**Diary Entry**
I didnt want to go home. I didnt want to hear those words: *”Ive fallen in love with someone else.”* How do you even begin to process something like that? And what about the children? They adore their father.
When Nicholas flicked on the lights, he confirmed what he already knewthe house was empty. The boys schoolbooks were scattered across their bedroom floor, evidence of a rushed homework session left tidied up. He sank into his favourite armchair, burying his face in his hands, unsure how to even start this conversation with his wife.
*”Im exhausted,”* he muttered to himself. *”I hate coming back to an empty house.”* He dialled one of his sons.
*”Harry, where are you? Im home, but no ones here.”*
*”Were at Grandmas. She wasnt feeling well, but well be back soon.”*
Nicholas stomach churned. How was he supposed to do this? Clara was twenty-five, with fiery red hair and emerald eyes. She couldve had any man she wanted, yet shed chosen himten years her senior.
Lately, it had gotten harder to leave her. Hed spun elaborate excuses for his delays, almost convincing himself that retirement might be the perfect time to try writing novelshis alibis were getting *that* smooth.
Emily was clever, a marketing manager respected for her sharp mind and warm personality. She was lovely, but not extraordinarynot like Clara, especially when she greeted him in that silk robe.
Hed always believed their marriage was strong. They were good parents. Emily worked, but she always made time for the boys. No one couldve imagined it would come to this.
The sound of the key turning in the lock made his pulse spike. *Not tonight*, he decided. Tomorrow. Hed talk to her tomorrow.
The boys burst in, chattering about school.
*”Nicholas, are you eating with us?”* Emily asked.
*”No. Im tired. Ill just go to bed.”*
Lately, his behaviour had set off alarm bells.
At breakfast, Nicholas sat sullen and silent.
*”Dad, youve completely stopped talking to us,”* his eldest said.
*”Dont be dramatic. Adults have problems they dont involve children in. Hurry up if you want a lift.”*
Emily packed sandwiches and handed them each an apple. Something was *very* wrong.
*”Ill talk to him tonight,”* she resolved, gathering her things for work.
But dinner came and went without Nicholas. He slunk in close to midnight, offering no explanation. She heard him drink water in the kitchen before retreating to bed.
After breakfast, once the boys were ready for school, she finally confronted him.
*”Would you care to explain whats going on?”*
*”Tonight,”* he said curtly.
***
*”Hes got another woman,”* Naomi said when Emily confided in her.
*”What woman? Watch your words. Weve been married ten years.”*
*”And thats exactly why there *is* another woman. He avoids you at night, comes home late, refuses to explain”*
*”How do you even know?”*
*”Because Ive lived it. And trust me, I dont envy you.”*
Going home felt impossible. She didnt want to hear it: *”I love someone else.”*
But if anything was going to change, they had to talk. She quickened her step.
Alone at the kitchen table, Emily braced herself when the lock clicked. Tonight, Nicholas was in high spirits, even asking about dinner.
*”Where are the boys?”*
*”Doing homework. But I can feed you without them.”*
He nodded, sitting down. As he ate, he studied herintelligent, hardworking, gentle. Once, hed loved everything about her: her hair, her eyes, the curve of her lips. But not anymore.
*”Its good,”* he said.
*”Talk to me.”*
Silence. He reached for bread, chewing slowly. Finally, after an agonising pause, he spoke without meeting her eyes.
*”Emily, Ive fallen in love with someone else. Im leaving. I wont abandon the boysIll visitbut we cant stay together.”*
She exhaled sharply. *”Youre throwing us away because youre selfish. Its easier to walk out on your children than deny yourself something.”*
He had no rebuttal. Because she was right.
*”So, no choice then? Youve made up your mind?”*
*”Claras pregnant. I cant abandon her and the baby.”*
*”But abandoning *your* two is fine? How convenient.”*
*”Dont make this harder. Plenty of families split up and the kids still”*
*”A baby? Really? Or is she lying to rush you into leaving?”*
*”Dont say things you dont know.”*
*”Fine. But how exactly do you plan to tell the boys?”*
Nicholas hesitated, then called them in.
They stood before him. *”Mum, were done with homework. Can we eat?”*
*”Your father has something to say,”* Emily said, stepping toward the window.
*”Eat first. Then well talk,”* Nicholas deflected.
Once they finished, his eldest pressed: *”What did you want to tell us, Dad?”*
Emily wasnt sparing him. She stacked the dishes before saying coldly, *”Your fathers found another woman. Hes moving in with her.”*
*”What about us?”* they asked in unison.
*”Youll have a new mum. A happy little family of four.”*
Under their stunned gazes, Emily grabbed her bag, documents, cards, and walked out.
*”Dad is it true?”*
Nicholas couldnt speak.
*”Bed. Now,”* he snapped.
***
Emily stayed with Naomi, who supported her completely.
*”You did the right thing,”* she insisted.
*”The boys”* Emilys voice cracked.
*”Theyll be fine. Nicholas might be a selfish git, but he loves them.”*
Sleepless, Emily downed her first coffee at work, lost in thought.
Their future together was unsalvageable. Shed never forgive him. Their marriage, once full of hope, now felt like a bitter joke.
Shed trusted him. Loved him. And now, hearing his empty promises*”Ill never do it again”*was almost laughable.
A call interrupted her.
*”When are you picking up the boys?”* Nicholas demanded. *”How can you just leave them?”*
*”How can *you*? We made vows. I kept mine. You traded yours forwhat, exactly?”*
*”Be home tonight. Understood?”*
She hung up.
That afternoon, she left work early to meet the boys outside school.
Harry raced to her first. Fifteen minutes later, little George followed. *”Mum, I missed you.”*
*”I missed you too. Listenno matter what happens with your dad, I love you. Always. Understand?”*
George whispered, *”I dont want a new mum.”*
*”I know, sweetheart.”* She squeezed their hands. *”Dad fell for someone else. He says he wont abandon youwell see. For now, youll stay with him and her. But Ill visit every day.”*
Harry, ever perceptive, asked, *”You wont leave us, will you?”*
*”Never,”* she promised.
She dropped them home, then returned to work. Seeing them eased her guilt.
Meanwhile, Clara rang Nicholas, furious. *”Youve been gone two days. I need you here tonight.”*
At home, the boys had done their homework and were watching TV.
*”Wheres Mum?”*
*”Dunno.”*
*”Get ready. Were going somewhere.”*
*”To meet your new wife?”* George asked.
*”And if we dont want to?”* Harry challenged.
*”Since when do *you* decide? Your mum walked out. She doesnt want you.”*
An hour later, they stood outside Claras flat.
She flung the door open. *”Finally.”*
Three pairs of eyes staredHarrys closing in quiet fury.
*”Go get dressed,”* Nicholas told her.
*”This is *my* home. Ill wear what I like. Whos *this*?”*
Nicholas stepped inside. *”Theyre staying here. Well figure it out.”*
Clara scoffed. *”Youve got the wrong address.”*
*”Just wait in the bedroom.
