**Diary Entry A Lesson in Love and Lies**
*Monday, 15th October*
I wasnt expecting him to be home yet. The bedroom door creaked open, and there he stoodwide-eyed, surprised.
Youre back early? James asked, voice tight. Who called? Its nearly midnight.
I swallowed. Just my boss. Theres an urgent conference. I have to go.
At this hour? He frowned. Another one? You just got back from that exhibition in Manchester last month. Are you sure it cant wait?
Its one of the biggest events in our field. I cant miss it. Top experts, groundbreaking research
James sighed, running a hand through his hair. Fine. If its that important. But Im getting sick of spending weeks alone.
Ill be back before you know it, I murmured, pressing into his chest. Then well go away somewherejust us.
Two days later, he helped me load my suitcase into the taxi.
All set. Love you, dont miss me too much!
As the car pulled away, I opened my phone and typed a message.
*On my way to the airport. See you soon.*
The reply came instantly. *Cant wait. Missed you.* Followed by a wink.
A sly grin crept onto my face as my thumb brushed my wedding ring. Another lie to my devoted husband. Guilt? Hardly. James was kind, reliable dull. But Oliver? Just the thought of him sent a thrill through me.
Two weeks of golden beaches, turquoise waves, and reckless nightsthats what I needed. The conference? A convenient excuse. I knew it was wrong. But reason had long since lost this battle.
The island was paradise. Sun-kissed skin, salt on my lips, Olivers laughter in my ear. I watched him emerge from the sea, muscles glistening under the sun. Desire coiled in my stomach. I wanted to drag him back to our room, lose ourselves in stolen time.
But reality loomed. Our last days here. To James, Id spun a story about work commitmentsa necessary escape. From him, too, though Id never admit it.
Divorce wasnt on the cards. Not yet. Not until I had a safety net.
Oliver, I ventured, how do you think James will take it?
He lounged on the sunbed, towel draped over his shoulders. His hand slid along my thigh. Sort your affairs first. Get a solicitor. Dont expect him to roll over.
His indifference stung. Id imagined us inseparable after the divorce, tangled in sheets for weeks. But he just shrugged.
That evening, we toasted our final night. Wine warmed my veins, but my thoughts drifted to Jamesand the reckoning waiting at home.
Olivers voice snapped me back. Waityoure not moving in with me.
Ice flooded my veins. What?
He smirked. I never promised that. Ive got a wife. Two kids. Third on the way. This was fun, but it ends here.
The flight home was silent. Each heartbeat echoed like a hammer.
No decent bloke leaves his family for his mistress, hed said. If youll cheat on him, youll cheat on me.
At the airport, he hailed separate cabs. Take care, Emily.
I didnt look back.
Tears burned as my taxi sped toward London. The future Id painted was ash. Now? Reconcile with James. Pretend. I couldnt bear being alone.
The car stopped outside our flat. I dragged my suitcase inside, rehearsing apologies.
Thenvoices.
James froze in the hallway. Youre home early.
I pushed past him.
A woman scrambled off our bed, clutching the duvet. Rage ignited. I lunged. James barely pulled me back as she fled.
How *dare* you! I screamed.
Jamess grip tightened. I know about Oliver. His voice was steel. While you were playing house in the Maldives, I arranged my own surprise.
The world tilted.
I packed in silence and left.
At my best friend Charlottes, I sobbed into her lap. How do I forgive this?
You both messed up, she murmured. Real love means fighting for it.
By morning, anger had dulled. Wed both been cruel. Were we still the people whod vowed forever?
The next day, I knocked. James opened the door, silent. Tea steamed between us.
I want to try again, he said finally. We hurt each other, but we can fix this. A fresh start. A family. No more lies.
I broke. Collapsed against him.
Somehow, the betrayal forged something stronger. We talked. Planned. Promised.
I dont know what the future holds. But for now, we choose us.
