Emily saw that James had slipped into his finest shirt the same cream one theyd bought together last year for his birthday and his new shoes. He even wore his cufflinks, though on Sundays at home he always went in slippers.
Emily, we need to talk, he said, standing by the window with his back to her.
She set her mug of tea down slowly. Her heart thumped, but oddly not from fear from curiosity.
James had clearly rehearsed this conversation, as though it were a major event.
And then it hit her: he was expecting tears, pleas, a scene. Yet she felt a strange calm settle over her.
I think its best we go our separate ways, he continued, not turning. We both understand that.
Understand? she asked, surprised by the steadiness of her own voice, almost intrigued.
James finally faced her. Surprise crossed his face she hadnt reacted the way he had predicted.
Right. Were adults. Feelings have run their course, no need to pretend.
Emily sank back into the chair.
Twentytwo years of marriage. A son theyd raised. Their teenage years and her own forties. And now, perhaps, the real start of her fifties.
And where am I supposed to go? she asked simply.
Well James hesitated. You could stay with Claire for a while, or rent somewhere. Ill help with the finances at the start.
Claire her sister, whod always believed Emily had wasted her life on him.
Help with the money, he said, as if it were a grand gesture.
And what about you?
What? James looked taken aback by the question. Nothing special yet. Maybe Ill sell the flat and downsize.
The flat? Emily raised an eyebrow. The one?
Yes, that one. What about it?
She rose, walked to the window. James instinctively stepped back.
Below, schoolchildren trudged past with their backpacks the new term had begun. Life went on.
James, do you remember whose name is on the lease?
Mine, of course. Why?
Yours? Her tone hinted at genuine surprise. Are you sure?
For the first time in their talk he seemed genuinely unsure.
Of course Im sure. We bought it years ago with the money my mother gave me before we were married. Remember? The recipe book she left us.
She had sold her council flat and said, This is for our future. It turned out to be just that a future that now lay in ruins.
James fell silent.
We registered it in my name because you were unemployed then, searching for your calling. I needed proof of income for the bank to get a mortgage.
Does that ring a bell now?
But we we agreed
We agreed it was ours together. It stayed that way until you decided to claim it all for yourself.
Emily slipped back into the chair, picked up her nowcold tea and took a sip.
You know, James, Ive just realised youre right. We really should part.
Really? He brightened, but a flicker of anxiety crossed his eyes.
Yes. And if you want a fresh start, lets do it the clean way. I stay in the flat its mine. You find a new place on your own, with your own money.
Emily, we could work something out more humanly
Isnt that already human? She smiled. You want freedom youll get it, full stop.
James sat opposite her. The onceproud shirt now seemed absurd.
But I have no money for a new place
And I have no desire to keep supporting you. You said were adults.
I thought we could sort it peacefully
We will. No shouting, no drama. Everyone gets what they want. You wanted me out, and now youre the one leaving. Is that unfair?
Emily stood, took her mug, and walked to the sink.
Her phone buzzed with a delivery notification the groceries shed ordered yesterday for today.
I need some time to think, James muttered.
Of course, she replied, setting the mug down. Just dont drag it out. My friends are coming over tonight. Id rather not have them watch a family breakup.
James retreated to the bedroom. She heard his low, nervous voice on the phone. She unpacked the groceries, beginning to chop vegetables.
Her movements were calm, almost meditative. Half an hour later James returned to the kitchen.
Emily, maybe we rushed? Lets go over everything again.
Whats there to discuss? She didnt look up from the cutting board. Youve made your decision. Ive agreed. Its fair.
But the flat we both invested in it. Renovations, furniture
Renovations? Emily finally looked at him. The work my father did himself, free of charge?
Or the furniture I bought with my salary while you were still figuring out your path?
I always worked!
You worked, but you spent your pay on yourself while I kept the household running. Remember my line about a man needing his own money for selfrespect?
James fell silent.
And you once said you werent ready for children. Then when Harry was born you claimed fatherhood terrified you, yet now you parade yourself as a doting dad.
So what?
It shows I understand: you decided to leave not yesterday, not last week, but months ago.
Emily laid down the knife, turned to face him.
Tell me, James, does Sophie like the flat? Are you planning to buy something else?
His face went pale.
Sophie?
The one youve been messaging for the past six months. Shes been at your firm for eight years, no kids yet, but eager for a family. You remember?
Youve been watching me?
Why watch? You told me everything yourself. Remember that night three weeks ago? You came home thrilled, bragging about a colleague.
Smart, ambitious. And the next day you bought a new shirt.
Emily grabbed a towel and wiped her hands.
You even started showering in the morning before work, switched to evening before, bought a new aftershave, joined a gym for the first time in ten years.
Emily
And now you take your phone into the bath, smile at the screen like a teenager. Your smartwatch lit up with a message. You glanced at it, then covered your wrist.
Is Sophie texting? Emily asked, genuinely curious.
James slumped into his chair.
I didnt plan
What did you plan? To fall in love or to get caught?
It just happened. We chatted at work, then
And then you decided itd be easier if I left. The flat stays yours, your reputation stays intact.
If the wife walks out, shes the guilty one. With Sophie, you could start fresh.
Emily sat opposite him.
Its odd, Im not angry at all. Im actually grateful. Youve shown me Im stronger than I ever thought.
What will you do now?
Live. Here, in my flat. Finally pursue the dream Ive always had but never dared. I finally have time for myself.
And Harry?
Harrys twentyone. Hes an adult. Hell sort out his own parents quirks.
James stood, paced the kitchen.
Emily, maybe we can negotiate? Ill pay you compensation
For what? she asked, genuinely surprised.
For the flat. For years together.
James, you want to buy my flat so you can bring your new girlfriend in?
Not that blunt
Or what? Youre offering money for me to become homeless?
Emily laughed, truly, without malice.
Honestly, I might have agreed out of pity. Thought, Hes a sad bloke, he didnt mean harm. Then Id have gone to Claire and apologised for not holding on.
She moved to the window.
Now I see you thought I was a docile fool whod put up with anything. Guess what? You were wrong.
So you wont leave?
No. Youll leave. Today. Take only your personal belongings.
What if I refuse?
Emily turned back to him, eyes calm, the calm of someone who finally knows her own strength.
Then tomorrow Sophie will discover her lover isnt a free man but a married one and find out how you intended to sort the housing issue. Think shell like that?
James was mute.
You have an hour, Emily added. My friends arrive at five. Id rather they dont witness a domestic theatre.
She grabbed the spray bottle from the windowsill and began misting the fern.
The house fell into a hush only the hiss of water and the occasional creak of floorboards as James gathered his things.
Emily smiled at her thriving violet. Real life was just beginning.
