Youre so lucky, Emily, sighed Natalie dreamily. Your husband picks you up from work every day. Your flats just been done up. And youve even got that promotion. Im almost jealousbut in a good way, mind you!
Emily kept packing her bag. Andrew would be there in five minutes, and she didnt want to keep him waiting.
Oh, come off it, Nat. Weve had our rows too. Nearly split up during the renovations. And I worked five years for that promotion. You werent even hired yet when I set my sights on that role. Grass isnt always greener.
Natalie pouted like a child.
You dont see how good youve got it, Em. My husbands a lazy, messy spendthrift! Ive been trying to get him to find a proper job for half a year. And what does he say? Im tired of working for someone else, Nat. I want my own business. With what money? The savings he blows on video games every month? Businessman my foot.
Emily glanced at her friend. Theyd only known each other a year, but shed grown fond of Natalieand knew all about her marital woes. Michael really did grind her nerves daily, with no sign of stopping.
Im sure things will work out, Emily said as her phone buzzed. Oh, Andrews here. Gotta dash. See you Monday, love.
Natalie nodded, watching her leave with a strange, thoughtful look Emily didnt catch.
Once in the car, Andrew noticed Emilys frown.
Bad day at work?
She shook her head. Just Nats troubles with Michael. I dont think shell put up with it much longer.
Andrew shrugged. Not our problem.
Emily shot him a look. His coldness grated sometimes, but she let it slide. Arguing over Natalies mess wasnt worth it.
…Emily had been right. A month later, Natalie arrived at work red-eyed.
Were divorcing, she blurted. And Michaels kicked me out. Me! Like some stray cat! From our flat! Where am I supposed to live now?
Emily hugged her. Dont worry, Nat. Stay with us for a bit. You can sort the divorce, find a place, get back on your feet.
Natalie sobbed loudly. Em, thank you. I dont know what Id do without you!
Emily patted her back, already dreading breaking the news to Andrew.
As expected, he wasnt thrilled about their guest but stayed polite over dinner. Natalie chattered, mixing complaints about Michael with gushing over the flat.
Michael never lifted a finger in five years. But this place is perfect! You can tell it was done with love.
Emily glowedmost of the decor had been her idea. The praise warmed her.
…Natalie turned out to be the ideal housemate: quiet, tidy. By day three, she offered to cook so Emily could relax after work.
Ill make a stew tonight, Natalie chirped from the backseat. Got everything at home. Oh, its so much nicer getting a lift than the bus. Worlds apart!
Emily smiled. Natalie had settled in quickly but made clear she wasnt overstayingshe was already flat-hunting.
Dinners grew livelier. Natalie and Andrew discovered a shared love of music, dissecting albums for hours. Emily watched, amazed, as her introverted husband opened up. Natalie had cracked his icy shell.
*And more than that,* Emily realised one evening, catching them kissing passionately in the car park.
Couldnt you at least pick somewhere private? she said flatly.
They sprang apart like schoolkids caught by a teacher. Andrew spoke first.
Em, listenits not what it looks like
Just checking each others fillings? With your tongues? Emily snapped. Nat, I didnt expect this from you. I took you in, helped you through your divorce, and you stab me in the back. Some friend.
Natalie tossed her head. Whats the big deal? We fell in love! Andrew said hes happier with mehe hasnt felt like this with you in ages!
Andrew paled. Nat, what are you saying? Emily, love, I
Emily cut him off. Save it. Im staying at Mums tonight. Pack your thingsand take the bedding. I dont even want to imagine. Keys. She held out her hand.
Andrew meekly handed over the car keys. Emily drove off, repeating to herself: *Dont cry. Dont give them the satisfaction.*
Behind her, Natalie whined, Why should *we* move out?
At her mums, Emily drank endless tea, tears streaming. She blamed herself, Andrew, Natalie, fate.
Why did I even offer to help? Mum, this is all my fault!
Her mother rubbed her back. Dont be silly, love. You couldnt have known. You just wanted to help a friend.
And now Ive lost my husband *and* my friend.
Itll work out, her mum soothed.
Emily nodded, unconvinced.
The next morning, she dragged herself to work. Natalie cornered her instantly.
We need to talk! Why should *we* move? *You* should leavetheres two of us!
Emily kept her voice steady. Not here, Natalie.
She avoided her all day. But at home, there was no escape. Andrew was packing, the flat already hollow.
Em, cant we fix this? I swear itll never happen again.
Emily shook her head. No, Andrew. Id always wonderare you eyeing someone else? Lying again? I wont live like that.
He hung his head. The doorbell rangNatalie, furious.
Why should we go? This is *his* flat too! We had plans!
Emily laughed humourlessly. Now I get it. You envied methe husband, the nice flat, the carso you took half by stealing him. Clever, Nat.
Natalies silence said everything.
But heres the flaw: the flats in my name. The cars mineinheritance money. Andrew just drove it because I hate to. So all youve won is Andrew. Take your prizeI dont want him.
Natalie gaped. This isnt *your* flat? You lied!
No. I just called it ours because it felt like home. But wait Realisation struck. You didnt even divorce Michael, did you? This was your plan all along?
Natalie flushed with rage. You flaunted your perfect lifeof course I wanted it! What did you expect?
Emilys laugh was harsh. Darling, you shouldve researched your target better. Too late now. Both of youget out.
As Andrew dragged a swearing Natalie away, he shot Emily one last *Im sorry* look. But the ashes of their marriage were already cold.
*The lesson?* Emily thought later. *Kindness is no shield against betrayalbut self-respect is.*
