Thoughts swirled in her mind, jealousy and hurt boiling in her chest. Why were they doing this to her? Hadn’t she loved her husband? Hadn’t she been a good wife and mother to their son?
But what happened next defied all reason.
Emily had always believed she and James were meant to be. Their ten happy years of marriage seemed proof of that.
Today, she was returning early from a business trip she’d left for just two days ago. Her manager had called her in unexpectedly, insisting no one else could handle the issues at the regional office.
*”It’s three days’ work at most. Pack your things, Emily, and don’t even think of making excuses. You leave tomorrow,”* he’d said, ignoring her reluctance.
She’d had plans—none involving a last-minute trip—but arguing was pointless. Worse, she couldn’t even mention how unfair it was that only younger staff usually handled travel now. She’d done her share years ago. At thirty-seven, she’d hoped for stability.
*”James, I’m leaving for work. Should be three days. Make sure Ethan keeps up with his tutor—he’s been skipping lately. And no junk food! There’s soup and shepherd’s pie in the fridge.”*
*”Fine, I’ll sort it,”* James muttered, barely looking up from his phone.
*”That’s it?”* Emily frowned. *”You’re not even bothered I’m leaving?”*
*”You’ll be back in three days. We’ll manage,”* he said, finally meeting her eyes with a half-smile.
*”Why are they sending you, anyway? Thought you were done with trips?”*
*”Needs someone experienced. The boss’s words. ‘Strict, no-nonsense.’”* She smirked, proud of her reputation.
Determined to finish early, she boarded the train home a day ahead, craving solitude. James would be at work, Ethan at school—she could finally relax. A bubble bath, face masks, maybe a nap. Luxury she’d denied herself for years. Then dinner with Ethan, helping with homework. She’d been so busy lately, she barely remembered the last proper moment she’d spent with him. Even after maternity leave, she’d rushed back to work, leaving ten-month-old Ethan with her aunt.
She hadn’t told James she was returning early—whether forgotten or deliberate didn’t matter now. A surprise would be nice. He’d come home to find her there, dinner ready, homework done. Bliss.
Lost in memories of their whirlwind romance, she stopped at a shop, buying James’s favourite wine and dessert. They needed romance. Lately, they’d grown distant—her buried in work, him glued to his phone. Strangers under the same roof.
Unlocking the door, she froze at the sight of unfamiliar boots in the hall. Then she spotted the coat—light, expensive, reeking of sickly-sweet perfume. The scent turned her stomach.
Or maybe it was the realisation of what awaited her. No bath, no quiet evening. No family? Betrayal wasn’t something she could forgive.
Steeling herself, she refused to look pathetic in front of James and this intruder. Laughter floated from the bedroom. She scanned the room for something—anything—to swing.
*”God, how did I miss this? How could he—in our bed?”*
She clenched her fists, whispering to calm down. One wrong move, and she’d land in prison.
A crash—she’d knocked over a lamp by the sofa, where a champagne bottle and fruit sat. Silence. Then the bedroom door flew open, revealing—
*”Grace?”* Emily gaped at the woman clutching a sheet. *”You?! No wonder that perfume stank! You snake!”*
*”Emily? I thought you were away!”*
*”James didn’t expect me, did he?”* Emily spat. *”Come out, darling! No hiding now!”*
*”Emily, please—you’ve got it wrong,”* Grace stammered.
*”Those words should come from him. Out, James!”*
*”It’s not James!”* Grace blurted.
Emily faltered. *”Then who?”*
*”It’s Robert.”*
*”Robert?!”* Emily shoved past Grace.
Her brother-in-law sat on the bed, dressed, shamefaced.
*”Have you lost your mind?! Ethan could’ve walked in!”*
In the kitchen, Emily demanded answers. James would get an earful later, but first—how? Robert was the steady one, his marriage to Lucy supposedly perfect.
*”We met at James’s birthday last year,”* Robert admitted. *”Then ran into each other after a row with Lucy. She said I wasn’t ambitious enough. Grace was… convenient.”*
*”And you?”* Emily glared at Grace. *”A divorcee with a kid—no standards?”*
*”Why here? Hotels exist!”*
*”Small town. Everyone knows me,”* Robert mumbled. *”This was safer. Emily, it’s only happened a few times…”*
*”Spare me!”* Emily snapped. *”Grace, we’re done. And Lucy—God knows how I’ll face her.”*
Kicking them out, she scrubbed the flat clean, mind racing. She and James had grown apart. They needed to talk—really talk—without criticism.
Then she called James, voice trembling. *”Darling, I’m home—and there are burglars! Police are on their way!”*
*”Emily, no! I’m coming!”*
*”Too late. They’ll answer for breaking in!”*
James arrived panting, only to find her calm.
*”Robert says hello. Never do this again. Our home is sacred.”*
*”Understood,”* he breathed.
*”Dinner’s romantic tonight. Then you’ll tell me your dreams—honestly. I’ll share mine.”*
*”Lucy… won’t hear?”*
*”Not my problem.”*
*”You’re brilliant,”* he murmured, leaning in.
*”Ethan’s home,”* she laughed, relieved James had been at work—not here with them.
Some doors, once opened, can’t be closed. But others—if guarded—remain a sanctuary. Love isn’t just passion; it’s the quiet commitment to keep the fortress standing.
