**Diary Entry**
“Youre so lucky, Emily,” Natasha sighed dreamily. “James picks you up from work every day in the car. Youve just had the flat done up. And now youve got that promotion. Honestly, it makes me a bit jealousbut in a good way, you know?”
Emily kept packing her bag. James would be there any minute, and she didnt want to keep him waiting.
“Dont be silly, Natasha. Its not all sunshine. We nearly split up during the renovation. And that promotion? Five years of hard work. You werent even here when I first set my sights on that role. Every house has its own troubles.”
Natasha pouted like a child.
“You dont appreciate what youve got. My husband, thoughlazy, messy, and spends money like water! Ive been begging him to find a proper job for six months. And what does he say? Im tired of working for someone else. Wants to start his own business. With what money? The same money he blows on gaming every month? Businessman, my foot.”
Emily glanced at her. Theyd only known each other a year, but shed grown fond of Natashaand knew all about her marital woes. Michael really did drive his wife up the wall daily, with no sign of stopping.
“Itll work out,” Emily said as her phone buzzed. “Oh, James is here. Gotta run. See you Monday, love.”
Natasha nodded, watching her leave with an odd, thoughtful look Emily didnt catch.
In the car, James noticed her expression.
“Rough day?”
Emily shook her head.
“Natashas struggling with Michael. I dont think shell last much longer.”
James shrugged. “Not our problem.”
Emily frowned. His coldness grated sometimes, but she let it slide. Arguing over Natasha wasnt worth it.
…Shed been right. A month later, Natasha arrived at work with puffy eyes.
“Were getting divorced,” she blurted. “Michael kicked me outjust like that! Where am I supposed to go?”
Emily hugged her. “Stay with us. You can sort things out, find a place, take your time.”
Natasha sobbed. “Oh, Em, thank you. I dont know what Id do without you.”
Emily patted her back, already dreading breaking the news to James.
As expected, he wasnt thrilled. But he stayed silent over dinner while Natasha gushedalternating between complaints about Michael and praise for the flat.
“Michael never lifted a finger in five years! But this placeyou can tell its been done with love. Gorgeous!”
Emily glowed. Most of the decor had been her idea. The praise warmed her.
…Natasha was the perfect guestquiet, tidy. By the third day, she offered to cook so Emily could relax after work.
“Ill make a stew tonight,” Natasha chirped from the back seat. “Got everything we need. And God, its so much nicer getting home by car than the bus. Night and day!”
Emily smiled. Natasha had settled in fast but made it clear she wasnt overstayingshe was already flat-hunting.
Dinners grew livelier. Natasha and James shared a love of music, dissecting albums for hours.
Emily watched in surprise as Jamesusually so reservedopened up. Natasha had cracked his icy shell.
*And then some*, Emily thought, catching them snogging in the car park.
“Couldnt you at least pick somewhere private?” she snapped.
They jumped apart like teenagers caught by a teacher. James stammered, “Em, waitits not what it looks like”
“Studying each others fillings, were you?” Emily said coldly. “Natasha, I let you into my home, helped you through your divorce, and this is how you repay me? Some friend.”
Natasha lifted her chin. “We fell in love! James told me himselfhe hasnt felt this way in years!”
James paled. “Natasha, what the hell? Em, darling”
“Save it,” Emily cut in. “Im staying at Mums tonight. Pack your things. And take the beddingI dont even want to imagine. Keys.”
James handed them over silently. Emily got in the car, gripping the wheel.
*Dont cry. Dont give them the satisfaction.*
Behind her, Natasha whined, “Why should *we* leave?”
At her mums, Emily drowned in tea and tears. She blamed herself, James, Natashaeverything.
“Why did I even help her? This is all my fault!”
Her mum stroked her hair. “Sweetheart, you couldnt have known. You were just being kind.”
“And now Ive lost my husband *and* my best friend,” Emily choked.
“Itll get better,” her mum soothed.
Emily didnt believe it but nodded anyway.
The next morning, she dragged herself to work. Natasha was waiting.
“We need to talk! Why should *we* move out? Its *your* turn to leavetheres two of us!”
Emily kept her voice steady. “Not here.”
She avoided Natasha all day. But at home, there was no escaping it. James was packing. The flat felt hollow.
“Em, cant we fix this? I swear itll never happen again.”
Emily shook her head. “No, James. Id always wonder if you were cheating. I wont live like that.”
The doorbell rang. Natasha stormed in.
“Why are *we* leaving? Its your shared flatJames has rights!”
Emily laughed bitterly. “Ah, theres your mistake. The flats minebought before we married. The cars mine too, bought with my inheritance. James just drove it because I hate to. So all youve won is James. Congratulations.”
Natasha gaped. “You lied!”
“I called it *our* home because it was. But youyou never even left Michael, did you? You just wanted what I had.”
Natasha flushed with rage. “You flaunted your perfect lifewhat did you expect?”
Emilys laugh was harsh. “Shouldve done your homework. Now get out. Both of you.”
As James dragged Natasha away, his last glance held a silent apology. But it was too late. Their marriage was ashes.
