**Revenge**
“Listen, Emily, I promised a colleague Id help with their move,” said Daniel.
“Today?” Emily raised an eyebrow.
“He just bought a new two-bed flat. His wifes about to have a baby.”
“Last Saturday, you were out celebrating someones new car. All your colleagues are so successful. Meanwhile, weve got no new car, no big flat. Why is that, Daniel?”
“Dont nag, Em. I promise, next weekends ours.” He pulled her close, searching her eyes.
“Hard to believe. Every weekend, its some emergency.” She stepped back.
“Fine, want me to call and cancel?” His brow furrowed.
“No. You promised, so go.”
Daniel brightened instantly. “Em, youre an angel. Off I go, then?” He leaned in, but she pressed a hand to his chest.
“Just remember this when next weekend comes,” she said.
***
Theyd all studied together at universityEmily, Daniel, and Oliver. As often happens, Emily fancied Daniel, while Oliver fancied Emily. They sat together in lectures, went to films, the lads walked her home. One evening, Oliver confessed.
“Sorry, but I like Daniel,” Emily admitted.
“Cant argue with the heart,” Oliver sighed.
After that, Oliver kept his distanceno more shared lectures, no more walks home. If they met at the pub, hed leave early.
Daniel had a small flat, inherited from his grandfather. The whole group would gather there. Emily visited but never stayed over, no matter how he begged. But on New Years Eve, she did. Soon, they were living together.
Oliver rarely visited. It hurt too much, seeing his rivalhis friendso happy.
“When are you two getting married?” he asked at their graduation party.
“Were fine as we are, right, Em?” Daniel answered for them both.
Emily looked down, silent.
“Youre wrong. Every girl dreams of a wedding dress. Emily, ditch himmarry me,” Oliver blurted.
Daniel shot him a dark look.
“Actually, Ive been meaning to propose,” he said, pulling out a ring. “Will you marry me?” His gaze bored into her.
Emily flushed with joy. “Of course,” she said, missing Olivers quiet exit.
Two months later, Oliver stood as their witness.
“Em, if he ever hurts you, tell me,” he said at the reception.
“When are you getting married?” she teased.
“Hes waiting for us to divorce,” Daniel laughed. “Keep dreaming.” He smirked at Oliver.
“Enough,” Emily cut in. “Lets dance.” She tugged Daniel away.
Three months into the marriage, Oliver arrived at Emilys birthday with crimson roses. After the guests left, Daniel fumed. “You made such a fuss over those flowers. Everyone noticed.”
“Dont be jealous. I only love you,” she said.
“Hope so,” he muttered.
Three years passed. They were happy, but fights crept inmostly over Daniels jealousy. He seethed if men so much as glanced at Emily. He wanted her home, raising children. But Emily wanted work experience first. Lately, Daniel had been oddvanishing every weekend, irritable when home.
“Oliver, is there someone else?” she asked one day.
“Em, he loves you,” Oliver said, avoiding her eyes.
“Youre a terrible liar,” she smirked.
***
Daniel was gone again. Emily sighed and cleaned. As she folded laundry, the doorbell rang. She opened it to Oliver.
“You? Wheres Daniel?”
“Hes not here?” Oliver stepped inside. “Tea?”
They sat in silence until Oliver spoke. “Em, I still fancy you.”
“I thought youd moved on.”
“Just wanted you to know.”
He took a breath. “Daniel thinks youre cheating. He asked me to test you.”
Emily froze. “What?”
“He wanted me to flirt with you. See if youd bite.” Oliver flushed. “I refused, but you know him. Better me than some stranger.”
“You knew he wasnt home?”
“Em, I came to warn you.” He wiped sweat from his brow.
“Leave.”
Alone, Emily burned with rage. Daniel had sunk so low. Where was he *really* every weekend?
That evening, Daniel returned oddly energised.
“Move go well?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“No celebratory drink?”
“His wifes pregnant.”
“Took you long enough.”
“Furniture took ages.” He didnt look up.
“Oliver came by. Why didnt you ask him to help?”
“He said he was busy.” Daniel finally met her eyes. “Whyd he come?”
“Just chatted.” She watched him closely.
He showered and slept.
Days later, Emily plotted revenge. A bold, flirtatious colleagueEveagreed to help.
“Just catch us kissing,” Emily said. “Nothing more.”
Eve smirked. “He worth it?”
“Just do it.”
On Saturday, Emily left, claiming babysitting. She shopped, phone off, guilt gnawing at her. *This is petty. Just talk to him.*
She rushed home, bursting in to find Daniel and Eve springing apart on the sofa.
“Emily?!” He was dishevelled.
“Who else?” Eve sauntered past, door slamming behind her.
“Em, its not what”
“Spare me. Were done.”
She moved in with her parents.
Months later, New Years Eve found her aloneuntil Oliver arrived with a tiny decorated tree.
“Knew youd be here,” he said.
They drank under the chimes.
“Guess what I wished for,” she teased.
“Same as me,” he smiled.
A year later, they married. Nine months after that, twin girls arrived.
Sometimes revenge sets things right.
