Fancy my husband? Hes all yours! quipped Emily with a wry smile at the odd woman standing on her doorstep.
Hang on a sec, Poppy! Someones at the door. Ill ring you back once Ive dealt with this, said Emily, reluctantly ending her call with her childhood friend. Poppy had been regaling her with hilariously detailed tales of her mother-in-laws birthday bash, and Emily had been laughing like she was watching a stand-up special.
Emily trotted to the door, peered through the peephole, and blinked in surprise. Shed expected Mrs. Thompson from next doornot strangers, given their secure building. But there stood a peculiar young woman shed never seen before.
Best not to open it. These days, you never knew who might be scamming their way into your life. Emily had a strict rule: no chatting with randoms. Con artists loved the gullible, and she was anything but.
She lifted her phone to resume her chat with Poppy, but the doorbell chimed again. This mystery woman was persistentclearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Emily was aloneher husband, James, had popped round to help his mate Tom with some garden work. She returned to the door for another look, studying the stranger more closely.
Something about her seemed odd yet pitiful, but not exactly threatening.
Whats the worst that could happen? Emily mused. Ill just tell her to clear off and get back to my lazy Saturday. Probably lost or trying to flog me something.
Decision made, she swung the door open. The woman in the hallway straightened up, fiddling nervously with her scarf before speaking.
Hello! Youre Emily, right? she asked, twisting the fabric between her fingers. Well, obviously you arewhy else would I ask?
Well, this is new, Emily thought. Scammers are getting bold these dayseven know my name.
Who are you, and what do you want? Youve been lurking here for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so spit it out or clear off! Emily said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Emily off guard.
Oh, brilliant, Emily thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name too. Properly prepped, this one.
Youre here for James? Emily asked, though shed meant to say something far less polite.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is here, thisll be trickier for me, the woman replied with unsettling casualness.
Trickier for you? Whats going on? Emily wondered, curiosity now piqued.
Hes not in. What do you want?
Maybe we should step inside? Bit odd discussing this on the landing, the woman suggested, growing bolder.
Not a chance. I dont know you, and I dont let strangers in. Say your piece and make it quick, Emily shot back.
You really want to hash out the intimate details of my relationship with James out here for the neighbours to hear? the woman smirked.
What? What relationship? Emily blurted, louder than intended.
Emily, love, everything alright? Why the shouting? called Mrs. Jenkins from across the hall, poking her head out just as the lift doors opened.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Jenkins! All fine. Lovely weather, isnt it? Emily deflected, forcing a smile.
Looks like rain later, Mrs. Jenkins replied, though she made no move to retreat, clearly intrigued by the scene.
Fine. Come in, Emily muttered, gesturing for the woman to enter.
Once inside, the stranger glanced around the flat like she was browsing a showroom.
Youve got five minutes. Talk, Emily said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt the Tate.
Im Gemma, the woman began, shedding her coat and scarf. James and I are in love.
Oh, classic! Couldnt even come up with something fresh? Emily cut in, smirking.
Whats classic about it? People fall in loveit happens. Youre hardly the first wife whose husbands wandered off, Gemma retorted, trying to sidestep her.
And youre absolutely sure he doesnt love me anymore and is mad about you? Emily asked, still grinning.
Absolutely! Wouldnt be here otherwise, Gemma declared.
Well, heres the thingmy husband doesnt love *anyone*. Doesnt know how. So youre mistaken, love, Emily said calmly.
Gemma opened her mouth to argue, but just then, the door clicked open, and James walked in
and stopped dead at the sight of an unfamiliar woman in his hallway.
Gemma? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Something work-related? he asked, baffled.
No, shes here for you, Emily said, savouring the moment.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at the office? James asked, growing more confused.
No, darling. Shes come to take you away from me. Permanently, Emily replied, smirking.
Gemma, flustered, scrambled for her coat and started backing toward the door.
Leaving so soon? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Honestly, Id be *delighted* to hand him over, Emily teased.
But Gemma was already out the door without another word.
What on earth was that about? James asked, utterly bewildered.
You tell me! Whys this bold woman turned up demanding a divorce and claiming youre moving in with her? Emily crossed her arms.
Are you serious? James looked genuinely stunned. Ive got no idea whats going on. Shes been acting odd at work, but Ive never given her reason. Im sick of this nonsense. I promised you, remember?
Good. Because you know me, JamesI dont tolerate this rubbish. Honestly, though, women these daysll try anything to fix their messy lives, Emily sighed, shaking her head.
James kicked off his shoes and headed to the kitchen while Emily lingered for a moment, deep in thought. She vowed not to let such nonsense rattle her homes peace. Despite herself, she grinned at how spectacularly Gemmas grand plan had flopped.
One thing was crystal clear: no matter what anyone tried, their marriage was sturdier than anyone realised.
