He hadnt arrived yet. Lately, he had far too much work and was starting to stay later and later.
Emily tucked the children into bed and headed to the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea. David still hadnt returned home. These days, work kept him at the office well into the evening.
Emily felt for her husbands tiredness and tried her best to shield him from the fuss of family life, given that he was the sole breadwinner. After they married, Emily and David agreed she would manage the house and raise the children, while David would take care of providing for them. Within a few years, theyd had three little ones in a row. David was thrilled with every new addition and always joked that he didnt intend to stop there.
But Emily was utterly worn out from the endless demands of childcare and decided it was time for a pause before bringing any more children into the world.
David came home after midnight, slightly tipsy. When Emily asked where hed been, he replied,
Em, things were frantic at work today, so a few of us decided to unwind with a couple of drinks.
Oh, you poor thing! Emily smiled. Come on, let me make you a quick bite.
No need, love. We had some nibbles at the pub. Im off to bed.
Mothers Day was drawing near, and Emily, having asked her mum to watch the children, set off for the shopping centre. She wanted to make the day special a romantic dinner for just the two of them. Her mother was happy to take the children overnight.
Along with shopping for dinner and gifts, Emily decided to finally treat herself to something new. It had been ages since she bought herself any clothes, and she was always embarrassed to ask David for money for something like that; after all, there wasnt much chance to dress up these days. The last thing shed bought had been a casual lounge set, suitable for home, but not exactly what she had in mind for a special evening.
She wandered into a dress shop and selected a handful of dresses to try on. As she was admiring herself in the mirror with the second one, she recognised the unmistakable voice of her husband coming from the changing room next door.
Mmm, cant wait to see you out of that dress!
A woman laughed flirtatiously in response.
Oh, behave! Youll have to wait. Go on, pick something out for your wife, too.
What for? David replied dryly, Shes up to her ears with the children, and they couldnt care less what she wears, as long as she feeds and looks after them. Ill buy her a new kettle or a mixer, thatll make her day.
Emily felt as if ice water had been poured down her back. She stayed silent, not daring to move, and kept trying on clothes, listening to their conversation through the partition.
What if she asks where all the moneys gone? A kettle or a mixer isnt exactly pricey the woman teased.
Why do I have to account for how I spend MY money? David retorted. Im the one working, she just does as she pleases at home. I give her housekeeping money, thats quite enough. She ought to be thankful.
Their shopping clearly finished, the voices faded away. Emily edged out cautiously and saw David at the till with a blonde woman, paying for their purchases. He kissed her brazenly on the lips, entirely unconcerned about the shop assistant.
Are you alright, love? the sales assistant asked gently as she noticed Emily, still sat frozen in the fitting room.
Yes, fine, thank you! Emily managed, handing all the dresses to the assistant. Ill take all of them, please.
Back at home, after her mother had left and the children were napping, Emily sat deep in thought. She hadnt expected such a betrayal from David. Yet, it was less the infidelity and more how hed dismissed everything she did for their family that hurt the most.
She wanted to rush out and demand a divorce then and there, but forced herself to breathe deeply and consider things.
If I file for divorce, hell run off with that blonde and Ill be left alone with the children and no support. Child maintenance? Thatll be a pittance… What will we live on?
That evening, David didnt claim to be working late. Emilys thoughts were cold and detached; she realised her feelings for him had evaporated. The only thing she feared now was that he might try to be intimate she knew she couldnt bear it.
But David didnt so much as glance at her, evidently having satisfied himself already.
The next day, Emily sat down to update her CV and sent it out to various companies and recruitment agencies. There was nothing more she could do but wait. Days passed, each one starting with her checking her inbox with growing anticipation. Finally, a message arrived: an invitation to interview at a firm in the city. As fate would have it, it was the same company where David worked. After much deliberation, Emily decided she had to go.
She asked her mother once more to look after the children and set off for her interview. Nearly two hours later, having spoken with the companys management, she was offered a good job with flexible hours. The pay wasnt brilliant at first, but it was enough to support herself and the children.
