She’s going to be Leah. Setting it up was simple, but it took a long time and a lot of stress to discover Dexter’s profile.When his profile finally appeared, he was grinning, the same smile that had previously won my heart. I inhaled deeply before making a right swipe. Thankfully, we clicked straight away. GO FOR IT! The first thing to do was establish a relationship. I was fully aware of Dexter’s interests, including his secret passion for 1980s pop music, his favorite whiskey (Glenfiddich), and his favorite movie (“The Godfather”). By utilizing Leah’s profile, I created a character that would captivate him by reflecting my hobbies.In my bio, I made care to express how much I adore “The Godfather” and included a photo of Leah with a glass of Glenfiddich. I knew just how to entice him in. He bit the bait once we got to talking. We had in-depth discussions about life and flirtatious banter throughout our conversations. “Wow, you love ‘The Godfather’ too?” Dexter sent a message. “It’s my all-time favorite movie.” In Leah’s voice, I answered, “Yes, it’s a masterpiece! My preferred beverage to sip while watching it is Glenfiddich. How about you? <“Identical here,” was his reply. “Nothing beats a good movie and a great whiskey.” He had not spoken to me in years, but he confided in Leah about his anxieties and dreams. One night he said, “I feel like I’m stuck in a rut sometimes.” “I have all these plans, but I can’t seem to make them happen.” Typing, “I’m here for you,” “You can talk to me about anything.”Every night, when he texted Leah, I would sit on the couch next to him and pretend to look through my phone. Living under one house and keeping so many secrets was weird. Out of the corner of my eye, I would get a glimpse of him grinning at his phone, utterly absorbed in his texts to Leah.We spoke every day for a few weeks before I realized he was hooked. The second phase, earning his trust, was about to begin. I began to weave tales of unforeseen medical expenditures and abrupt car repairs, alluding to financial difficulties.I kept using Leah’s account to tell Dexter tales of desperation over the course of the following few days. He wanted to be her shining knight and was ready to assist. He started moving money to the account I had opened up rather quickly.“Leah, I want you to never feel alone. One day, he was sitting right next to me and texted Leah, saying, “You can always count on me.” “Remember, I’m only a message away.” I didn’t identify this Dexter as Phoebe; I had grown to know him as Leah. I knew I had to keep playing even if it hurt to do so.He was more determined to save this made-up woman with every sob story I gave him. It was exciting but exhausting to live this double life. I took on the role of the loving wife every day, preparing breakfast for our children and talking to Dexter about his workday.I was Leah, the helpless girl with him tangled in her fingers, and I changed every night. “Dex, I don’t know how to thank you enough,” I said in a message. “You’ve been my rock through all of this.” “I just want to see you happy,” he said in return. “I’ll do whatever it takes.” I watched as his shame and infatuation caused him to fall farther into the trap. He had no idea what was going on beneath the surface; he was just waiting for Leah’s messages on his phone, which he checked all the time.Raising the stakes was the main focus of the third step. Now that I had his trust, I started to make more elaborate demands and play on his desire to be a hero with my elaborate narrative. I contacted him as Leah one evening and said, “Dex, I’m at a loss for what to do. The price of fixing my broken-down car are much beyond my means. If I can’t get to work, I’m terrified that I’ll lose my job.” “Don’t worry, Leah,” was his nearly instantaneous response. I will see to it. What is the required amount?I texted back, holding my breath, “about $1,500.”He said, “Consider it done,” and a few minutes later, the funds were transferred into my account. With every transaction, I got closer to my objective. I requested assistance with rent, followed by “emergency” medical care for a sick relative. Convinced he was the hero Leah needed, Dexter was more than happy to lend a hand. He had no idea that he was providing the money for my escape. As he was preoccupied with his extramarital romance, I methodically prepared to leave. I moved to a new apartment, scheduled childcare, and carefully packed our necessities.I made sure I had enough proof of his financial misdeeds and infidelity each day to defend myself in the event that he attempted to refute anything later. I recorded a handful of our talks where he discussed his “true feelings” for Leah, kept copies of our bank statements, and even captured screenshots of our chats. One evening, he wrote, “Leah, I feel like I can be honest with you.” “This is not how I’ve ever felt before. Nobody else can truly comprehend me the way you can.”