Emma remembered shed left her purse at home and hurried back, only to discover something she could never forgive her husband for.
Are you sure you dont need anything? Emma asked again, trying to sound caring.
Just go, Ive got everything! Thomas replied, a hint of irritation in his voice.
His tone stung, but Emma brushed it off. Lately, hed grown more short-tempered, and she didnt want to stir trouble. Shed always been the patient typeher mother used to say, Youll make a wonderful wife, always putting others first. Emma lived by those words, swallowing her hurts to keep the peace.
That day, shed planned something specialroast salmon with lemon and thyme, followed by his favourite pudding, her mother-in-laws recipe. Shed already picked up the ingredients when she realisedno purse. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair and dialled Thomas. No answer. She begged the cashier to hold her shopping and dashed home.
When she opened the door, a strange sound stopped her cold. Thomas was on the phone, speaking with chilling confidence.
Its all sorted, down to the last detail, he said. The house is transferred. Just need to move the money now.
Emmas heart hammered. The house? The money? What was he planning?
Theres always risk, he continued, but what choice do I have? Emma wont suspect a thing. Shes so meeklets everything slide.
His words cut like glass. She clutched the doorframe, breath shallow. Theyd built a life togetherhow could he?
Then his tone softened. About your ideaafter this, well go to Italy, just like you wanted. Picture us in Rome. Dont forget that pretty dress.
Emma shut her eyes. His joy, his plansnone of them included her.
She stepped back, hiding in the hall as Thomas passed, oblivious. Once hed gone, she slipped out, wandering until she collapsed on a park bench. What now? Who could she tell? Her parents would be devastated.
Finally, she rang her best friend, Sophie. Emma, youre crying! Sophie exclaimed.
Not anymore, Emma muttered, spilling the truth.
They met up, and Sophies advice helped steady her. On the bus home, Emma checked their joint accounta chunk of money was gone.
Fine, she whispered. If he wants to play games, so can I.
Back home, Thomas scowled. Whereve you been? Im starving!
Emma unpacked the shopping calmly. Stopped by Hannahs.
Brilliant. Wife off gallivanting while I starve, he grumbled, turning back to the telly.
She cooked in silence, seething inside. She wouldnt let this stand.
The next day, she called in sick and began digging. She combed through Thomass papers, his laptopdivorce plans, property division, all laid out in emails with a solicitor. Hed been scheming for months.
Emma photographed everything, then rang a solicitor Sophie recommended. By the time Thomas got home, shed already started her own preparations.
Days later, she served him papers at dinner.
Whats this? he frowned.
Our fresh start, she said coldly. Im divorcing you.
Thomas paled. Emma, wait
Save it. I heard your little chat. Thought youd leave me with nothing? Not happening.
He spluttered, blaming her. You were so dullyou drove me to this!
Emma glared. Coward. Pack your things and go.
After a storm of insults, he left. The court later ruled his shady dealings illegal, splitting everything fairly. It wasnt easyThomas fought back, but lost every time.
Months later, Emma finally felt ready to move on. At a friends birthday, she met a kind man. Shed doubted love at her age, but gave it a chanceand never looked back.
