Listen, it’s awkward to admit, David smiled sheepishly, drumming his fingers on the table, but I left my wallet at home, all the cards are in there. Could you cover it? I’m really embarrassed
Emily held back a surprised sigh, reached for her handbag. Sixty pounds for a dinner for two wasnt a pleasure, but it wasnt ruinous either; shed been earning enough for years to not flinch at that sum.
Of course, no problem.
The waiter placed the payment terminal on the table, and Emily slipped her card in. The screen flashed green, confirming the charge. David nodded gratefully and helped her to her feet, steadying her by the elbow.
Outside a cold wind bit through to the bone. Emily pulled her scarf tighter, shivering. David walked beside her in silence, as if weighing something. He stopped beneath a streetlamp and turned to her.
You know, I need to come clean about something, he began, a strange edge in his voice. The wallet was actually with me. So were the cards.
Emily froze. A cold snake crept up her legs.
What do you mean?
It was a test, David said, pulling a black leather wallet from his jacket pocket and twirling it. I wanted to see whether you were with me for anything other than money. Do you get it? Now I know youre not a mercenary; youre selfsufficient.
Emily exhaled slowly, a tight knot forming in her chest. Laughter choked in her throat, but she forced a smile, letting her face relax.
Glad I passed your little test, she said as gently as she could.
David let out a relieved laugh and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Emily pressed her face into his back, hiding the tension in her cheekbones. Inside, everything was turning upside downhumiliating, petty. She was a grown woman, yet he was treating her like a schoolgirl.
The weeks that followed slid by in their ordinary rhythm. Then David got down on one knee, proposing in a scene that felt ripped from a romance film. Emily said yes.
Wedding preparations kicked off almost immediately. Emily bought a creamcoloured lacesleeved gown from a boutique. They booked a restaurant for forty guests and mailed out invitations.
Davids mother, Margaret, visited every weekend, fawning over her son as if she were hawking a prized stall at a market.
Davids such a responsible lad, she chirped, pouring tea into fine, almost translucent cups. He always helps, never forgets his mother. Emily, darling, you should feel proud that David chose you.
Emily nodded and smiled, though Margarets words slid past her, never sinking in. She learned to tune out the motherinlaws endless monologues.
Two weeks before the wedding David suggested Emily move into his new flat on the fifteenth floor of a sleek development, a balcony overlooking the Thames. Emily agreed, though a quiet voice inside resisted. She started boxing up her belongings; cardboard towers filled her modest onebedroom flat.
On moving day Emily carried a box of decorative cushions and photo frames. David met her at the entrance, helping haul the load to the lift.
The flat smelled of fresh paint and brandnew furniture. Emily set the box down at the hallway entrance, straightened her back, rubbing a sore lower back.
David took her hand, pulling her toward the balcony.
Come on, I want to show you the view.
They stepped onto the narrow balcony. The wind teased Emilys hair, and she squinted against the bright sun. The river below glittered, reflecting the sky. The city stretched out to the horizon.
Suddenly David asked,
Hand me your phone. I want a picture of you with this backdrop.
Emily dug her smartphone out of her jeans pocket and handed it over. David glanced at the screen, then, without warning, flung the phone over the rail.
Emily froze. Time seemed to halt. She stared down at the tiny dot disappearing among the bushes by the entrance. A cold calm settled over her.
What shall we do, love? David smirked, crossing his arms.
Emilys gaze shifted from the ground to him. No panic rose, only a detached, icy composure.
You need to go down and fetch my SIM, she said evenly, almost indifferent.
David burst out laughing, pulling the phone back from his pocket and waving it like a magician revealing a rabbit.
Surprise, he declared, savoring the moment. See, you didnt mind. Here you go. I just wanted to see your reaction; my old phone took a little flight.
Emily took her phone, noted a scratch on the protective glass, ran a finger across the screen. irritation rose deep, dark and heavy, filling her thoughts. She met Davids eyes.
Im not a piece of equipment for your experiments, she whispered.
Davids laughter died. His face stretched, eyebrows arching.
Come on, it was just a joke. Dont be mad. I love you.
Emily slipped the gold ring with a tiny diamond from her finger and placed it in his palm.
What are you doing? David recoiled, as if shed handed him a snake.
Returning it, Emily put the ring on his hand. Tests like this bruise my selfrespect. I wont marry someone so childish and petty.
Emily, are you serious? Over a prank? His voice took on a pleading tone.
She turned and walked back into the flat. The boxes stood untouched in the hallway. Emily felt a strange relief that she hadnt unpacked a thing. She grabbed her car keys, snatched her bag, the single box, and headed for the door.
Emily! Wait! David chased after her down the corridor. Lets talk!
Nothing to discuss, she called over her shoulder. But I can explain in your language. David, you failed the test.
Emily shoved the box into the boot, slid into the drivers seat, turned the engine on. David lingered at the doorway, watching her disappear. She drove away, the familiar scent of coffee, old books, lavender freshener filling her home as she pulled into her own street.
She slipped off her shoes, padded to the kitchen, set the kettle on. Her phone buzzed. David. She declined. A minute later a text appeared: Sorry I hurt you. Lets meet and talk. She deleted it, then another, and another, finally blocking the number and silencing her phone.
The next days David called from borrowed numbers, messaged through social media, begged mutual friends to tell her he was sorry and would change.
Emily ignored everything. She cared little for the money spent on a wedding that would never happen, the restaurant reservation, the invitations already mailed out. The only thing that mattered was not being humiliated for anyones ego.
The cream gown hung in her wardrobe, protected in a cover. Emily lifted it, smoothed the lace sleeves. Her niece, Katie, had recently asked for help picking a prom dress. This would be perfect for her. The dress would look better on the girl who would actually wear it than on a bride whose marriage was doomed.
Emily settled on the sofa, hugging her knees, watching the sky darken as the last sunset rays faded. The city below buzzed, indifferent to personal dramas. Somewhere, David probably sat in his highrise, baffled by why shed cut him off so abruptly, not understanding that his tests were degrading. Love and trust arent measured by experiments.
Her phone buzzed again from an unknown number. She didnt answer. She turned on some music, curled under a blanket, closed her eyes. Inside, a calm settleda lightness after a heavy backpack finally set down.
Two days later Katie burst into the flat, shrieking with delight at the sight of the dress.
Aunt Emily, is this really for me? she clutched the lace to her chest, twirling before the mirror.
It is, Emily nodded, watching the excitement flare in her nieces eyes.
You wont need it anymore?
No. I have other plans.
Katie threw her arms around Emily, the scent of floral shampoo and youthful exuberance filling the room. Emily returned the hug, running a hand along Katies back. At least the dress wouldnt go to waste. At least shed stopped in time. At least there was no lingering regretjust a faint melancholy for the time and hope that had been spent.
It was over. She was free, and that mattered more than any test the world could devise.
