Your husband is mine now, whispered the voice on the other end of the line.
Have you seen my blue scarf? The one with the fringe that Steven brought back from Italy? Marina rummaged through the wardrobe, tossing clothes onto the bed. I cant find it anywhere.
Check the hallway, maybe its there, replied Vera absently, her eyes still fixed on her phone.
Ive looked everywhere. Its vanished, Marina sighed, slamming the wardrobe door shut. I wanted to wear it with my new coat for Natalies anniversary dinner.
Vera finally glanced up, studying her friend. Even dishevelled in an old t-shirt and jeans, Marina was strikingchestnut waves cascading over her shoulders, golden flecks dancing in her green eyes.
Maybe you left it at Emilys last Friday? You went to the theatre together, Vera suggested, rising from the sofa.
Oh, right! Marina brightened. I completely forgot. Ill call her now.
While Marina searched for her phone, Vera wandered to the window. From the fifth floor, she watched the caretaker lazily sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard below. Autumn had firmly taken hold, painting London in russet and gold.
Emily isnt picking up, Marina said, joining her at the window. Thats oddwe agreed to meet before Natalies party.
Shes probably busy, Vera shrugged, her gaze flickering to a new message on her phone. You know Emilyalways dashing about at the last minute.
Marina laughed. True. Remember how she showed up five minutes before my wedding? Steven nearly thought his best man had bailed.
At the mention of her husband, Vera tensed imperceptibly, though Marina didnt notice, lost in reminiscence.
Speaking of Steven, where is he? I havent heard from him, Vera asked casually.
Fishing with his colleagues, Marina waved a hand. Second weekend in a row. Says the bites perfect this time of year.
Does he go often? Vera kept her tone light.
Lately, yes, Marina sighed. Work, fishing, office parties You know how it isautumns always hectic for accountants.
Vera nodded and returned to her phone. The screen glowed with a message: *Changed your mind? Last chance to stop this.*
She typed a quick reply: *No. Proceed as planned.*
Who are you texting? Marina peered over her shoulder. Youve been off all day.
Vera flinched and locked her screen. Just work emails. No peace, even on a Saturday, she forced a smile. Maybe the scarfs in the car?
The car? Marina paused. Oh! I wore it when Steven drove us home from the theatre. It must still be there.
She grabbed her keys and headed for the door.
Ill come with you, Vera blurted. Need some air.
Outside, the crisp scent of decaying leaves filled the air. Marina unlocked their family Ford and searched the back seat.
Thats odd, she muttered, straightening. I was sure itd be here.
Vera watched her, biting her lip. Her phone buzzed again, but she ignored it.
Marina, she finally said, her voice strange. Dont you think Stevens been different lately?
How so? Marina turned, frowning.
All these trips, the fishing Vera met her gaze. Havent you noticed anything off?
Marinas frown deepened. What are you implying? If you know something, just say it.
Vera took a shaky breath. I think no, Im certain Stevens cheating on you.
Marina froze, eyes wide. Then she laughed. *Steven?* With who? Weve been married ten years, Vera. He doesnt even *look* at other women.
Are you sure? Vera asked softly.
Something in her tone made Marina stiffen.
Vera, what do you know? Tell me.
Vera hesitated. Remember last Friday, when you and Emily went to the theatre? Steven drove you.
Yes. And?
He didnt go straight home, Vera said slowly. I saw his car outside Emilys flat. Late that night.
The world tilted under Marinas feet.
Youre mistaken, she whispered. He just dropped her off. Emily called me afterward to thank me for the evening.
Vera placed a hand on her shoulder. His car was there *all night.* I saw him leave her building at eight in the morning. In the same clothes.
Marina shoved her away. Youre lying. Why would youSteven said he stayed at his parents because they talked late. He wouldnt
Call him, Vera urged. Right now. Ask where he is.
Marina hesitated, then dialled. The call went to voicemail.
No answer, she said numbly. Probably no signal on the lake.
Or hes busy, Vera murmured. With Emily.
Stop it! Marina snapped. Emilys my *best friend.* Shed never
Her voice cracked as she remembered Emily hadnt picked up either.
