When Kiera needed a break between meetings and work errands, she popped into a café to recharge. But there, she spotted her father-in-law, Vance. And what happens when his lunch date isn’t her mother-in-law?
I never thought I’d stumble into a scandal. But there I was, standing in a café across town, staring at my father-in-law, Vance. He sat there, looking smug, as he kissed a woman who was definitely not my mother-in-law. My heart raced, and my cheeks burned with embarrassment.
I felt ashamed for him and for myself.
How did I end up here?
Let’s rewind a bit.
I married Nolan about a year ago, and it was like something out of a romantic movie. We met by chance at a flower shop—I was picking out blooms for my mom, and Nolan ducked in to avoid someone he knew outside.
Nolan’s family had wealth, and plenty of it. Old money that gave them power and status, and they weren’t shy about it. They made it clear they thought he could do better than a wedding dress designer like me.
“That stuff doesn’t matter to me, Kiera,” Nolan said over dinner one night. “You’re all I want. Not money or influence.”
That was enough for me. Nolan loved me, and despite their doubts, his family warmed up eventually. They even helped me land a job at a company owned by Vance’s friend, Charles.
Soon, I wasn’t just designing wedding dresses but working on a line of stylish clothes. It was more exciting and rewarding than I’d ever imagined.
They also helped Nolan launch a small marketing firm, which took off. It seemed like everything was going smoothly. Our careers were thriving, and family life had more joy than drama.
I thought we’d finally found peace. But then this happened.
I’d been running work errands all morning, gathering fabrics in different shades of purple for a new client. As the hours dragged on, my stomach growled, and I knew I needed food.
“Time to eat, Kiera,” I muttered to myself as I stepped into the café.
As I walked in, thinking about the menu items I loved, I saw them.
There was Vance, my father-in-law, his back to me, leaning close to a woman who giggled and touched his arm. Then they kissed.
My stomach sank. I knew that woman! It was Elizabeth, Charles’ wife. My boss, Charles. Panic surged through me. I turned to slip out quietly, my mind spinning, but Vance caught sight of me. He leapt from his chair, nearly spilling his coffee.
“Hold on!” he snapped, hurrying over. “What are you doing here, Kiera?”
I tried to keep my voice steady, but my knees were trembling. Vance always intimidated me. There was something about his demeanor, like he expected the world to bow to him.
“I was just leaving…” I said quickly.
He grabbed my arm, his grip tight and almost painful. I knew it’d leave a mark by morning.
“Listen up, girl,” he growled. “If you tell anyone about this, I’ll make your life miserable. Got it?”
I stared at him, shocked.
“Are you really threatening me, Vance?” I asked.
“Take it how you want,” he barked, his eyes darting around to check for eavesdroppers. “But if you say a word to my wife, you’ll lose that job I got you. Nolan’s business will tank. And this cozy life you’ve got? It’ll be gone.”
I yanked my arm free, anger rising inside me.
“You’re pathetic, Vance. You think you can bully me into staying quiet?”
“Keep it down!” he hissed, glancing nervously over his shoulder.
But I couldn’t stop myself.
“Why? So no one finds out you’re a cheating liar? That you’re here with Elizabeth, of all people?”
Vance’s face went white.
“You know Elizabeth?” he asked, not piecing it together.
“Seriously, Vance? Of course I know her. She’s Charles’ wife. You know, Charles—your best friend and my boss?”
His eyes widened, panic flashing across his face.
“Look, this is none of your business. Just keep your mouth shut.”
“Or what?” I shot back, folding my arms. “You think you can scare me into silence? Ruin my life because you can’t keep it together?”
He stepped closer, his cologne so strong it made me flinch.
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with,” he said.
“Oh, I think I do,” I replied. “You’re a coward, Vance. And you’re about to learn that karma catches up with people like you.”
Just then, Vance’s phone rang. He pulled it out, still glaring at me. His face paled when he saw the caller ID.
“It’s Charles,” he muttered.
He answered, his voice suddenly soft and cautious.
“Charles, hey… yeah, I’m just in a meeting right now.”
I watched his face as he spoke. His expression shifted from nervous to outright terrified.
“What? No, I haven’t seen Elizabeth. I… no… I didn’t. Look, I can explain!”
Vance yanked the phone from his ear, his face drained of color. He stared at it, then at me, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
“What did you do, Kiera?” he demanded.
I raised an eyebrow.
“Me? I didn’t do anything, Vance. I’ve been right here the whole time. Sounds like your actions are catching up with you.”
Karma moved fast that day. Charles had been trying to reach his wife all afternoon, excited to tell her about dinner plans at a new restaurant.
When she finally answered, it was during my argument with Vance. While Elizabeth lied about where she was, Charles overheard our entire exchange. He didn’t need the full story: he knew enough to figure it out.
He’d long suspected Elizabeth of cheating.
Charles acted quickly. He cut ties with Vance on the spot and pulled his investments from Vance’s company. Without that funding, I could see Vance’s world crumbling toward ruin.
Meanwhile, I got a surprising call from Charles later that week.
“I’ll be back in the office tomorrow,” he said. “Let’s meet in my office after lunch.”
“Thank you for your discretion,” he said, though we both knew I hadn’t been discreet at all.
But I’d managed to snap a photo of Vance and Elizabeth before he noticed me. After our confrontation, I sent it to Charles and Nolan.
“I’d like to offer you a promotion,” Charles said. “To lead designer. More responsibility, better pay. You won’t need to rely on Vance’s influence.”
“Wow, thank you…” I said, stunned.
“Just keep up the great work, Kiera. And don’t let people like Vance push you around.”
So here I am now, sitting in my office with a view while Vance scrambles to save his collapsing empire. Nolan told his mother, who kicked Vance out right away.
And me? I’m just a happy woman who was in the right place at the right time, making sure Vance got what he deserved.
