**Diary Entry 14th May**
*»Where are you off to so late, Oliver?»* Emily asked, watching her husband hastily button his shirt. The clock read half past seven in the evening. Oliver didnt even glance her way as he grabbed his jacket from the hook.
*»Work emergency. The projects falling apart,»* he muttered over his shoulder. *»Dont wait up.»*
Lately, these «emergencies» had become routine. A knot tightened in Emilys stomach, one she kept swallowing down.
*»Again? Third time this week,»* she said, fighting to keep accusation out of her voice.
*»What can I do? Its the job,»* Oliver finally looked at her, but his eyes were distant, hollow. *»Ill try not to be too late.»*
The front door clicked shut. Emily stared at the empty hallway for a moment before turning away.
*»Mum, wheres Dad going?»* Their seven-year-old, Lily, stood in the doorway clutching a board game. *»He promised wed play tonight.»*
Emily crouched, smoothing her daughters shoulder. Lilys eyes shimmered with hurt.
*»Dads swamped at work, love. A big project needs finishing,»* Emily said, forcing conviction into words she no longer believed.
Lily sighed, shoulders slumping, and trudged back to her room. Emily watched her go, then drifted to the kitchen. To cheer Lily up, she decided to bake her favourite oatmeal raisin biscuits. Kneading dough, her hands moved on autopilot while her thoughts spiralled.
The signs were there: late nights, secrecy, the growing chasm between them. No morning hugs, no goodbye kisses. Their conversations had dwindled to chores and Lilys school updates.
At dinner, Lily brightened, munching warm biscuits and chattering about her day. Emily nodded along, but her mind was elsewhere. After tucking Lily in with a bedtime story, she returned to the kitchen, scrubbing dishes under warm water. The same question gnawed at her: should she confront him? Admit she knew? The thought of Oliver with another woman made her chest ache. But what would happen to Lily if they divorced? She adored her father. Yet living with a liar was becoming unbearable.
Two weeks passed. Oliver grew jumpier, flinching at phone calls, hiding his screen when Emily entered.
Then, on a Saturday, he stayed home. They sat on the sofa, Lily doing homework upstairs. Emilys phone rangan unknown number.
*»Hello?»*
*»Is this Emily?»* A womans voice, unfamiliar.
*»Yes. Whos speaking?»*
*»Im Olivia. We need to talk. Its important.»*
*»I think youve got the wrong»*
*»Youre Olivers wife, arent you?»*
Emily froze. Oliver tensed beside her.
*»Yes,»* she said slowly, switching to speakerphone.
*»Good. Im Jessicas mother. Your husbands been seeing her for a year.»* The woman spoke as if discussing the weather. *»Jessicas only twenty. Olivers her first. Shes heartbroken. For heavens sake, let him go! Were modern peoplestop standing in their way!»*
Emily looked at Oliver. His face had drained of colour.
*»Jessica cries every night,»* Olivia pressed. *»Theyre in love. Be decent and step aside!»*
Emily coughed, steadying her voice. *»Thanks for sharing. Ill handle it.»*
She hung up. Oliver was gripping the armrest.
*»Well?»* Emilys tone surprised even herflat, detached.
*»Its lies!»* Oliver sprang up, waving his hands. *»I dont know any Jessica!»*
Her phone pinged. Photos loaded: Oliver kissing a young blonde, holding hands in a café.
*»Olivia sent proof. Enjoy.»* She turned the screen to him.
His face twisted with rage. *»Fine! Yes, its true! We met at a conference. What did you expect? You stopped caring!»*
Emily stood, brows arched. *»So its *my* fault you cheated?»*
*»You never ask about my day! When did you last cook my favourite meal? Smile at me?»*
She scoffed. *»And youve been Prince Charming? I work full-time too! I clean, cook, raise Lilyand now Im supposed to baby you?»*
Oliver faltered. Silence thickened.
Emily nodded, resolved. *»Ive known for weeks. Were done. Be happy with Jessica.»*
*»No!»* He grabbed for her. *»Its nothing serious! A mistake!»*
*»A mistake?»* She laughed bitterly. *»Youre joking.»*
*»Emily, pleasewell fix this!»* His voice cracked. *»I cant leave!»*
*»Why not?»* She narrowed her eyes.
*»Where would I go?»* he blurted, then paled.
The truth hit her. *»Ah. You werent staying for *us*you were staying for the *house*.»*
Oliver stared at his shoes.
*»Pack your things. Now.»*
She found Lily in the hallway, wide-eyed at the shouting. Emily hugged her tight. *»Come on, sweetheart. Lets finish your homework.»*
An hour later, Oliver stood in the hallway with two suitcases, rumpled and defeated.
*»Give me another chance,»* he begged. *»Ill end it. Well start fresh.»*
Emily opened the door. *»Go to Jessica. She can have you.»*
The lock clicked. Leaning against the door, she exhaled. Emptiness yawned insidebut beneath it, relief. Shed had enough. Never again.
