You’re ancient! Im ashamed to show you to my partners, so Ive taken a mistress! James declares.
Emma has a mountain of work these days. She launches her own bespoke tailoring studio, pouring every spare moment into the venture, hoping to lift it into the sunlight. She remembers that tonight is a charity dinner, mentioned casually by James, and a sudden worry hits her.
James says she doesnt have to be there, that he understands his wifes busy schedule and will attend alone, but he also stresses that it isnt right to treat the family with contempt. Emma calls the event manager and explains that she cant make it this evening because she has appointments and must look the part.
She draws a bath with aromatic oils, intending to unwind. As the citrus and pine scents fill the steam, she closes her eyes. The phone perched on the tubs edge rings. She wipes the foam from her hand, pulls a towel from the rack, and answers.
Grace is studying abroad. How much Emma misses her. She wants to hug her daughter tight, even though Grace is no longer a little girl; to Emma she will always be a child.
Sunshine, hello! says Grace.
Mom, congratulations! Ive read about your studio. Youre brilliant. Dad must be proud, right? Even though you could have ignored all this, you went ahead. I was surprised when you sent me the link. How do you manage everything? You even help Dad.
Emma replies, I didnt want to brag early, but the work has started and orders are coming in. I love it; Ive always wanted to try something new. Honestly, the business James and I built together always felt suffocating. I dreamed of a place where I could be creative, and now that dream finally lives.
They chat briefly about the weather, then Grace rushes off to university. Shes on an exchange abroad and will be home in six months. Emma smiles, feeling lucky to have such a family. The thought lifts her spirits until she reaches the restaurant where the charity dinner is held.
The lady, we cant let you in without an invitation, the bouncer insists.
Then call my husband. He has a twoperson invitation, Emma says.
Whats your husbands surname? the guard asks.
Emma rolls her eyes. The dismissive tone irritates herhow can security treat guests like this?
Bennett James Edward, she replies. Check the list.
The guard flips through the list, exchanges a glance with his colleague, and chuckles.
Youre mistaken, madam. James Bennett already entered with his wife.
What? With his wife? Emma asks, surprised.
The list shows he came in with his spouse. You cant fool us; this is a private event. If youre a journalist who wasnt invited
Oliver, whats happening? a smooth, velvety voice calls from behind.
Emma turns and is startled to see her old schoolmate Oliver. They havent spoken in years, making the encounter all the more unexpected.
Oliver! I didnt expect to see you. The guards are mixing things up, saying my husband already arrived with his wife, so they wont let me in, Emma complains.
Oliver smiles warmly and nods at the guards. Shes with me.
Emma doesnt know how to thank her former classmate. She had hoped to surprise James, but perhaps a call beforehand would have helped. Surely James, like Oliver, has a guest on his invitation?
Shes unsure what to talk about with someone she hasnt seen since school. Oliver had always been the student who flunked, constantly sent to the headteacher. She never imagined hed become a director himself.
How are you? I see youve married well, given your husbands status, Oliver says, still grinning.
We built everything together from the ground up. Now I run my own studio. If you ever need a bespoke suit, let me know, Emma replies, handing Oliver her business card.
Inside the hall, Emma scans the room for James. Oliver follows her, and they exchange pleasantries.
What about you? Did you exceed the teachers expectations and land a good life?
Who cares about their expectations? Grades dont decide everything, Oliver answers modestly. You havent changed a bitstill as gorgeous as ever. Its lovely to run into you like this.
In school, Oliver had asked Emma out, but she, careerdriven and focusing on her degree, turned him down. After university, she drifted away from old friends. Now, seeing him again feels like stepping back into a carefree childhood.
When Emma finally spots James, she apologises to Oliver, thanks him for the escort, and hurries to her husband.
My wife is my muse, James declares proudly, and Emmas heart flutters at his compliment. Just then, James pulls a younger woman into his arms and kisses her cheek. Honey, would you like a drink?
Emma freezes, stunned. Hes introducing another woman as his partner? The nerve!
I dont mind, Emma says, standing a few metres from the scene, watching the flirtatious pair.
James turns, his eyes widening. He coughs, asks the guests for forgiveness, and moves toward his wife. The woman, clearly older than their daughter, follows him, clicking her heels.
What are you doing here? James whispers to Emma.
I came to support my husband. You said it was an important event, Emma replies calmly, watching the newcomer sway toward James. Cant you explain?
You dont belong here! James snaps, then looks at his guest. Polly, step aside and get something to eat. Ill be back soon. He roughly grabs Emmas elbow and drags her toward the garden. Once theyre out of sight, he glares at her. You could have ruined everything. I didnt invite you.
