As a mother of four and a 55-year-old surgeon, Thanksgiving Day was the day I was most looking forward to seeing my daughter’s new boyfriend, Jason. But the happy mood abruptly soured when I realised Jason was the man I’d had an affair with during his internship ten years prior.
There was an uneasy vibe in the room over supper as Jason’s manner alluded to our common past. After the party, he sent a terrifying text outlining his plans to do revenge. We were plagued by a past professional dispute, and Jason wanted to exact revenge.

“Really, what a coincidence?”

I begged Jason not to expose my daughter to the consequences of our past when I was in danger of being exposed. Unfazed, he escalated his threats, using old pictures and following me around my place of employment to inspire dread.
I had no choice but to tell my daughter, even though I was afraid of how it would affect our relationship. There was shock and incredulity at the revelation. Her question concerning her father added to the intricacy of my history and compelled me to share information regarding a brief split that occurred at that period.

Even now, Sweetie, I still regret it. As it turned out, Jason was a real jerk. But at that point, your dad—you guys were all unaware—we had taken a half-year hiatus.

My daughter approached Jason in a café to try to resolve the matter. He had no idea that she already knew the truth. Trying to take advantage of the situation, he threatened my reputation and demanded a job.

“Not so quickly. I owe your mother my reputation as well as a job.
I changed the power dynamic by revealing that I had recorded the talk in a calculated manoeuvre. I remained steadfast, threatening to reveal Jason’s previous transgressions to the medical panel.

Jason, stop it. That concludes it. With one click, I can destroy your reputation in medicine. Thank God that ten years ago, I withheld from the commission ALL of your transgressions.

Jason pleaded for forgiveness as his composure collapsed. I had won because I had protected my family, ensured my daughter’s safety, and shown the cunning of a man who was seeking retribution.
Seeking retribution could lead to one’s own demise. The thrill of defending family and triumphing over a cunning foe characterises the story’s ending.