I didnt want to tell you, Vera continued. But Ive seen them together more than once. Theyve been sneaking around for months. Every time hes fishing or at a work event.
Marina leaned against the car, nausea rising.
No, she breathed. Not Emily. Weve been friends since uni. She *knows* how much I love him
Vera pulled her into a hug. Come to mine. You shouldnt be alone right now.
Marina shook her head. I need to talk to Emily. Face-to-face. *Now.*
Are you sure? Vera looked uneasy. Maybe calm down first?
I *am* calm. Marinas voice was steel. I just want the truth from her.
Upstairs, Marina grabbed her bag and keys.
Im coming with you, Vera said.
No. Marinas tone brooked no argument. This is between me and Emily.
Alone, Vera paced anxiously. Her phone buzzeda call this time.
Yes, she answered quietly. Its working. Shes on her way.
Twenty minutes later, Marina parked outside Emilys flat. Her pulse hammered in her throat. She didnt want to believe Vera, but doubt had already taken root.
Then she saw itStevens Ford Mondeo, parked right where it always was when they visited.
*Vera was right.*
She took the lift to the fourth floor and rang the bell. The door opened hesitantly. Emily stood there, wrapped in a robe, hair damp.
Marina? She blinked. What are you?
Can I come in? Marinas voice was icy.
Emily glanced behind her. I-I was just heading out. Ive got a salon appointment
Let me in, Em. Marina stepped forward. Or should I fetch Steven? I saw his car.
Emily paled and wordlessly moved aside.
The living room was emptybut two coffee cups sat on the table, and a familiar shirt (one Marina had bought Steven for his birthday) lay draped over the sofa.
Where is he? Marina demanded.
Emily twisted her robe belt. Marina, its not what you think
Really? Marina let out a brittle laugh. Then what *should* I think, seeing his car here, his clothes in your flat, while hes supposedly *fishing?*
Footsteps sounded. Steven emerged from the bathroom, towelling his hair. He froze.
Marina
Hello, darling, she said coldly. Catch anything?
His gaze darted between her and Emily.
Marina, listen
No, *you* listen. Her voice trembled. How long has this been going on? And who else *knew?*
Steven and Emily exchanged glances.
Two months, Emily whispered. It just happened. We never meant to hurt you.
*Just happened?* Marinas laugh broke. How does sleeping with your best friends husband *just happen?*
Steven stepped forward. We were going to tell you. Today. Thats why I lied about fishingto talk to Emily first.
And what did you decide? Marinas insides turned to ice.
Were in love, he said simply. I want a divorce.
The words hit harder than a slap. Marina gripped a chair for support.
In love, she echoed. What about our children? Our *ten years?*
Youll keep the kids, of course, Steven said quickly. Ill visit, pay support. Well keep it civil.
Civil. Marinas smile was razor-thin. So youve got it all figured out.
Emily reached for her. I know I betrayed you. But this is real. We couldnt fight it.
Shut up, Marina hissed. Dont you *dare* talk to me about love. Or friendship. *Ever again.*
She turned to Steven. And youyou took *everything.* Not just yourself. My best friend. My trust. My *faith in people.*
She pulled out her phone and dialled.
Vera? Her voice was hollow. You were right. About everything.
Collapsing into her car, Marina sobbedgreat, heaving cries that shook her whole body. When the storm passed, she wiped her face and started the engine. Her phone showed missed calls from Steven, none from Emily. But there *was* a text from Vera: *Come to mine. Dont be alone.*
Vera embraced her at the door. Her flat had always felt like a sanctuary, and never more than now.
Tell me everything, Vera said, handing her tea.
Marina did. Vera listened, nodding sympathetically.
You know whats strange? Marina finished. I dont feel *destroyed.* Betrayed? Yes. But not broken. Maybe maybe part of me knew?
Or youre stronger than you think, Vera said gently. What now?
I dont know. Marina sighed. Pack Stevens things, I suppose. Talk to the kids when theyre back from Mums
Vera unexpectedly took her hand. Theres something else. About Steven and Emily.
