«Youre old, Im ashamed to bring you to my colleagues, so Ive taken a mistress!» James declared.
Lately Emily had been swamped. She had opened her own bespoke tailoring studio in Camden, devoting every spare hour to the fledgling business, eager to see it shine. When she recalled that a charity gala was taking place that eveningsomething her husband had mentioned in passingshe felt a pang of guilt.
James assured her she didnt have to go. He understood how busy she was and promised to attend alone, but he also warned against treating the family halfheartedly. Emily called the event manager and explained that she couldnt make it; she had a client fitting and needed to look presentable.
She drew a warm bath scented with citrus and pine oils, hoping to unwind. As the fragrant steam filled the room, her phone rang on the edge of the tub. She rinsed the foam from her hands, dried them on the towel hanging nearby, and answered.
«Hey Mum!» shouted her daughter Charlotte, studying abroad. Emilys heart swelled with longing; she could almost feel her daughters hug. Though Charlotte was no longer a little girl, to Emily she would always be her child.
«Darling, congratulations on the studio! Ive read about it online. Youre brilliant. Dad must be proud. I cant believe you actually launched itwhen did you find the time? You even help him with the accounts!»
Emily smiled. «I didnt want to brag before it was official, but the work is already rolling in. Ive always wanted to create something of my own. Honestly, the family business with James felt suffocating. I dreamed of a place where I could be creative, and now that dream is alive.»
They chatted briefly about the weather before Charlotte rushed off to university. She was due back home in six months, and the thought of her returning brightened Emilys evening.
Later, as she drove toward the gala at a chic restaurant in Mayfair, a burly security guard stopped her. «Im sorry, maam, we cant let you in without an invitation.»
«Then call my husband; his ticket covers two guests.»
«Sirs surname, please?»
Emily rolled her eyes. The dismissive tone grated on her nerves. «Baker, James Baker. Check the list.»
The guard glanced at his colleague, chuckled, and said, «Theres been a mixup, madam. Mr. Baker has already entered with his wife.»
«With his wife?» Emily repeated, puzzled.
«It says here he checked in with his spouse. This is a closed event, and if youre uninvited journalists» He trailed off.
A smooth, familiar voice called from behind, «Simon, whats happening?» Emily turned and was stunned to see her old schoolmate Simon Whitaker, whom she hadnt spoken to in years. He was now a senior partner at a London law firm.
«Simon! I didnt expect to see you here,» Emily exclaimed. «The guards think my husband has already entered with his wife, so theyre not letting me in.»
Simon smiled warmly and said to the guards, «Shes with me.»
Emily stared, grateful yet embarrassed. She had planned a surprise for James, not a rescue. She wondered why James hadnt called Simon, who seemed to have a solid reputation for handling such situations.
Simon asked, «How have you been? Still married to the man whos always at these events?»
«We built everything together from the ground up,» Emily replied. «Now I run my own studio. If you ever need a bespoke suit, let me know.»
She handed Simon her business card and scanned the room for James. Spotting him, she made her way toward him.
«Hows life treating you? Still exceeding the teachers expectations?» Simon teased.
«Its not about grades,» Simon said modestly. «You havent changed a bitstill the stunning woman I remember. Its lovely to run into you like this.»
Emily remembered that Simon had once asked her out in school, but she was too careerfocused to entertain romance. After university, they drifted apart.
When James finally appeared, Emily thanked Simon again and turned to her husband. James beamed, «My wife is my inspiration.» Emilys heart swelled; it felt wonderful to hear such praise. But the moment was shattered when James pulled a striking young woman into his arms and planted a kiss on her cheek.
«Polly, would you like a drink?» he whispered, his tone casual.
Emily froze. The womanbarely older than their daughterwas clearly his new companion. James, noticing Emilys shock, tried to smooth things over. «Sorry, love. Shes just here to support me. You know the event is important.»
Emily, trying to stay composed, replied, «Im here to support you too.»
James eyes flickered with unease. He turned to the young woman, «Polly, could you step aside for a moment?» He tugged Emily by the elbow and ushered her toward the garden, away from prying eyes.
In the quiet of the courtyard, James snapped, «You shouldnt have come. I didnt invite you.»
«Because you brought someone else?» Emily shot back.
James shrugged. «Its just business. In our circle, a wife should shine, not look like a workhorse. Emily, youre great at what you do, but I needed someone who doesnt worry about annual reports or cash flow.»
Emily felt a deep sting. «Of course she looks lovely. She doesnt have to think about profit margins.»
James sighed. «Twenty years togetherdid you think Id be faithful all that time? Its normal. It wont change anything. Leave now; Ill be home soon, and we can discuss it.»
There was nothing left to argue about. Emily had no intention of staying in a marriage that demanded a perfect façade. She decided to focus on her own success and let James deal with his choices. The next day she moved into a flat opposite her studio, seeking distance from the betrayal.
Negotiations with James turned bitter. They hired top solicitors, split the assets, and Emily retained the majority of the business she had built. James tried to bribe the judge, but the court divided everything fairly. Their daughter Charlotte, upon hearing the news, sided with her mother and cut off contact with her father.
Emilys life slowly steadied. She poured her energy into the studio, which began to attract highprofile clients. One afternoon, Simon called.
«Emily, you gave me your card for a suit, right?»
«Yes, Simon. Were swamped, but Ill make an exception for you,» she laughed.
«Im not actually in need of a suit. I just wanted to catch up over coffee,» he said.
Emily accepted, feeling a spark of possibility. She realized that after years of putting others first, she could finally value herself. She thought, I may not be alone forever, but Ill never again let anyone define my worth.
As the weeks passed, Emily found peace in her work and in the support of friends like Simon. She learned that betrayal can shatter, but it also uncovers a strength she never knew she possessed. The lesson she carried forward was simple: true dignity comes not from how others see you, but from the confidence you have in yourself, even when the world tries to pull you down.
