Bethany was a seasoned high-school teacher in her mid-thirties. Blonde hair, and was well respected. She was dedicated to teaching, and weathered the storms of curriculum changes and the pressures of the profession. Mid-way through her career, and in a moment of weakness, she succumbed to the thrill of a brief affair, with Mark, a fellow teacher. She was unaware of Mark's troubling history of pursuing relationships within the school. What began as brief meetings outside the school grounds, quickly became meetings at Marks home, where he secretly recorded their get togethers. Things dissipated quickly, Mark eventually departed for another city. Years passed with no communication, apart from an occasional attempt by Mark to reconnect. All attempts were rebuffed by Bethany. Over time, Bethany buried the indiscretion, and focused on her career and the stability of her marriage, believing the chapter with Mark to be firmly closed. However, Mark had other plans.
Mark was to return to the town where Bethany and Mark once taught together and shared a few moments, and annoyed by Bethany not returning calls over the years, Mark planned an afternoon that she would not forget. Mark put together a video compilation of their private moments, secured a long list of email addresses, including her husband's, her work colleagues', her friends, and extended family. He also bought a very revealing black leather dress and a pair of high heels. With these contents in hand, Mark arrived at Bethany's doorstep. His timing was well calculated. He knew that her husband would have just left for work around 8 am, leaving Bethany with a small window before her departure at 8:30 am.
As Bethany stepped out for work, she was greeted by Mark standing at her doorstep. Shock spread across her face, and was momentarily speechless.
"What are you doing here? Are you insane?" Bethany finally managed....
Mark, unfazed by her reaction, responded, "Sorry to spring this on you, but you weren't being very receptive to my calls, so I thought I would just show up and give you this surprise."
He handed Bethany the bag and continued, "You have exactly 10 minutes to get changed and be in the car, or the video will be sent to all the email recipients."
Before Bethany could say another word, Mark turned and walked back to the car. Heart pounding, she quickly looked inside the bag. She played the video, and her eyes widened with horror as she recognized the people on the long list of email addresses Mark had obtained. At the bottom of the note, she read: "just one more day like the old day, and the video gets deleted, and no one needs to know any different. Remember, time is ticking."
Bethany knew she had to make a decision quickly. With no other choice, she texted the school, informing them she wouldn't be in today. She pulled out the black dress. It was very tight and very short. Feeling exposed and vulnerable, she walked towards Mark's car. Mark watched her approach, pleased that his plan was unfolding.
Bethany didn't speak a single word as they drove. The silence between them was noticeable. Finally, Mark broke the tension. "You look great in that dress and those high heels". Bethany remained silent, her gaze fixed on the road ahead.
Mark's eyes roved over her and noticed the outline of a strapless bra. "Are you wearing a bra?" he asked in a tone more commanding than curious.
"Yes." Was Bethany's short reply.
"Get rid of it," he ordered.
"How?" she retorted.
Without waiting for an answer, Mark reached over and pulled down the top of her dress, exposing the bra. That's how. Humiliated, she reluctantly removed the bra, then quickly pulled the dress back up over her breasts.
A short while later, Mark's suspicion grew that if she had worn a bra, she was likely also wearing underwear. He asked her, and she confirmed.
