Youre going to see her again?
Emily fixed her husband with a glare. David kept lacing up his shoes.
To the kids, Em. To the kids, not to her, he muttered, tying the laces. How many times do we have to go over this?
Emily stayed silent, lips pressed into a thin line. She wanted to say so much, but the words lodged in her throat, forming a painful lump.
You were fine with it before we got married, David continued, standing and grabbing his jacket from the hook. You knew I had kids. I told you everything upfront. You said you understood. So whats this now? Interrogations? Meltdowns?
Emily clenched her jaw tighter. David shrugged on his jacket and, without waiting for a reply, walked out. The door clicked shut, leaving her alone.
It took a few seconds before Emily could move. Her legs felt like lead. She sank onto the sofa in the living room and turned on some mindless sitcom. Background noise. Anything to drown out her thoughts.
She and David had been together for three years. Two of them married. And yes, shed known from the start. Divorce. Two kidsa boy and a girl. David had told her on their third date. Back then, Emily had smiled. Said it wasnt a problem. That she understood. That the kids didnt matter.
Now those words felt naive. Stupid.
Emily pressed a hand over her eyes and took a deep breath. Holding back tears was getting harder. Her chest tightened as if an invisible weight were crushing it.
Over time, it became unbearable. Twice a week. Like clockworkTuesday and Saturday. David left for his ex-wifes house. Said it was to see the kids. But he stayed for dinner. Spent time with his ex. With Olivia.
Emily knew it sounded ridiculous. She trusted her husband. Or at least, she tried to convince herself she did. But something inside warned her disaster was coming. A vague, sickening premonition.
Whenever David left, Emily stayed alone in the flat. She wallowed in self-loathing, berating herself for not standing her ground, for caving to his reassurances, for staying silent when she should have screamed.
She snatched her phone and quickly texted her best friend. *Hes at hers again.*
The phone buzzedLydia was calling.
Hello, Emily answered, fighting to keep her voice steady.
Em, what are you doing? Lydia didnt mince words. How much longer are you going to put up with this? Hes cheating. Its obvious.
No, Lyd, you dont get it, Emily started, but her friend cut her off.
I *do* get it. He spends two nights a week at his exs place. Stays till late. And youre telling me theyre just building Lego with the kids?
Emily dragged a hand down her face. She knew Lydia was right. But saying it aloud meant admitting her marriage was a farce.
He says theres nothing between them, Emily murmured. That its only about the kids.
God, youre so naive, Lydia sighed. Em, Im begging you. Open your eyes. Normal blokes dont spend half the evening at their exs. Normal blokes pick up the kids, take them out, then drop them back. Yours sits at her kitchen table, eats her shepherds pie, and probably holds her hand when the kids arent looking.
Lydia, stop, Emily tightened her grip on the phone.
Stop? Fine. But remember this. Youll regret staying with him. And when it blows up, dont say I didnt warn you.
The call ended. Emily stared at the ceiling. On the telly, someone laughed loudly. She didnt care.
David came back just before midnight. Emily heard him undress in the hallway, then head to the bathroom. He slid into bed, and she caught the scent of foreign perfumesweet, cloying.
She didnt ask why he was late. She didnt have the energy. But David spoke first, shifting to get comfortable.
Sorry Im late. Had to help my daughter with a school project, he mumbled, eyes already closing. She made this cow out of pinecones. Looked ridiculous.
Emily nodded in the dark, though he couldnt see her.
This went on for months. Tuesday. Saturday. Leaving. Returning. The smell of another womans perfume. Excuses.
Then David changed. He grew moody, withdrawn. Spent whole evenings scowling at his phone. Emily tried asking what was wrong, but hed brush her off, mutter something vague, and walk away.
A few weeks later, he told her the news.
Listen, were going on a double date this Friday.
Emily turned, eyebrows raised.
With who?
Olivia and her new bloke.
A weight lifted from Emilys chest. So Olivia had someone? So David hadnt been with his ex? Hadnt cheated? All her fears had been pointless?
A smile spread across her face. She turned to David, looping her arms around his neck.
Of course well go.
Friday came quickly. Emily even bought a new dressa fitted, sky-blue one. She wanted to look good. To show Olivia she deserved David. That she was the right choice.
They met at a café across towna cosy spot with wooden tables and soft lighting. Olivia was already there with a bloke in his fortiestall, fit, with an easy smile.
Hi, Olivia stood to greet them. This is Mark.
She looked good. Slim, polished, beautiful.
Mark nodded, shaking Davids hand. They sat down.
Emily had a good feeling. The evening would be fine. Theyd chat, get to know each other, then go home.
But the double date was a disaster.
All night, David acted like he was trying to win his ex back. He kept interrupting Mark, making a show of how well he knew Olivia.
Mark suggested ordering a pepperoni pizza. David jumped in.
Olivia doesnt like spicy.
I know, Mark replied calmly. We discussed it. You cut me off before I could say its for us. Well get Olivia something else.
But David didnt let up.
Remember, Liv, that time we took the kids to Cornwall? David went on, ignoring Mark. Tommy dragged that jellyfish ashore. Thought it was a toy.
Olivia nodded, irritation flashing across her face.
David, that was years ago, she said, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
But David kept going. Story after story. About the kids. Their shared past. How theyd picked out a pram together. The sleepless nights when their son had colic.
Emily sat silent, gripping her water glass. Every word was a knife to the heart. She saw Olivias discomfort toothe way she tried to shut David down with a look, change the subject. But her husband didnt seem to notice.
And then Emily understood. David hadnt let go of his ex. He was still clingingto her, to their past, to the memories.
She was the outsider here. The backup. The placeholder.
Her phone rang. A robocall from the bank. But Emily seized the chance. She pretended it was her mum, something urgent.
Sorry, I have to go. Its important.
No one stopped her. David didnt even turn. Emily left the café, hailed a taxi, and went home.
Inside, she pulled out a suitcase and started packing. She couldnt take it anymore.
David returned an hour later, scowling. He saw Emily, the suitcase at her feet.
Whats going on?
Emily looked up. Her eyes were dry. The tears had run out somewhere between jumpers and jeans.
Im leaving, she said simply.
What? Where? David frowned.
Anywhere but here. Tonight showed me the truth. You still love her. Or just cant let go. I dont know which is worse.
What are you on about? David started, but Emily raised a hand.
Dont. Dont lie. I saw how you acted. You were trying to steal her back. Showing off like shes still yours. And I was just there.
David said nothing.
I wont be your second choice, David, Emily grabbed the suitcase handle. Not anymore.
Em, wait
No. She shook her head. I love you. But itll fade. Hurt less. At least Ill keep my self-respect.
She walked out. David just stood there, silent, watching her go. He didnt stop her. Didnt ask her to stay. Didnt even try to explain.
Emily called a taxi and went to her parents. As the car sped through the city, she stared out the window, thinking one thing:
Finally, she was free.
