Im sorry for how things turned out.
“Michael, are you sure youve packed everything? Shouldnt you double-check?” I called out, hesitating outside the closed bathroom door.
“Emma, leave it! Ive got everythinga full suitcase, you saw,” he replied over the sound of the shower. But his voice his voice trembled. Or did I imagine it?
“I saw the suitcase. Whats inside, thoughno,” I muttered, stepping back.
“Emma, love, make me a coffee, strong. No milk,” he added calmly, turning off the water.
I went to the kitchen, pulled out the kettle without a word, poured water, added ground coffee, a pinch of saltjust how he liked it. We had a coffee machine, but Michael adored the tea I made. “Youre so thoughtful,” hed told me just the other night, coming home late from work and seeing how, like my grandmother used to, Id wrapped his dinner in a tea towel to keep it warm.
Lately, hed been late more oftensupposedly at work. Climbing the career ladder. Preparing for a promotion. And me? I stayed in the shadows. Cooking, ironing, enduring.
“The smell of this brew is divine,” Michael said, striding into the kitchen, pushing his damp hair from his forehead. He sat at the table, reaching for the mug.
“Emma, the couriers coming todayordered a car cover. Can you take it? Cash on delivery,” he said, stirring in a teaspoon of sugar.
“Of course. Same as always,” I replied, sitting across from him.
“This trip couldnt have come at a worse time,” he sighed. “But I cant say no. You understandits an opportunity, maybe the only one. Senior managerits no joke.”
“Right I didnt realise a position like that would mean traipsing around the countryside.”
“Bosses whims. Anyway, Ive got half an hour leftIll check emails.”
He stood, walked into the other room. Left his mug behind. No matter. What could I expect? He was under pressure.
I reached for his cupthen his phone buzzed. A message. I opened it.
*”Emma, Michaels lying. Theres no business trip. Hes flying to Italy with Sophie Carter. Stop him before its too late. Hes throwing his life away.”*
Olivia. His younger sister.
Something shattered in my mind. Him with Sophie? Impossible. A joke? But Olivia wasnt the type to joke about this. And she wouldnt lie.
The room spun. The air turned thick as concrete. I could barely breathe. Stood shakily, poured waterthen collapsed back into the chair.
I wanted to scream. To smash everything. All I could think was: *Why?*
I clenched my fists, trembling with rage. I wanted to storm in, confront him, tear off his mask. But I didnt. He wasnt worth it.
Let him go. And Id prepare a surprisenot with shouting, but with action.
I opened the banking app. The joint account£40,000. Surprisingly, hed already helped himself£10,000 was gone. My money, mind you. My freelance earnings, late nights working. And him funding his first loves holiday with my savings.
I knew about Sophie. Michael himself had told me, Olivia mentioned it once. High school sweetheart, wild and reckless. Left him twicefirst for an older man, then for someone with “prospects.” Now she was back. And Michael had fallen for it again. And still, he lied.
He couldve at least been honest: *”Emma, Ive feelings for someone else. Im sorry.”* It wouldve hurt, yes. But not like this. Instead, hed behaved like a rat. Took the money, lied about the trip, packed his case
Fine. Id take the rest. Today. Every last penny. Thendivorce. His things? Courier to his parents.
I checked the calendartomorrows online presentation was crucial. If it went well, Id book a holiday. Not Italy. Spain, maybe. Somewhere hed never been.
“Emma, Im offheading out early,” he said, walking in smartly dressed, tie neatly knotted.
“Safe trip. Hope its successful,” I replied, gripping the mug.
“Whats with the tone?”
“Must be your imagination.”
“Ill miss you”
“Doubt youll have time for that.”
“Arent you helping me with the case?”
“Id rather wash the dishes.”
“Fine. Im off.”
“Go on, then.”
The door slammed. Michael had no idea he was leaving for good. Tomorrow, Id change the locks.
I sank into the chair. Sobbedbitter, aching, humiliated. Traitor.
Another message from Olivia:
*”Emma, are you okay?”*
I wiped my tears, dialled her number.
“Olivia, how did you know?”
“A friend of Sophies told me. Shes latched onto Michael again. And hes fallen for it. Emma, Im so sorry”
“Thanks for telling me. I didnt stop him. Let him go.”
“Hes a fool. Shell drop him a third time.”
“His choice. Olivia, dont tell him I know.”
“Wouldnt dream of speaking to him. Im done with him!”
“Thank you. Lets stay close, even after the divorce.”
“Of course, Emma. Stay strong.”
I reopened the banking app. Another £3,000 missing. Quick, then. NoI steadied myself. Id transfer the rest to Mum.
Sent the money, closed the phone, stared out the window as the sun setknowing tomorrow it would rise again, without him.
