**March 7th A Diary Entry**
He still hadnt arrived. Lately, hed been buried in work, staying later than usual. Emily tucked the children into bed and made her way to the kitchen for a cup of tea. Edward still wasnt home. These days, he always seemed to be working late.
She pitied how worn out he was and tried to shield him from household worriesafter all, he was the sole breadwinner. When they married, theyd agreed shed manage the home and raise their future children while Edward provided for them. Three little ones came in quick succession. Edward adored each one and often joked they werent done yet.
But Emily was exhausted from endless nappies and sleepless nights, so shed quietly put a stop to any more.
Edward stumbled in after midnight, smelling faintly of whisky. When she asked why, he shrugged.
*»Got tied up with the lads from the officewe needed a proper unwind, love.»*
*»Oh, you poor thing,»* Emily smiled, masking her fatigue. *»Let me fix you something to eat.»*
*»No need. We grabbed a bite at the pub. Best turn in.»*
Mothers Day was approaching, so Emily left the children with her mum and headed to the high street. She wanted to celebrate properlya romantic dinner for two. Her mother happily took the kids for the evening.
Between groceries and gifts, Emily decided to treat herself. It had been ages since shed bought anything nice. Asking Edward for money for new clothes felt sillywhere would she wear them? The last thing shed bought was a comfortable jumper, hardly fitting for the evening she had planned.
She stepped into a boutique and picked out a few dresses. As she tried on the second, a familiar voice drifted from the next changing room.
*»Mm, cant wait to get you out of this.»*
A womans giggle followed. *»Patience, you devil. Shouldnt you pick something for your wife instead?»*
*»Why bother? Shes knee-deep in kidsthey dont care what she wears as long as she feeds them. Might get her a toaster. Shed love that.»*
Emily froze, as if doused in icy water. Silently, she kept dressing, ears straining.
*»Wont she ask where all your moneys going? A toaster hardly costs much,»* the woman teased.
*»Why should I explain how I spend MY wages? I work; she sits at home doing as she pleases! She gets her housekeepingshould be grateful!»*
The voices faded as they left. Peering out, Emily saw Edward at the till with a blonde, kissing her boldly despite the clerks glare.
*»Are you alright, miss?»* the shop assistant asked, noticing Emily still inside, motionless.
*»Fine, thanks,»* she lied, thrusting the dresses at her. *»Ill take them all.»*
Back home, after her mother left and the children napped, Emily sat staring into space. She hadnt expected this betrayal. The infidelity stung, but his contempt for herfor everything she didcut deeper.
She wanted to bolt straight to a solicitor, but forced herself to think.
*»I divorce him, he swans off with that woman, leaving me with three children and nothing. Child support? Pennies. How do we live?»*
That night, Edward didnt stay late *»working.»* *»Got his fill earlier,»* Emily thought coolly. Her love for him had vanishedhe was a stranger now. The idea of his touch repulsed her. But he didnt come near her, likely satisfied elsewhere.
The next morning, she updated her CV and sent it off. Days of waiting followed, checking her inbox each dawn. Finally, an interview invitation arrivedoddly, at Edwards firm. After much deliberation, she went.
Two hours later, they offered her a decent role with flexible hours. The pay wasnt grand, but it was a start.
She returned glowing. Her mother frowned. *»Edwards cheating on me,»* Emily blurted, oddly elated. Her mum, thinking her distraught, sat her down.
*»Emily, love, dont say such things! Edwards always at work!»*
*»Nohes with *her*!»* She spilled everything. Her mother listened, then asked, *»What now?»*
*»Divorce. And Ive got a job. The kids will go to nursery soonIll work full-time after.»*
*»Good. No forgiving that. He doesnt respect you. Ill help with the children.»*
*»Thanks, Mum,»* Emily hugged her tightly.
On March 7th, Edward came home late again. Emily didnt ask. Surprised, he muttered, *»Work ran late»*
*»Just go to bed,»* she cut in.
The next morning, as she served breakfast, Edward presented her a gifta toaster.
*»Here, love. Makes things easier.»* He leaned in, but she stepped back, ignoring it.
*»Ive got a gift for you too.»*
Baffled, he followed her to the hallwhere two suitcases waited.
*»Im divorcing you. No more lies. Get out.»*
*»How did you?»*
*»In the changing room. Give the toaster to *her*I dont need it.»*
Edwards face twisted. *»Jealous, are you? Shes stunningunlike you! Youve forgotten how to dress, just *exist* for the kids on my dime! Its *my* moneyIll spend it how I like!»*
*»Not jealous,»* Emily said calmly. *»Now leave.»*
The next day, she filed for divorce and child support. A week later, her mother-in-law banged on the door, furious.
*»Gold-digger! You threw him out, now youre after his money? Drop the claim!»*
*»Hes paying for *his* childrenthe ones *he* wanted,»* Emily said. *»If he cant afford his mistress, thats his problem.»*
*»What will you do without him? You had those kids thinking youd mooch off him forever! Hell lower his official salaryyoull get scraps! Youll come crawling back!»*
*»Doubt it.»* Emily pointed to the door. *»Leave before I call the police.»*
Cursing, she stormed off.
Months passed. The children settled into nursery. Soon after the youngest started, Emily took on full-time work.
*»Hi,»* a familiar voice said by her desk. *»Can we talk?»*
*»Busy, Edward,»* she replied without looking up.
*»Lunch, then?»* He lingered. She glanced uphe looked haggard. Rumor was his blonde had bolted when half his wages went to the kids. But she didnt care.
*»No, Edward. We wont.»*
**Lesson:** A womans worth isnt tied to her sacrifices alone. Sometimes, the bravest thing she can do is walk awayand build her own table.
