**Diary Entry**
I was halfway to my mother-in-laws with a freshly baked lasagne when my solicitor called and turned my evening upside down. Come home NOW, she demanded. What I saw that night exposed the darkest sides of the two people closest to me.
I used to think my life was stable. As a finance director at a well-paid job, I had the independence Id always wanted. My bills were paid, the fridge was full, and I could afford little luxuries here and there. Everything seemed under controluntil I learned the truth about my husband, William.
The day I discovered his betrayal shattered the carefully constructed life Id built in ways I never expected.
William and I met eight years ago on a hiking trip organised by mutual friends. He was the kind of man who could light up a room effortlessly. I remember his easy smile making everyone laugh, even as we climbed steep hills. By the weekends end, I was sure Id met one of the most fascinating people in my life.
But we didnt start dating right away.
For two years, we stayed friendstexting, meeting for coffee, sharing bits of our lives. William was always cheerful and engaging, though I noticed his stubbornness. He insisted everything go his way, whether it was the restaurant we chose or weekend plans. I chalked it up to confidence and ignored it. No ones perfect, after all.
Three years after that hike, we married. I thought we were ready for the next step, though our transition from friendship to romance hadnt been seamless. Yes, he could be pushy, especially about money. He often borrowed small sums, promising to pay me back after his next paycheck.
Honestly, it didnt bother me. I told myself it was part of building a future together.
But marriage revealed another side of Williamone I wasnt prepared for.
Slowly, I realised his mother, Linda, played too big a role in his life. She was fiercely protective of him. Often, I felt like I was competing with her for his attention. And William? He always took her side when we argued, brushing off my concerns as overreacting.
Once, when I asked why her opinion mattered more than mine, he said, Shes my mum, Emily. Shes been there my whole life. I cant just ignore her.
His words hurt. I didnt expect him to justify himself, but I convinced myself it wasnt a big deal. Family relationships are complicated, right?
I ignored the red flags, hoping things would improve. I told myself William would grow out of prioritising his mother and learn to balance his loyalties.
But the cracks in our marriage only widened, and I began doubting whether Id been naive about love and partnership.
Looking back, I should have seen the signs. William loved luxury but never seemed to spend his own money on it. Early in our relationship, he often borrowed from me, spinning stories about investments or gifts for his mother.
Were building something together, hed say with that charming smile.
Spoiler: I never saw a penny of those investments again.
Meanwhile, Linda was another story. She had a way of making me feel Id never be good enough for her precious son. What grated most was how she found fault with every gift we gave her.
A few months ago, we bought her a new microwave, thinking shed be thrilled.
Its fine, but why isnt it smart? she sighed, rolling her eyes.
A luxury spa day we arranged? She called the masseuse dreadful.
Despite my efforts, Linda always found something to criticise. Still, I tried to be mature. I wanted a good relationship for Williams sakeand, yes, for mine.
I thought kindness might change her mind. But kindness doesnt always win, does it?
Then there was Williams money habit.
His borrowing didnt stop after we married. Quite the oppositeit got worse.
It wasnt just investments. There were always reasons tied to Linda. Mum needs a new chair, hed say. Or, Mums birthdays coming upI want to get her something special.
And every time, I gave in.
I told myself it was just money, that compromise was part of marriage. I wanted to believe we were building something together, even though it felt like I was the only one contributing.
The night everything changed started like any other. Linda was unwellor so William claimed.
She hasnt eaten all day, he said, forehead creased with concern.
That evening, we were supposed to meet our estate agent to finalise the purchase of the house wed rented for five years. It was meant to be our big momenta dream wed worked toward for so long. I couldnt wait to sign the papers and officially call it ours.
But William seemed distracted. As we sat down to review the documents, he sighed dramatically.
We need to reschedule, he said. Mums really poorly.
Reschedule? I asked. William, weve waited a year for this. Cant we visit her after?
She hasnt eaten today, Emily, he repeated, his tone sharpening. Ill take care of her. Could you drop off some of your lasagne? You know how much she loves it.
What about the house? I pressed. This has to be done today.
Dont worry, he said, waving me off. Well sort it tomorrow.
Something in his voice felt off, but I pushed the thought away. He was just worried about his mother, wasnt he?
Despite our strained relationship, Linda adored my lasagne. This cheesy masterpiece always earned her rare compliments. I thought making it might ease the tension between us. So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
As it baked, my mind drifted to the sacrifices wed made for this houseskipped holidays, fancy dinners, overtime. This was supposed to be our fresh start.
Legally, the house was in Williams name due to inheritance complications, but I wasnt concerned. In our country, marital assets are split 50-50 in a divorce.
I trusted Williamthough that agreement left a tiny unease in my chest.
Around 6 p.m., I got in the car with the still-warm lasagne. William said he had an important meeting and couldnt join me.
Twenty minutes into the drive, my phone rang. It was my solicitor, Sarah. She never called after hours unless it was urgent.
Hello? I answered. Whats wrong?
Come home NOW, she snapped.
What? Sarah, whats happening?
Its William, she said. Theyre at your house with the estate agent. You need to get back.
Whos they? I asked, already turning the car around.
William and Linda, she said, her voice tight. Theyre signing papers to transfer the house into Lindas name.
Whats going on
Just get home now! she cut in before hanging up.
By the time I pulled into the driveway, my hands were shaking so badly I could barely unbuckle my seatbelt.
Inside, the scene was worse than I imagined.
William stood in the living room with papers hed clearly tried to hide from me. Linda stood beside him, looking perfectly healthy. The estate agent hovered awkwardly, clearly regretting her involvement.
Whats going on? I demanded.
William stepped forward. Darling, listen
No, Sarah interrupted, striding in right behind me. She must have followed once I said I was on my way. Let me explain, since you clearly cant be honest.
Then she turned to me.
Theyre transferring the house to Linda, she said. Your house, Emily. The one you saved for.
I stared at William, struggling to process what I was seeing.
Why? was all I could whisper.
Linda crossed her arms, lips curling into a smirk.
Its simple, she said. William was always my son first, and I have to protect his assets. These days, you cant trust just anyone, you know.
I said nothing.
But thats not all, Sarah cut in. I did some digging after the agent flagged this. Linda planned for William to marry someone elseher friends daughter. They were going to arrange a divorce, leave you with nothing, and move on like you never existed.
My chest tightened, and the room spun.
You planned this with her? I asked William. I trusted you. I gave you everything. Do you even realise what youve done?
It wasnt like that, William stammered, avoiding my eyes. Mum just thought it would be better
Better for who? I snapped. You? Her? What about me, William? I built this life with you. I sacrificed for this house. For us. And you were ready to erase me like I never mattered!
Emily, I
Enough! I cut him off, shaking my head. You dont deserve my forgiveness
