A Single Pendant Changed Everything: How Emily Brought Her Husband Back to Life
“Darling, I’m popping over to see Charlotte today,” said Emily, quickly adjusting her hair in the mirror. “We haven’t met in ages.”
“Of course,” nodded James. “Have a nice evening.”
Emily left, and the familiar quiet settled over the house. James, pleased with the rare chance to sit undisturbed at his computer, lost himself in a game. But soon, the phone rang, pulling him away.
“Hey, mate!” came the voice of William, his old friend, on the other end. “Coming over! Wife’s not home, right? By the way, just spotted yours near my office…”
James froze, the receiver clutched in his hand. He asked mechanically:
“Near the office? You’re sure? She’s supposed to be at Charlotte’s.”
“Dead certain,” William confirmed. “Saw her leaving a jeweller’s with a bag. Got into her car and drove off. I’d mistake my own Emily for someone else, but never yours.”
Something heavy settled in James’ chest. He had trusted Emily completely. In five years of marriage, they’d never had a serious row—their relationship was the envy of friends. Yet now…
When William arrived, James was still puzzling over what he’d heard.
“Right, let’s get to it!” William plonked a bag of beer on the table.
“Wait… You’re absolutely sure it was Emily?” James pressed.
“Positive. She looked chuffed, carrying a bag… A present, maybe? You buy her something?”
“No,” James croaked.
Thoughts swirled like a storm in his head. *Is there someone else?* He decided to call Emily.
“Hi, love. Where are the big glasses? William’s here, and I can’t find them…” he forced cheer into his voice.
“Top cupboard, right side,” Emily answered. “Charlotte and I are trying on her new bits. All good.”
Charlotte’s voice echoed in the background, backing her up.
James exhaled in relief. William must have been mistaken.
Emily came home late that night, smelling of perfume and something faintly new.
“Good time?” James asked.
“Lovely,” she smiled, kissing his cheek. “Tried on her new clothes. She wanted to hit the pub, but I didn’t fancy going without you.”
James felt lighter. He wouldn’t torment himself with baseless suspicions anymore.
The next morning, James, as usual, made breakfast. He’d been jobless for six months, searching for the right role, so he spoiled Emily with small gestures. Serving her breakfast in bed, he watched, proud, as she smiled.
But then Emily, thanking him, suddenly added:
“You really ought to find work… How long will you live off me?”
The words stung. James opened his mouth to reply, but his gaze fell on her neck—where a small heart-shaped pendant now glittered, one she’d never worn before.
“Where’s that from?” he rasped.
“A gift,” Emily said breezily. “Bought it myself. From my bonus.”
Yet doubt had already taken root. Despite her reassurances, one thought filled his mind: *There’s someone else.*
That day, he tore through job listings. He needed work now, no matter what.
Hours later, James sat across from an interviewer. By the next day, he’d started at a window manufacturing firm. The pay was modest but steady.
“Right. Everything changes now,” he promised himself.
A week later, he decided to surprise Emily—roasted a chicken, set the table.
When she returned, she raised her eyebrows.
“Special occasion?”
“First pay packet tomorrow,” James said proudly. “Time to celebrate.”
Emily smiled uncertainly. Deep down, guilt pricked at her. The pendant had been her little trick…
The next day, she rang her mother.
“Mum, it worked! He’s got a job! Proper one, treats me like a queen. And the pendant…” She laughed. “Just one tiny pendant to shake him awake.”
Watching James, exhausted from work, asleep on the sofa, Emily understood: sometimes a small nudge is all it takes to remind someone of what really matters.