Marina tensed. What now?
Vera hesitated. Remember last year, when you two nearly split over that colleagues texts?
Yes. Whats your point?
Emily *supported* you then, Vera said. Told you Steven wasnt worth your tears. That you deserved better.
And?
Vera leaned closer. She was texting *him* the whole time. Calling. Offering to help save your marriage.
Marinas stomach twisted. How do you know this?
From Steven, Vera admitted. He showed me the messages. Back then, he rejected her. Said he loved only you.
But *now* he caved? Marina scoffed.
Vera shook her head. Thats not the point. Emilys not who you think. Shes spent years coveting what *you* have. First the job at your firm. Then the same car. A house in your neighbourhood. And now your husband.
Marinas mind reeled. Are you saying this was *planned?*
I dont know, Vera said. But the patterns there. And Marina theres more.
She pulled up a photoEmily embracing a man who definitely wasnt Steven.
Whos that?
Her ex, Vera said. They met last week. The same night Steven was supposedly with her.
Marina frowned. Then where *was* Steven?
Vera took a deep breath.
With me, she whispered. We were planning your birthday surprise.
Marina stared. But you *said*
I lied. Vera looked down. I had to make you see Emily for what she is.
Marinas thoughts whirled. So Steven *isnt* cheating? Theyre not
Hes not, Vera confirmed. But Emilys after him. And today
Today I confronted them, Marina whispered. Oh God, what have I *done?* I need to call Steven
Wait. Vera held her back. Think. If they *did* confess, maybe maybe its true?
Stevens name flashed on Marinas phone.
I have to answer, she said.
Vera nodded. Put it on speaker. I want the truth too.
Marina accepted the call.
Where are you? Stevens voice was tense.
At Veras, she said, watching Veras face.
A pause.
*Veras?* His tone sharpened. Marina, listen carefully. Get out of there. *Now.*
Why?
Because shes *lying*, Steven said urgently. She called Emily, pretended to be *you,* said wed fought and I was coming over
Marina turned slowly to Vera, whose smile had vanished.
Steven, thats *ridiculous!* Vera snapped into the phone. *Emilys* the one cheating!
Vera? Stevens voice hardened. Marina, shes been obsessed with me for months. I rejected her, and now shes tearing us apart.
Hes lying! Vera cried. Ask him where he was this morning!
At Emilys, Steven said calmly. Because *Vera* called her, pretending to be you. When I got there, Emily was horrified. Weve been trying to reach you all day.
Marinas vision swam. Vera had gone pale.
Hes making this up, Vera whispered. Dont believe him.
Then why, Marina said slowly, did you claim you saw Stevens car at Emilys *last night?*
Because its *true!* Vera grabbed her arm. I was *protecting* you!
Marina, Stevens voice cut in. Come home. Or meet me at Emilys. Well sort this out together.
Dont you *dare!* Veras grip tightened. Theyre *gaslighting* you! You saw them together!
Marina pulled free. Im going to my husband.
Vera blocked the door. You dont understand, she pleaded. He never loved you like I do. We could
*We?* Marina recoiled.
Yes, Vera said simply. Ive loved you since uni. But you chose Steven. Then Emily with her doe eyes
The floor seemed to drop beneath Marina. She lifted the phone.
Steven, Im on my way.
Ill meet you downstairs, he said, relief palpable.
Veras hands trembled. Marina, please. I just wanted you to see they dont deserve you
Goodbye, Vera. Marina stepped around her and left.
Outside, the autumn air was sharp, clearing her mind. For the first time in days, things felt *clear.*
She got in the car. Her phone rangEmily this time.
Marina? Steven told me you were with Vera
Not anymore, Marina said. Im coming to you.
Thank God. Emily exhaled. We were so worried. Vera called me this morning, saying these *awful* things That your husband was hers now
I know, Marina interrupted. Well talk in person.
She hung up and pulled away. Leaves swirled in the wind, sticking to the windshield. Autumn had arrived, stripping away illusions, laying bare the truth of thingsand the truth of people.
