The bedroom door creaked open, and a startled face peered out. Youre home early? James voice was thick with sleep as he squinted at the clock. Its nearly midnight. Who was calling?
Emma hesitated, fingers tightening around her phone. Just my boss. Theres an urgent conferenceI have to go.
James frowned. At this hour? And what conference? Is it really necessary?
She let out a shaky breath. Yes. Its one of the biggest events in our industrykey speakers, groundbreaking innovations. I cant miss it.
But you were just in Manchester last month for that expo. Cant they send someone else?
I dont want to go either, she lied smoothly. But you know how important this is for my career. Only two weeks. You understand, dont you?
James sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. Fine. If its that important I just hate being alone. Ill miss you.
Emma pressed against him, her voice soft. Ill miss you too. But the sooner I go, the sooner Im back. And then well book a holidayjust us.
Two days later, James loaded her suitcase into the cab.
Alright, Im off. Love youdont mope too much!
As the car pulled away, Emma unlocked her phone, typing swiftly.
*Just left. Be at Heathrow soon.*
The reply came instantly. *Perfect. Our suites ready. Cant wait to see you.* Followed by a string of suggestive emojis.
Emma smirked, glancing at her wedding ring. Another lie to her doting husband. But she didnt care. James was kind, predictableboring. But Daniel? Her stomach fluttered at the thought.
Two weeks of scorching sun, turquoise waters, and reckless nightsthats what she needed. The conference? A convenient excuse. She knew it was wrong. But reason had long since lost to desire.
The island was paradise. Emma lounged on the beach, mesmerized by the glittering waves. Daniel emerged from the water, muscles gleaming under the sun. She wanted to drag him back to their room, lose herself in him again.
A pang of melancholy hit her. Their time was running out. To James, shed spun a tale of a work retreat. A break from him, toothough shed never say it aloud.
Divorce wasnt an option yetnot until she secured her escape.
Daniel, she murmured later, tracing his forearm. Do you think we could make this work? After I leave James?
He leaned back on the sunbed, his hand resting on her thigh. Youll need a solicitor. Dont expect it to be clean.
Her heart sank. Shed imagined moving straight into his arms, their bliss uninterrupted.
That evening, they dined at a seaside restaurant, toasting their final night. But Emmas thoughts kept drifting to Jamesand the storm waiting at home.
Once Im free, well be together, she declared, lifting her glass.
Daniels laughter was sharp. No. That was never the plan.
Emma froze.
We had fun, but Ive got a wife. Two kidsanother on the way.
Her chest constricted. You never told me.
Didnt think I had to. He kissed her forehead, casual as ever. No man leaves his family for his mistress. Youd cheat on me next.
The flight home was silent, her heart pounding in her ears.
At Heathrow, Daniel hailed separate cabs. Take care, Emma.
She didnt look back.
The tears came in heaving sobs at her friend Sophies flat. How could he?
Sophie stroked her hair. Couples fight. True love means forgiveness.
Forgiveness? Emma had sworn shed never tolerate betrayal. Yet by morning, the idea didnt seem so absurd. Theyd both been cruel. Were they still the couple whod once vowed forever?
The next day, she stood outside their London flat, rehearsing her apology.
James opened the door. Wordlessly, he stepped aside.
Over tea, he spoke first. Ive thought about it. Maybe we try again.
Emma stared.
We hurt each other, but I believe in us. He took her hands. Lets move past this. Get a bigger place. Start a family.
She crumpled into his arms, weeping.
Somehow, their marriage survived. They talked more, planned more. Neither dared stray again.
Until one evening, Emma returned early.
Youre home? James voice was strained as he blocked the bedroom door.
She shoved past himand froze.
A woman scrambled from their bed, clutching the duvet.
Emma saw red. She lunged, nails raking skin before James yanked her back.
How *dare* you! she screamed. I was working, and you
The stranger fled, dress half-on.
James released her only when she sagged. I know about Daniel, he said coldly. While you were sunbathing in Majorca, I planned my own surprise.
Emmas breath hitched. She grabbed her suitcase and left.
At Sophies again, she sobbed into her wine. Its over.
Sophie sighed. Or maybe its a fresh start.
The next day, Emma knocked.
James let her in.
And somehow, against all odds, they chose each other again.
