“She sent the tape to the club. Invited strangers. Hoped you’d cheat.”
Austin dropped onto the couch, staring at the floor.
“She actually went this far.
What else has she been orchestrating behind our backs?”
We stood in silence. Esha spoke first.
“Look, I feel stupid. I didn’t mean to step on anything.
I just… believed what she told me.”
I exhaled slowly.
“Want to mess with Vivi?”
“We go back. All three of us.
Eat the cake. Smile. Act like her plan worked — but not the way she hoped.”
Esha raised a brow.
“I’m in!”
I smiled. “Let’s make her regret ever hitting record.”
Austin took my hand. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
Fifteen minutes later, we walked back into the party — Austin holding my hand, Esha beside us like the world’s most awkward flower girl.
Vivi’s fork froze mid-air.
“Oh, we talked,” I said cheerfully.
“Turns out Esha’s staying with us for a bit. She’s amazing. We’ve all bonded.”
Austin added, “We realized opening up our marriage emotionally could actually strengthen it.
Thanks for inspiring us, Mom.”
Vivi stared, her lips twitching like a glitching computer.
“I only sent that old tape to heat things up. Not to… turn it into a polyamory cult.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“That old tape, by the way, wasn’t yours to send.”
Vivi looked between us.
I smiled sweetly.
“Oh, we have plenty of spark. Especially now that we know how much effort you’re putting into keeping us together.”
Then I handed her a plate.
