Emily and James were halfway through their shepherds pie when the front door flew open and in marched his motherMargaret Whitmore, in all her dramatic glory.
“James! You need to hear the truth about your wife!” she announced, still clutching her handbag like it held state secrets.
“Mum, sit down, have a cuppa. You look like youve just run a marathon,” James said, eyeing her flushed cheeks.
“I might as well have!” Margaret huffed, spinning toward Emily. “I bumped into Sarahyour colleagueand she let slip everything!”
“Did she now?” Emily replied, sipping her tea with the calm of someone whod dealt with this before.
“That you got promoted a year ago and earn twice what James does! And he had no idea! Keeping secrets, are we?” Margarets indignation was practically steaming.
“Whats the issue? We manage fine. What exactly do you want?”
“Last spring, when I asked for help fixing the conservatory, you said you were skint. Now we find out youve been rolling in it! Saving up to leave him, is that it?”
Emily stood, turning to James. “Love, fetch the blue folder from the bedside drawer, would you?”
He returned, flipping it open. “Savings accounts?”
“Yes. For Lily and Oliver. Ive been setting aside part of my salaryfor their future. When I realised your family saw me as an outsider, I had to think ahead.”
“Outsider?” James interrupted.
“You forgot how we registered the flat bought with the money from selling your old place in Kensington? Only in your name. ‘Just in case.’ You didnt say a word. I was pregnant, and you stayed quiet. Think I didnt notice?”
James sighed. Margaret tried to cut in. “It was a precaution!”
“Against what? The mother of your children?” Emilys voice wavered. “And then you wonder why Im distant?”
“Wheres the money, Emily?” Margaret pressed. “If not for the family, youre stashing it to bolt!”
“James, please see your mum out. Were done here,” Emily said quietly.
“Fine, Ill go! But mark my wordsyoure the one tearing this family apart!” Margaret snapped, though she couldnt resist a parting shot: “Then again, you two were never quite matched, were you?”
Once the door clicked shut, James was silent for a long moment.
“Did you really think I was planning an exit strategy?” he finally asked.
“I didnt know. You never said. Silence speaks, too.”
“I dont want a divorce. I love you. And the kids.”
“Then prove it. Show me Im not just temporary.”
“Right. Ill transfer the flat into Lilys name. And start putting money aside for themlittle but regular. Trust goes both ways.”
Emily nodded.
“And we dont say ‘divorce’ again,” James added.
“Agreed.”
For the first time in ages, it felt like they were talkingnot as strangers, but as a team.
A family isnt held together by pounds and pence, but by honesty. Silence chips away, but truth sticks.
