**Diary Entry**
The clock ticked half past seven when I noticed James buttoning his shirt in a hurry.
Where are you off to so late? I asked, leaning against the doorframe.
He barely glanced at me, grabbing his coat from the rack. Work emergency. The projects on fire. Dont wait up.
Lately, these emergencies had become more frequent. A knot twisted in my stomach, but I swallowed it down.
Again? Third time this week, I said, trying to keep the accusation out of my voice.
Cant be helped, he muttered, his gaze distant. I wont be too long.
The front door clicked shut. I stood there, staring at the empty hallway, before finally turning away.
Mum, wheres Dad going? Emily emerged from her room, clutching a board game. He promised to play with me tonight.
I knelt, smoothing her hair. Her eyes shimmered with disappointment.
Dads got an important deadline, love. Hell make it up to you. The words tasted hollow.
She sighed, shoulders slumping, and trudged back to her room.
To cheer her up, I baked her favourite oatmeal cookies. Kneading the dough, my thoughts wandered. The signs had been there for monthslate nights, hushed calls, the way hed flinch if I touched his phone.
At dinner, Emily chattered about school, nibbling warm cookies. I nodded along, but my mind was elsewhere. After tucking her in, I lingered by her door, heart heavy.
Back in the kitchen, I scrubbed plates, the hot water blurring my vision. The question gnawed at meshould I confront him? Demand the truth? The thought of divorce made my chest ache, but staying felt like slow suffocation.
Two weeks passed. James grew jumpier, shielding his phone screen when I entered. Then, one Saturday, his mobile buzzedan unknown number flashed on mine.
Hello?
Is this Jennifer? a womans voice asked.
Yes. Whos calling?
Im Margaret. We need to talk. About James.
My fingers tightened around the phone. James stiffened beside me.
Youre his wife, yes? she pressed.
I am.
I set the phone on the coffee table, speaker on.
Good. My daughter, Chloe, has been seeing your husband for a year. Shes only twentyhes her first. Shes heartbroken. Be decent and step aside.
James paled. Margarets voice was ice-calm. Theyre in love. Youre just in the way.
I exhaled slowly. Thanks for the update. Ill handle it.
Hanging up, I faced James. Well?
Its lies! he spluttered, leaping up. I dont even know a Chloe!
A text chimedphotos of him and a blonde, laughing over coffee, his arm around her.
Margaret sent proof. I tilted the screen toward him.
His face contorted. Fine! Yes, Im seeing Chloe! We met at a conferencewhat did you expect?
I stood, stunned. How is this my fault?
You stopped caring! he shouted. When was the last time you asked about my day? Made my favourite meal? Im working myself to the bone for this family!
I laughed bitterly. And Im not? I work full-time, raise Emily, keep this house runningand now Im to blame because you fancied a fling?
He faltered. Its different. The wifes supposed to
To what? Worship you? My voice cracked. Pack your things. Now.
Emily peeked out, wide-eyed. I ushered her back, helping with her homework while James thudded around upstairs.
An hour later, he hovered at the door, suitcases in hand. Jen, give me another chance. Ill end it
I yanked the door open. Go to Chloe. See how long her love lasts when youre sleeping on her sofa.
The lock clicked behind him. Leaning against the door, I closed my eyes. The house felt lighter already.
