When Emily ordered pizza while her fiancé was out of town, she expected a quiet night alone, not a message that would unravel her life. Little did she know, the delivery would save her from a disastrous marriage.
Living with Jake felt like being stuck in a comfortable routine. Our small apartment, with its cozy throws and mismatched cushions, was our haven—or so I thought. I’m Emily, and for the past three years, Jake and I have made a habit out of simple pleasures.
Emily ordered a pizza | Source: Midjourney
The most frequent one was ordering pizza from the same local spot on our lazy evenings. It was a ritual. Jake would browse through movie listings while I’d dial up our favorite pizzeria.
Tom, the delivery guy, knew us by name. His visits were as regular as clockwork, complete with his cheerful “How’s it going?” that echoed through our small entryway. Tonight, however, it was just me. Jake was out of town on a business trip, and the quiet was louder than usual.
I ordered a single pizza—my usual, pepperoni with extra cheese. When the doorbell rang, it was Tom, as expected, but something about him was off tonight. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and his hands seemed to shake a bit as he handed me the pizza box.
Tom delivered the pizza | Source: Midjourney
“Evening, Emily. Jake’s not around tonight?” Tom asked, a slight quiver in his voice.
“No, just me tonight,” I responded, trying to sound cheerful. Tom nodded, quickly turning on his heel to leave—too quickly, it seemed.
As I shut the door, his behavior nagged at me. Was he okay? Shaking off the concern, I carried the warm box to the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and tomato sauce filled the air, a comfort that usually felt like a hug.
Emily found the note | Source: Midjourney
But as I opened the box, my heart skipped a beat. There, scrawled across the inside lid of the box with a black Sharpie, was a message that read, “He is not who you think. Check your door camera.”
The pizza suddenly seemed unappetizing as a cold wave of dread washed over me. My hands trembled as I set the box down, the cheerful buzz of the apartment now swallowed by a looming silence. What was I about to find on that camera?
My fingers trembled as I fumbled with the tablet that controlled our door camera. The message in the pizza box had sent chills down my spine, and every second until I opened the app felt like an eternity. I tapped into the camera’s history, my breath catching with each swipe back through the days.
Emily finds the footage | Source: Midjourney
Then, I saw it.
Jake, my Jake, greeted a woman at our door. Not just any woman—this one was laughing as she handed him a bottle of wine. My heart sank. I scrolled further. Another day, another woman, this one carrying a stack of movies.
Every time I was away, it seemed, Jake had company. Different women, each visit documented clearly by the camera he had installed, ironically, for our safety.
Jake meets the other woman on his front porch | Source: Midjourney
I sat frozen, the tablet dropping to my lap. My mind raced. How could he? When had our life together turned into this charade? Tears blurred my vision, each clip on the camera a stab to my heart. The trust I’d placed in him, the love I’d nurtured—were they all just one-sided? Was I the only one in this?
With each woman’s laugh, each shared bottle of wine, it felt as though the apartment shrank, the walls closing in on me. I’d loved this space, our shared life, but now each room screamed of betrayal.
I felt nauseous, a lump forming in my throat as the reality settled like lead in my stomach. This wasn’t just a simple mistake or a misunderstanding. It was a deliberate, repeated betrayal. My hands clenched into fists, my nails digging into my palms.
Emily calms herself before confronting Jake | Source: Midjourney
Rage mingled with my sorrow, heating my tears as they streamed down my face. I had to confront him, to demand answers. But first, I needed to compose myself, to gather the shattered pieces of my dignity. I couldn’t let him see me broken.
I had to be strong, for my own sake. The love I thought we had was gone, and in its place was a cold, hard anger. Jake had some serious explaining to do, and I was going to make sure I got it.
When Jake returned, the apartment was silent, the tension as thick as fog. I sat at the kitchen table, the images from the door camera looping in my mind. He greeted me with his usual casual smile, oblivious to the storm inside me.
Jake returns home | Source: Midjourney
“Hey, Em. Missed you,” he said, hanging up his coat.
