I heard footsteps in the hallway and, like a flash, Emily shot off a text saying the caller missed her terribly and was eager for their next meeting. She set the phone down on the nightstand, exactly where it had been all day.
She read that message over and over, the one that had landed on her husbands phone, and couldnt believe it wasnt a dream. Her husband, her rock and hope, her beloved Paul, was cheating on her again.
Only this time his lover wasnt a freshfaced model as it used to be; it was a woman about fifteen years his senior.
Paul sauntered in, whistling. The company had handed out a hefty bonus today, which meant he could finally afford a weddinganniversary gift for his wife and a seaside getaway with Natalie.
Speaking of Natalie, Paul smiled wistfully. Hed had many affairs beforeyoung girls, divorced women, even married onesbut never anyone like Natalie. She was a colleague from the office.
She was a fullerfigured woman, but the way she dressed, behaved in public, the tone of her voice and the way she was when they were alone. Time, of course, takes its toll, yet she was still in her prime, and Paul intended to sip that prime to the last drop.
Seeing a sour line cross his wifes face, Paul dropped his swagger in an instant.
Everything alright? You look a bit off.
No, its fine, Emily replied, just thinking about the upcoming anniversary. Could you lend me some money for the celebration?
Of course, love.
Emily didnt understand why she answered so calmly. Earlier, the very thought of a lovenote had thrown her into a volcanic argument, demanding divorce. Now she acted as if nothing had happened, as if the message shed just read never existed.
Paul walked over to the nightstand, picked up his phone, pretended to call a workmate, discussed a few project details, then slipped onto the balcony to fire off a string of passionate SMSes to his new flame. Emily tried to appear composed; she knew tears and shouting would change nothing.
She wasnt the first to be betrayed. In the past Paul had blamed her for gaining weight after the babies and losing her sparkle. Now she looked flawless: toned, long glossy hair, light makeup, a smart house dress that made her look more like a television actress than a housewife.
Many of Emilys friends didnt get her. She comes from a comfortable family, has a decent job, three kidsshe shouldnt be stuck with constant infidelity. Yet she endured endless cheating, and every now and then, exhausted by the lies, she would launch a fierce argument threatening divorce. At those moments, Pauls parents would rush to his defence, pointing out other women who lived far worse.
Look at our neighbour, Sarah. Her husband died, she works two jobs, even stitches at night for extra cash. And Vera? Her husbands a drunken mess, she dresses in patched clothes, the kids are struggling.
Nobut
No buts! You have no right to complain. You live like a queen, the house is spotless, you dont work, yet you shop in pricey boutiques. So what if his husband wanders? Gregory used to have an affair and I never made a fuss. Why argue? Men are like catsthey love warmth and affection. If Id scolded him, hed have run off to someone else, leaving me with four kids. Instead, Gregory is now the model family man everyone envies. So stop fussing and make sure Paul doesnt look elsewhere.
Emily forced a smile; just the other day shed seen her fatherinlaw leaving Sarahs house. He was still off on his adventures, only now hed learned to hide them better than his son.
Polly says hes not getting enough from you, so hes looking round. If my wife shouted at me, Id put her in her place straight away. If you dont like it, let her go!
Her motherinlaw began to grin nervously, and Emily felt a knot tighten. In her own family, things were the opposite: her parents loved each other, never entertained thoughts of betrayal, and raised their children with the simple ruleif you fall out of love, say it outright, dont lead a double life.
No one deserves to be deceived. Emily had learned that long ago, yet she still couldnt grasp why a mans cheating was brushed off as normal, and why the woman was always blamed.
Shed shed countless tears, wasted nerves, splashed money on psychics who promised to make Paul forget his other womannothing worked.
Friends, seeing her distress, urged her to run while she still could. Where will you go with three kids? Back to your parents? Your brother lives with his wife. Or a rented flat? Can you manage?
She didnt work, and raising three children was a mountain. Yet she loved Paul, somehow, ever since primary school, and in sixth form theyd confessed their love and never truly split.
Maybe her motherinlaw was right, maybe Paul would tire of his wanderings, maybe she was partly to blame for turning him into this manhed never cheated before and had once been gentle and caring.
Then she remembered the text shed just read and felt a fresh surge of tears. Whats changed? He once said Id put on weight after the birth, lost my old beautywhat now?
