**15th May, 2024**
Emma and James were finishing supper when the front door swung open, and his motherMargaretburst into their London flat.
“James! You need to hear the truth about your wife!” she cried, still clutching her handbag.
“Mum, sit down, catch your breath. Youre flushedyour blood pressure,” James said, concerned.
“I should be!” Margaret snapped, rounding on Emma. “I ran into Sophie, your colleague, today. She told me everything!”
“Told you what?” Emma asked evenly, meeting her gaze.
“That you got promoted a year agonow you earn twice what James does! And he had no idea! You kept it from him!” Margaret was nearly breathless with indignation.
“Whats the problem? We dont ask you for money. Were managing fine. What do you want?”
“Last spring, when I needed help fixing the roof at the cottage, you said you couldnt afford it. Now we find out you could! Wheres it all going? Saving up to leave him, are you?” Margaret accused.
Emma stood and looked at James. “James, fetch the blue folder from the bedside drawer, please.”
He did so without a word.
“Whats this?” he asked, flipping it open. “Savings accounts?”
“Yes. For Lily and Oliver. Every month, I set aside part of my salaryfor their future. When I realised your family saw me as an outsider, I had to think of the children.”
“Outsider?” James interrupted.
“You forgot when we bought this flat with the money from selling the old one in Kensington? It was only in your name. ‘In case of divorce.’ You never said a word. I was pregnant, and you stayed silent. You think I didnt notice?”
James sighed heavily. Margaret tried to interject
“It was just security!”
“From what? From the mother of your children?” Emmas voice trembled. “Then you wonder why Ive been distant?”
“Wheres the money, Emma?” Margaret pressed. “If not for the family, youre saving it to leave!”
“James, please see your mother out. Weve nothing left to say,” Emma said quietly.
“Fine, Ill go! But mark my wordsyoure the one tearing this family apart!” Margaret shot back, though she added as she left, “Then again you were never right for each other.”
When the door shut, James was silent for a long moment.
“Did you really think I was planning an escape route?” he finally asked.
“I didnt know. You never spoke. Silence is an answer too.”
“I dont want a divorce. I love you. And the kids.”
“Then prove it. Show me Im not just temporary.”
“Alright. Ill transfer the flat into Lilys name. And Ill start putting money into trusts for themsmall amounts, but regular. Trust takes two.”
Emma nodded.
“And no more talk of divorce,” James added.
“Agreed.”
For the first time in ages, they spoke not as strangers but as partners.
A family isnt held together by moneybut by honesty. Silence breaks. Truth binds.
