My Best Friend Married My Ex-husband — Then She Called Me in the Middle of the Night, Terrified

When Stacey married Lily’s ex-husband, Alan, it seemed like the ultimate betrayal. But a late-night call filled with terror revealed a dark secret neither woman was prepared for, forcing Lily and Stacey to confront the man who shattered both their lives.

Alan and I had been married for seven years. Seven long years that gave me two beautiful daughters, Mia (5) and Sophie (4), and left me with a heart fractured in ways I didn’t know were possible.

A couple | Source: Unsplash

A couple | Source: Unsplash

At first, Alan was my dream man. He had this magnetic charm, the kind that made people lean in just a little closer when he spoke. He knew how to make me feel like I was the only woman in the world. But that glow didn’t last.

By year five, I noticed the cracks. Alan would come home late, his excuses so thin they were practically see-through. Work trips that didn’t make sense. Texts he wouldn’t let me see. Then, one night, I got the confirmation I’d been dreading. A single blonde hair on his suit jacket. Not mine.

My heart screamed with rage. I knew something was wrong. I knew he was destroying everything we built.

A distressed woman | Source: Midjourney

A distressed woman | Source: Midjourney

I confronted him. His reaction? A cold denial, followed by an avalanche of gaslighting. “You’re imagining things, Lily. Stop being so insecure,” he yelled once.

But it wasn’t just my imagination. It was real. Silently, I vowed to myself that I would not let him make me doubt my instincts.

The final straw came when I caught him red-handed. The image of him with her — Kara, a woman I didn’t even know — was burned into my memory. He didn’t even apologize. He just packed a bag and left as though nothing had happened.

And just like that, Alan abandoned me and our daughters. For a year and a half, I struggled to rebuild my life. Therapy, late nights working to support the girls, and a constant ache in my chest that wouldn’t go away.

Then came the news that made my stomach churn: Alan had married Stacey, my best friend.

A newlywed couple | Source: Unsplash

A newlywed couple | Source: Unsplash

I couldn’t believe it at first. Stacey had been my confidante during my marriage, the one person I told everything to. She knew everything about me… about how I felt like I was losing Alan, how I feared he was cheating, and how devastated I was when he finally left.

A painful realization cut through me, “How could she do this to me?”

When Stacey called to tell me she was engaged to Alan, I froze. “You’re kidding, right?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“No,” she said. “Alan loves me, Lily. I hope… I hope we can still be friends.”

Friends? Was she serious?

“You’re marrying the man who broke me, Stacey. And you think I want to stay friends? Good luck with that.” I hung up before she could respond.

Grayscale shot of a woman holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

Grayscale shot of a woman holding a phone | Source: Midjourney

I thought that was the end of it. I wanted it to be the end of it. But then, a year into their marriage, my phone rang at three in the morning, dragging me back into Alan’s world.

Groggy and annoyed, I squinted at my phone. Stacey’s name flashed on the screen. I didn’t want to believe it.

“Of all the nerve, calling me at this hour?” I muttered to myself.

I debated ignoring it. Why would she, of all people, be calling me in the middle of the night? But curiosity won out, and against my better judgment, I answered.

A phone on the bed flashing an incoming call | Source: Midjourney

A phone on the bed flashing an incoming call | Source: Midjourney

“Hello?” I said, my voice heavy with irritation.

What I heard next made me sit up straight.

“Lily, I need your help!” Stacey’s voice was frantic and barely coherent. “This concerns you more than you think. Please… don’t hang up. Please.”

My heart raced with anger and anticipation. What could she possibly want?

A woman seeing her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman seeing her phone | Source: Midjourney

“Stacey?” I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess. “What’s going on? Look, I don’t have anything to—”

“Alan… he’s not who I thought he was. He’s worse, Lily. So much worse,” she cut me off.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. What could be worse than what I already know?

“Worse? What are you talking about?” I asked.

She inhaled sharply, trying to steady her voice. “He has a wardrobe in his office. He always told me not to go in there, but yesterday I did. Lily, the inside is covered in photos. Of women. Dozens of women. Me. You. Her. And others I don’t even recognize.”

An anxious woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

An anxious woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels

A cold realization crept into my thoughts. This is about to get ugly.

I gripped the phone, my stomach turning. “Photos? What kind of photos?”

My mind raced with horrifying possibilities. What could be in those photos? How had I not found them? Was this why he’d prohibited me from entering his office when we were married?

“They all have dates and numbers written on them,” she whispered. “I think… I think he’s been cheating on me. On both of us. On everyone.”

