Why are you home so early? A startled voice came from the bedroom as James appeared, rubbing his eyes.
Who was calling? Its nearly midnight, he asked his wife, perplexed.
Oh just my boss, Emma replied hesitantly. Theres an urgent conference I have to attend for work.
At midnight? And whats this conference about, anyway? Are you sure its really necessary?
Yes, unfortunately. Its one of the biggest events in our industryI cant miss it. Top experts, groundbreaking developments
But you were just in Manchester last month for that exhibition. Isnt there anyone else they could send?
I dont want to go either, but you know how important this is for my career. Its only for two weeks. You understand, dont you?
James sighed, frowning. Fine, if its really that important But Ive already gotten used to you being away, and I dont like it. Ill miss you terribly.
Me too, love. But the sooner I go, the sooner Ill be back. And after this, well book a holidayjust the two of us! She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Alright, Ill try to hold out for these two weeks.
Two days later, James helped Emma load her suitcase into the taxi.
Right, Im off. Love youdont miss me too much!
As the car pulled away, Emma took out her phone and opened a familiar chat.
Just left home. Be at the airport soon, she typed.
Perfect. Im waiting in our room. Cant wait to see youmissed you! came the reply, complete with suggestive emojis.
A sly smile tugged at Emmas lips as she glanced at her wedding ring. Yet another lie to her devoted husband. But she didnt regret it. James was a good man, but he had become dull. Whereas Danieljust the thought of him sent a warm shiver through her.
Two weeks of scorching sun, turquoise waters, and intoxicating nights with her loverthat was what she needed now. The conference was just a convenient excuse to keep James in the dark. Deep down, she knew it was wrong, but reason had lost the battle the moment she boarded that plane.
The island was paradise. Emma lounged on the beach, soaking in the golden rays, watching the waves roll in. She was blissfully happy, spending every stolen moment with Daniel.
She looked at him nowjust emerging from the sea, muscles glistening under the sun, water cascading down his toned body. The sight stirred something primal in her. She wanted to drag him back to their room, where they could lose themselves in each other.
A sudden pang of melancholy hit her. These were their last days. Shed told James she was attending a work conference, with a bit of relaxation on the side. A break from him, toothough shed only admitted that to herself.
She wasnt planning to file for divorce just yetnot until she had a solid backup plan, a place to land.
Daniel, she began cautiously, do you think we could make this work? Properly, I mean?
He sank onto the lounger beside her, draping a damp towel over his shoulders. His hand lingered on her knee as he leaned back.
Youll need to prepare carefully. Get a solicitor involvedtrying to handle it alone would be messy.
His lack of enthusiasm stung. Shed hoped that once she was free, theyd spend weeks tangled up in each other, finally together.
That evening, they dined at a waterfront restaurant, toasting their last night in paradise. Emma sipped her wine, laughing with Daniel, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Jamesand the inevitable confrontation waiting for her at home.
To her, James was a foolsoft, predictable, blind to her infidelity. But divorce? That could be messy, especially if his mother got involved. The legal battle might drag on for ages.
Soon, Ill be free, she murmured, raising her glass. Well be happy.
Daniel paused, then chuckled darkly. Ah, nothat wasnt part of the deal.
Emma froze. Theyd never actually discussed it. A cold dread crept up her spine.
We had fun, sure, but Im not leaving my family. Wife, two kidsdidnt I mention that?
She shook her head slowly, watching his every move.
If you want a divorce, thats your business. But Im not blowing up my life. We had a flingnothing more.
Emma couldnt speak. The rest of the dinner passed in silence. The next morning, they headed to the airport.
Dont overthink it, Daniel said casually. I never promised you anything. And with my third on the way, this ends here.
Right, she muttered, bitterness coiling inside her.
But he was right. Shed built fantasies in her head, and hed never fed them.
The flight home was agony. Her heart pounded, each beat a fresh wave of humiliation. She hadnt felt this hollow in years.
As the taxi neared her flat, Emmas stomach twisted. Shed have to face James, pretend everything was normal, maybe even salvage their marriage. The thought of being alone terrified her. Shed never lived by herselfalways jumping from one relationship to another. Loneliness felt like abandonment.
This trip had been unforgettable. But now, reality loomed. She had to go home, end the lies, and pray James never found out.
The car stopped. She dragged her suitcase to the door, fumbling with her keys.
Thenvoices.
She froze.
James appeared in the hallway, startled. Why are you back so early?
Emma shoved past him. There, in their beda woman scrambling to cover herself.
Rage erupted. She lunged, yanking the stranger onto the floor. James barely managed to pull her away as she screamed.
How dare you? Im working, and you bring some tart home? I hate you both!
The woman fled, snatching her clothes, while James held Emma back, his grip iron-tight.
When she finally sagged in his arms, he let go, watching her warily.
I thought youd be waiting for me, she whispered hoarsely. Instead, you replaced me?
Jamess voice was ice. I know exactly where you were. Two weeks in the sun with Daniel, while I planned my own surprise.
Her breath hitched. No denial, no excuse.
Silent, she packed a bag and left.
An hour later, she sobbed into her best friend Sophies lap.
Every marriage hits rough patches, Sophie murmured. Real love means forgiveness.
Emma had always sworn shed never forgive infidelity. Yet here she was, considering it.
By morning, the idea didnt seem so absurd. Theyd both been cruel. Were they really the same people whod once promised forever?
The next day, she stood outside their flat, heart racing.
James opened the door. Before he could speak, she blurted out her rehearsed words. But he simply stepped aside, put the kettle on.
Ive thought about it, he said quietly. We should try again. We hurt each other, but I think we can fix this.
She stared, stunned.
He took her hands. Lets forgive and forget. Start fresh. A bigger flat, maybe a baby. No more lies.
Tears spilled over. She collapsed against him.
Somehow, the betrayal had made them stronger. They talked more, planned more. Neither dared stray again.
Emma didnt know how long it would last. But for now, they had each otherand that was enough.
