She wasnt home yet. Lately, shed been buried in work and staying late.
Emily tucked the children into bed and headed to the kitchen for a cup of tea. William still wasnt back. These days, he was swamped with work and often came home long after dark.
She hated seeing him so exhausted and tried to shield him from household worries since he was the familys sole provider. After marrying, theyd agreed shed manage the home and future children while he ensured their financial security. Three children came in quick succession. William had been thrilled with each, saying he didnt plan to stop there.
But Emily was drained by the endless demands of motherhood and decided to pause any talk of more babies.
William arrived well past midnight, slightly tipsy. When she asked why, he shrugged.
«Em, the lads and I were swamped at work and needed to unwind.»
«Oh, you poor thing!» Emily forced a smile. «Come on, Ill fix you something to eat.»
«Dont bother. We grabbed some chips at the pub. Im just going to bed.»
Mothers Day approached, and Emily, after arranging for her mum to watch the children, went to the high street. She wanted to celebrate properlya romantic dinner for two. Her mother happily took the kids to her house.
Along with groceries and gifts, Emily decided to buy something for herself. It had been ages since shed spent on anything personal, and she hated asking William for money for clothes when she had nowhere to wear them. The last thing shed bought was a comfy house dresshardly suitable for the evening she had in mind.
She stepped into a boutique and picked out a few dresses. As she slipped on the second one, she heard her husbands voice from the next cubicle.
«Mmm, cant wait to get this off you!»
A womans laughter followed. «Patience, you cheeky devil! Go pick something out for your wife instead.»
«Why bother? Shes knee-deep in nappies. As long as she feeds the kids, they dont care what she wears. Ill get her a toaster or a blenderthatll make her happy!»
Emily felt as if shed been doused in ice water. Silently, she kept trying on clothes while listening through the partition.
«What if she asks where you spent so much? A blender doesnt cost that much» the woman teased.
«Why should I explain how I spend MY money? I work, and she sits at home doing whatever she likes! I give her the housekeepingthats enough. She should be grateful!»
The fitting session ended, and the voices faded. Emily peeked out cautiously. There was William at the till with a blonde, paying for their purchases. He kissed her full on the lips, oblivious to the shop assistants stare.
«Are you alright, madam?» the assistant asked, noticing Emily still frozen in the cubicle.
«Yes, fine!» Emily replied hastily, handing over the dresses. «Ill take them all.»
Back home, after her mother left and the children were down for their nap, Emily sat thinking. She hadnt expected betrayal like this. Worse than the infidelity was his contempt for everything she did for the family.
She wanted to bolt straight to a solicitor, but forced herself to think rationally.
«If I divorce him, hell swan off with that woman, leaving me and the kids with nothing. Child support? Barely scraps. How will we live?»
That night, William didnt stay late «working.» «Got his fill earlier,» Emily thought coldly. Her feelings for him had vanishedhe was a stranger now. The only thing she dreaded was him expecting intimacy. The thought repulsed her.
But William, apparently satisfied, kept his distance.
The next day, Emily dusted off her CV and sent it to several firms and agencies. Now, she waited. Days of uncertainty stretched on, each morning checking her inbox. Finally, a reply camean interview at one of the citys companies. Ironically, it was Williams workplace. After much deliberation, she went.
Her mother watched the kids again as Emily headed to the interview. After nearly two hours with senior management, they offered her a decent role with flexible hours. The pay wasnt lavish, but enough to support her and the children.
Emily returned home glowing. Her mother, noticing her cheer, pressed for details.
«Mum, Williams cheating on me!» Emily blurted, a mix of relief and defiance.
Her mother, convinced she was hysterical, sat her down. «Emily, love, how can you say that? William? Hes always at work!»
«Hes not workinghes with his mistress!» Emily recounted the dressing room conversation. Her mother listened, then asked, «What will you do now?»
«Im divorcing him. And yes, Ive got a job with flexible hours. Once the kids are in nursery, Ill work full-time.»
«Good for you! No one should tolerate that. He doesnt respect you anymore. Ill help with the children.»
«Thank you, Mum!» Emily hugged her tightly.
On March 7th, William came home late again. Emily didnt ask questions, and his surprised at her indifference, he stammered, «Em, the lads and I were buried at work again»
«Just go to bed,» she cut in.
The next morning, as she served the children breakfast, William approached with a gifta blender.
«Here, love, to make things easier for you.» He leaned in for a kiss, but Emily stepped back, ignoring the gift.
«Ive got a gift for you too.»
Puzzled, William followed her to the hall, where two large suitcases stood.
«Im filing for divorce. No more lies. You can leave now.»
«How did you?» William gaped.
«In the dressing room, while you shopped for your blonde. Give her the blenderI dont need it.»
Shocked and furious, William lashed out.
«Jealous, are you? Shes stunning and polished, not like you! Youve forgotten how to even wear makeupjust kids and my money. Who cares what I buy with my earnings? Its MY choice! You just hate me spending it on someone elseselfish cow!»
Emily replied calmly, «Im not jealous. Now go.»
The next day, she filed for divorce and child support. A week later, her doorbell rang. Williams mother stood there, seething.
«Gold-digger! You threw him out and now youre bleeding him dry! Drop the supporthe owes you nothing!»
«Hes not paying me. Hes paying for his childrenthe ones he wanted,» Emily shot back. «If he cant afford his mistress, thats his problem. These are his kids too.»
«What will you do without his money? You had them thinking youd live off him forever! It wont work! Hell cut his official salary, and youll get pennies! Youll come crawling back!»
«Doubt it.» Emily pointed to the door. «Get out before I call the police.»
Cursing, the woman left.
Months passed. All the children started nursery. A month after the youngest began, Emily took on full-time work.
«Hi,» a familiar voice said by her desk. «Can we talk?»
«Sorry, William. Im busy,» she replied without looking up.
«Maybe lunch?» He lingered. Emily finally glanced up. He looked tired, worn. Shed heard the blonde left when half his wages went to child support. But she didnt care.
«No, William. We wont talk. We wont have lunch. Ever.»
And with that, she turned back to her work, free at last.
**The lesson?** Independence is priceless. Never let anyone make you feel small for the work you dowhether at home or beyond. True strength lies in standing up for yourself, even when its hard.
