When three babysitters quit after just one day, Sarah knew something was off. Determined to figure out what was going on in her home, she set up a hidden camera, and what she discovered left her stunned.
The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window, casting a soft light on the breakfast table where Lily’s half-finished cereal bowl sat. I wiped Max’s sticky hands as he giggled, completely unaware of the frustration building up inside me.
My phone buzzed on the counter, and I didn’t even need to look to know what it was. I felt a familiar sinking feeling hit my stomach. With a sigh, I picked up the phone.
A woman’s hands holding a cellphone | Source: Pixabay
The screen flashed a message from Megan, the babysitter I had hired just yesterday.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to continue working with your family. Thank you for the opportunity.”
My chest tightened as I read the words again, trying to make sense of them. Megan had been great, just like the others—kind, responsible, and so enthusiastic when I’d interviewed her. What had changed in just a day?
Woman in deep thought as she stands in front of the kitchen sink | Source: Pexels
I leaned against the counter, staring blankly at the message. A faint clatter from the living room snapped me back to reality. Lily was busy with her toy, her little brow furrowed in concentration, while Max toddled around, laughing at his own tiny steps. They were fine, happy, even. So why did every babysitter leave after just a day or two?
Two kids playing in the living room | Source: Pexels
I deleted Megan’s message and glanced at the clock. Julie would be here soon for our usual coffee catch-up. Maybe talking to her would help me make sense of this mess. As I tidied up the kitchen, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought creeping into my mind.
Was I doing something wrong? Was it the kids? Or was there something I just wasn’t seeing?
When Julie arrived, I greeted her with a hug, trying to hide my frustration with a smile. But as soon as we sat down with our coffees, it all came spilling out.
A woman with a cup of coffee | Source: Pexels
“I don’t get it, Julie,” I said, setting my cup down harder than I meant to. “This is the third babysitter who’s quit after just one day. They all seemed so happy when I hired them, but then they just… leave. No explanations. Nothing.”
Julie sipped her coffee, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “That’s really strange, Sarah. You’re not asking too much, are you?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. The kids are well-behaved, and I’m paying well. I just don’t get it.”
Julie leaned back, tapping her fingers lightly on her cup. “Do you think it could be… something else?”
Woman sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee in hand | Source: Pexels
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
She hesitated, then spoke carefully. “I mean, maybe it’s not the job that’s making them leave. Maybe it’s something—or someone—else in the house.”
Her words hit me like a splash of cold water. I hadn’t even thought of that. My mind immediately went to Dave, but I quickly brushed the thought aside. No, that couldn’t be it. He’d been supportive of my decision to go back to work, or at least, he’d said he was.
A woman contemplating while holding a cup of coffee | Source: Pexels
Still, Julie’s suggestion planted a seed of doubt. I tried to shake it off as we finished our coffee, but the thought stuck with me, gnawing at me long after she left.
I was exhausted from hiring new babysitters, only for them to quit after just one day. At first, I chalked it up to bad luck. But after the third one left, it started to feel more like a pattern. The kids wouldn’t tell me much—Lily’s five, and Max is two, so what can I expect?
Woman watching another woman leave her home | Source: Midjourney
I was eager to go back to work, but I couldn’t until I found someone who would actually stay. Something wasn’t adding up, and I was determined to figure it out.
By the time the clock ticked past midnight, I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed to know. I wasn’t going to sit around in the dark, doubting myself or anyone else. It was time to take matters into my own hands.
Woman thinking in bed | Source: Pexels
The next morning, after Dave left for work, I rummaged through Max’s closet and found the old nanny cam we’d used when he was a baby. It was small, discreet, and perfect for what I needed. With shaky hands, I set it up in the living room, tucking it between some books on the shelf where it wouldn’t be noticed.
A web cam | Source: Pixabay
I told myself this was just for peace of mind. If nothing was wrong, then I’d have nothing to worry about. But if something—or someone—was behind all of this, I needed to see it with my own eyes.
Later that day, I hired another babysitter. Megan had seemed so promising, but I couldn’t dwell on that. This time, I went with Rachel, a sweet college student with a bright smile. She greeted the kids with so much enthusiasm, and for a moment, I let myself hope that maybe this time would be different.
A young woman smiling at a toddler | Source: Pexels
But as I left the house, I didn’t head to work. Instead, I parked down the street and pulled out my phone, my heart racing as I watched the live feed from the nanny cam.
At first, everything seemed fine. Rachel was playing with the kids, and they seemed happy. But my grip tightened on the steering wheel as the minutes ticked by. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go wrong.
A woman checking her phone from inside the car | Source: Pexels
And then, just like clockwork, Dave came home early.