And what made that older woman with the strange hair colour any better than Emily? What had Paul found in her that he didnt see in his wife? Their tenyear anniversary was looming, and he was already reaching for the past.
Thinking of the anniversary, Emily settled into an armchair, opened the internet, and browsed eventplanning sites that promised to organise any celebration and tailor every surprise to the clients wishes. She scribbled down a number and called straight away, arranging a meeting.
The next day a coowner of the planning firm arrived, apologising for a colleagues sudden emergency and assuring theyd deliver a topnotch event. He studied Emily for a moment.
We have a catalogue of gifts and various party packages, but youre welcome to suggest something uniquewell try to make it happen. By the way, what does your husband enjoy? Fishing, sports, cars?
Women and affairs, Emily blurted.
Excuse me?
My husband lives for women; he cant get through a day without cheating.
Emilys eyes welled up, and she broke down so hard that the other patrons in the pub turned to stare.
Why turn a blind eye? Youre partly to blame for letting him cheat. If you dont respect yourself, why expect respect from him?
I dont think you understand
I do. My younger sistershe, too, was betrayed. She kept quiet for ages, then it was too late. I have no sister now, only nieces Im raising. Do you have children?
Yes.
You must live for them. A flat will appear, work will come, life only happens once.
I think youre right.
Emily dabbed her face with a napkin, then managed a weak smile at the planner.
Thank you for listening. I think I know what surprise to give my husband. Write it down.
All week she visited the planners, monitoring the preparations. She chose a charming countryside cottage as the venue. Invitations went out to friends, relatives, and even Pauls colleagues.
The celebration promised to be grand: menu, attire, giftsall set. The planner, Leon, encouraged her whenever doubt crept in. He helped her see that not all men are the same and gave her the support shed never received from her own family.
Finally, Emily stood on high heels, a sleek black lace dress hugging her figure, admiring herself in the mirrorhair, makeup, accessories all perfect. Leon approached, draping an arm over her shoulders.
Ready? You havent changed your mind?
No. Theres no turning back.
Alright, Ill call the movers; theyll haul your things while everyones busy celebrating.
Fine. Ill be out soon enough.
The party was in full swing. Pauls parents sat at the head of the table, oblivious to their daughterinlaws plans. Paul greeted guests, casting lingering glances at Natalie, with whom hed slipped into the restroom repeatedly while Emily was absent. Emily had, of course, invited Natalie and all his coworkersone of her strategies.
Now, time for the gifts! My dear, after ten years together, Ive learned its best not to argue with you but to accept you as you are. Im endlessly grateful you opened my eyes to what a marriage should be, what an ideal wife and mother look like. Im not one for grand speeches, so thank you for everything. I hope youll like this gift.
A massive cake was wheeled in, and three young womenblonde, brunette, redheadsprang out. Emily watched Paul, bewildered, then leaned toward Natalie and whispered:
Did you think you were the only one? Look at how his eyes light up with the younger beauties, then compare yourself to me.
Natalie flushed and paled, unsure how to answer. Emily turned to her motherinlaw.
Gregory hasnt stopped, it seems. He still checks on your neighbour, Sarah.
While the motherinlaw struggled for a retort, Emily moved to Paul.
How do you like my gift? Still love women, huh? How many have you had? Three? Five? Ten? Blonde, brunette, redhead now Natalie. You know what? Your parents were rightI wont stage jealous scenes any more. Is this the life you want? For Gods sake, without me. Happy anniversary.
Her words rang through the room; everyone turned to stare. Emily, however, slipped away, clutching her childrens hands, and headed for the exit where Leon waited.
Divorce was a dull, drawnout affair. Paul blamed Emily for the cheating but refused to sign the papers. In the end, the court dissolved the marriage after the stipulated period.
Friends were shocked that the evercalm Emily would take such a step, and even more astonished that she managed the whole scam without a job or savings. The trick was simple: Paul topped up her bank card every week, amassing a decent sum, then transferred enough for her to fund the anniversary.
Now, years later, Emily never regretted leaving Paul. Shes remarried and truly happy. Leon loves her and treats her children as his own.
Starting over isnt frightening. Infidelity is merely a search for something better. Why cling to a relationship where one partner revels in freedom while the other suffers?
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