A woman holding a photograph of another lady | Source: Midjourney

A woman holding a photograph of another lady | Source: Midjourney

My throat felt dry. But I didn’t care. “Stacey, why are you telling me this? You married him. You knew what he was capable of.”

Her voice cracked. “Because I didn’t believe you! I thought you were bitter. But now, I’m scared, Lily. I don’t know what he’ll do if he finds out I’ve seen it. Please, can I come over? I don’t feel safe.”

Stacey showed up at my house less than an hour later, her face pale and drawn. She was clutching her phone like a lifeline.

“Start talking,” I said, crossing my arms. My eyes bore into her, demanding the full truth.

She sat on my couch, wringing her hands. “I went back into his office last night. After he left for a two-day fishing trip, I managed to break into the wardrobe. He keeps it locked. But I managed to open it with a screwdriver. It wasn’t just photos, Lily. There were journals. Notes about the women. Ratings. Scores. He’s been doing this for years.”

A frustated woman | Source: Pexels

A frustated woman | Source: Pexels

A twisted sense of validation burned inside me. “I always knew he was worse than he seemed,” I laughed.

“How many women?” My heart raced, dreading the answer.

“At least 40 during your marriage,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears. “And eight more since we got married. Eight women in just two months.”

The weight of betrayal pressed down on me, threatening to suffocate. It was like a punch to the gut. I thought I had moved on, but the betrayal felt fresh and raw.

“Why are you dragging me into this?” I asked, my voice trembling.

“Because he’s the father of your daughters,” Stacey said. “Don’t you want to know who he really is? What he’s capable of? Don’t you want to expose him?”

A woman lost in deep thought | Source: Midjourney

A woman lost in deep thought | Source: Midjourney

Her words hit a nerve. As much as I hated Alan, I had to protect my girls. “Fine,” I said, grabbing my laptop. “Show me what you’ve got.”

For the next few hours, Stacey and I worked together, identifying the women in Alan’s photos. Reverse image searches online led us to their social media profiles. When we reached out and met some of them in person the following morning, most confirmed short, meaningless encounters with Alan.

My mind raced with horror and vindication. How could one person be so calculated?

One woman described him as “charming, until he wasn’t.” Another called him “cold and calculating.” Each story added a new layer to the monster I’d once called my husband.

A bitter laugh escaped me. “I should have known. I always knew something was off,” I told Stacey.

Two women sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

Two women sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

By dusk, she looked at me, her face pale. “What do we do now?”

“We’re not victims anymore. We’re survivors,” I declared. “We fight back.”

A dangerous glint entered my eyes, “Alan has no idea what’s coming,” I added.

When he returned from his fishing trip and found Stacey gone, his rage spilled over. He tried to show up at her new place, banging on the door, demanding answers. She called the police, and he left before they arrived.

The weeks that followed were a whirlwind. Stacey filed for divorce, cutting all ties with Alan. I reopened my custody case, armed with evidence of his behavior.

Alan didn’t take it well. He sent me a flurry of messages, first pleading, then threatening. I blocked him.

A woman looking at her phone | Source: Pexels

A woman looking at her phone | Source: Pexels

In court, the evidence we presented was damning. Alan’s charm couldn’t save him this time. The photos, the journals, the testimonies… every bit of it painted a clear picture of the man he truly was.

After the dust settled, Stacey and I found ourselves sitting in my living room, a quiet relief hanging between us.

“We made it through!” I said, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders

“Thank you,” Stacey said softly. “For helping me. For believing me.”

My anger softened, replaced by an unexpected understanding. We were both victims of his manipulation. But we were not weak.

A sad woman | Source: Midjourney

A sad woman | Source: Midjourney

I looked at her, the anger I’d carried for so long finally fading. “We both deserved better than him.”

A moment of shared pain and healing passed between us.

She nodded. “So… what now?”

My spirit felt renewed, ready for whatever came next. I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Now, we move on. Together.”

A fierce sense of sisterhood emerged, stronger than any betrayal. And for the first time in years, I felt free. Not just from Alan, but from the pain he had caused.

Two women hugging each other | Source: Midjourney

Two women hugging each other | Source: Midjourney

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.

‘Hey, You’re Fired, Old Man,’ Manager Informs Janitor, Not Knowing He’ll Be Her Boss the Next Day – Story of the Day

A hardworking woman turns into an aggressive and impatient boss after her most recent promotion at a store. She gets away with it until she insults and fires an old janitor.

Nia had recently been promoted to general manager of a major fashion retail outlet. Just a week into her new role, she was already implementing major changes, guided by a binder of ideas she had accumulated over the years.