I sat in my car, eyes glued to my phone screen. Rachel was on the living room floor, playing blocks with Max. Everything seemed fine, just like it always did at first. But my gut told me to stay alert.
When Dave walked in, my heart pounded. He hung up his keys, his smile a little too casual as he greeted Rachel. “Hey there, how’s it going?”
Man in a suit smiling | Source: Midjourney
Rachel looked up, a bit startled. “Oh, everything’s great. The kids are wonderful.”
“Good to hear,” he replied, though his voice had a forced warmth. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
Rachel hesitated but nodded. They moved to the couch, and I leaned closer to the screen, anxiety tightening its grip on me.
Woman watching her phone intently | Source: Pexels
“Look,” Dave began, his tone serious, “the kids can be a handful, especially Max. Sarah’s been struggling with postpartum depression, and it’s been tough for all of us.”
My breath caught. Postpartum depression? That wasn’t true. My hands tightened around the steering wheel as I tried to process what I was hearing.
A woman’s hand grasping a stirring wheel | Source: Pexels
Rachel looked concerned. “I’m so sorry to hear that. But the kids seem fine to me.”
“They are,” Dave said, “most of the time. But it can get overwhelming. If you feel like this isn’t the right fit, it’s okay to step away now before things get too complicated.”
Rachel looked down, clearly unsure of what to say. Then Dave leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “And just between us, I’ve had problems with babysitters in the past. If they don’t leave quietly, things can get… messy.”
Man leaning close to a woman as he speaks to her | Source: Pexels
Rachel’s face turned pale. She quickly nodded. “I understand. Maybe you’re right. I should go.”
Dave smiled, satisfied. “No hard feelings. It’s for the best.”
Rachel didn’t waste any time gathering her things and heading for the door. She barely looked at the kids as she left.
I sat in the car, stunned. Dave had been sabotaging every babysitter, driving them away with his lies and threats. And I had no idea until now.
Woman looking out the window of a car | Source: Pexels
The next morning, the air in the kitchen felt thick, heavy with the words I hadn’t said yet. The usual clatter of breakfast prep faded into the background as I stood by the sink, gripping the edge of the counter.
“Dave,” I said, breaking the silence, “we need to talk.”
He looked up, surprised. “What’s up?”
Man looking at a woman in the kitchen | Source: Pexels
“I know what you’ve been doing,” I said quietly. “With the babysitters.”
For a split second, guilt flashed in his eyes. But he quickly hid it. “What do you mean?”
“I saw the nanny cam footage,” I replied, my voice steady but filled with hurt. “You lied to them. You made them think I couldn’t handle things. Why?”
Woman confronting a man in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney
His eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t deny it. Instead, he leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest. “So, you were spying on me?”
I clenched the dish towel in my hands, trying to keep my anger in check. “Spying? Is that what you call it? After everything you did? You lied to them, Dave. You told them I had postpartum depression—”
“Well, you’ve been stressed—”
Man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney
“No,” I interrupted, my voice rising. “Don’t twist this around. You scared them off on purpose. You made them think our home wasn’t safe, that our kids were too much to handle. And you made me think it was my fault. Why, Dave? Why would you do that?”
Man and woman arguing in the kitchen | Source: Midjourney
His calm facade cracked just a little. He glanced down at the table, his fingers tapping nervously against the wood. “I just… I thought it was better for the family if you stayed home with the kids. That’s where you’re needed, Sarah. Not out working.”
I stared at him, stunned by how easily the words came out of his mouth, as if he really believed what he was saying. “So, you decided that for me?” I asked, my voice dangerously quiet as I teared up. “You decided what was best for me without even talking to me about it?”
Woman in tears | Source: Pexels
“I was trying to protect you,” he said defensively, though his voice had lost some of its confidence. “You’ve been overwhelmed with the kids, and I didn’t want to add more stress by having you go back to work.”
I felt a bitter laugh rise in my throat, but I forced it down. “Protect me? By lying to me? By manipulating every attempt I made to get back to work? That’s not protection, Dave. That’s control.”
He looked at me, his expression hardening. “I’m doing what’s best for the kids.”
Man and woman arguing intensely | Source: Pexels
“And what about what’s best for me?” I shot back. “Don’t I get a say in that? I’m their mother, but I’m also more than that. I love our kids, but I need to have my own life too. You don’t get to take that away from me.”
The kitchen suddenly felt too small, the air too thick, as we stood there in silence, my words hanging between us. I could see the stubbornness in his eyes, the refusal to admit he’d been wrong. But I also saw the cracks in his resolve, the guilt he couldn’t quite hide.
