On the verge of giving birth, my wife went shopping alone for baby things and, quite unexpectedly, spotted me at the market with my lover. She sent just one text and left me frozen in my tracks.
That day, the sky over London was overcast, cool, and drizzly. Emily, eight months pregnant, carefully adjusted her rain hat and headed out with her tote bag to the high street. Her husband, James, had mentioned an urgent meeting that morning, so hed left early. She didnt dwell on it, though a pang of sadness hit herdespite being so close to labour, she still had to haul herself out alone to buy every nappy, every tiny onesie, and formula for the baby.
The market was packed. Emily had to shuffle slowly to keep her balance with her swollen belly. Just as she finished picking out baby bits and turned to leave, she heard a laugh she knew all too well. It was James.
When she turned, Emily went completely still.
There he washand in hand with a young woman in a short skirt and towering heels, grinning and chatting away. He carried a shopping bag and was saying, Go on, pick anything you fancy. My treat.
Oh, I shouldntIll get fat, the woman giggled.
Wouldnt matter. Id still fancy you rotten.
Emily stood there, rooted to the spot. She didnt dare move closer. From a distance, she watched her husbandthe man she shared a life withfussing over another woman while his heavily pregnant wife trudged through the shops alone.
No tears came. Her chest just tightened like a vice.
No scene, no sobbing. Emily simply pulled out her phone and tapped out a message:
*”Just saw you at the market. Too tired nowIve taken a cab home. You carry on with your performance.”*
She hit send, switched off her phone, and didnt wait for a reply.
James was mid-laugh when his phone buzzed. He read the text, and his face drained of colour. He dropped the womans hand and spun around.
Whats wrong? she asked.
James didnt answer. He bolted from the market, muttering, Emily Emily was here
But Emily was already gone. Her heavy belly, her slow shuffle through the crowd, her dry eyes. A hollow heart. No rage, no bitternessjust a pain that swallowed her whole.
At home, she didnt go upstairs. Straight to the kitchen. One by one, she laid out the baby things on the table: a tiny sky-blue cardigan, woolly booties, a tin of talcum powder, nappies, a bottle of formula. Each item felt like another stab.
She remembered the nights alone while he claimed late meetings. The prenatal appointments she attended solo, waiting for hours in the clinic. The way his eyes had grown distant lately.
Turns out, it wasnt her imagination after all.
James stumbled in an hour later, looking wrecked. Seeing her at the kitchen table, back turned, he croaked, Emily Im sorry
Sorry for what? she asked flatly. The *meeting*?
I messed up. Shes nothing. I never meant to leave you. I never thought youd see
If I hadnt, how long would you have lied?
Emily stood and faced him with a terrifying calm.
Dont bother leaving her. Dont bother choosing. Ive chosen for both of us.
Emily, pleaseit was a mistake
This baby doesnt need a liar for a father. And I dont need a cheating husband.
From her pocket, she slid out divorce papers, already drawn up.
Sign them. Read them properly, then sign. I wont take a pennyjust the baby. And my peace.
James collapsed into a chair, head in his hands. Hed never imagined Emilyhis quiet, gentle wifecould be this steely. Hed expected tears, pleas, forgiveness. Instead, her eyes were cold as iron.
Do you still love me? he whispered.
Maybe I loved you too much. But the second I saw you holding her hand my heart packed up and left.
That was the final word on their marriage. No shouting, no drama. Just a woman who, for him, had found her strength at last.
Months later, Emily gave birth to a healthy boy. Busy with her son and rebuilding her life, her smile returnedsoft, unburdened.
As for James? He still turned up sometimes on her doorstep, gifts in hand, eyes full of regret. But the door never opened.
The story faded. The woman whod once been timid had learned to let go and live for the ones who truly deserved her. Herself, and her son.
