Daniella surfs the internet looking for ways to break up two people who are madly in love with each other. She goes through the options; she picks the one she likes.

This one is safe and won’t be traced back to me. She smiles at the thought of seeing them breaking up. She imagines Chris coming to apologise to her for being cold and distant, and things would go back to normal.

She sets her phone’s alarm and dives into work. Thankfully, it acts as a distraction. Before she knows it, her phone rings, reminding her it is already lunchtime. 

She picks it up and rushes to the reception. She’s made it in time because there is Mary walking in with takeaways in her hand. 

Daniella smiles. “Hi Mary, can I talk to you for a minute.” 

“O-kay.” 

Mary’s not sure if she should be doing this, but before she says more, Daniella says, “Thanks, let’s sit down,” and ushers them over to a leather couch next to the reception desk.

Daniella takes a deep breath. “I wanted to apologise for my behaviour at the party the other night and for ruining your beautiful gown.” She looks down shyly. “I had too much wine, and my mind was all over the place.” 

“Oh!” Mary recovers from her surprise and smiles. “It’s okay; apology accepted. I am not someone who bears grudges.” 

“Ncooh, you are so sweet and so kind. Thank you so much,” she says, blinking her eyes and hugging Mary. “Now go have lunch with your man before the food gets cold.”

“Why don’t you come with me, and the three of us can have lunch together,” she says, standing up from the couch. “I have brought enough food and am sure Chris won’t mind.” 

“Thanks, I would love that.” 

Mary is the first to greet Chris at his office. “Hi, hun; I have brought a friend to have lunch with us today.” She hugs Chris and places the food on the table. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, my love, I don’t mind; the more, the merrier,” he smiles. 

The three of them have lunch together and catch up. Daniella looks at the love birds and smiles. Her plan is coming together perfectly – phase one of operation heartbreak complete. Mary has let her guard down.

It has been two months since Daniella apologised to Mary and Chris. She eats lunch with them twice a week and spends some weekends with them when she is not visiting her mother. Mary has warmed up to her, and they go shopping and have a girl’s night on Saturday when Chris has gone to visit his family.