Emmas unwell, I need to pop to the chemist. She was poorly just recently. Are you lying to me?
David arrived home absolutely knackered. With the holiday season coming up, clients were running him off his feet with impossible demands. The flat was eerily quiet, and his girlfriend was glued to her phone.
Where have you been? asked Emily.
At work, of course. Loads of clients today. Im shattered
He wandered into the kitchen, rummaging through the cupboards. All he could find was a limp salad and some lean turkey burgers. Hed have killed for a nice shepherds pie. Emily never cooked hearty food, always keen to keep her figure. Shed been very clear about not signing up to be anyones housewife. David sat down reluctantly, but right then a message arrived from his ex-wife: their daughter was ill, and she needed some medicine. He dropped everything and began to pull on his coat.
And where are you off to? Emilys voice had a sharp edge to it.
Emmas not well, so Im popping down to the chemist.
She was ill not long ago as well. Are you sure youre telling the truth?
Kids at nursery are always catching things, you wouldnt understand.
David had had enough of these accusations. Emily was always so put out whenever Emma needed him; sulking and giving him the cold shoulder. Fifteen minutes later, he was at his ex-wifes flat. Charlotte greeted him at the door and offered him a cup of tea hard to say no, since he hadnt even managed a proper dinner. David hugged his daughter and settled down to watch cartoons with her.
Just a year ago, theyd been an ordinary family. Then he made a dreadful mistake swapping his wife and child for a fleeting temptation, a moment of weakness that now gnawed away at him.
Everything started off well, but the mounting strains of home life, Emmas frequent illnesses, and money troubles cracked the marriage. David ended up working round the clock, completely spent. It was then that Emily came along and quickly turned his head. He tried to forget, tried to cut ties, but word got out, and soon enough Charlotte found out everything.
Charlotte couldnt forgive him she filed for divorce. Thats how he lost his greatest treasure: his family. Still, despite it all, Charlotte always made sure David could see his daughter; their bond was strong, and she never stood in the way. David was willing to drop everything for them, any time they needed help.
While Emma took her medicine, David watched Charlotte across the room. She looked different now, somehow even more beautiful and vibrant than before. She must have met someone. After putting Emma to bed, they sat together in the kitchen. Charlotte made David a proper meal and brewed his favourite tea she still remembered. David missed home-cooked food and the warmth of a real family, and in those moments, all he could think about was the mess hed made. What a fool hed been. He had no excuse.
Even though it was past midnight, David dreaded the thought of returning home. Lately, Emily only irritated him, always nitpicking and complaining. But here, everything just felt right comfortable and familiar, like a real home.
David looked at Charlotte once more, longing to hold her close. It wasnt just desire; it was a craving for that soul-deep warmth. Hed have given anything to win her back. At that moment, he felt like a teenager again, desperate yet nervous, as if on a first date and too afraid to go in for a kiss.
He finally plucked up the courage to reach for Charlottes hand, but just then, his phone rang. It was Emily.
Right, its late. Id better get some rest, Charlotte said quietly.
Of course goodnight.
Charlotte went off for a shower, but David decided to stay. When she came back, she looked surprised.
Emma woke up for a bit, so I stayed with her, he explained.
Thank you, Charlotte replied softly, offering a small smile.
David hurried over, blurting out, I want to be here with you.
Why, David? Dont. Weve both moved on thats all well and truly done.
You speak of grudges, but I still love you.
David, Ive learned to live without you. Please go. If not, Ill never ask for your help again.
David left the flat, lying down on the sofa at home, careful not to wake Emily. He realised then that he felt nothing for her anymore, and it was clear they needed to call it a day.
In the morning, when David broke the news to Emily, she went mad. She couldnt believe he was leaving her so young, so beautiful.
Its all because of her! You always loved her!
Emily was gone. Now, all that was left was to thaw the ice in his ex-wifes heart.
