**Diary Entry 11th October**
The phone call still echoes in my ears. “Your husband is mine now,” my so-called friend whispered into the receiver.
“Have you seen my blue scarf? The one with the fringe that Steven brought back from Italy?” Marina tore through the wardrobe, flinging clothes onto the bed. “I cant find it anywhere.”
“Check the hallway, maybe its there,” Vera replied absently, not looking up from her phone.
“Ive looked everywhereits vanished,” Marina snapped the door shut in frustration. “I wanted to wear it for Natashas anniversary party with my new coat.”
Vera finally glanced up, studying Marina with an odd intensity. Even dishevelled in a t-shirt and jeans, Marina was strikingchestnut waves spilling over her shoulders, golden flecks flickering in her green eyes.
“Maybe you left it at Ericas last Friday? You went to the theatre together,” Vera suggested, rising from the sofa.
“Thats right!” Marina brightened. “I completely forgot. Ill call her now.”
While Marina searched for her phone, Vera wandered to the window. From the fifth floor, the quiet courtyard stretched below, where a groundskeeper lazily swept fallen leaves. Autumn had fully claimed the city, painting it in gold and crimson.
“Ericas not answering,” Marina sighed, joining Vera by the window. “Thats oddwe were supposed to meet before Natashas party.”
“Probably busy,” Vera shrugged, eyes fixed on her phone as a new message flashed. “You know Ericaalways dashing about at the last minute.”
Marina laughed. “True. Remember how she showed up five minutes before my wedding? Steven nearly thought his best man wouldnt make it.”
At the mention of Steven, Vera tensedjust slightlybut Marina didnt notice, lost in the memory.
“Speaking of where is Steven?” Vera asked casually. “I havent heard him.”
“Fishing with his mates,” Marina waved a hand. “Second weekend in a row. Says the bites perfect this time of year.”
“Is he always away like this?” Veras tone was careful, neutral.
“Lately, yes,” Marina sighed. “Work, fishing, corporate events You know how it is for finance blokes in autumn.”
Vera nodded and retreated into her phone. The screen glowed with a message: *”Changed your mind? Last chance to stop this.”*
Her fingers flew. *”No. Proceed as planned.”*
“Whore you texting?” Marina peered over her shoulder. “Youve been off all day.”
Vera startled, quickly locking the screen. “Just work. Cant even leave me alone on a Saturday.” She forced a smile. “Maybe the scarfs in the car?”
“The car?” Marina frowned. “Oh! I was wearing it when Steven dropped us off after the theatre. Probably still there.”
She grabbed her keys, but Vera unexpectedly stood. “Ill come. Need some air.”
Outside, the crisp scent of damp leaves filled the air. Marina popped open the family Range Rover, rummaging through the back seat.
“Strange,” she muttered, straightening. “I was sure itd be here.”
Vera bit her lip, watching silently. Her phone buzzed again, but she ignored it.
“Marina,” she finally said, voice tight. “Dont you think Stevens been different lately?”
“How so?” Marina shut the door, turning.
“These trips, the fishing” Vera met her gaze. “Nothing seems off to you?”
Marina folded her arms. “Spit it out, Vera. If you know something, say it.”
Vera took a sharp breath. “I think no, Im *certain* Stevens cheating.”
Marina froze, then burst out laughing. “*Steven?* With who? Weve been together ten years, have two kids. He doesnt even glance at other women.”
“Are you sure?” Vera whispered.
Something in her tone made Marina stiffen. “Vera. Tell me what you know.”
Vera looked away. “Last Friday, after the theatre, Steven didnt go straight home. I saw his car outside Ericas. Late. Until morning.”
Marinas knees buckled. “Youre lying. He just dropped her off. She called me*thanked* me for the evening!”
“Marina.” Vera gripped her shoulder. “He walked out of her building at *8 AM*. Same clothes.”
Marina shoved her hand away. “No. Steven said he stayed at his parentsworked late. He wouldnt”
Call him,” Vera urged. “Right now. Ask where he is.”
Steven didnt pick up.
“Probably no signal on the lake,” Marina mumbled, staring at her phone.
“Or hes busy,” Vera said softly. “With Erica.”
Marina braced against the car, nausea rising. “Not Erica. Weve been friends since uni. She *knows* how much I love him”
“Come to mine,” Vera pulled her close. “You shouldnt be alone.”
Marina shook her head. “No. I need to see Erica. *Now.*”
**Later**
The flat smelled of coffee and betrayal. On the table: two half-drunk mugs. On the sofa: Stevens shirtthe one *shed* given him.
Erica paled in the doorway, damp hair clinging to her neck. “Marina, let me explain”
“Where is he?”
From the bathroom, Steven emerged, towel in hand. He froze.
“Marina”
“Hello, *darling*,” she spat. “Catch anything?”
Erica stepped forward. “It just *happened*. We never meant to hurt you.”
“Shut up,” Marina hissed. “Dont you dare speak of *feelings* to me.”
Steven reached for her. “We were going to tell you today. Thats why I”
“*Divorce*,” Marina repeated numbly, his words a slap. “After ten years. Two *children*.”
She called Vera, voice hollow. “You were right. Completely.”
**Veras Flat**
The truth, when it came, was worse.
“Steven never cheated,” Vera admitted, showing her a photoErica with another man. “I lied. To show you who she really is.”
Marinas head spun. “But you *said*”
“I wanted you to see,” Vera whispered. “To *finally* see *me*.”
The call from Steven came too late.
“Get out of there,” he pleaded. “Veras been obsessed with me for *months*.”
Veras face twisted. “Hes lying! Its *Erica*!”
Marina fled.
**Lesson Learned**
Autumn strips the trees bare. So do liars. The hardest truth isnt who betrays youits who you *trusted* to show you.
I drove away, leaves sticking to the windscreen. The world felt clearer, uglier.
And for the first time in years*honest*.
