Hearing footsteps, Emily swiftly deleted the messagesomething about a lover missing her husband terribly and counting the minutes until their next rendezvousthen placed the phone back on the nightstand, exactly where it had been.
She kept rereading the text on her husbands phone, unable to believe it wasnt some cruel dream. Her husband, her rock, her beloved James was cheating on her again.
And not even with some young, glamorous model-type, as he usually did. No, this time, his mistress was a woman at least fifteen years older than him.
James strolled in, whistling. Today, all the employees had received a hefty bonus, which meant he could finally buy his wife an anniversary giftand whisk Natalie off to the seaside.
The thought of Natalie made him smile dreamily. Hed had plenty of flings beforeyoung girls, divorcees, even married womenbut Natalie was different. She was his colleague. A bit curvy, perhaps, but the way she dressed, the way she carried herself in public, the way she spoke and the way she was when they were alone. Shame about the age gap, but while she was still in her prime, he intended to enjoy every last drop.
Noticing his wifes pinched expression, James snapped back to reality.
Everything alright? You look off.
Fine, Emily said flatly. Just thinking about the anniversary party. Could you give me some money to organise it?
Yeah, sure, no problem.
Emily didnt understand herself. Normally, the second she found evidence of his affairs, shed launch into a screaming match, threatening divorce. But tonight? Nothing. As if she hadnt just read the most damning message of her life.
James grabbed his phone from the nightstand, made a show of calling a colleague to discuss work, then slipped onto the balcony to fire off a few steamy texts to his new fling. Emily forced herself to stay calm. Screaming and crying never changed anything.
This wasnt the first time hed cheated. At first, hed blamed hersaid shed let herself go after the kids, stopped caring. But now? She looked perfect. Toned body, long glossy hair, effortless makeup, and a dress that made her look more like a Bond girl than a stay-at-home mum.
Her friends didnt get it. She came from money, had a degreeeven with three kids, she wouldnt be destitute. But no, Emily endured the betrayals, only occasionally mustering the energy for a tearful row and empty divorce threats. And every time, James parents swooped in to defend him, reminding her how lucky she was.
Look at our neighbour, Grace, her mother-in-law would tut. Lost her husband, works two jobs, still manages to sew dresses at night. And Vera? Her husband drinks, she wears threadbare clothes, and so do the kids.
But
No buts! Youve got nothing to complain about. You live like a princessbig house, no job, designer wardrobe. So what if he strays? Take Gregory, for example. He had his fun, and did I nag? No. Men are like catsthey crave warmth and affection. If Id scolded him, hed have left, and where would I be with four kids? Now hes the perfect family man. So stop fussing and make sure James doesnt look elsewhere.
Emily smirked. Shed recently seen her father-in-law sneaking out of Graces house. Clearly, the apple didnt fall far from the treethough, unlike his son, hed learned to hide it better.
Pollys right, her father-in-law chimed in. If hes wandering, its because hes not getting what he needs at home. If my wife carried on like you, Id put her in her place. Dont like it? She can pack her bags!
Her mother-in-law would flash a placating smile, and Emily would feel sick. In her family, love meant loyalty. Her parents adored each other, raised their kids to be honestif you fell out of love, you said so. No double lives.
No one deserved to be lied to. Emily had learned that early. So why was it normal when a man cheated? Why was it always the womans fault?
How many tears had she shed? How much money wasted on fortune-tellers promising to fix her husband?
Her friends begged her to leave. But where would she go with three kids? Her parents? Her brother and his wife lived there. Rent a flat? Could she even afford it?
She didnt work, and raising three kids alone? Brutal. And if she was honest she loved James. Theyd been together since primary school, confessed their love at eleven, and never looked back.
Maybe her in-laws were right. Maybe James would grow out of it. Maybe it *was* her fault.
But then she remembered that text, and the urge to scream returned. Before, hed said shed gained weight, lost her spark. Now? What was wrong with her?
And what did this older womanwith her questionable hair colourhave that she didnt?
Their anniversary was coming up. Ten years together. And he was back to his old tricks.
Thinking of the party, Emily grabbed her phone and settled into an armchair, scrolling through event planners promising unforgettable celebrationsas long as your budget matched your dreams. She jotted down a number, called, and booked a meeting.
The next day, the companys co-owner, Leo, arrived. Apologising for his absent colleague, he assured her theyd deliver perfection. Weve got gift catalogues, party themesor suggest something custom. What does your husband enjoy? Fishing? Cars? Sports?
Women. And cheating.
Sorry?
My husband *adores* women. Cant go a day without betraying me.
The floodgates opened. Soon, the entire café was staring.
Why do you put up with it? Youre enabling him. If you dont respect yourself, why should he?
You dont understand
I do. My little sister *was* in your shoes. Her husband cheated. She stayed silent. Then she did something irreversible. Now Im raising her kids. You have children?
Yes.
Live for them. Youll find a job. A home. Lifes too short.
Youre right.
Emily dabbed her face with a napkin, offering Leo a guilty smile. Thank you. I know exactly what surprise to give my husband. Take notes.
The next week, Emily oversaw every detail. The venue? A gorgeous countryside cottage. Invites? Sent to friends, family, even James colleaguesincluding Natalie.
The party promised to be spectacular. Menu, outfits, even the giftall set. Leo kept reassuring her whenever she hesitated. In a week, hed done more for her than anyone: shown her not all men were the same, given her the support even her parents hadnt.
Now, Emily stood in a black lace dress, admiring herself in the mirror. Hair, makeup, accessoriesflawless. Leo squeezed her shoulders.
Its time. Still sure?
No turning back.
Good. Ill call the teamtheyll move your things while everyones distracted.
The party was in full swing. James parents held court at the head table, oblivious to their daughter-in-laws absence. James accepted congratulations, shooting Natalie heated looks between sneaking off to the guest loo. Oh yes, Natalie had been invitedalong with all his colleagues. All part of the plan.
Time for gifts! Emily announced. Darling, in ten years together, Ive learned one thingyou cant argue with a man like you. Best to accept you as you are. And honestly? Im *grateful*. Youve shown me exactly what marriage *shouldnt* be. No grand speechesjust thank you. And I think youll *love* your present.
A massive cake was wheeled inout popped three women: a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead. Emily watched, delighted, as James gaped. She leaned to Natalie and whispered,
Think youre the only one? Look how his eyes light up for those girls. Now look at yourself.
While Natalie paled, Emily turned to her mother-in-law.
Gregorys still seeing Grace, by the way.
Before the sputtering woman could respond, Emily approached James.
Like your gift? Youve always loved women. How manys it been? Three? Five? Ten? Blondes, brunettes, redheads now Natalie. And you know what? Your parents are right. No more jealousy. If this is the life you want? Fine. But count me out. Happy anniversary!
The last words rang out. Everyone stared. But Emily was already ushering the kids out, where Leo waited.
The divorce was tedious. James blamed *her*, refused to signuntil the court forced it.
Friends were stunned. How had meek Emily pulled this off? Simple: James had funded it. Weekly allowances
