Would you look at this dress! Can you believe I actually threw it out?
Emma flung open the bin and froze, staring at the crumpled fabric inside.
She asked herself the same question almost every day, one she still couldnt answer: What did she ever see in Marcus?
To everyone else, he was nothing specialcertainly no Prince Charming. Her friends still assumed she was single because honestly, shed be embarrassed to introduce him.
Only her sister knew the truththat Emma was living with himand shed kept it quiet.
Marcus wasnt exactly sweeping her off her feet either. He worked as a welder at a metal factory.
Sometimes, sitting in front of the telly, Emma caught herself thinking it was time to end things.
But every time she worked up the courage, hed show up with flowers or some little gift, and shed put it off again.
Before Emma, Marcus had been marriedjust for two months. His ex-wife ended up pregnant, though, and now they had a twelve-year-old daughter.
Emma had never bothered to meet the girl.
That changed right before her birthday party.
Emma, Marcus said awkwardly, my ex is going away for work. She wants me to take Lily for a month.
A *month*? Emma scowled. Hope she realises kids dont eat for free?
She didnt send any money, Marcus shrugged.
You *pay* child support, dont you? So Lily stays with us, and her mum gets to pocket it?
Not much to pocket. You know what I earn, he said with a weak laugh.
Hows this even going to work? Emma snapped, already dreading a strangers kid in her flat. School runs, looking after herwhyd you even agree?
Im her dad, Marcus said, baffled. Should I have said no?
You dont live alone, for starters. And its *my* flatyou shouldve asked me first. Plus, its my *birthday*. I dont want it ruined!
Lily wouldnt ruin anything, Marcus said defensively.
Emma folded her arms. Thisll be a disaster.
Marcus tried to convince her otherwise, but the next day, a sharp-eyed girl with heavy makeuplooking at least sixteenwalked in and stared Emma down without a word.
Wheres my room? Lily demanded.
Marcus chuckled awkwardly. Youre on the fold-out in the kitchen.
She rolled her eyes and stormed off to cry in the bathroom.
What was *that*? Emma hissed. Rude, spoiledthank God Im having my party at a pub. And youre *not* coming.
Marcus looked stunned. I thought youd finally introduce me to your mates. Weve been together six months!
Youre staying with *her*, Emma said, relieved she wouldnt have to explain him to her friendsall of whom had fit, stylish blokes.
Marcus just sighed and stopped talking to her.
The next morning, Emma got ready for her party, smoothing out her cocktail dress. Marcus stayed silent, not even wishing her a happy birthday.
She pretended not to care.
But when she got back from work to change, her dress was *gone*.
Wheres my dress? Emma stormed into the kitchen, where Lily lounged on the fold-out, glued to her phone.
Lily ignored her.
*Hello?* Emma snatched the phone.
Give it *back*! Lily shrieked. Marcus came running.
Whats going on? he barked. Hand it over!
Wheres my *dress*? Emma clenched her fists.
I didnt take it, Lily sneered. Shes just mental. Hates me!
Give. Her. The *phone*, Marcus growled.
Oh, shell *admit* it, Emma snappedthen hurled the phone to the floor.
The screen shattered. Lily burst into fake tears. Emma marched off to find something else to wear, grabbing the first decent outfit she saw before rushing out.
That night, at the pub, she made up her mindshe was dumping Marcus.
She came home early the next morning. Marcus was waiting.
Do you know what *time* it is?
Trying to act tough? Too late. Were done, Emma said coldly. Youre both out by morning.
Youre *blaming* me?
You broke Lilys phone
She *stole* my dress! Emma hissed.
She *didnt*! Marcuss face darkened. I wont let you accuse her!
Emma rolled her eyes and waved him off, done with excuses.
She grabbed a half-finished wine bottle from the cupboard, took a swigand spat it out.
*What* is this? Bleach? Did *I* pour it in here? She laughed bitterly, then yanked the bin openand froze.
Well, *theres* my dress! Did *I* throw it in?
You just wanted an excuse to leave! Marcus snapped. Admit ityouve wanted out for ages!
Emma raised an eyebrow. Oh, she *remembered* those moments.
I bugged the room, Marcus spat. Heard every call with your sister. I *know* everything!
Wow. *Thats* how you always knew I was about to ditch you. Emmas stomach droppedshed vented to *everyone*. Time to say goodbye.
This time, Marcus didnt try to stop her.
He already knew it was over.