“Happy you feel that way,” I said, my heart racing. “I care about you a lot, Dex.”“I also care about you,” he answered. “I sometimes imagine what it would be like to be with you in person. Though it may sound insane, I believe I could be falling for you.” I felt a mixture of satisfaction and rage as I read his confession. I recorded the talk since I knew it would come in handy later. He was unaware that his sincere messages were determining his demise. Disclosing my plan was the last step. I was aware of the ideal approach. I scheduled a meeting at a classy restaurant in the last message I sent him using the fictitious account.“Dex, it seems like we’ve been friends for ages. I believe that our in-person meeting is overdue. What about this Friday at 8 p.m. for supper at The Grand?” In an instant, he answered, saying, “Leah, I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’ll be present.I experienced a mixture of trepidation and exhilaration on the day of the encounter. That was it. I looked my best, wearing a black dress that Dexter insisted was his favorite—simple yet sophisticated. When I went to face him, I wanted to appear my best. I got to The Grand a little early and sat at a quiet corner table with a good view of the entryway. I sat there, watching the clock as it got closer to eight o’clock, and ordered a glass of wine. At last, Dexter entered and eagerly surveyed his surroundings. I had gotten him a suit for our anniversary a few years prior, and he was sporting it. Thoughtfully nervous, yet enthusiastic, he had no idea what was going to happen. I got up and approached him as he looked around the room. “Dexter,” I murmured steadily. He pivoted, his shocked eyes enlarging. “Phoebe? Why are you in this place?” I said, “I could ask you the same thing,” and held up a folder in response. “But I think you know.”His face was a mixture of surprise and terror as he glanced at the folder. “What’s that?”I led him to the table I was sitting at and said, “Let’s sit down.” He looked stunned as he followed. I sat us down and put the folder in front of him. I said, “Open it.” He opened the folder and started looking over its contents with trembling hands. Screenshots of our discussions, proof of his adultery, and an extensive inventory of all the money he had transferred to Leah’s account—my account—were all contained within. When he realized he’d been duped, his face went white.I quietly remarked, “I knew all along,” as I observed him. “I used this as a means of retaliation and to protect my freedom. The funds you transferred to your ‘lover’ will assist the kids and me in beginning a fresh life apart from you.”His eyes were filled with a mixture of rage and shame as he glanced up at me. “Phoebe, I can explain—” “There’s no need for an explanation,” I interrupted. I was betrayed by you, Dexter. You promised me things, and you betrayed me. You are going to pay the price now.” He parted his lips to protest, but shut them again when he saw that the evidence was overwhelming. Nothing he said would change the situation or undo what he had done. I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders as I stood up. “Dexter, I’m heading out. Don’t look for us, and don’t believe that you can argue with anything. I can ensure you don’t since I have all the proof I require.”As I left the restaurant, he sat there in shock. As I said goodbye to him, I had an odd feeling of relief and liberation. I took the kids with me when I moved into our new house that evening. With the money I had saved up, we were well-off and could start over. The new location was ideal for us; it was modest but comfortable. When I told the kids it was a new adventure, they were initially a little bewildered. They seemed thrilled with their new quarters, and I was relieved that we were out of Dexter’s trap and secure. I adapted to our new life over the course of the following several days. I started looking for a job and got the kids enrolled at a new school. For the moment, we felt secure with the money Dexter had unintentionally given us. I noticed that I was grinning more and felt lighter than I had in a long time. My daughter said, “Mom, are we going to be okay?” while I was putting the kids to bed one evening.I gave her a forehead kiss with a smile. “Yes, my dear. We will not encounter any problems.”Later, while enjoying a cup of tea in the living room, I thought back on all that had transpired. It’s best to serve revenge cold, as Dexter discovered the hard way. Though he was only slipping into my trap, he thought he was cheating. I am now financially stable, independent, and prepared to move on without him. If you ever find yourself in a similar circumstance, keep in mind that sometimes outwitting the person who harmed you is the best way to exact revenge. It wasn’t only about getting even for me; it was also about regaining control over my life and making sure that my children and I would have a brighter future. That’s precisely what I did in the end.