Because you brought someone else? Emma retorts.
She feels a cold resolve settle in. She watches James, trying to understand why he would betray his wife after so many years. His friends, whod seen pictures of them together, cant possibly be fooled.
Youre old, Emma! Im embarrassed to show you to my partners, so I got a mistress. What did you expect? In our circles a wife must sparkle, not look like a workhorse. Youre doing fine in your role, James sneers.
Perhaps James runs a selection process for mistresses, even naming them after his wife. Emma feels nothing but deep disappointment.
Sure, she looks great. She doesnt have to worry about annual reports or where to invest to keep afloat. Smart choice, Mr. Bennett, James adds, shaking his head.
Twenty years of marriage and you think youre the only one I have? Thats normal for you. It wont affect anything later. Go home, Ill be back, and well talk. He turns and leaves.
There is nothing left to discuss. Emma decides she will not stay in a pictureperfect marriage just because its conventional. She knows a man who cheats once will likely do it again, so she stops feeding herself false hopes. Her business is thriving; shell claim her share of everything she helped build.
James departs, and Emma sits on a bench beneath a dim streetlamp, trying to digest the nights events and figure out how to tell Grace. Oliver sits beside her almost silently. He doesnt invade her thoughts, but his presence is oddly soothing. He reminisces about school antics, making Emma laugh and release her anxiety. For a moment she feels like that carefree girl again, remembering how simple life once was.
I used to dream of growing up, now I wish I could go back to school, Emma sighs.
I get you. If you need anything, just ask. I can even give you a lift home, Oliver offers.
Although Oliver watches from a distance, he draws his own conclusions. He isnt the only one who wont voice what they think; the guests keep smiling at James, playing their parts without rehearsal.
Will your wife mind? Oliver asks.
I have no wife. I never managed to love anyone properly. There have been relationships, but nothing lasting, Oliver admits.
He doesnt tell Emma that hes thought about her ever since school, fearing it would complicate things. He knows she already has enough on her plate.
Emma accepts Olivers offer without probing his job or his expensive carmoney never mattered to her. She has always chased a career and her own home, achieving everything on her own. She never relied on James to work while she relaxed. Even after Grace was born, Emma stayed up late to check accounts and support James, becoming his inspiration. Now shes burnt out.
After saying goodbye to Oliver at the door, Emma steps back into the place that once felt like home but now feels foreign. She decides her daughter is old enough to handle whatever news she brings, so she doesnt mention the impending divorce nowno need to add stress while Grace is abroad. Shell tell her later; its better that way.
James never supported the idea of divorce.
Youre perfect as a wife. In business you need a pretty image, and I provide that, he once said.
Diverting money that doesnt just fall from the sky isnt easy, is it? Emma retorted.
Think of your daughter. Shell need stability. Divorce will hit her hardest. Does that make you happy? James asked.
Its too late for you to think about Grace now, James, Emma replies, detached.
They sleep in separate rooms. The next morning Emma decides to move into a flat above her studio, unwilling to share a roof with a deceitful husband. James resists the divorce, making negotiations tough, especially while still trying to grow his business.
Legal battles drag on, requiring pricey solicitors and a split of assets. Initially Emma wanted to keep the house and leave the business to James, but now she aims to claim everything she contributed. In the end the court divides everything fairly, despite James attempts to bribe the judge.
James calls Grace, hoping shell pressure her mother, but Grace sides with Emma, supporting her fully. She returns home, helps with the studio, and avoids her father entirely, unable to forgive his betrayal.
Emmas life slowly steadies. Letting go of twenty years isnt easy, but she moves forward, focusing on work while Grace stands by her. Jamess fortunes falter without Emmas input; he tries repeatedly to win her back, apologising and promising never to stray again, but trust, once broken, doesnt return.
The studio gains a reputation, orders flood in, and Emma even considers expanding.
One afternoon the phone rings. An unfamiliar number, but Emma answers.
Its Oliver. You gave me your card in case I need a suit
Hey, Ollie, were swamped, but Ill make an exception for you, Emma says, delighted to hear his voice.
Honestly, I dont need the suit urgently; I just wanted an excuse to call. How about meeting for coffee?
Emma laughs and agrees, thinking this might be a fresh start. She isnt in a rush; she has learned to value herself above all. Time flies, but she refuses to believe shell end up alone in old age. Her heart tells her she isnt mistaken, and perhaps she and Oliver have a chance at happiness.