Couple appearing distant in the kitchen | Source: Pexels
“I don’t know what happens next,” I said finally, my voice softer now but still firm. “But I can’t stay here, not like this. I need time to think.”
“Sarah, don’t do this,” he said, his tone suddenly pleading. “I never meant to hurt you.”
I looked at him, my heart heavy, but my decision was made. “I know you didn’t. But you did.”
A man and woman arguing | Source: Pexels
Silence hung in the air as I turned and walked out of the kitchen, my mind made up. I couldn’t stay here, not like this. As I packed a bag for the kids and me, I felt a mix of sadness and relief. The future was uncertain, but at least now, I was taking control.
If this story pulled you in, you’ll love the next one. It’s about a husband who thought he had everything covered—until his wife checked his car and found something that changed everything.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
My Manicurist Told Me About Her Lover, Only to Realize She Was Talking About My Husband
My husband surprised me with an appointment with my manicurist, but during our session, I discovered the woman was cheating with him! Angry, I tried to retaliate by getting revenge, but when the truth came out, I was left with egg on my face!
When I went in for my manicurist appointment that day, I had no idea that I was about to get more than what I bargained for. What I discovered had me seething as I imagined the worst about my loving husband. But before we get there, let me backtrack a bit to the day before…
A woman at a beauty parlor | Source: Midjourney
It had been a long day of privately tutoring a mix of energetic six-year-olds learning their ABCs and a precocious eight-year-old trying to ace his fractions. By the time I got home, I was completely drained. Adam, my husband of seven years, greeted me with his signature boyish smile and a kiss on the forehead.
“How’s my favorite teacher?” he asked, handing me a cup of herbal tea.
“Tired,” I replied with a laugh, plopping onto the couch. “But your tea makes it better.”
A happy woman drinking tea | Source: Midjourney
Adam always had a way of making me feel like the most important person in the world. We were one of those couples people envied, with a solid partnership full of love and shared dreams.
We had just started planning for a family, and I’d been secretly pinning nursery ideas to my Pinterest board.
“I might have to work late tonight, and tomorrow I’ll be staying at work overnight, unfortunately,” Adam said, running a hand through his dark hair. “Big project at the office.”
A man running his hand through his hair | Source: Midjourney
I nodded, not thinking much of it. His job as a successful manager for a mid-sized marketing firm often demanded odd hours.
“Just don’t overwork yourself, okay?”
“I won’t,” he promised, kissing me again before adding, “To make it up to you, I booked an appointment for you tomorrow afternoon at Lily’s Luxe Nails.”
I got up and thanked him with a kiss before he gave me one on the cheek and disappeared into his home office.
A woman getting a kiss from her man | Source: Midjourney
The next day, I went and treated myself to the rare indulgence of a trip to Lily’s Luxe Nails. Lily, the owner, was one of my favorite people. She had a magnetic personality, full of dramatic flair and endless gossip!
Her stories always left me laughing or clutching my pearls.
As I settled into the chair, Lily approached with her usual wide grin.
“Honey, you’re glowing! Your hubby’s treating you well?”
A manicurist | Source: Midjourney
“As always,” I said, holding out my hands for her to examine.
She laughed, taking out her tools.
“Well, at least he’s worth it. Some of us don’t get that lucky.”
Her comment caught my attention. Lily wasn’t one to complain about her personal life. In fact, she often bragged about her adventures in romance.
“Oh? Someone giving you trouble?” I asked.
A woman getting her nails done | Source: Midjourney
She smirked, leaning in conspiratorially.
“No trouble at all. I’ve been seeing someone new, a real dreamboat! Smart, funny, successful! And let me tell you, he knows how to treat a lady!”
“Good for you! What’s it like?”
Lily’s eyes sparkled. “Our relationship is UNREAL! I’ve never felt ANYTHING like this before! Not even James compares to him!”
James is Lily’s husband. I’d met him before when he came to her workplace.
A happy man | Source: Midjourney
“I guess I am an old-fashioned girl, ’cause I could never cheat on my husband, and I’m pretty sure he feels the same way,” I responded.
“Girl, that’s YOUR loss! You wouldn’t believe how romantic he is. Last week, he showed up with flowers just because he ‘felt like it.’ You also haven’t SEEN who I’m talking about, don’t even get me started on his dimples!”
“Uh huh…,” I replied, still not convinced that cheating on Adam would be a good idea.
An unsure woman | Source: Midjourney
“He’s also a manager at some company. Busy as hell, but he always makes time for me. He’s planning to meet me tonight at that cute boutique hotel across the street while telling his wife he’s working late so we can meet up. I’m counting down the minutes!”
I froze, a strange chill creeping up my spine.
