**Diary Entry**
It always starts with a compliment, doesnt it?
Youre so lucky, Emma, sighed Natalie, leaning against my desk. James picks you up from work every day, your flats just been done up, and now that promotion? Honestly, Im jealousbut in a good way, you know?
I kept packing my bag. James would be here in five minutes, and I didnt want to keep him waiting.
Dont be fooled, Nat. Weve had our rowsnearly split during the renovation. And that promotion? Five years of grinding for it. You werent even here when I started eyeing that position. Grass is always greener, isnt it?
Natalie pouted like a child.
You dont see how good youve got it. My Dave? Lazy, messy, and burns through money like its nothing. Six months Ive been begging him to find proper work. And what does he say? Tired of working for someone else. Wants to start a businesswith what? The cash he blows on video games? She rolled her eyes. Businessman, my foot.
I studied her. Wed only known each other a year, but Id grown fond of herand heard every complaint about Dave. The man was a nightmare, and he wasnt changing.
Itll work out, Nat, I said as my phone buzzed. James is here. See you Monday.
She nodded, but there was something odd in her gaze as I left. I didnt notice.
James frowned when he saw my expression as we drove off.
Rough day?
Just Nats problems with Dave again. I dont think shell put up with it much longer.
He shrugged. Not our business.
I shot him a look. His coldness grated sometimes, but I let it go. Nats mess wasnt worth an argument.
I was right. A month later, Nat staggered into work, eyes puffy.
Were divorcing, she choked out. And hes thrown me out. Me! Like some stray cat! Where am I supposed to go?
I hugged her. Stay with us. Sort your head out, find a place, deal with the divorce properly.
She sobbed into my shoulder. God, Emma, I dont know what Id do without you.
I patted her back, already dreading breaking the news to James.
He wasnt thrilled, but he kept quiet over dinner as Nat gushed between complaints about Dave.
Dave never lifted a finger in five years. But this place? Stunning. You can tell real thought went into it.
I flushedmost of the decor had been my idea. The praise warmed me.
Nat turned out to be the perfect guest: quiet, tidy. By day three, she insisted on cooking to spare me after work.
Making stew tonight, she chirped from the back seat. Got everything we need. Oh, its so much better than the buslike night and day.
Shed settled in quickly but made it clear she wasnt overstaying, already flat-hunting.
Dinners grew livelier. Nat and James shared a taste in music, dissecting albums for hours. I watched, surprised, as my usually reserved husband opened up.
Then I saw them kissing in the car park.
Couldve picked somewhere more private, I said flatly.
They jerked apart like teenagers caught snogging. James spoke first.
Emma, its notwe just
Exploring each others fillings? With tongues? I folded my arms. Nat, I let you into my home, helped you through your divorce, and this is how you repay me?
She lifted her chin. Love happens, Emma. James said he hasnt felt this alive in years.
James went pale. Nat, what are youEmma, darling, I
Save it, I cut in. Im staying at Mums tonight. Pack your thingsand take the bedding. I dont want to imagine what youve done on it. Keys.
He handed them over without a word. As I drove off, Nats voice carried:
Why should we be the ones to leave?
At Mums, I drank tea until my stomach sloshed, tears streaming. Mum soothed me, but it barely helped. I blamed myself, James, Natthe whole damn world.
Why did I even offer to help her?
Mum rubbed my back. You couldnt have known, love.
Now Ive lost my husband and my best friend.
Youll get through this.
I didnt believe her, but I nodded.
The next morning, dragging myself to work felt impossible. Nat was waiting by my desk.
We need to talk. Why should we move out? Its Jamess home too!
Not here, Nat.
I avoided her all day. But at home, there was no escaping. James was packing. The flat already felt hollow.
Emma, we can fix this. I swear itll never happen again.
I shook my head. Id always wonder if youre eyeing someone else. Is that how you want me to live?
The doorbell rang. Nat stormed in.
Why are we leaving? Its his flat too!
I laughed bitterly. Ah. Thats where you slipped up. The flats minebought before we married. The cars mine too. All youve bagged is James. Enjoy your prize.
Nat gaped. You lied? You always said our flat!
Because it was our home. But you didnt leave Dave for nothing, did you? You wanted what I had.
Her face twisted. You flaunted your perfect lifewhat did you expect?
I smirked. Shouldve done your homework, love. Now get out.
She hurled curses as James dragged her away. His last glance begged for forgiveness. Too late.
All that remained of my marriage was ashes.
