My husband cheated on me in front of everyone. I «got revenge»! I spent the night with a homeless guy… And got pregnant… But when I went for the abortion, I froze at what I saw….

I won’t go through with the abortion. Not because I changed my mind about John—he didn’t come home until midnight. Smelled of someone else’s perfume and lied about the supplier meeting.

But because I realized if I kill this child out of fear, I’ll regret it my whole life. John left for work, kissing the top of my head as usual and mumbling something about love. I waited until the door closed behind him, packed my things into two suitcases, and called a cab.

I got to the salon at opening. The girls were surprised to see me with luggage, but I said I was going to my mom’s for a few days. I went into Max’s office, our director, and put the keys and documents on the desk.

«Max, I’m leaving the business,» I said without preamble. «My share. To John.

Handle it properly.» Max stared at me like I was crazy. «Emily, what, have you lost it? What leaving? You and John are fine, right?» «We’re not fine at all,» I answered. «And you know that perfectly well.

There was no supplier meeting yesterday.» Max blushed and looked away. «So, you knew about the affairs and kept quiet.

Loyalty to male solidarity.» «Emily, don’t act rashly,» he started. «Talk to your husband.

Sort it out.» We’ve already sorted it. I stood and took my suitcases.

«Take care of the girls. They’re good. Not guilty in our problems.»

I rented an apartment in an old building not far from downtown New York. A one-bedroom with high ceilings and big windows. The first days I lived on edge.

Waited for John to call nonstop, search, demand explanations. But he was silent. A week later, a text came.

«Emily, let’s talk. I get it, you’re tired. You need a break.

Come home.» I didn’t reply. Another week later, he showed up at my door…

Stood on the landing with a bouquet of roses and a guilty face. «Can I come in?» he asked. «No,» I answered, not opening the door fully.

«Emily, what is this, kindergarten?» His tone got irritated. «What’s all this drama about? You’re a grown woman.» «That’s exactly why I left.»

«Okay,» he sighed. «If this is about Olivia…» Olivia… «So, her name’s Olivia.» «It meant nothing,» John continued.

«Just…» «John…» I interrupted. «I’m pregnant.» He went silent. Then slowly lowered his arms with the bouquet.

«How far?» he asked quietly. «Eight weeks.» I saw him calculating in his head.

Eight weeks—that’s October, the corporate, that night. «From me?» he asked even quieter. «I don’t know,» I answered honestly.

John’s face changed, became hard, angry. «What do you mean you don’t know? Who did you sleep with, Emily?» «With Olivia,» I said calmly. «And with a guy I met that night when you were kissing Olivia at the corporate.»

He stood silent for a few seconds, digesting the info. «So, you got revenge on me,» he said finally. «Congrats.

It worked.» «This isn’t revenge, John. These are consequences.»..