After 30 years of marriage, I thought I’d seen it all, but our new neighbor, Amber, tested my patience. At 25, freshly divorced and full of confidence, she moved in next door and set her sights on my husband, Andy. Her shameless flirting pushed me to teach her a lesson about respecting a committed relationship, one she wouldn’t forget.
Three months ago, Amber arrived, known for divorcing a wealthy older man and taking half his money. I watched her in tiny shorts, bossing movers around, and felt uneasy. “Andy, look at our new neighbor,” I said. He shrugged, “She’s young.” I muttered, “She’s trouble.” To play nice, I brought over muffins. Amber, in a skimpy robe, said, “Andy told me about you!” They’d chatted while he watered our plants, and her tone made my stomach twist.
Her flirting grew relentless. She’d wave at Andy every morning, tossing compliments like, “Nice shirt!” or begging for help with “heavy boxes.” I watched, fuming, from my curtains. One day, I stepped out as she flirted. “Andy, don’t forget Mom’s dinner,” I said, clinging to him. When she asked him to move her couch, I suggested she hire movers. Andy left for work, and Amber’s smile vanished. Her evening jogs, in tight outfits, always coincided with Andy’s yard work. I “offered” to cool her off with the hose, and she scurried away.
One night, Amber banged on our door, claiming a pipe burst. Andy grabbed his toolbox, and I followed. Her house had no flood—just candles, petals, and lingerie. Andy shouted, “I’m married!” and stormed out. I left quietly, proud but stung. I planned my response. Using Andy’s spare phone, I texted Amber as him, inviting her over while “my wife” was at book club. She arrived, expecting romance, but found me and 15 neighborhood women waiting.
The lights snapped on, and Amber froze. “Surprise,” I said, holding up the texts. We calmly called out her behavior—flirting, fake emergencies, disrespecting our marriage. She mumbled excuses and ran. Soon, her house was for sale, and she was gone. Andy, unaware of my plan, asked why she left. “Didn’t suit her,” I said. Our new neighbors, a lovely older couple, fit perfectly. Amber learned that a strong marriage and a tight-knit community aren’t easily shaken.
