**A Single Pendant Changed Everything: How a Wife Brought Her Husband Back to Life**
*— Darling, I’m popping round to Emily’s today,* said Lily, quickly smoothing her hair in the mirror. *We haven’t seen each other in ages.*
*— Of course,* nodded Nicholas. *Have a lovely evening.*
Lily left, and the familiar silence settled over the house. Nicholas, pleased with the rare chance to unwind at his computer, lost himself in a game. But soon, the phone rang, breaking his focus.
*— Alright, mate?* came Victor’s voice on the other end, an old friend of Nicholas’s. *I’m swinging by yours! The missus isn’t home, is she? Speaking of, just saw her near my office…*
Nicholas froze, the receiver tight in his grip. He forced himself to ask:
*— Near your office? You’re sure? She said she was with Emily.*
*— Positive,* Victor confirmed. *Saw her come out of a jeweller’s, clutching a bag. Hopped into her car and drove off. I’d mistake my own wife before yours.*
Something heavy settled in Nicholas’s chest. He’d trusted Lily completely. In five years of marriage, they’d never had a proper row—their relationship was the envy of their friends. But now…
By the time Victor arrived, Nicholas was still turning it all over in his head.
*— Right, let’s crack on then!* Victor plonked a six-pack on the table.
*— Wait…* Nicholas pressed, *you’re absolutely certain it was Lily?*
*— Dead certain. Looked chuffed, carrying that bag… A present, was it? You buy her something?*
*— No,* Nicholas rasped.
His mind raced. *Could she be seeing someone?* He decided to call her.
*— Hi, love. Where do we keep the big glasses? Victor’s here, and I can’t find them…* he said, forcing cheer into his voice.
*— Cupboard, right side,* Lily replied. *Emily and I are trying on her new bits. All good.*
He heard the muffled sound of Emily’s voice in the background, backing her up.
Nicholas exhaled. Maybe Victor had been mistaken.
Lily returned late that night, smelling of perfume and something new—something faint but unmistakable.
*— How was it?* Nicholas asked.
*— Lovely,* she smiled, kissing his cheek. *We tried on her things. She asked me to the club, but I didn’t fancy it without you.*
The weight in his chest eased. He resolved not to torment himself over nothing.
The next morning, Nicholas, as usual, made breakfast. He’d been jobless for six months, searching for the right position—filling the time by spoiling Lily with little gestures. He brought her breakfast in bed, pride warming him as she smiled.
But then, after thanking him, she added softly:
*— You really ought to find work, though… How long can you live off me?*
The words stung. Nicholas opened his mouth to reply, but his gaze caught the glint at her throat—a delicate heart-shaped pendant, one he’d never seen before.
*— Where’s the necklace from?* he asked hoarsely.
*— A treat,* she said lightly. *Bought it myself. From my bonus.*
Yet doubt had already taken root. Despite her assurances, one thought echoed in his mind: *She’s seeing someone.*
That day, he scoured job sites frantically. He needed work, no matter what.
By evening, he was sat in an interview. Two days later, he started at a window manufacturing firm. The pay was middling, but steady.
*— Right. Things change now,* he vowed.
A week later, he decided to surprise Lily—roast chicken, candles, the lot.
When she got home, she blinked in surprise.
*— What’s the occasion?*
*— First proper paycheck tomorrow,* Nicholas said proudly. *Time to celebrate.*
Lily gave a faint, uneasy smile. Somewhere deep, guilt pricked at her. After all, the pendant had been her little trick…
The next day, she rang her mum.
*— Mum, it worked! He’s got a job! Spoils me rotten. And the necklace…* She laughed. *Just took one necklace to shake him up.*
As she watched Nicholas, exhausted from work, sleeping soundly, she knew: sometimes, a small nudge was all it took to rekindle what mattered.
