Im sorry about how this turned out.
Michael, are you sure youve packed everything? Shouldnt you double-check? I called out, pausing outside the closed bathroom door.
Hannah, leave me alone! Ive got it alla full suitcase, you saw it he replied over the sound of the shower. But his voice his voice shook. Or did I imagine it?
I saw the suitcase. What you packed in itno, I murmured, stepping back.
Hannah, make me some coffee, please. Strong. No milk, he added in a calm tone as the water shut off.
I walked to the kitchen, pulled out the kettle without a word, poured water, added ground coffee, a pinch of saltjust how he liked it. We had a coffee machine, but Michael adored the tea I made. *”Youre so thoughtful,”* hed told me the night before, coming home late from work, finding dinner carefully wrapped in a tea towel to keep warmjust like my grandmother used to do.
Lately, hed been staying out latesupposedly for work. Climbing the ladder. Preparing for a promotion. And me? I stayed in the shadows. Cooking, ironing, enduring.
What a divine aroma! Michael said, stepping into the kitchen, pushing damp hair from his forehead. He sat at the table, reaching for the mug.
Hannah, the couriers coming todayI ordered a car cover. Can you accept it? Cash on delivery, he said, stirring in a teaspoon of sugar.
Of course. Business as usual, I replied, sitting across from him.
This trip couldnt have come at a worse time, he sighed. But I cant say no. You understandits an opportunity, maybe the only one. Senior managerno joke.
Right I didnt realize a role like that would mean traipsing around the countryside.
Bosses whims. Well, Ive got half an hour leftIll check emails.
He stood, walked to the other room. Left his mug behind. No matter. What could I expecthe was wound tight.
I reached for his cup, and then his phone buzzeda message. I opened it.
*”Hannah, Michaels lying. Theres no business trip. Hes flying to Italy with Roxanne Morelli. Stop him before its too late. Hell ruin his life over this.”*
Adeline. His younger sister.
Something snapped in my head. Him with Roxanne? Impossible. A joke? But Adeline wasnt the type to joke about something like this. And she certainly wouldnt lie.
The room spun. The air thickened like concrete. I could barely breathe. I stood shakily, poured myself waterthen slumped back into the chair.
I wanted to scream. To smash everything. And all that echoed in my mind was: *”Why?”*
I clenched my fists in fury. I wanted to storm in, confront him, tear off the mask. But I didnt. He wasnt worth it.
Let him go. And Id prepare a surprise of my own. Not with shoutingwith action.
I opened the banking app. In the joint account£120,000. Surprisingly, hed already dipped in£30,000 gone. My money, by the way. My freelance earnings, sleepless nights working. And him funding his first loves holiday with my savings.
I knew about Roxanne. Michael had told me himself, and Adeline had mentioned her once. High-school sweetheart, wild and reckless. Shed left him twicefirst for an older man, then for someone with “prospects.” Now she was back. And Michael had fallen again. And once more, he lied.
He couldve at least been honest: *”Hannah, Ive fallen for someone else. Im sorry.”* It wouldve hurt, yes. But not like this. Instead, hed scurried around like a rat. Took the money, lied about the trip, packed his bloody suitcase
Fine. Id take the rest. Today. Every last penny. Thendivorce. His thingscourier to his parents.
I checked my calendartomorrow at noon, a crucial online presentation. If it went wellId book a holiday. Not Italy. Spain, maybe. Somewhere hed never been.
Hannah, Im off. Decided to leave early, he said, stepping into the kitchen, sharp in his suit and tie.
Safe travels. Hope its successful, I replied, gripping the mug.
Whats with the tone?
Youre imagining things.
Ill miss you
Doubt youll have time for that.
Not helping with the suitcase?
Id rather wash the dishes.
Fine. Im going.
Go.
The door slammed. Michael had no idea he was leaving for good. Tomorrow, Id change the locks.
I sat back down. And then I wept. Bitterly. From pain, from humiliation. Traitor.
Another message from Adeline: *”Hannah, are you okay?”*
I wiped my tears and dialled her number.
Adeline, how did you know?
A friend of Roxannes told me. Shes latched onto Michael again. And hes fallen for it. Hannah, Im so sorry
Thank you for telling me. I didnt stop him. Let him go.
Hes a fool. Shell dump him a third time.
His choice. Adeline, dont tell him I know.
I dont even want to speak to him. Ive had enough!
Thank you. Our relationship stays. Even if we divorce.
Of course, Hannah. Stay strong.
I reopened the banking app. Another £10,000 missing. Hurrying now? No. I steadied myself. Id transfer the rest to Mum. I sent the money, closed my phone, and watched the sunset, knowing tomorrow the sun would rise againwithout him.
