Emily, waitdont you think Ive been faithful? I swear on my life, I havent cheated!
James Whitaker rushed down the stairs, shouting after his wife, his voice echoing through the flat block. He paid no mind to the curious heads peeking from cracked doors, nor to the neighbours listening at their keyholes, their eyes glued to the unfolding drama.
Emily bolted out of the hallway, hailed a black cab and vanished before James could even catch her eye.
It all began three months earlier, when my life started to unravel. A colleague, with whom Id always kept things strictly professional, had just endured a miscarriage and a swift divorce. After months of convalescence she returned to the office, but she was a different woman.
Listen, I cant take this any longer, I told the director, slamming my fist on his desk. Shes been stalking me for a monthlatenight calls, messages, even showing up at my house. Im at my wits end.
He chuckled.
Ah, it happens. Shes fallen in love, what can you do? I dont see any crime here.
But I havent done anything! We only ever talked about work. Now my marriage is crumbling because of Claire. I raised my voice.
And what do you expect from me? Claires a fine employee, but whatevers happening outside the office isnt my concern, the director shrugged.
I was teetering on the edge of desperation. At first I tried to ignore it, to pretend everything was fine, but the façade was cracking. Tension grew between Emily and me, and she began to doubt my loyalty. She couldnt believe a woman could engineer such blatant messages, hints, and photographs.
Emily, I beg you, dont start this. Ive never cheated on you. Not even a thought crossed my mind, I pleaded.
You realize how those messages sound like excuses, right? Or do you think Im as clueless as a seashell that cant add two plus two? she replied, cold.
Its all deliberate. I block her number, yet she writes from another. Its a circus, because Claire brings good numbers. What should I do? How can I prove Im clean?
I dont know, James. Honestly, Im exhausted. Three months of this, and Im tired of believing you. Too many coincidences, too many Claire moments in our lives
Stop it! Shes not mine. I dont need her!
I dont know, James I just dont know
Why cant I trust him? I used to trust him completely. But the calls, the texts Too many coincidences. Claire appeared wherever James was. Randomness felt orchestrated. How many times have men cheated yet turned their wives into jealous fools, convincing them its all imagination? I dont want to be that fool. I dont want to be made a scapegoat.
I remembered once catching James hurriedly deleting messages. I never saw what they contained, but I saw him erase a photo. After that, he started staying late at work, became irritable and withdrawn.
Maybe Im just paranoid? I wondered.
Claire operated like a seasoned strategist. Years ago shed been a sweet, quiet woman. She met a man, married, went on maternity leave, then a scandal broke: a miscarriage forced by medical advice, a husband who couldnt cope and left.
Returning to the office, she initially behaved as before, then began to flirt with meinnocent compliments, passing in the corridor, a casual nice shirt. I didnt mind; it seemed harmless.
Then Claire stormed into our family life like a gale, tearing down the trust wed built over years.
Emily and I started randomly meeting her at the local supermarket, even though she lived in a different borough. She joined the same gym as me, began slipping into my phone calls with cheesy lines: Youre as cute as a kitten, or I made you coffee, why wont you come over?
One day Claire arranged a chance meeting at our flat.
James, could you help? My friend next door isnt answering, Ive only two percent battery left and Im scared to flag a cab. Are you home? Please come down, I really need you, she whispered, calling from a new number.
Emily shrugged, thinking I shouldnt leave a stranger stranded late at night in another area. Still, I watched from the window as Claire lunged at me, clinging to my neck. That was all Emily needed to see.
Later that night a message pinged on my phone. Id barely slept, but I read it and felt a chill.
Thanks you came, otherwise shed be watching you. Ill be late by half an hour tomorrow, as we arranged.
James you were supposed to meet a friend tomorrow, Emily whispered, bewildered.
For the first time I typed a reply.
Talk in the morning. Im sleeping now. Ill call you.
She answered instantly: Got it. Im waiting for your call. You know Im always here!
I sat frozen, not knowing what to do. At dawn I decided to stay with my sister and think things through, far from James and Claire. I began packing quietly.
James woke to the jangle of keys. His phone lay on the pillow. Sensing something was off, he leapt out of bed, sprinted to the front door, tried desperately to stop his departing wife, then rushed back inside, pacing like a cornered animal, the scene absurd.
Emily didnt answer his calls. His sister asked him not to bother her. Days stretched on endlessly. James felt lost, realizing he had to act, prove his innocence, win back his wifes trust.
A week later he finally mustered the courage. He called Emilys sister and asked for a meeting with Emily.
Emily, please give me one chance. I know you dont believe me, but I have something that could change everything. After this meeting youll decide whether we stay together or part forever.
After lengthy pleading, Emily agreed.
We drove in silence. James kept his eyes on the road, stealing glances at Emily, who tried to read the fading landscape outside.
Emily, I need to ask you something James said, parking outside a nondescript terraced house. Im going to blindfold you. Well walk a short distance. Please trust me.
She looked at me skeptically but complied. I guided her gently, hand on her elbow. Inside a building, the scent of fresh paint hit her.
Were at a construction site? she asked, uneasy.
Not exactly.
I lifted the blindfold. A dim light revealed an old school sports hallthe very place where our story began. In the centre, on a bench, lay a bouquet of white lilies. Emily froze.
Emily, do you remember when I first realised I loved you?
She stayed silent, staring at the high ceiling.
It wasnt at the prom. It was back when I transferred to this school in Year Ten. I missed a few days and ended up in PE. I walked in not knowing anyone. In the corner, I saw youredcheeked from volleyball, a ponytail with damp curls bouncing. You laughed, and it was contagious. In that instant I knew I was yours forever.
James spoke, and Emily fought back tears. She hadnt recalled the moment; Id kept the memory alive all these years. A quiet warmth thawed inside her.
I told her how Id been terrified to approach, gathering courage for months before asking her out, thanking fate for leading me to that hall.
I have never betrayed you, I whispered, taking her hands. All this time Ive been yours alone.
A tear slipped down her cheek. She looked into my eyes and saw the same sincerity that had drawn her to me years ago.
Id give up everythingquit my job, make sure Claire leaves hers, move towns or even countriesjust to have you believe I never cheated.
We stood in that old hall, where it all began, and understood that true love cant be shattered, even if someone tries to poison it.
