Emma noticed that James had slipped into his very best shirt the same creamy one they’d bought together last year for his birthday and his new shoes. He even wore cufflinks, though on Sundays at home he usually went barefoot.
Emma, we need to talk, he said, standing by the window with his back to her.
She slowly set her coffee mug on the table. Her heart thumped, not from fear but from a curious pulse.
James had clearly rehearsed this conversation as if for a stage performance.
And then it struck her: he was waiting for tears, pleading, hysteria. Yet a strange calm settled over her.
I think its best we go our separate ways, he continued, not turning. We both understand that.
Understand? she asked, surprised by her own voice calm, almost intrigued.
James finally turned. Surprise was written on his face she hadnt reacted the way hed expected.
Well, were adults now. Feelings have passed, why pretend?
Emma leaned back in her chair.
Twentytwo years of marriage. A son grown, his teenage turmoil, her own forties behind her. Now perhaps her true fifties were beginning.
And where will I go? she asked simply.
Well James slipped on his shoes. You could stay with Lucy for a while. Or rent something. Ill help with the money a few hundred pounds at first.
Lucy her sister who had always thought Emma had wasted her life on James.
Help with the money, he said generously.
What about you? Emma pressed.
What about me? He seemed taken aback by the question. Nothing special yet. Maybe Ill sell the flat and find something simpler.
The flat? Emma tilted her head. That one?
Exactly. And?
She rose, walked to the window. James instinctively stepped back.
Below, schoolchildren shuffled with backpacks the new academic year had begun. Life moved on its own rhythm.
James, do you remember whose name is on the lease? she asked.
Mine, of course. Why?
On yours? surprise tinged her tone, almost sincere. Are you sure?
For the first time he looked bewildered.
Of course Im sure. We bought it ages ago with the money my mother gave me before we were married. Remember the family cookbook?
She had sold her room in the council house and said, Thats for your future. And it became our future.
James fell silent.
We put the lease in my name because you were unemployed then, searching for your calling. I needed proof of income for a mortgage.
Do you recall now?
But we we agreed
We agreed it was ours together. It stayed that way until you decided to split everything.
Emma sat back down, lifted her cup. The coffee had gone cold, but she took a sip.
You know, James, Ive suddenly realised youre right. We really should part.
Really? He brightened, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes.
Yes. And if you want a fresh start, lets do it honourably. I stay in the flat its mine. You find a new place on your own, with your own money.
Emma, cant we settle amicably?
Isnt that what amicable means? she smiled. You want freedom youll get it, fully.
James sat opposite her. The finest shirt suddenly seemed absurd.
But I have no money for a flat
And I have no desire to support you. You said were adults.
I thought we could resolve everything peacefully
Peacefully well do. No shouting, no drama. Everyone gets what they wanted. You wanted me to leave, so youre the one who goes. Unfair?
Emma rose, took her cup, headed to the sink.
Her phone buzzed with a grocery delivery notification the order shed placed yesterday for today.
I need time to think, James muttered.
Of course, she replied, setting the cup down. Just dont drag it out. Ive got friends coming over later. Wouldnt want them to witness a domestic circus.
James retreated to the bedroom. Emma heard him on the phone, low but excited. She fetched the groceries and began chopping vegetables.
Her movements were calm, almost meditative. Half an hour later he returned to the kitchen.
Emma, maybe we rushed? Lets discuss again.
Whats there to discuss? she didnt look up from the board. Youve decided. I agreed. All fair.
But the flat we invested together. Renovated, bought furniture
The renovation? Emma finally turned. The one my father did himself, free of charge?
Or the furniture bought on my wages while you chased your purpose?
I always worked!
Worked, yes, but your salary went to yourself while I kept the household afloat. Remember my line: A man needs his own money for selfrespect.
James fell silent.
I also recall you saying you werent ready for children, then when Andrew was born you claimed fatherhood terrified you, yet now you boast about being a caring dad.
What does that have to do with anything?
It shows I understand: you didnt decide to leave yesterday, not even last week.
Emma set the knife down, faced him.
Tell me, James, does Claire like the flat? Are you planning something else?
He went pale.
Which Claire?
The one youve been emailing for six months. The one whos been at your firm eight years, childless but eager, if Im right.
Youve been watching me?
Why watch? You told it all yourself. Remember that night three weeks ago? You came home happy, talking about a colleague.
Such a bright mind, such potential. And the next day you bought a new shirt.
Emma grabbed a towel, dried her hands.
You also started showering in the morning before work, instead of evenings. Bought a new perfume. Joined a gym first time in ten years.
Emma
And now you take your phone into the bath, smile at the screen.
His smartwatch flashed a message. He glanced, then covered his wrist.
Is Claire writing? Emma asked, genuinely curious.
James sank into a chair.
I didnt plan
Plan what? To fall in love or get caught?
It just happened. We talked at work, and then
Then you thought itd be easier if I left. The flat stays yours, your reputation intact.
The wife leaves, so shes at fault. And with Claire you can start fresh.
Emma sat opposite him.
You know whats odd? Im not angry. Im grateful. You helped me see Im stronger than I thought.
What will you do now?
Live. Here, in my flat. Finally pursue the dream Ive always had but never dared. Ill have time for myself.
And Andrew?
Andrews twentyone. Hes an adult. I think hell figure out which parent behaves how.
James stood, paced the kitchen.
Emma, can we reach some settlement? Im willing to pay compensation
For what? she asked, genuinely surprised.
Well for the flat, for the years together.
James, you want to buy my flat so you can bring a new girl in?
Not that blunt
How? Youre offering me money so I voluntarily become homeless?
Emma laughed, sincere, without malice.
Honestly, I might have agreed out of pity for you. Thought, Poor thing, he isnt evil, he just fell in love. Then Id have gone to my sister, apologised for not holding you.
She stood, walked to the window.
Now I realise you thought I was a convenient fool who would endure anything. You were wrong.
So you wont go?
No. You go. Today. Take only your personal belongings.
What if I refuse?
Emma turned to him, calm as someone who finally knows her strength.
Then tomorrow Claire will learn her lover isnt a free man but a married one. And shell find out exactly how you intended to solve the housing issue. Think shell like that?
James stayed silent.
You have an hour, Emma added. My friends arrive at five. Id rather they not witness a family performance.
She grabbed a spray bottle from the sill and began misting the plants.
The house fell silent only the hiss of water and the creak of floorboards under a man gathering his things.
Emma smiled at her favourite violet. Real life was just beginning.