One morning, Nia addressed her staff.

“Alright, guys. Is everyone clear on the new protocols we’re going to follow?” she asked.

The team responded with nods and gentle affirmations.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

“I don’t want anyone deviating from my guidelines, so here’s what we are going to do,” she continued. “Anybody who fails to follow the new rules — whether it is about uniform, customer greetings, display arrangements, punctuality — will lose their incentive for that month,” Nia declared, her face beaming with pride.

The staff exchanged worried glances. Nia’s drastic measures made them fear for their livelihoods, as even minor mistakes could cost them dearly.

But despite her recent changes, the team respected Nia. They knew her journey from an intern to the top position and admired her dedication to the fashion industry.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

However, with time, Nia’s approach became increasingly problematic. She set unrealistic goals and responded harshly to small errors. Her decisions, like extending shifts and imposing strict rules, were met with silent frustration from the staff. Their only respite, weekends, was now occupied with work. But that wasn’t all.

Nia’s strategies, like reducing loading costs by involving sales staff and limiting employee breaks, pushed the team to their limits. She even banned sitting during shifts and restricted sick leaves, all in the name of creating a good impression for customers.

“We’ll have to show them we are never tired of serving them. And always serve them with a smile. Am I clear?” Nia instructed sternly. She was overly pleased with the way she was conducting things.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Raised by a single mother, Nia had faced numerous rejections before landing an internship at the fashion outlet. Her dedication to her job and hard work quickly led to her promotion.

From her office, she looked out at the street where she once sought opportunities, determined never to return to those hard days. Under her leadership, the store buzzed with activity, though the staff struggled with the overwhelming workload and strict deadlines she set. Nia was happy until… the work really started taking its toll on the employees.

Over time, her strict management led to a drastic drop in sales, contradicting her ambitious plans. Furious, she confronted her exhausted staff. “Our ratings are dipping. We’ll be ruined at this rate,” she yelled. “Extend your shifts, cut down on breaks… do whatever it takes! We have to boost sales!”

Nia couldn’t understand the sudden decline and increased the workload even more. One day, after a tense client meeting, she found Maya, a saleswoman, asleep on the counter.

“How dare you sleep during work??” Nia yelled.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Maya, startled and panicked, apologized, but Nia was unforgiving. “Meet me in my office,” she demanded. Gathering the staff, Nia, already upset about the sales, decided to demonstrate her authority.

She fired Maya on the spot, tossing her paycheck at her. The team was shocked but remained silent. They knew Maya was exhausted from overworking, but who would dare to go against Nia? They wanted to keep their jobs.

But as Maya was leaving, Victor, a 68-year-old janitor, spoke up. “Nia, child, I’ve got something to say,” he said calmly, despite Nia’s obvious irritation.

“We’re all happy to help with your vision, Nia,” Victor began, trying to reason with her. “But maybe we could let go of the small mistakes…”

Nia, angered by his audacity to speak up, cut him off. “That’s enough, Victor! Do you think I haven’t noticed your tardiness and long lunch breaks?” she retorted. “And let’s not forget how you arrive late daily!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Nia, there’s a reason why I’ve been coming later than the others…”

Nia couldn’t believe that the older man had interrupted her again. Looking at the other employees stare at her, anticipating her reaction, she decided to put her foot down and set an example once and for all.

“I don’t care about the reason! Let this be an example, folks,” Nia said. “Anyone who makes excuses on my watch will be fired. Hey, you’re fired, old man! Now you can accompany Maya and get lost!”

Maya and Victor left quietly while the rest of the staff watched in dismay, tears in their eyes. Nia’s ruthlessness had reached a new level, leaving everyone in shock.

Though it was the end of Victor’s job at the store, an unexpected turn of events awaited him the next day.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

Mr. Gordon, the owner of the multi-million-dollar store chain,unexpectedly visited his store to address the sudden revenue decline.

“Good morning, everyone! How are things going?” Mr. Gordon asked all the employees.

“It could’ve been much better,” a worker replied, with others nodding.

“What’s up? Aren’t you guys excited for the Christmas holidays?” Mr. Gordon inquired.

“Some of us wanted an extended Christmas break, but Miss Ferguson only allowed two days off,” another employee explained.

Mr. Gordon partially understood what was happening and called Nia to his office.

“Miss Ferguson, our revenue has dropped drastically. What happened? Do you need help?” he asked while they sat across from each other.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Nia blamed the staff, claiming they were lazy and needed close monitoring.