I didn’t return the smile. “We need to talk.”
Jake’s smile faltered. “What’s wrong?”
I held up the tablet, showing a pause on a frame of him with one of the women. “Care to explain this?”
Jake glanced at the screen, then shrugged, his posture relaxed. “Emily, you’re making a big deal out of nothing. They’re just friends.”
Jake listens to Emily | Source: Midjourney
“Friends?” I snapped. “Different women, each time I’m away? Really, Jake?”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Look, Em, you’re being paranoid. These women mean nothing.”
“Nothing?” My voice rose, anger searing through my calm façade. “How can you say that?”
Jake’s tone hardened. “I bring a lot to this relationship. You really want to throw this away over some insecurity?”
Shocked Emily | Source: Midjourney
That was it. His dismissal, his arrogance—it crystallized everything I felt. “It’s not insecurity when I have evidence, Jake. I can’t do this. I won’t marry someone who thinks so little of me.”
Jake’s face tightened, the arrogance slipping into shock. “You’re serious? Over some nonsense?”
“Yes,” I said, firm and clear. “I’m done. We’re done.”
He stared at me, then without another word, grabbed his coat and left. The door slammed shut behind him, and just like that, it was over.
Emily sits in front of the closed door | Source: Midjourney
After a few moments alone, gathering my thoughts, I picked up my phone and dialed the pizza place. Tom answered.
“Tom, it’s Emily. I… I wanted to say thank you. You were right about Jake.”
There was a pause on the line. “I’m really sorry, Emily. I thought you should know.”
“I appreciate it,” I said, sincerity heavy in my voice. “Could I… maybe buy you a coffee sometime? To talk?”
Tom talks to Emily | Source: Midjourney
“I’d like that,” Tom replied, a warmth in his voice that comforted my bruised heart.
The next day, as I met Tom at the local café, the anxiety of confronting Jake felt like a distant memory. Tom’s genuine concern was evident in his eyes, making me feel seen for the first time in a long while.
“Thank you for being honest with me, Tom. It must have been hard to decide to tell me,” I said as we sat down with our coffees.
Tom and Emily go out for a coffee | Source: Midjourney
He nodded. “It was, Emily. But it didn’t feel right keeping it from you. Everyone deserves the truth.”
As we talked, I realized how much of my identity had been tied to my relationship with Jake. Now, as I sat across from Tom, a sense of freedom and possibility washed over me. Here was someone who valued honesty over convenience. It was refreshing and, strangely, hopeful.
Our conversation moved from the heavy topics to lighter ones, and laughter soon followed. I hadn’t expected to feel this light after such a heavy blow. It was a reminder that sometimes, out of the wreckage comes a chance to rebuild something better.
Emily laughs with Tom | Source: Midjourney
Sitting there with Tom, laughter bubbling up between us, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It was like breathing fresh air after being cooped up indoors too long.
“I never thought a pizza delivery could change my life,” I joked, glancing at Tom. His smile told me he understood.
Tom laughs with Emily | Source: Midjourney
“Life is strange, Emily. Sometimes help comes from where you least expect it,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with kindness.
As we left the café, a new sense of hope filled me. I was ready to move forward, to embrace whatever came next. I wasn’t sure what the future held, but I was certain of one thing: I was on my way to finding happiness again, one slice at a time.
My Boyfriend Went on a Bachelorette Trip with All Women — Karma Struck Hard When the Truth Came Out
Secrets, lies, affairs, drama, and so much more are what make up my sordid tale. I once trusted my boyfriend with having a female best friend but felt uneasy when she asked him to join her bachelorette party. Only to find out that there was more to their “friendship” than I anticipated!
A shocked woman looking at a phone | Source: Pexels
Let me tell you about the time I, Matilda, learned that sometimes the universe knows when to intervene. It all started when my boyfriend, Jake, was invited to be the “man of honor” at his female best friend, Lisa’s, wedding. He was thrilled; I was… less so.
