Let him go, please.
Where are you off to at this late hour, James? asked Emily, watching her husband hurriedly button his shirt.
The clock showed half past seven in the evening. James didnt even glance at his wife as he continued getting ready.
Work emergency. Urgent call, he muttered over his shoulder, grabbing his jacket from the hook. Dont wait up.
Lately, these sudden emergencies had been happening more and more. A gnawing worry settled in Emilys chest, though she tried to push it down.
Again? This is the third time this week, she said, keeping her voice carefully neutral.
What can I do? Its the job, James finally looked at her, but his gaze was distant, empty. Ill try not to be too late.
The front door clicked shut. Emily stood in the hallway for a long moment, staring at the emptiness, then slowly turned away.
Mum, wheres Dad going? asked Sophie, their seven-year-old daughter, stepping out of her room with a board game in hand. He promised to play with me tonight.
Emily crouched in front of her, gently smoothing her shoulder. Sophies eyes shimmered with disappointment.
Dads swamped at work, sweetheart. A big project, Emily tried to sound convincing, though she barely believed her own words.
Sophie sighed heavily, shoulders slumping as she trudged back to her room. Emily watched her go, then moved to the kitchen.
To lift Sophies spirits, she decided to bake her favourite oatmeal raisin biscuits. She kneaded the dough mindlessly, her thoughts far away.
The signs were all thereconstant late nights, secrecy, the growing distance. James didnt hug her in the mornings anymore. Didnt kiss her goodbye. Their conversations had dwindled to household chores and Sophies school updates.
At dinner, Sophie brightened slightly, munching on warm biscuits and chattering about school. Emily listened, nodding, asking questionsbut her mind was elsewhere. After tucking Sophie in with a bedtime story and a kiss, she returned to the kitchen.
Warm water ran over her hands as she scrubbed dishes, one question looping in her head: *Should I confront him? Force the truth out?* Her chest tightened at the realisationJames was likely seeing someone else. But what about Sophie? She adored her father, craved his attention. Emily placed a plate in the drying rack. Then again, living with a liar was becoming unbearable.
Two more weeks passed. James grew jumpier, flinching at phone calls, hiding his screen when Emily entered the room.
Then, one Saturday, he stayed home. They sat on the sofa watching TV while Sophie did homework in her room. The quiet was broken by Emilys phone ringingan unknown number.
Hello?
Is this Emily? asked an unfamiliar womans voice.
Yes. Whos speaking? Emily frowned.
My name is Margaret. We need to talkabout something important.
Im sorry, but I think youve got the wrong
The woman cut her off sharply.
No mistake. Im speaking to Jamess wife, arent I?
Emily froze. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw James tense.
Yes. Thats right, Emily said slowly.
She tapped the speaker button and set the phone on the coffee table.
Good. Im the mother of Lily, the girl your husbands been seeing for a year, Margaret spoke as if discussing the weather. My Lilys only twenty, and James is her first. She adores himworships him! Im asking you to step aside. Were modern people, after all.
Emily lifted her eyes to James. His face had gone white.
Lily cries herself to sleep, Margaret continued. She cant be open with the man she loves. Their love is pure! You mustnt stand in their way. Surely you understandyou cant force affection.
Emily cleared her throat, forcing calm. Inside, she was boiling.
Thank you for telling me, Margaret. Ill see what can be done.
She ended the call and turned to James, who sat gripping the armrest.
Well, James? Care to explain? Her voice was eerily steady.
Emily, itsits all lies! James jumped up, waving his hands. I dont know any Lily!
Her phone buzzed. A messagephotos. James with a young blonde, kissing, holding hands in a café.
Margaret sent proof. Have a look. Emily turned the screen toward him.
His face twisted with anger.
Fine! Yes, its true! he shouted. Ive been seeing Lily! We met at a conference, and it just happened! What did you expect?
Emily stood slowly, brows arched in disbelief.
And how is that my fault? Did I push you into her arms?
You! It *is* your fault! James raged, face flushing. When was the last time you cared about my day? Cooked my favourite meal? Smiled at me?
Emily stared, stunned.
If youd paid me attention, if youd talked to me, if youd cherished me, Id never have looked elsewhere! But youre buried in work, in chores! The house matters more than me!
Hold on Emily raised a hand. Doesnt that go both ways? Youve been cold for years too. But I didnt run off with another man!
Thats different! James exploded. I work! I provide! Youre supposed to keep the spark alivethats *your* role!
Emily actually stepped back.
Says who? Show me that law! She shook her head. And I work too, remember? Full-time! Then I come home to cook, clean, care for Sophieand now Im meant to baby you as well?
James opened his mouth, then shut it. Silence stretched.
Emily nodded slowly, decision made.
Ive suspected this for a while. And now that its outIll file for divorce. Be happy with Lily.
No! James grabbed for her hands, but she pulled away. Its not serious with her! A mistake!
A mistake? She laughed bitterly.
Emily, pleaselets talk. I cant leave this family!
Why not?
Where will I go? The streets? The words slipped out.
Emilys laugh was hollow.
Ah. So you werent hiding this to spare meyou were scared of losing your home.
James looked down. His silence said everything.
Pack your things. Now.
She walked to Sophie, whod run out at the shouting. Emily hugged her tightly.
Come on, love. Lets finish your homework.
For the next hour, she helped Sophie, answering questions with a steady smile. Outside, muffled thuds echoedJames packing.
When Emily stepped out, he stood in the hallway with two large bags, dishevelled, defeated.
Emily, give me another chance. Ill fix thisIll end it with Lily!
She opened the front door, gesturing out.
Go to Lily. Let *her* comfort you, James.
He stepped over the threshold. Emily shut the door, locked it, and leaned back, eyes closed. Inside, relief flickered beneath the hollowness. Shed tolerate a cheat no longer. Not for anything.
