Late from work again? Lately, the workload had grown heavier, and he often came home long after dark.
Emily tucked the children into bed and wandered to the kitchen to brew a cup of tea. Edward still hadnt returned. These days, he was always buried in work, staying late more often than not.
She pitied him, shielding him from household worriesafter all, he was the sole breadwinner. It had been decided after their wedding: Emily would tend the home and their future children, while Edward ensured their comfort. Three children arrived, one after another, each birth filling him with joy. “We shouldnt stop here,” hed say.
But Emily was exhaustedendless nappies, mashed peas, sleepless nights. She decided it was time to pause.
Edward stumbled in past midnight, oddly cheerful. When she asked why he was so late, he shrugged.
“Long day at the office, love. We all needed to unwind.”
“My poor dear,” Emily smiled, though something felt off. “Let me fix you a plate.”
“Dont bother. We grabbed burgersruined my appetite. Ill just turn in.”
March approachedMothers Day. Emily left the children with her mum and went shopping. She wanted the evening to be specialjust the two of them, a romantic dinner. Her mother agreed to keep the kids overnight.
Apart from groceries and gifts, Emily decided to buy something for herself. It had been agesshe hadnt dared take money from Edward for clothes, and there was no time to go out anyway. Her last purchase had been a housecoat, hardly fitting for the occasion. She browsed a boutique, selected a few dresses, and stepped into a changing room.
As she tried on the second dress, a familiar voice drifted from the next cubicle.
“Mmm, Id rather undress you now,” Edward murmured.
A womans bright laughter answered.
“Patience! Go pick something for your wife instead.”
“What does she need? Drowning in nappies and baby food. The kids dont care what she wearsas long as theyre fed and their toys are tidied! Maybe Ill get her a blender. Or a bread makerlet her rejoice in that!”
A cold wave crashed over Emily. She moved mechanically, barely breathing, straining to hear.
“If she asks where all your moneys gone,” the woman teased, “a blender and bread maker dont cost *that* much…”
“And why should I explain how I spend *my* money? *I* work. She sits at home wanting for nothing! I give her a household allowancethats enough thanks!”
The voices faded as they left the cubicle. Emily peered outEdward stood at the till with a blonde, paying for her purchases. After handing over the receipt, he pulled the woman close and kissed her full on the mouth.
“Everything alright in there?” The shop assistants voice snapped her back.
“Yesyes, fine,” Emily rasped. She handed over the dresses. “Ill take all of them.”
At home, after her mother left and the children napped, Emily sat numb. Betrayal wasnt the worst of itit was how little he valued her.
She wanted to scream for a divorce. But practicality stopped her.
*Leave him, and what? Live on scraps of child support?*
By evening, her decision was made. Edward arrived home, this time on time. *Done with his mistress for the day,* she thought dully. Every shred of love had vanishedhe was a stranger now. The only fear left was his touch. But he didnt approach. Too satisfied elsewhere, perhaps.
The next day, she polished her CV and sent it out. Every morning began with checking her email. Finallyan interview. At Edwards firm. She hesitated but went.
After two hours, they offered her a positionflexible hours, decent pay. Enough to support herself and the children.
She floated home. Her mother, seeing her glow, frowned.
“Mum, Edwards cheating,” Emily blurted, bizarrely cheerful.
Her mother gripped her hand. “Emily, what nonsense”
“Not nonsense. Hes got a mistress.” She spilled the changing-room horror.
Her mother exhaled. “What will you do?”
“Divorce him. Ive got the job. Once the children are in nursery, Ill work full-time.”
Her mother nodded. “I wont stop you. A man who doesnt value you isnt worth keeping. Ill help with the children.”
On March 7th, Edward came home late again. Emily ignored him. Puzzled, he started excuses
“Emily, love, another late night at the”
“Just go to bed,” she cut in.
The next morning, as she fed the children breakfast, Edward presented her gifta bread maker.
“To make your life easier, darling!” He leaned in for a kiss. She recoiled.
“Ive a gift for you too.”
Bewildered, he followed her to the halltwo packed suitcases waited.
“Were divorcing. No need to hide your affair now.”
His face twisted. “How did you?”
“The changing room. While you shopped for your blonde. And take that bread maker to herI dont need it.”
Cornered, he snarled. “Jealous, are you? Shes everything youre notbeautiful, wild, *kept*. You let yourself go! Drowning in children, living off *my* money! And you dare police how I spend it? Youre just a greedy, petty”
“Not jealous,” Emily said calmly. “Leave.”
The next day, she filed for divorce and full child support. A week later, her mother-in-law banged on the door.
“You gold-digging leech! Driving him out, then milking him dry! Drop the supporthe owes you nothing!”
“He owes his children,” Emily snapped. “If his mistress misses his money, thats *his* problem. Hes their father as much as Im their mother!”
“What will you do without his money? Popping out kids, hoping to ride his back forever? Well, you wont! Hell slash his official salaryyoull get pennies! Youll starve!”
“Wont happen.” Emily pointed at the door. “Get out before I call the police.”
Cursing, the woman left.
Months passed. Nursery spots opened one by one. When the youngest started, Emily took on full-time hours.
“Hello.” Edwards voice at her desk was hesitant. “Can we talk?”
“Sorry, busy,” she said, not looking up.
“Lunch, then?”
She raised her eyes. He looked haggard. Rumor was, his blonde had tossed him out when half his wages went to child support. But Emily felt nothing.
“No, Edward. We wont talk. We wont lunch. Goodbye.”