Emily arrived home brimming with happiness. Her mother, noticing her glow, immediately began asking questions.
Mum, Davids having an affair! she blurted out, her voice a curious mix of joy and relief. Her mother, convinced Emily must be confused, sat her down on the settee to calm her.
Emily, whatever are you saying? David? He spends all day at work!
Hes not working Mum, hes with his lover! Emily explained everything shed overheard in the dress shop. Once she finished, her mother asked quietly,
What will you do now, darling?”
Im divorcing him! And Ive found a flexible job. Soon, Ill put all three of the children into nursery, and once theyre settled, Ill work full time.
Then good for you! I wont stand in your way. Theres no forgiving such a betrayal, especially when he no longer respects you. Ill help you with the children.
Thank you, Mum! Emily threw her arms round her, tears in her eyes.
On the 7th of March, David stumbled home late again. Emily didnt ask a single question, not even as he tried to give her excuses.
Emily, honestly, we were all busy at work again he started, but she just told him plainly to go to bed.
The next morning, as Emily was feeding the children breakfast, David approached with a gift a brand new mixer.
Here you go, love, make your kitchen life a bit easier. He tried to kiss her, but Emily backed away, not even glancing at the present.
Ive got a gift for you too.
David, taken aback, followed her into the hallway, clutching his box. There, beside the front door, stood two large suitcases.
Im filing for divorce. No more lies. You can leave now.
How did you know? David stammered, clearly at a loss.
In the changing room, while you were buying a present for your blonde. And you might as well give her the mixer too. I dont need it.
Davids shock quickly turned to anger.
Oh, is that it? Jealous because Ive found someone prettier, someone who looks after herself, unlike you? Youve forgotten how to dress up you just exist for the children and live off my earnings. Why do you care what I spend with my money? Youre just selfish!
Im not jealous, David, Emily said quietly. Now, please go.
The next day, Emily filed for divorce and for child support. A week later, the doorbell rang. It was her mother-in-law, seething.
You gold-digger! Youve thrown David out and now youre after his money! Withdraw your claim for support he owes you nothing!
He doesnt pay me, he pays for his children, who he wanted just as much as I did, Emily replied, standing her ground. If he cant provide for his mistress as well, thats his issue. These are his children too.
What will you do without his money? You thought youd have it easy for life, didnt you? Hell lower his official income and youll be left with scraps! Youll be back, begging!
I doubt it, Emily said, pointing to the door. Out of my house, before I phone the police.
Her mother-in-law stormed out, spitting curses.
A few months ticked by. The children all began attending nursery, and once the youngest was settled, Emily started working full time.
Hello there, she heard an all-too-familiar voice from her desk one day. Could we have a chat?
Sorry, David, Im very busy, she replied, not looking up.
How about lunch, then? David persisted. Emily glanced up at her ex-husband. He looked worn down, greyer, thinner. She knew the blonde had vanished the minute she learned half his pay would go to the children. None of that mattered anymore.
No, David. We have nothing left to discuss nor to share a meal.David stood in silence, his shoulders hunched as if the weight of his choices pressed down on him. For a fleeting moment, Emily almost pitied him but only almost. Shed traversed grief and anger and emerged somewhere lighter.
She glanced at the photograph of her smiling children pinned beside her monitor. Please close the door on your way out, she said calmly.
As David lingered a moment longer, hoping for some sign of regret, Emily returned to her work. Her phone buzzed a message from her mother, a video of the children drawing in the sunlit back garden. Emily felt a rush of hope for all the days ahead.
She finished her final email, stretched, and let herself imagine, really imagine, what she might do now that her life was hers again. Maybe an evening class, maybe piano lessons with her eldest, maybe the dress from the shop after all.
The office windows glittered with the late afternoon sun. Outside, a whole world was waiting for her. Emily stood, smoothed her hair, and strode past David in the corridor as if he were part of a life shed outgrown, and she smiled truly smiled at the future unfolding before her.
