When I stepped into the flat, I stopped short. By the door, neatly lined up next to our shoes, was a pair of heels expensive, sky-high ones. I recognised them instantly they belonged to Kate, Davids sister. What on earth was she doing here? David hadnt mentioned shed be popping in.
Just earlier, as I was heading for the bus stop, my colleague Tom caught up with me. Emily, is yours away with work again? he asked as we walked. Fancy a sit-down at a café we could talk for once instead of always rushing about. Your favourite hot chocolate?
Sorry, Tom, cant do today. David promised hed be home early, and were meant to choose a kitchen. We still havent sorted the place properly after the refurb. And he hasnt gone away on business for ages.
Is he always home on time? Tom asked, with that slightly cheeky tone he cant quite hide.
Not always, I smiled, shaking my head. We need the money at the moment, so Davids working late as much as he can. Once the flats sorted, hell hopefully be home when he says.
Tom grinned and, wishing me a nice evening, turned off in the other direction.
I was lucky this evening; the bus arrived quickly for once, and Id left work early so Id made good time. I grabbed a seat by the window and let my thoughts drift.
There was a time when Tom and I had planned to get married. It fell apart so stupidly I dont even remember why now. After that, things moved quickly with David. I only went to the registry office with him to prove to Tom I could find someone else and wasnt left on the shelf.
Tom did try to make up apologies, promises of happiness and loyalty, all the grand gestures, but I was too swept up in David and convinced myself Id never really loved Tom. It all fizzled out.
I barely thought about Tom since, until he was transferred from the central branch to ours recently. He acted surprised to see me, but I suspected hed used his connections to get here once he found out I worked in this office. Still, I liked that he was still single and treated me as warmly as ever.
Honestly, I wanted him to be happy. I even felt a tiny pang of envy for his future wife hes a proper old-school romantic.
Not that I have anything to complain about with David, not really. He just works so much lately. He does it for us, so we can live comfortably, but it means there’s barely any time for me.
And were living in Kates flat. She kindly offered it to us for now, seeing as her own kids are still young.
Kate and her husband never worried about money she hasnt worked a day in her life. They have several properties, which they keep for investment, not rent the idea was always the kids would get them when theyre older.
David and I did the renovations how we wanted, with Kates blessing, and now were picking out furniture. Still, I sometimes thought wed have been better renting maybe somewhere already furnished. The money weve sunk into this place couldve paid rent for years, or put towards a deposit for a mortgage, at the very least. But Davids eyes lit up when Kate offered us the flat.
I got off the bus, hurried across the street, and headed for the building. The air had that smell that says rains on the way, but I wasnt in the mood to enjoy the cool promise of it.
My mind was racing I couldnt settle on one thought before another took its place. How long had it been since David and I moved here? A year? A bit more? I couldnt quite remember. And even now, the flat felt temporary, like real life was waiting to start somewhere else at some undefined later.
Approaching the building, I realised I was walking slower than usual, almost putting off the moment of going inside. The familiar click of the door echoed down the dim corridor as I climbed up to the fourth floor.
As I opened our front door, I stopped dead. By the entrance, lined up beside mine and Davids shoes, were Kates heels.
I immediately recognised them. What was she doing here? I didnt remember David saying a word about her coming over.
I nearly called out to say I was home, but something held me back. Intuition, or maybe just nerves. I froze, listening.
I wanted to get away for a bit with my husband, I heard Kate say. But his works a nightmare. So I thought Id give you these travel vouchers, but theres one condition. Her voice turned more commanding. You take Lucy, not your wife.
I stopped in my tracks. Lucy? The name rang a bell. David had mentioned her once, saying Kate had tried to set him up with her friend.
At the time, Id thought nothing of it, but now, hearing her name, something in my stomach twisted.
I dont want Lucy, David sounded irritated. Kate, Ive told you before I’m with Emily now. I have Emily! Why are you so insistent?
Relief washed over me. So it was just Kate being her usual pushy self. I almost went into the living room to announce myself, but then Kate started again.
Oh, come off it. I remember how you loved Lucy. You two were practically engaged, until you stormed off over some silly spat. Stop being stubborn I can see you and Emily dont fit. Lucys a different story.
I stood frozen, trying to process what Id heard. Loved? Engaged? David told me he never cared for Lucy. I stared at the hallway floor, struggling to hold myself together as Kate’s words echoed in my mind.
So what? David replied, but I could hear the edge in his voice, a hint of uncertainty maybe. Thats the past. Yes, it happened, Im not denying it, but Im married now. I love my wife.
Do you? Oh please, David, Kate pressed on. We both know you only married Emily to make Lucy jealous when she left you. She wanted you back, apologised, begged even. And you married Emily just to get back at her.
My heart turned cold. Did David marry me just to prove a point? I suddenly felt short of breath. I remembered how Id rushed into marriage with David after Tom.
Even if, in the beginning, Davids motives were like mine, wasnt it different now? We loved each other. Didnt we? I held my breath, waiting for what David would say next.
