Heres the culturally adapted version of your story:
Emma stood by the kitchen bin, her face darkening as she opened the lid. And whats this dress doing here? she snapped. You expect me to believe I threw it in myself?
Almost daily, Emma asked herself the same unanswerable question: what had she ever seen in Thomas?
He was average at bestshed been too embarrassed to introduce him to her friends, so as far as they knew, she was still single. Only her sister knew she lived with a man, and shed kept the secret well.
Thomas hadnt achieved much in lifejust a mechanics job at the local factory. Some evenings, as she sat staring at the telly, Emma wondered if it was finally time to end things.
But whenever she steeled herself to do it, Thomas would show up with flowers or a cheap trinket, and shed postpone the breakup for another day.
Before Emma, Thomas had been marriedjust for two months, but long enough for a pregnancy and the birth of his daughter, Lily. By the time Emma met him, Lily was nearly twelve. Shed never once seen the girlnor had she wanted to.
That changed when her birthday rolled around. Shed planned a night out with her mates, but Thomas hesitated by the door, rubbing his neck. Emma my ex-wifes got a business trip. Shes asked me to take Lily for a bit.
How long? Emma grimaced, already dreading the intrusion.
A month.
A whole month? Her frown deepened. And I suppose were expected to foot the bill?
She didnt send any money, Thomas admitted, shrugging helplessly.
So you pay child support, and now were stuck covering everything? Thats rich.
You know what I earn, he muttered.
And hows this going to work? Emmas irritation flared. School runs, meals, looking after her. Whyd you even agree?
Because shes my daughter? Thomas looked baffled. Was I supposed to turn her away?
You were supposed to remember you dont live alone! This is my flatyou shouldve asked. And its my birthday, and I wont have it ruined!
Thomas sighed. Shes not a problem, Emma.
Oh, she will be, Emma shot back, arms crossed.
The next day, a round-faced girl with garish makeuplooking far older than twelveappeared at their door. She glared at Emma before turning to Thomas.
Where do I sleep?
Kitchen sofa, love, Thomas forced a smile.
Lily rolled her eyes and stormed off to the loo, slamming the door behind her.
Charming, Emma hissed. Rude little brat. Good thing Im celebrating at the café. And youre not coming.
What? I thought youd finally introduce me to your friends. Weve been together six months
Youre staying with the kid, Emma cut in, relieved she wouldnt have to parade him in front of her mates, whose boyfriends were all gym-toned and polished.
Thomas said nothing.
The next morning, Emma bustled about, prepping for her birthday. She ironed her favourite dress and hung it up, waiting till evening.
Thomas didnt say a wordnot even a happy birthday. She pushed it aside, refusing to let it spoil her mood.
After work, she rushed home to changeonly to find the dress missing.
Wheres my dress? she shrieked, storming into the kitchen where Lily lounged on the camp bed, glued to her phone.
Lily ignored her.
I said, where is it? Emma snatched the phone.
Give it back! Lily screeched as Thomas rushed in.
Whats going on? Give her the phone back!
My dress is gone, Emma growled.
I didnt take it! Lily sneered. She just hates me!
Thomas held out his hand. Give it back.
Oh, shes admitting nothing! Emma hurled the phone to the floor. The screen shattered, and Lily burst into tears.
Emma marched out, triumphant. She grabbed another outfit and left for the café, where she pushed the mess from her mind and decidedshed dump Thomas for good.
She stumbled home at dawn. Thomas, awake and waiting, blocked her path.
Do you know what time it is?
Playing the strict husband now? Too late. Emma shrugged. Youre both gone by morning.
So this is my fault?
You smashed Lilys phone
She stole my dress!
She took nothing, Thomas said firmly.
Emma scoffed and reached for the half-finished wine in the cupboard. She took a sipthen spat it out.
Shampoo? Youll say I poured this too? She laughed bitterly, yanking open the binthen froze. And heres the dress! Care to explain?
Youve been looking for an excuse to leave. Thomass voice was cold. I heard your calls with your sister. I know youve wanted out for ages.
Emmas brow arched. She remembered nowthe odd pauses, his knowing glances.
I bugged the flat. I heard everything.
Emma recoiled. Thats low.
And now were done.
This time, Thomas didnt fight it. He knewsome things cant be fixed.
**Lesson:** Love built on secrets and resentment never lasts. Sooner or later, the truth always finds its way out.