Lisa planned a weekend bachelorette getaway in a quaint cabin by a lake. To my dismay, Jake was the only guy invited! “It’s just a fun trip, babe! You know I love you,” he assured me.
He said this while packing his bags excitedly and ahead of time. This all happened at the apartment he shared with three other guys, as I hovered around.
Read more of this story here.
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.
Use these 10 Amazon best sellers to solve icky problems
Need solutions to those pesky, unpleasant problems that seem to pop up at the worst times? Here they are! These gems have been tried and tested by countless satisfied customers. Let’s discover the products that will make life a little smoother.
1. This little silicone drain protector will effectively catch all the hair while you are showering. And it will hold securely in place due to the weighted stainless steel accent. The product is rust-resistant and long-lasting.
The device is a game-changer for hair clogs. It seamlessly blends with your bathroom decor. This little thing will considerably upgrade your shower routine.
Promising review:
- I love this drain protector! I moved and had to find a new drain catcher that could fit over the plug! I was skeptical because the reviews looked 50/50. But trust me, this is exactly what you need. It catches all of my naturally thick hair! — CurlyGirlFaith
2. Detect and clean all the hidden messes with this awesome UV flashlight. No more blindly cleaning carpets and furniture. The superb aluminum construction features a non-slip textured grip. The lighting time is impressive — the device can work up to 20 hours.
This product can also cover larger areas without weakening the light. It will make finding those hidden stains a breeze.
Promising review:
- Do you suspect your carpet has been violated? Don’t buy it if you don’t actually want to know. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. You can’t go back and unsee it, and the glow will be burned into your memory. I will preface this because you know you’re judging, and I don’t blame you.
This was a very unique set of circumstances, and the carpet will be replaced. I foster kittens for a local shelter, and my most recent crew has tenaciously refused to embrace litter box training, probably because they have a weird addiction to violating carpets.
Regardless, I purchased this light to see if my suspensions were correct, and they were. The little monsters were willy-nilly using the carpet to relieve themselves. This flashlight lit up their transgressions very clearly, and while I felt tearing it out was the appropriate solution, if I had been inspired to clean it, I would have known exactly where I needed to clean it. Hope this helps. — Ann Krummel
3. Check out this dirt-catching, double-layered litter mat! Its bottom layer is waterproof — no liquid will go through. The mat is slip-resistant and easy to move. This product keeps our furry friend’s paws clean and prevents any mess from getting on the floors.
The mat is easily washable and comfortable to maintain. The product is also really soft on paws. Some kitties can also use it to have a nap on.
Promising review:
- We keep our catbox for our 2 cats in the bathroom. There is nothing like stepping on little pieces of cat litter on the bathroom floor in the middle of the night and cleaning the random little pieces of litter all the time!
This mat has solved the problem! Almost no litter makes it to the clean floor now! Easy to empty, too! Great product!!! — Rich R.
4. No more smelly sneakers with these banana shoe deodorizers. They prevent and neutralize odor and absorb moisture. And, like real bananas, they will turn brown over time and use (you can use it as an indicator to replace the pair). Perfect for use after hiking, climbing, or cycling.
These goofy bananas are highly effective and long-lasting. They can last up to 6 to 12 months. The pouch is made out of natural cotton fabric. Each banana is filled with salts, minerals, and plant extracts.
Promising review:
- For someone who likes to commute to the city lightly, I usually don’t wear socks when it is extremely hot and humid during the summer days. I’d get home, and of course, my sneakers would reek from a day out!
These shoe deodorizers have saved the day by keeping my sneakers smelling great. I place them as soon as I get home. I usually leave them alone until the next day when going out, and the results are amazing! Smells great. — Neftali
5. Now you can keep your hand out of the toilet while cleaning it! Just use this stone toilet bowl cleaner. It has a long handle made from stainless steel and plastic. The pumice is 100% natural.
The product will serve you for a long time. Don’t forget to rinse the stone thoroughly every time. Easily stored.