Thats all done and dusted, I heard David say. Im married, I have responsibilities towards my wife.
Oh, give over! Kate snorted. Thank God you havent had kids yet. Youre only scraping by with Emily, moving from one borrowed flat to another. Lucy just got a brand-new three-bed, gifted by her parents. She still loves you and hopes you’ll come to your senses.
I pressed my back to the cold wall, struggling to keep my emotions in check. How could Kate say that? But more important was what David would say. I barely moved, trying to catch his reply.
Kate, enough, David started slowly, but his voice wasnt as confident as usual. A flat isnt everything. Weve got somewhere to live for now, and well figure out getting our own place.
But Kate just carried on:
Youre just scared of change. Lucys always been better for you, but youre still hung up about old wounds. Theres still time to put things right. With Lucy, youd have a home, security everything you deserve. Dont you see youll never be truly happy with Emily?
And besides, Kate added. You know I cant lend you this place forever. Ive got plans for it, so youll need to move out soon.
Does Lucy know what youre up to? David asked, unexpectedly.
Of course she does! Kate replied, almost triumphantly. She asked me to help. She knows you still love her. She came up with this holiday idea and wanted me to play along.
Silence again. I felt everything spinning inside. Why wasnt David speaking? Was he seriously considering her offer?
Whatll I tell Emily? he finally whispered.
Say youre helping me at my country house, Kate said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Big repairs, you know. But actually youll be by the seaside with Lucy. Simple.
I couldnt listen anymore. I slipped out quietly and hurried as far away as I could without looking back.
Before I knew it, my feet took me to a small, cozy coffee shop almost empty. Dim music playing, evening shadows starting to gather outside. I sat down by the window, ordered a vanilla hot chocolate out of sheer habit, and just stared. Fragments of that overheard conversation whirled around my mind I couldnt focus on anything else.
Kates words kept replaying, and I wondered, over and over, how David could have hidden the truth from me all this time. How could he stay silent about nearly marrying someone else, especially his sisters friend? I felt betrayed, but mostly I felt hurt. Was my marriage just some petty revenge? I thought David chose me for who I am, but it sounded like something else. And really, even if my own start with him wasnt perfect, Id never so much as had a coffee with Tom let alone a holiday! Id only ever loved David, with all my heart.
It was dark outside now, and I still sat there, watching the raindrops trail down the glass, the city lights blurred beyond them. I hadnt touched my drink. Time felt frozen.
David hadnt called me, hadnt asked where I was. Hes probably making plans for the sea with Lucy, I thought bitterly. Doesnt care at all where I am.
I reached for my phone, but it was dead battery gone.
I sighed, knowing I couldnt put things off any longer it was time to go home. Pulling on my coat, I stepped out, letting the cold evening air wash over me. With each step home, I tried to steel myself, believing this was the end for me and David. A breakup seemed inevitable, and I tried to brace myself for the fallout.
When I got to the building, the heaviness in my chest grew. I climbed the stairs, slowly turned the key in the lock, and entered our flat. Silence. No TV, no clatter from the kitchen nothing. Then I noticed the bags in the middle of the room. David was packing.
Well, there you go, I thought, hes really leaving.
What are you doing? I asked automatically, even though I already knew I was expecting him to say he was heading to Kates country house. But David surprised me:
Emily, were moving out. Ive already found somewhere. Its temporary, but then well work out how to get a mortgage. He paused, looked at me as though searching for something in my expression. What took you so long? I tried your phone all evening, couldnt get through. Picked up another job?
I couldnt believe my ears. Id rehearsed everything I wanted to say, but now, it felt pointless. I just nodded, at a loss for words.
Were moving? I whispered, still not quite believing it.
David seemed to take in my confusion and stepped closer, explaining:
I had a row with Kate, he sighed. And I decided enough is enough. No more depending on her. We need our own place.
My body started to relax just a fraction but I knew there was more. David sat down on the sofa, beckoned me over, and summed up the talk hed had with Kate.
I shouldve been honest with you before, he said, lowering his voice. I did have something with Lucy. And yes, at first maybe marrying you had a bit to do with that whole mess, showing her Id moved on. But Emily, you need to know thats over. Youre the one I really love, and I dont want to lose you.
Listening to him, I started to feel lighter. The wound from the secrecy still stung, but what mattered was being able to talk about it honestly at last.
Im sorry I didnt tell you before, David added quietly, head bowed. When you mentioned Tom, I thought itd sound wrong bringing up Lucy, so I just…never said anything.
I sighed, tears prickling at my eyes, but they were more relief than pain.
Alright, I breathed. The past is the past. You said youve rented a new place?
Yes, he nodded. Its just for now, but its ours alone no Kate, no interference. Well manage, I promise. Later well get a mortgage and do everything properly.
I nodded. Deep down, I knew this was the right next step. Finally, wed be living for ourselves and not for other peoples plans.
So, David grinned, shall we get packing?
I nodded again, not trusting myself to speak. All I could do now was believe that, after everything, our life really would be different from here on out with the past exactly where it should stay: behind us.
