Emma and James were having dinner when the door suddenly swung open, and his mumMargaretburst into their flat.
“James, love, you need to hear the truth about your wife!” she blurted out, still catching her breath.
“Mum, sit down, calm yourself. Youre flushedyour blood pressures up,” James said, concerned.
“Well, no wonder!” Margaret huffed, turning sharply to Emma. “I ran into Sarah, your coworker, todayshe told me everything!”
“Told you what, exactly?” Emma asked calmly, meeting her gaze.
“That you got promoted a year ago and now earn twice what James does! And he had no idea! You kept it from him!” Margaret was practically shaking with outrage.
“Whats the issue? We dont ask you for moneywere fine. What do you want?”
“Last spring when I asked for help fixing up the cottage, you said you were skint. Now it turns out theres money! Wheres it all going? Saving up to leave him, are you?”
Emma stood and looked at James.
“James, could you grab the blue folder from the bedside drawer?”
He did, silent.
“Whats this?” he asked, flipping it open. “Savings?”
“Yes. For Lily and Oliver. Ive been setting aside part of my salary every monthfor their future. When I realised your family saw me as an outsider, I had to think ahead.”
“Outsider?” James cut in.
“You forgot how we registered the flatthe one bought with the money from selling the two-bed in Kensington? Only in your name. ‘Just in case.’ You never said a word. I was pregnant, and you stayed quiet. Did you think I wouldnt notice?”
James sighed heavily. Margaret tried to interject
“It was just security!”
“From who? From the mother of your kids?” Emmas voice wavered. “And then you wonder why Im distant?”
“Wheres the money, Emma?” Margaret pressed. “If its not for the family, youre stashing it to leave!”
“James, please see your mum out. Were done here,” Emma said quietly.
“Fine, Ill go! But mark my wordsyoure the one tearing this family apart!” Margaret snapped, though she added on her way out, “Then again you two were never really suited.”
When the door shut, James stayed quiet a long while.
“You really thought I was planning an escape route?” he finally asked.
“I didnt know. You never spoke. Silence says plenty.”
“I dont want a divorce. I love you. And the kids.”
“Then prove it. Show me Im not just temporary.”
“Alright. Ill transfer the flat to Lily. And start putting money aside for themlittle but regular. Trust takes two.”
Emma nodded.
“And no more talk of divorce,” James added.
“Agreed.”
For the first time in ages, they didnt feel like strangersjust two people who still cared.
Families arent held together by money, but by honesty. Silence breaks; truth mends.
