Im sorry about how things turned out, I muttered under my breath.
James, are you *sure* you packed everything? Double-check, just in case? I called out, standing outside the closed bathroom door.
Emily, for heavens sake! Ive got it allsuitcase is stuffed, you saw! he shouted back over the sound of the shower. But his voice it wavered. Or did I imagine it?
I saw the suitcase. What you packed insidenever mind, I whispered, stepping back.
Emily, love, make me a coffee, would you? Strong. No milk, he added, calm as you please, turning off the water.
I shuffled into the kitchen, pulled out the French press without a word, poured in the water, added the ground coffee, and a pinch of saltjust how he likes it. Weve got a proper machine, but James *adores* my homemade brew. Youre so thoughtful, hed said just the other night, coming home late from work and finding dinner wrapped in a tea towel to keep warm, just like my nan used to do.
Lately, hed been working later and latersupposedly. Climbing the corporate ladder. Prepping for a promotion. And me? I stayed in the shadows. Cooking, ironing, waiting.
What a heavenly aroma this nectar has! James announced, strolling into the kitchen, flicking his damp hair off his forehead. He sat down, reaching for the mug.
Emily, the couriers coming todayordered a car cover. Could you take it in? Cash on delivery, he said, stirring in a spoonful of sugar.
Of course. Business as usual, I replied, sitting opposite 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 managerno small thing.
Right Didnt realise a position like that meant traipsing around the countryside.
Bosss whim. Anyway, Ive got half an hourgonna check emails.
He stood, went into the other room. Left his mug. No matter. Cant blame himhes stressed.
I reached for his cup, and then*buzz*. A text. I opened it.
*Emily, James is lying. No work trip. Hes flying to Italy with Sophie Carter. Stop him before its too late. Hell ruin his life over this.*
Jessica. His little sister.
Something *snapped* in my head. *Him with Sophie?* No way. A joke? But Jessica doesnt joke about these things. And shed never lie.
The room spun. The air thickened, like concrete. I could barely breathe, gulpless. I poured water, collapsed back into the chair.
I wanted to scream. Smash everything. And all I could think was*Why?*
Fists clenched, I burned with rage. I couldve stormed in, made a scene, torn off his mask. But I didnt. He wasnt worth it.
Let him go. And Id prepare a surprise of my own. Not shouting*action*.
I opened the banking app. Joint account£24,000. Shockingly, hed already dipped in£6,000 gone. *My* money, mind you. Freelance projects, sleepless nights. And him funding his exs holiday with my savings.
I knew about Sophie. James himself had told me, and Jessica mentioned it once. High-school sweetheart, a real whirlwind. Dumped him twicefirst for an older bloke, then for someone with prospects. Now she was back. And James fell for it. Again.
Couldve at least been honest: *Emily, Ive feelings for someone else. Im sorry.* Wouldve hurt, sure. But not this *slimy*. Instead, he stole, lied about a work trip, stuffed his suitcase
Fine. *Ill* take the rest. Today. Every last penny. Thendivorce. His things? Courier to his parents.
Checked my calendarimportant online presentation tomorrow. If it goes well Im off. Not Italy, no. Spain, maybe. Somewhere *hes* never been.
Emily, Im off. Decided to leave early, he said, striding into the kitchen, sharp suit, tie in place.
Safe travels. Hope its *everything* you dream of, I replied, gripping the mug.
Why that tone?
Youre imagining things.
Ill miss you
Doubt youll have the time.
Not helping with the suitcase?
Rather do the washing-up.
Right. Off I go.
Go on, then.
The door slammed. James had no clue he was leaving for good. Tomorrow, Id change the locks.
I sat down. Burst into tears. Bitter, aching, humiliated. *Traitor.*
Another text from Jessica: *Emily, you alright?*
Wiped my eyes, dialled her number.
Jessica, how did you know?
A friend of Sophies told me. Shes latched onto James again. And he fell for it. Emily, Im so sorry
Thanks for telling me. Didnt stop him. Let him go.
Hes a fool. Shell drop him a third time.
His choice. Jessica, dont tell him I know.
Wouldnt dream of speaking to him. Had enough!
Thanks. Lets keep in touch. Even after the divorce.
Course, Emily. Stay strong.
Opened the banking app again. Another £2,000 missing. In a *rush*! No. Took a breath. Transferred the lot to Mums account, shut my phone, and watched the sunset through the window, knowing tomorrow would dawnwithout him.
