Let him go, love, said the voice on the phone.
Where are you off to at this hour, Oliver? Emily asked, watching as her husband hurriedly buttoned his shirt. The clock ticked past half-seven in the evening, and Oliver barely glanced at her as he grabbed his coat from the rack.
Works gone pear-shaped. Emergency call, he muttered over his shoulder. Dont wait up.
Lately, these «emergencies» had become a habit. A knot of unease tightened in Emilys stomach, but she pushed it down.
Again? Third time this week, she said, careful to keep the edge out of her voice.
Cant be helped, Oliver finally looked at her, but his eyes were distant. Ill try not to be 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, appeared from her room clutching a board game. He promised to play with me tonight.
Emily crouched, smoothing a hand over Lilys shoulder. The girls eyes shimmered with disappointment.
Works keeping him busy, sweetheart. Big project, Emily said, though the words rang hollow even to her.
Lily sighed, shoulders drooping, and trudged back to her room. Emily watched her go, then headed to the kitchen. To cheer her up, she decided to bake Lilys favouriteoatmeal raisin biscuits. Kneading the dough, her mind wandered.
The signs were all there: the late nights, the secrecy, the way Oliver had stopped kissing her goodbye. 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 thoughts were elsewhere. After tucking Lily in with a bedtime story, she returned to the dishes, the warm water doing nothing to soothe the question gnawing at her: *Should I confront him?*
The idea of Oliver with another woman made her stomach twist. But what about Lily? The girl adored her father. Yet living with a man who lied was becoming unbearable.
Two weeks passed. Oliver grew jumpier, flinching at phone calls, angling his screen away when she entered.
Then, one Saturday, he stayed home. They lounged on the sofa, Lily doing homework in her room. Emilys phone rangunknown number.
Hello?
Is this Emily? A womans voice.
Yes. Whos calling?
Its Patricia. We need to talk about something important.
Emily frowned. I think youve got the wrong
Oh, no mistake, Patricia cut in. Youre Olivers wife, arent you?
Emily froze. Oliver stiffened beside her.
Yes, she said slowly, switching to speakerphone.
Patricias tone was breezy. Lovely. Im the mother of Sophie, the girl your husbands been seeing for a year. Shes only twenty, and Olivers her first. Shes absolutely *mad* about him. So, be a dear and step aside, would you? Were modern people, after all.
Emily lifted her eyes to Oliver. His face had gone sheet-white.
Sophies heartbroken, Patricia continued. She cant even go public with the man she loves. Surely you understandyou cant force affection.
Emily cleared her throat, forcing calm. Thanks for the heads-up, Patricia. Ill see what I can do.
She hung up and turned to Oliver. He gripped the armrest like it was a life raft.
Well?
Emily, thatsthats rubbish! Oliver sprang up, waving his hands. I dont even *know* a Sophie!
Her phone pinged. Photos appeared: Oliver hugging a blonde, kissing her, holding hands in a café.
Patricia sent proof, Emily said, turning the screen to him.
His face darkened. Oh, *fine*! Yes, Im seeing Sophie! We met at a conference, andwell, *look at us*! What did you expect?
Emily stood, brows arched. *Me*? Did I push you into her arms?
You *let* this happen! Olivers voice rose. When was the last time you asked about *my* day? Cooked my favourite meal? Smiled at me? If youd cared, Id never have looked elsewhere!
Emily blinked. Hold ondoes that rule not work both ways? Youve been ice-cold for *years*. Yet *I* didnt run off with some bloke!
Thats *different*! Oliver snapped. Im *working*! Providing! Its *your* job to keep the romance alive!
Emily scoffed. Says *who*? Show me the lawbook that says *I* must coddle you while working full-time, raising Lily, and keeping this house afloat!
Oliver opened his mouththen shut it.
Emily exhaled. Right. I suspected this for ages. Now I can file for divorce with a clear conscience. Be happy with Sophie.
No! Oliver grabbed for her hands, but she stepped back. Its not serious! Just a fling! A *mistake*!
A *mistake*? Emily laughed. Are you joking?
Give me another chance! His voice turned pleading. I *cant* leave this family!
Why not?
Where would I *go*? The words tumbled out before he could stop them.
Emilys lips curved into a cold smile. Ah. So *thats* it. You werent hiding this to spare meyou were scared of losing your *home*.
Oliver looked at the floor.
Pack your bags, Emily said. Now.
She found Lily hovering in the hallway and ushered her back to her room. For the next hour, they worked on homework, Emilys voice steady despite the muffled thumps of Oliver packing.
When she returned to the hall, Oliver stood with two suitcases, rumpled and deflated.
Emily, please
She opened the door. Off you pop, Oliver. Sophie can comfort you now.
The door clicked shut. Emily leaned against it, eyes closed. Emptiness settled over herbut beneath it, relief. Shed had enough of liars.