Promising review:
- We live in an older home in an area with hard water. Our white toilets end up with a discolored deposit around the water line. Every few months, I would take a pumice stone and scrub them out. I hated getting my hand in the toilet water. This pumice stone wand allows me to scrub out the discoloration without getting my hand wet!
It works really well, but as all pumice stones wear away as they’re being used, the small size of the stones means they won’t last long. It comes with 8 stones, so that will still get me a lot of use. If you want to keep your hands out of the water, then this is a good buy. If you want to save some money and don’t mind getting your hands wet, then just buy a pumice stone. — Gypsy Blue
6. Keep your breath minty fresh with this oral care mist. The product features a sugar-free formula that doesn’t just mask the odor but solves the problem.
The mist actually kills bacteria causing bad breath. The packaging is handy and compact. And it is easy to carry the product with you at all times.
Promising review:
- I absolutely love this product and for reference in the picture the packaging looks a little bit weird because I peeled off the stickers, so don’t mind that. The spray is really good to use for bad breath emergencies, but I would not recommend using it all the time. It does make your breath a little bit stinkier in the long run because the alcohol in Listerine dries out your mouth. But overall, I definitely recommend this for emergencies. — Estelle
7. You’ll have no problems with chafing and blisters while using this all-natural solution. It can restore dry or cracked hands, feet, and faces too. The product goes on easily and works like a charm! The size is perfect for traveling.
The product contains coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, and vitamin E oil. It is suitable for sensitive skin. It is also child-safe and is not tested on animals.
Promising review:
- The product is the perfect size to travel with or put in a pocket. Goes on easily and works like a charm. No problems with chafing while using this product. Great value for the cost.
There is a slight smell but to be honest, it’s very mild (have to hold up to my nose to smell it) and it’s not a bad smell. Would buy over and over again. I use this 2–3 times a week. — Christen Tasevski
8. This odor remover is safe to use around pets and children (although you should still make sure no one tries to taste it). You can comfortably use it on any surface: rugs, walls, floors, etc. The unique non-enzymatic formula doesn’t mask the problem but eliminates it.
And it can even help prevent the pet from returning to the spot! Warning: Make sure no one swallows it.
Promising review:
- Used as directed. Worked very well, still not entirely sure about the scent. It’s okay, but not super fond of scent. Getting used to it, though.
Does smell slightly like Christmas, as other people have said. A little pricey, but goes a long way. — Mary McMullen
9. Another perfect way to prevent clogging your pipes. This set of 2 rust-proof hair drain catchers will serve you for a long time. Each piece is extremely durable and features silicone edging. It makes the product stay safely in place, which is very handy.
The product is simple yet effective. This little thing will save you a ton of money on plumber visits. It is easy to clean; you can just use a simple tissue.
Promising review:
- I wish I would have gotten these a couple of months earlier than I did. These covers fit perfectly on both of my shower drains and really do help keep hair from going into my drains! So far, they have stayed secure with the good rubber outer ring and cover the whole drain without moving when you step on it or have the shower flowing onto it. I will be helping my plumbing by not having to clean the drains so much now. I recommend these covers. — natalie
10. Keep your shower clean with just one swipe using this wall-mounting shower hair catcher! And here is a cute pointy-eared design for all cat lovers. This product will effectively trap your hair and prevent pipe clogging.
This product is super easy to install and use. Spend less time on cleaning your shower and more time on something else.
Promising reviews:
- This thing has saved sooo many little arguments about my hair being left on the shower wall! It’s easy to use & has a strong grip! — Melissa Riggins
- Super easy to install and use. I was finding that my drain was clogging up a lot, so I figured I would give this a try. Love it! — Victoria
Buy the 1st item on AMAZON here
Buy the 2nd item on AMAZON here
We hope you like our picks and will enjoy using these products. They have all the potential to make life a walk in the park. Remember, sometimes the simplest solutions to daily struggles are the best.
Bright Side gets commissions for purchases made through the links in this post. Reviews could have been edited for length and clarity. The prices and discounts displayed in this article may change without further notice.
Preview photo credit Ann Krummel / Amazon, Kelsey / Amazon
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