Waking in the middle of the night, Emily felt an emptiness beside her. Disoriented, she reached out, hoping to feel the familiar warmth of her husband, James.
But sleep didnt return, and James, it seemed, had no intention of coming back to bedhed been gone for nearly twenty minutes. Emilys heart pounded anxiously as she sat up, straining her eyes in the dark. What if something had happened? Was he ill?
She tried to calm herself, reasoning that perhaps hed simply woken from insomnia and was busy with work. Yet unease gnawed at her.
Unwilling to worry needlessly, Emily carefully rose from bed and, quietly opening the bedroom door, tiptoed toward the kitchen. As she neared, she froze just a few steps away.
She heard Jamess voice. He was on the phone. The speaker was loud enough for her to make out the wordsor rather, the womans voice on the other end.
*”Yes, darling, Ive already booked the tickets to Italy,”* James said, his voice thick with anticipation. *”Well have an unforgettable time together. No one will ever know.”*
Emily felt the ground vanish beneath her. Her world shattered in an instant. Each word, each phrase cut into her like a blade.
So many years together, so many plans, joys, and sorrows theyd weathered side by side. How could he?
Emily turned back toward the bedroom. Lying in the dark, she felt hot tears spill down her cheeks. Her heart ached with a mixture of fury, hurt, and bitter disappointment.
Finally, steeling herself, she got up, walked to the wardrobe, and began packing Jamess things into a suitcase.
When he stepped into the bedroom, he saw her with the luggage and frowned in confusion.
*”Whats going on?”*
Emily looked at him, her eyes filled with resolve.
*”I packed your suitcase,”* she said calmly. *”So you can take it with you to Italy.”*
*”What are you talking about?”* James gave a nervous laugh.
*”Dont pretend, James. I heard your phone call in the kitchen.”*
James visibly paled, his hands trembling. He opened his mouth, but Emily stopped him.
*”You can pack the rest yourself. Take this now and go to a hotelor wherever you want. And after your holiday, dont come back.”*
That night, Emilys life changed forever.
When James left, she lay back down, knowing sleep wouldnt come. But one thought lingered: everything would be different now. No more illusions, no more pain from betrayal. She was finally free.
What do you think? Did Emily do the right thing? Or should she have stayed silent? Share your thoughts below!
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