he apprehended Rio. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."

Rebecca, who had been a silent observer till now, stepped forward. Her eyes blazed with anger and disappointment as they landed on Rio.

She turned to Maryam, a flicker of warmth replacing the earlier coldness. "It's… nice to meet you finally, Maryam. From what I've heard, you're a wonderful woman. Just a shame we had to meet like this… under such circumstances."

Maryam offered a weak smile, her heart a tangled knot of emotions.

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

"Maryam, please! You were always buried in work...so I...Please! Don't do this! I can change! I'll do anything to make it up to you! Just give me another chance," Rio begged.

Maryam's gaze met his, a spark of the old love she once felt battling with the harsh reality of his betrayal.

As the officers escorted him, Rio's pleas turned frantic. "Maryam, please! I love you! I'll be a better husband, I promise! Just don't throw us away!"

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

But Maryam's heart had hardened. The trust her husband had so carelessly shattered couldn't be easily mended.

"There's nothing left to save, Rio," she whispered. "Be prepared for the divorce papers."

The click of handcuffs echoed in the room as Rio and Lara were led away, their heads hung low. As their silhouettes disappeared from view, Maryam whispered to herself, a single tear tracing a path down her cheek:

For illustration purposes only | Source: YouTube / DramatizeMe

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

When Iris realized her boyfriend Shawn only talked to his mother whenever she wasn't around, she grew suspicious. One day, she secretly followed him, and what she saw made her blood run cold. Here's the full story.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone's life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.