Fancy my husband? Hes all yours! said the wife with a grin, addressing the strange woman whod appeared at her doorstep.
Hang on, Gemma! Someones at the door. Ill ring you back once I find out who it is and what they want, said Emily reluctantly, ending the call with her childhood friend. Gemma had been regaling her with hilarious details about her mother-in-laws birthday party, and Emily had been laughing so hard she might as well have been watching a stand-up special.
Emily headed to the door, peeked through the spyhole, and froze in surprise. Shed expected a neighbourstrangers rarely made it past the secure entry system in their building. But there, on the other side, stood a young woman with an odd air about her, someone Emily had never seen before.
She decided against opening the doorbetter to avoid dealings with strangers, especially in this day and age. Emily had a firm rule: no chatting with randoms. Scammers preyed on the gullible, but she wasnt one of them.
She lifted her phone to resume her chat with Gemma, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, convinced someone was home and determined to get a response.
Emily was alone in the flat; her husband, James, had popped round to a mates to help with some garden work. She returned to the door, peering through the spyhole again, studying the stranger more closely.
Something about her seemed off, almost pitiful, yet Emily didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to jog on? Emily mused. Probably lost, or trying to sell me some rubbish.
Resolved, she swung the door open. The woman in the hallway straightened up, fussing with her hair before speaking.
Hello! Are you Emily? she asked, fiddling with her scarf. Well, of course you arewhy else would I ask?
Well, this is a twist, Emily thought. Scammers are getting creative these days. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been standing there for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so spit it out or push off! Emily said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Emily off guard.
Oh, now were getting somewhere, Emily thought, suspicions rising. Knows my husbands name too. Shes done her homework.
Youre here for James? Emily asked, though shed meant to say something entirely different.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is here, itll make things trickier, the woman replied with startling casualness.
Trickier? Whats going on? Emily wondered, curiosity piqued.
Hes not here. What do you want?
Perhaps its better if we step inside. Bit awkward discussing this on the landing, the woman suggested, growing bolder.
Not a chance! I dont know you, and I dont let strangers into my home. Say your piece and make it quick, Emily shot back.
You really want to discuss the intimate details of my relationship with James out here, where the neighbours can eavesdrop? the woman said, smirking.
What? What relationship? Emily exclaimed, louder than intended.
Emily, love, everything alright? Why the shouting? asked Mrs. Thompson, the nosy neighbour from across the hall, stepping out of the lift.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Thompson! All fine here. Lovely weather, isnt it? Emily said, scrambling for a distraction.
Looks like rain, actually, Mrs. Thompson replied, though she seemed in no rush to disappear inside, clearly intrigued by the drama.
Get in, Emily muttered reluctantly, gesturing for the woman to enter.
Once inside, the woman glanced around the flat with interest, her eyes lingering on various objects.
Youve got five minutes. Talk, Emily said, blocking her from venturing further into the living room. This isnt the Tate Modern.
My names Chloe, the woman began, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Oh, how original! Couldnt come up with something fresher? Emily interrupted, grinning sarcastically.
Whats unoriginal about it? People fall in loveit happens. Youre not the first wife whose husbands wandered, Chloe retorted confidently, trying to sidestep Emily.
And youre certain he doesnt love me anymore and is mad about you? Emily asked, still grinning.
Absolutely! Why else would I be here? Chloe declared.
Well, heres the snagmy husband doesnt love anyone. Hes emotionally stunted. So, darling, youve got the wrong end of the stick, Emily said calmly.
Chloe tried to argue, but just then, the door swung open, and James walked in
James walked in, blinking in surprise at the unfamiliar woman in their hallway.
Chloe? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Something work-related? he asked, baffled.
No, shes here for you, Emily said, savouring the moment.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at the office? James asked, growing more confused.
No, darling. Shes come to whisk you away from me. Permanently, Emily replied, smirking.
Chloe, visibly flustered, yanked her coat back on and started backing toward the door.
Leaving so soon? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Honestly, Id be delighted to hand him over, Emily teased.
But Chloe was already out the door without another word.
What on earth was all that about? James asked, utterly bewildered.
You tell me! Why did this bold woman turn up demanding a divorce, claiming youd be moving in with her? Emily crossed her arms.
Are you serious? James looked genuinely shocked. I havent the foggiest whats going on. Shes been acting odd at work, but Ive given her no reason. Im fed up with this nonsense. I promised you, remember?
Good. Because you know me, JamesI dont tolerate this sort of thing. Honestly, though, some women will clutch at anything to fix their messy lives, Emily said, shaking her head.
James kicked off his shoes and headed to the kitchen, while Emily lingered for a moment, deep in thought. She vowed not to let such nonsense disrupt their peace. Against her will, she smiled at how spectacularly Chloes plan had backfired.
One thing was cleardespite outsiders attempts, their marriage was sturdier than anyone gave it credit for.
