You can file for divorce yourself, he said, his voice flat.
Theres nothing left to split, so as they say, thank you all, were free.
What woman? Where did she come from? I dont get it, James snapped.
Emily, stop pretending youre clueless. Face the truth. Im grateful to you, but you cant command the heart, he replied, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. And if you need a new start, the internets a handy place.
Emily drifted through the flat like a sleepwalker, forgetting even to go to work. When she finally called her colleagues, she sounded ill, truly broken, and had no idea what to do next.
Three days later, the physiotherapist Clara arrived at the doorway, packing to be away for a week. Emilys stomach clenched harder.
What do you mean hes gone? Where? Clara demanded, eyes wide.
I dont know, I never asked where his new love lives, Emily muttered, shoulders slumped. Looks like your help isnt needed either.
You think thats all? Were in love, we were going to marry! He was supposed to come to me! Clara erupted, her voice cracking. Hes been lying to me the whole time!
It turned out James had gotten back on his feet months ago, but kept it secret so he could see Clara without his wife finding out. He also didnt want to return to his old job. Living off the spoils of a broken life? Clara hissed.
Did you ever try to find out who his other woman is? Emily asked, her tone weary.
Doesnt matter to me, Emily sighed. Youd better leave.
Emily tried to pull herself together. Maybe James was just joking badly? Maybe Clara was lying? Her husband could never be that cruel Yet the weeks turned into weeks, and James never reappeared. Two weeks later Clara was back.
Ive got the full story, she said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. And dont tell me you dont care. Thisneeds to be punished!
Emily realized she couldnt simply brush Clara away.
Clara went on, revealing that James had been married twice before, changing his name after each divorce, and both wives had fled him, grateful they never bore his children.
Hes a sadist, Emily, pure and simple! I had to chase down his exwivesOksana and Lenathanks to a friend in IT, and coax them into talking. It was worth it, Clara said, eyes glittering with something dark.
She described Jamess cruelty, the bruises, the fear. Emily shook her head.
Its nonsense, she whispered. Hes a traitor, sure, but with me he was always gentle, kind, never raised his voice.
He never got a chance to show his true self! He fell hard for you and became dependent. Who else did his crippled self need? Only you.
Maybe his conscience finally woke, sparing her from abuse and turning to a new victim. His other lovers name is Eva, and shes richer than you. Our James is still a mercenary at heart.
Fine. Then why didnt his exwives go to the police? Why did they stay silent? Emily asked, frustration raw.
Because they were terrified! Theyd rather die than tangle with him. And the police dont like meddling in family squabbles, Clara replied. You need steel to get anything done. He just moved on because his victims bored him quickly.
I dont see why youre telling me all this, Emily said, slamming the front door open. I dont believe you. I have work.
God, forgive me, Clara whispered, exiting the flat.
Emily barely had time to process the avalanche of revelationsher studies, her job, the billswhen James walked in, clutching a lavish bouquet.
Forgive me, he pleaded, eyes wide with desperation. Im a fool, Ive messed up! I love only you, I need no one else!
Her heart fluttered, but forgiveness was not on the table.
You can stay for now, but only as a guest. Well see what happens later, she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Their brief reprieve shattered when, leaving a cinema after a latenight film, two police officers approached them at the lift.
Youre under arrest, one said, hand on his baton.
James tried to flee, but the officers were faster.
Let her go! Release him now! Emily shouted, lunging at the officers. They barely glanced at her, and one officer muttered as he walked away, Your husband was violent, assaulted a woman and robbed her. Hell be back.
She didnt believe the warning, yet she called Clara. Clara didnt accuse her; instead, she offered to find out where the victim was hospitalised. Together they drove to a ward where a woman named Olivia lay, bruised but coherent.
Yes, James assaulted me multiple times and stole £300,000 before he ran, Olivia whispered, eyes hard. If youre here to persuade me to press charges, dont waste your time.
Emily and Clara exchanged looks, shaking their heads in unison.
We werent planning to, Emily said.
This man must answer for his crimes, Clara replied.
Later, the investigation revealed James had returned to Emily not for love, but to steal her gold jewellery, hoping to raise more cash. Emily had already pawned the jewellery to fund her tuition, and her wages were still being held.
Greed ruined him, Clara muttered.
James was sentenced to a long term as other offences emerged. Emily divorced him, and she kept in touch with Clara and Olivia, their lives now intertwined by the scar of betrayal.