“I see…We had the same ‘lazy’ staff with us the last month, didn’t we? But everything was much better. We didn’t hire anyone recently, so I don’t understand why they are suddenly acting lazy.”

Mr. Gordon gave Nia a month to improve the situation. As he was leaving, he asked about Victor, the custodian.

“Where’s Victor? I didn’t see him today,” he said.

“He was fired for being late and too old to work,” Nia hesitantly revealed.

Mr. Gordon was shocked. “WHAT? Do you know you fired the co-owner of this store?”

Nia was stunned. “The co-owner? But he’s just a janitor!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

Mr. Gordon shared a story from his childhood. “I still don’t remember what happened that day…but my father told me I ran after an ice cream van and almost got hit by a car. Victor had seen me while emptying the trash and rushed to my rescue. He pushed me away and saved my life, but he ended up in intensive care after being hit by the car.

My father, the original owner of this store, offered him a share in the business. Do you know what Victor said when my dad wanted to reward him? ‘I just did what any normal human was supposed to do.’ Victor accepted the offer to become a co-owner because my father kept persuading him, but on one condition. That he would work as a janitor.”

He continued, “Victor lost his wife and child during childbirth and considered the staff here his family.”

Mr. Gordon then dropped a bombshell. “You must apologize to Victor. He’s taking over this unit tomorrow. I’ll come again, and it’s up to Victor to decide whether or not I should fire you.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

Panicked and fearing for her job, Nia drove to meet Victor, worried about facing him and the challenges ahead. “How will I boost sales in a month? How will I face Victor? It’s his fault, too. Why did he just walk away without telling me who he was? Now, everything is against me. What will I do?” she fretted.

Nia arrived at Victor’s modest home, surprised by its simplicity despite his co-ownership of a lucrative business. She knocked, and Victor greeted her warmly, inviting her in for apple pie.

“Mr. Gordon told me you’d come. Please, make yourself comfortable,” Victor said, unaffected by her previous actions.

Nia felt awkward in the humble setting. Victor, sensing her unease, began to talk about Mr. Gordon’s father’s business philosophy.

“Unlike others, he valued his staff first. He provided nap rooms, bonuses, corporate events, and weekends off and ensured customers didn’t mistreat them. He treated employees like family,” Victor explained.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

Nia shyly nodded, partially realizing what had gone wrong. “But how does that help with the growth of the business? If employees get such perks, how will they work without distractions? Won’t they take it for granted?” she said.

Victor smiled. “When employees love their work, they provide top-notch service, satisfying customers and growing the business. A smart boss finds ways to make employees devoted. He doesn’t fire them.”

As Victor hungrily devoured his pie, he requested Nia to call Maya back to work. “You may never know how fate works for others, Nia. You joined as an intern, but you became the general manager. You may never know what potential a simple salesgirl like Maya can have. Never underestimate and judge others by their appearance or job!”

Nia grinned, and just as she was about to leave, Victor stopped her. “Don’t worry, Nia. I will not fire you. But we will decide later together with all the employees and Mr. Gordon by a vote, alright?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

Assured she still had a second chance, Nia returned to the store and gathered all the employees in her office. They were afraid about what more rules she was going to impose on them. But none of them had expected to see what was about to happen next.

“Good day, everyone!” Nia began with a smile. Everyone thought it was unusual because she had never greeted them with a smile since day one of her promotion.

“I would like to tell everyone that Victor, the company’s co-owner, will be heading us from tomorrow!”

The employees were shocked at the revelation. Some of them didn’t have a clue that the custodian of their store was their boss.

“Don’t be shocked, guys! I am young and new to this trade, and I made mistakes. I hope you’ll all forgive me for what happened in the last few days. Maya and Victor will be back tomorrow, and we will work as a team. Is that clear?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

From the next day onward, Nia followed Victor’s advice and implemented Mr. Gordon’s dad’s principles. She treated her employees respectfully and did not show authority over them. She thought more about them and made sure each and every employee loved their job.

As days passed, Nia’s efforts worked in her favor. The employees started giving their best, and as Nia had wanted, the sales for the next quarter surged with impeccable results.

Mr. Gordon was impressed with Nia’s efforts, and with Victor, he decided not to fire her. Five years later, Nia was promoted to the position of CEO of all the outlets.

As for Victor, he chose to keep working as a janitor because he loved his job.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images

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If you enjoyed reading this story, you might like this one about a young kid who yells, “There’s something inside!” after sitting on the old sofa left to him by his late granny. He finds something inside the furniture that changes his life forever.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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