“That’s sweet,” I managed to say, my voice faltering.
Lily didn’t notice…
An unhappy woman | Source: Midjourney
Dimples? My chest tightened. Adam has dimples. Adam is a manager. Adam was supposed to be working late tonight. I tried to shake off the uneasy feeling clawing at my chest. It had to be a coincidence…
“Well, do you have a picture of this ‘dream guy’? I’m curious,” I asked, hoping to quash my paranoia.
Lily grinned, pulling out her phone.
“Of course, darling! Look at this stud muffin!” she said, pulling out her phone.
My stomach dropped.
An upset woman looking at a phone | Source: Midjourney
There he was, MY Adam, smiling in the photo with his arm casually draped around Lily. I stared at the picture, willing it to be fake. Maybe I was seeing things. Maybe it was a doppelgänger. But deep down, I knew the truth.
“Wow,” I said, my voice trembling as I lost it inside but kept it together for appearances. “He’s…definitely a catch.”
“Right?” Lily gushed, completely unaware of my turmoil as she placed her phone, still unlocked, on the table.
A phone on a manicurist’s table | Source: Midjourney
I forced a laugh, but my mind was racing.
“Excuse me,” I said, standing abruptly. I grabbed her phone quickly when she wasn’t looking. “I need to use the restroom.”
Once inside, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to steady my breathing. Adam. My Adam. Cheating with Lily? I felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. But as the shock subsided, another emotion took its place: fury.
I wasn’t going to let this slide. I started plotting, and my revenge was going to be served cold tonight at the hotel across the street.
An upset woman in the bathroom | Source: Midjourney
I quickly saved Lily’s husband’s number on my phone, as he was a big part of my revenge.
After I finished my appointment with Lily, I called her husband and told him everything I knew about her affair with Adam. He was as shocked as I was and quickly on board with getting revenge that very night!
Before heading to the hotel together later that night, I insisted we stop at the hardware store. James trailed behind me as I loaded our cart with cans of unwashable paint.
A woman with paint cans | Source: Midjourney
“What’s this for?” he asked, still trying to make sense of my erratic behavior.
“I figured we could mark the cheaters with it. You’ll see,” I said curtly.
When we arrived at the hotel, James and I stood outside the hotel with our “props,” ready to make the “couple’s” meeting unforgettable.
“Are we seriously doing this?” James asked.
“Watch me,” I said with determination as I marched straight through the hotel’s doors, paint cans in hand!
An upset woman outside a hotel with paint cans | Source: Midjourney
When I flung open the doors, I expected to catch Adam and Lily red-handed. But instead, I found myself face-to-face with an entrance full of balloons, streamers, and a massive banner that read: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!”
My jaw dropped. Standing in the middle of the room were Lily and Adam, grinning like a pair of mischievous kids. Behind them were my parents, my sister, and a handful of close friends!
“Surprise!” everyone yelled.
People at a surprise party | Source: Midjourney
I stood frozen, the paint cans slipping from my hands. “What…is this?” I stammered.
Adam stepped forward, his dimples on full display.
“It’s your birthday party, sweetheart! We wanted to do something special for you seeing as you ALWAYS forget your birthday.”
“Wait,” I said, my brain struggling to catch up. “So…you’re not cheating?”
Adam laughed, pulling me into a hug.
“Of course not. Lily, James, and I have been planning this for weeks!”
A man at a party | Source: Midjourney
James smiled, and that’s when I finally noticed that he’d joined the others. He stood embracing his wife as Lily chimed in, “You should’ve seen your face! Priceless!”
I burst into tears, overwhelmed with relief and embarrassment. “I thought…”
Adam cupped my face, wiping away my tears.
“I know, and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone that far with the plan. I thought you’d pick up what was happening when I booked your manicurist appointment, but you have to admit, this was worth it.”
It was…
A happy man | Source: Midjourney
The party was a smashing success, filled with laughter, cake, and heartfelt toasts! By the time we left the hotel the next morning, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world, albeit a little foolish for my earlier assumptions.
As we approached Adam’s car in the parking lot, we saw “CHEATER!!!!” scrawled across the windshield in bright red lipstick.
I groaned, covering my face. “I am so, so sorry.”
An embarrassed woman | Source: Midjourney
Adam just laughed.
“It’s washable, right? Besides, it’s a good story to tell our kids one day!”
As we cleaned the car together, I couldn’t help but laugh too. If nothing else, this would be a birthday I’d never forget!
A couple outside by a car | Source: Midjourney
Sadly, Adam’s wife isn’t the only woman to suspect her husband of cheating. Click here to read about a wife who believed her husband was cheating with their son’s fiancee only to discover a much harder truth.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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