My Hypocritical Friend Forced Me to Divorce

My best friend was a "mistress breakup consultant".

I had lent her money to start her business, and her very first job turned out to be breaking up my own marriage.

"Jessie, what's the point of a loveless marriage? You've wasted Harold's time for five years. Are you really going to keep clinging to him and making him miserable for the rest of his life?" my best friend asked.

I laughed at the self-righteous nonsense she was spouting and had security escort her out.

She came right back, though, this time with a so-called "Anti-Mistress Alliance", live-streaming the chaos as they broke into my company.

"The one who isn't loved is the real intruder!"

"Fight for love at all costs!"

They chanted while smashing up my office.

I watched them calmly, waiting until they wore themselves out before pulling out a contract.

"The 100,000 dollars you borrowed from me has been overdue for six months. If you don't repay it soon, I'll be forced to take legal action.

"And, the lab equipment you've destroyed is valued at 5,550,000 dollars. You'll need to compensate me at full price.

"Otherwise, I'll see you in court."

-

It was during lunch break when my best friend, Bethany Liefeld, walked into my office.

"Jessie, I need to discuss something work-related," she said, sitting upright with a serious expression.

I immediately understood, reached for my phone, and asked, "How much do you need?"

Bethany had studied psychology in college but struggled to find a job after graduating. Eventually, she decided to start her own business.

Money was not something I lacked, and I knew how hard it was to get a business off the ground. If I could help, I always would.

Bethany's cheeks flushed slightly. "No, I'm not here to borrow money."

I paused, confused. "Then what is it?"

There was no overlap between our work, so aside from asking for money, I had no idea what she could possibly want to discuss.

Bethany took a deep breath as if gathering courage for a final confrontation.

"Jessie, you know I work as a breakup consultant, right? A few days ago, I received a request from a new client to..." She hesitated before continuing. "To persuade you to back off."

I froze, unable to believe what I was hearing.

My husband, Harold Sullivan, and I had gone from wearing school uniforms to wedding attire together. Our families and friends were all well acquainted. I was certain I wasn't the mistress here.

How could she possibly have received a request to break up my marriage?

"Wait, this has to be a mistake. Harold and I have been married for three years. How could I possibly be the mistress?" I asked.

Bethany's expression shifted, becoming more businesslike.

"Jessica Whalen, you may be Harold Sullivan's lawful wife, but it's clear he's already having an affair. Why not just let go?" she said.

I stared at her in disbelief. "So, you're telling me you took the mistress' commission to