“‘You’re not telling me anything, so you must be preparing for a divorce too’: How one gift nearly tore a family apart”
Emily and James were having dinner when the front door suddenly swung open, and his mother—Margaret—burst into the flat.
“James! You’re about to learn a lot about your wife!” she announced loudly from the doorway.
“Mum, sit down, take a breath. You’re red in the face—your blood pressure must be through the roof,” James fretted.
“And for good reason!” Margaret shot back, turning to Emily. “I ran into Sarah today—the one you work with—and she told me everything!”
“Told you what, exactly?” Emily asked calmly, keeping her eyes locked on Margaret.
“That you got a promotion last year and now earn one and a half times what James does. And he had no idea! You’ve been hiding it!” Margaret spat, nearly choking on her outrage.
“What’s the issue, Margaret? We’ve never asked you for money—we’re fine. What’s the real problem?”
“Last spring, when I asked for a little help fixing the roof at the cottage, you said you couldn’t afford it. Now it turns out you could! Where’s that money going, then? Saving up for a divorce, are you?!” Margaret pressed, raising her voice.
Emily stood from the table and turned to her husband.
“James, could you grab the red folder from the top drawer in the bedroom?”
He wordlessly did as she asked.
“What’s this?” he asked, opening the folder. “Savings accounts?”
“Yes. For Oliver and Sophie. I put aside part of my salary every month—for their future. When I realised I was just temporary in your family’s eyes, I had to think about protecting my children.”
“What do you mean, ‘temporary’?” James cut in.
“You don’t remember how your parents handled the flat they bought you with the money from selling their place in Kensington? They put it in your name only. Because ‘just in case of a divorce.’ You said nothing. Not a word. I was pregnant, James. You knew. And you stayed quiet. Did you think I wouldn’t notice? Did you think I’d forget?”
James let out a heavy sigh. Margaret tried to cut in:
“It was just a precaution!”
“Against who? Against the mother of your grandchildren?” Emily’s voice shook. “And then you wonder why I’m distant with you?”
“Where’s the money, Emily?” Margaret pressed again. “If you’re not sharing it with the family, then it’s a secret stash. You’re planning to leave.”
“James, please see your mum out. We’ve got nothing left to say to each other,” Emily said, her tone steady.
“Oh, I’ll go! But mark my words—you’re the one ruining this family!” Margaret snapped, though she hesitated at the door. “…Though, really, you two were never equals from the start.”
When the door closed, James was silent for a long moment.
“You really thought I was keeping an escape plan?” he asked quietly.
“I didn’t know what to think. Because you never said a word. Silence is an answer too.”
“I don’t want a divorce. I love you. And the kids.”
“Then prove it. Show me I’m not a stranger to you.”
“Alright. I’ll transfer the flat into Sophie’s name. And I’ll start putting money into the kids’ accounts too. Bit by bit, but regularly. Trust goes both ways.”
Emily gave a slow nod.
“And the word ‘divorce’ is banned in this house,” James added.
“Agreed.”
For the first time in ages, they didn’t feel like flatmates—just family.
