Ariana thought her life was perfect until a lost laptop revealed a surprise. What she found at the Grandview Hotel wrecked her world and inspired a brilliant revenge plan. But could she succeed?
Hello, everybody. I never imagined sharing this story, but here I am. This ride will be wild, so buckle up.
Ariana, 32, believed she had it all—a lovely spouse, amazing friends, and a happy life—until last week. Boy, was I wrong!
It began when my husband, Tom, told me about a major business event. He works for a luxury company that loves hosting lavish parties to celebrate success and discuss future goals.
“Honey, this is huge,” Tom exclaimed, beaming. “If I nail this presentation, I might get that promotion we’ve been hoping for!”
So happy for him. Babe, that’s great! When is it?
“Two weeks from now, downtown Grandview Hotel.”
Tom basically lived at the office for two weeks. He arrived home late every night, fatigued but determined.
“Just perfecting my presentation,” he’d say, kissing me before falling asleep.
Every man desired a supportive wife, so I tried. I cooked his favorite meals, cleaned the house, and kissed him goodbye every morning.
Anxiety plagued me the day before. Actually, I was more nervous than him. It felt like I was a kid again, with a crucial exam the next morning.
I ironed his shirt and suit and served his favorite carbonara spaghetti for dinner.
I got up early to prepare him breakfast the day of.
“You’re going to knock their socks off,” I said, fixing his tie.
Tom smiled distractedly. “Thanks, honey. I must sprint to avoid being late!”
I was extremely proud as he ran out. I had no idea my world would collapse.
An hour later, I found Tom’s laptop on the coffee table while cleaning. Heart plummeted. He presented on that laptop!
“Oh no,” I moaned. “He’ll freak out when he forgets.”
I immediately grabbed the laptop and proceeded to Grandview Hotel. I would give his priceless presentation on time like his hero in sparkling armor.
Upon entering the hotel lobby, I felt uneasy. It seemed too quiet for a corporate occasion. Linda, the nice receptionist, was approached.
“Excuse me,” I began, “I’m looking for Apex Industries’ corporate event?”
Linda frowned. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but we have no corporate events today.”
My stomach flipped. “That’s impossible. My hubby said…
I paused, suspecting something terrible. Um, could you check if Tom Johnson has a room booked?
Linda nodded after tapping her computer. “Yes, Mr. Johnson is in room 1408.”
My hands shook. “Thank you,” I said before taking the elevators.
On Tom’s floor, I heard voices. Familiar voices. Looking around the bend, my heart stopped.
My husband Tom was hugging Lisa, my best friend. They laughed and spoke as they approached room 1408.
Unable to breathe. How could he hurt me? My thoughts raced. Was everything false?
They broke my heart with each step. I hastily took a picture of them holding hands before they went to their room. Without proof, no one will believe me. But why her? My best friend, why?
I was crying, but a strange peace had crept over me. I knew what to do.
I confronted Linda again in the lobby. One look at my face flooded her eyes with sympathy.
“Oh honey,” she whispered. I’m sorry.”
Inhaled deeply. Hi Linda, I need your aid.
In the next hour, Linda and I planned. First, I called Lisa’s husband, Mark.
Hi Mark, Ariana. Lisa requested me to get you to the Grandview Hotel for a work issue. Can you come now?”
Mark sounded confused but consented. Linda helped me finish our strategy while we waited for him.
Mark came in looking apprehensive, so I told him everything. I even showed him my photo. His face showed astonishment, incredulity, and rage.
Shaking, he said, “I can’t believe this”. How will we proceed?
Grimly, I smiled. “We’ll give them an unforgettable surprise.”
Waited till Tom and Lisa left their room. Linda set the elevator to “malfunction” as they entered. Mark, posing as a maintenance worker, entered before the doors closed.
The elevator doors closed as I looked from the corner. My heart was racing so fiercely I feared it might explode.
Mark chatted in the elevator. Good evening, folks. Doing well tonight?
Tom shifted uncomfortably. Yes, yes. A quiet night in.”
A luxury hotel like this? Mark chuckled. “Must be special.”
Lisa nervously laughed. “A little getaway.”
The elevator abruptly stopped. The lights flashed eerily.
“Oh boy,” Mark remarked masterfully. It appears we’re stuck. Don’t worry—I’ll get us out.”
He chatted while pretending to touch the control panel.
Are you two here for work or pleasure? A variety of things arrive. Corporate leaders, hidden lovers—you name it.”
Tom coughed awkwardly. Bit of both, I guess.”
“Interesting,” Mark thought. I hear strange stories working here. Like last week, their husbands caught them. How awkward!
Tom and Lisa exchanged terrified glances, unaware that their reckoning was imminent.
After several excruciating minutes, the elevator moved again.
Mark said, “See you later, folks,” exiting the first-floor elevator before it descended.
Tom and Lisa faced me and Mark when the lobby doors opened.
Their expressions were priceless. Tom gaped, and Lisa became a sickening white.
Tom sputtered, “Honey, this isn’t what it looks like…”
Hand up, I cut him off. “Save it, Tom. I saw everything.”
Lisa wept. “Please, Arianna, I can explain…”
Mark appeared, removing his disguise. “I think you’ve both explained enough for one day.”
The next few hours were filled with tears, shouting, and terrible confessions. Two marriages and a longtime relationship ended.
As I sat alone in our apartment that night, I felt a peculiar mix of feelings. Feelings of pain, betrayal, fury, and relief. Now I knew the truth and was free.
In the next weeks, I rebuilt my life. I reunited with old acquaintances, acquired a new pastime, and joined a dating app (though I’m not ready to utilize it).
The going was tough. Some days, I wake up and forget everything. Remembering strengthens me instead of crushing me.
I wish to reassure anyone going through something similar. Despite the agony, you will survive. You’re stronger than thought.
What about Tom and Lisa? Last I heard, they’re together. Some part of me hopes they’re miserable, but mostly I don’t care. They waste my time.
Me? Focusing on the future. I may not have planned this future, but what the heck? I expect it to improve.
When life knocks you down, use it to get stronger. Have you experienced something similar?