Heres the culturally adapted version:
Emilys face darkened as she opened the kitchen bin. And whats this dress doing here? Are you really going to tell me I threw it in myself?
She asked herself the same question almost dailywhat on earth had she ever seen in James?
He was painfully ordinaryso much so that she was embarrassed to introduce him to her friends. As far as they knew, she was still single. Only her sister knew the truth, and she kept it quiet.
James hadnt achieved much in lifejust a mechanic at a local factory. Sometimes, while watching TV, Emily caught herself thinking it was time to end things. But then hed bring home flowers or a small gift, and shed postpone the breakup.
Before Emily, James had been marriedbriefly. The marriage lasted just two months but left him with a daughter.
When they met, his daughter was twelve. Emily had never seen her and had no desire to. That changed when her birthday plans with friends were suddenly upended.
Emily, James began hesitantly, my ex-wife has to go away for work. Shes asked me to take Lily for a while
How long? Emily frowned, dreading the thought of sharing her birthday month with a child.
A month.
Why so long? She scowled. I hope she realises well have to pay for everything?
She didnt send any money, James admitted helplessly.
You already pay child support! So she gets a free month while we foot the bill? Emily snapped.
You know what I earn, he mumbled weakly.
How is this supposed to work? Her irritation grew. School runs, looking after her. Why are you even agreeing to this?
Because Im her father? James looked baffled. Should I just turn her away?
First, you dont live alone. Second, this is my flatyou shouldve asked. Third, its my birthday, and I dont want it ruined!
Lily isnt a problem, James insisted, guilt creeping into his voice.
I guarantee this will be a disaster, Emily muttered, crossing her arms.
The next day, a round-faced girl with garish makeup stood at their door, looking at least sixteen. She glared at Emily without a word before turning to James.
Where do I sleep?
Youll have the sofa in the kitchen, he replied uneasily.
The girl rolled her eyes and locked herself in the bathroom to cry.
What was that? Emily seethed. Rude and spoiled. Good thing Im celebrating at the café. And youre not coming.
Why not? James frowned. I thought youd finally introduce me to your friends. Weve lived together six months
Youre babysitting, Emily said, relieved she wouldnt have to explain him to her friends, whose boyfriends were fit and polished.
The next morning, Emily was busy preparing for her party. She ironed her dress and hung it up, waiting for the evening. James hadnt spoken to hernot even a birthday wish. She ignored it, determined not to let it spoil her mood.
After work, she rushed home to changeonly to find her dress missing.
Wheres my dress? she shrieked, storming into the kitchen where Lily lounged on the pull-out bed.
The girl ignored her, scrolling on her phone.
Are you listening? Emily snatched the phone away.
Give it back! Lily squealed as James rushed in.
Whats going on? Give her the phone!
Wheres my dress? Emily hissed.
I didnt take anything, Lily sneered. She just hates me!
Give it back. Now, James ordered.
Oh, so shes innocent? Emily hurled the phone to the floor. The screen shattered, and Lily burst into tears. Smug, Emily marched off to find another outfit.
At the café, she pushed the drama aside and resolved to end things with James.
She returned at dawn. James heard her and got up.
Do you know what time it is?
Playing the strict husband now? Too late. Ive made my decision, Emily said coldly. You both leave in the morning.
So this is my fault?
You broke Lilys phone
She stole my dress! Emily screamed.
She didnt take anything! James shot back. Im sure of it!
Emily scoffed and turned away, refusing to listen.
To calm herself, she grabbed an unfinished bottle of wine from the cupboard. She took a sipthen spat it out in disgust.
Shampoo? Are you going to tell me I poured this in too? She laughed bitterly. Then, opening the bin, she froze. And heres the dress! Going to say I threw it in as well?
Youve been looking for an excuse to leave! I know youve wanted this for ages! James shouted. If it werent for me, youd have done it sooner!
Emily raised an eyebrow. She remembered everything perfectly.
I installed a listening device. I heard your calls with your sisterI know what youve been saying! James said defiantly.
Surprise! I always wondered how you knew about us splitting! Emily was stunned. Now get out.
This time, James didnt try to change her mind. He knew it was over.
