**Diary Entry**
I cant believe this dress! Would you say *I* threw it in the bin?
Standing by the kitchen counter, as I opened the rubbish bin, Emily froze. Whats *this* dress doing here? Youre telling me *I* put it there?
Nearly every day, Emily asked herself the same unanswered question: what on earth did she ever see in Daniel?
Appearance-wise, he was unremarkableshe was too embarrassed to introduce him to her friends, so as far as they knew, she was still single. The only person who knew she lived with him was her sister, who kept the secret.
Daniel hadnt achieved much in lifehe worked as a mechanic at a factory. Sometimes, slumped in front of the telly, Emily caught herself thinking it was time to end things.
But just as shed steel herself, hed bring home flowers or some small gift, and shed postpone the inevitable.
Before Emily, Daniel had been married. It lasted only two months but ended with a pregnancy and the birth of a daughter.
When Emily met him, his daughter, Charlotte, was twelve. Shed never seen the girlnor had she any desire to.
That changed just before her birthday, which shed planned to celebrate with her friends.
Emily, Daniel began hesitantly, My ex-wife has a business trip. Shes asked me to take Charlotte for a bit
How long? Emily grimaced. The last thing she wanted was a child around on her birthday.
A month.
A *month*? She frowned. I hope she realises well have to pay for things?
She hasnt sent any money, Daniel admitted helplessly.
You *pay* child support, dont you? So the girls here for a month, and her mother gets to keep it all? Her tone was sharp.
You know my paywhat else could she live on? He gave a weak smile.
How do you even imagine this working? Emilys irritation grew. School runs, looking after her. Why are you taking this on?
I *am* her father, Daniel said, bewildered. Are you saying I should turn her away?
You should remember you dont live alone, for one. Two, this is *my* flatyou shouldve asked. Three, its my *birthday*, and I dont want it ruined!
I dont think my daughters a problem, Daniel muttered, guilt creeping in.
I *know* this will go wrong, Emily crossed her arms.
Daniel insisted she was being pessimistic.
The next day, a round-faced girl with garish makeuplooking at least sixteenstood at their door. She glared at Emily, then addressed her father without a greeting.
Where am I sleeping?
Youll have to stay in the kitchen, Daniel forced a smile.
The girl rolled her eyes and fled to the bathroom in tears.
What was *that*? Emily snapped. Rude and spoiled. Good thing Im celebrating at a café. And youre *not* coming.
Why? Daniel looked hurt. I thought youd finally introduce me to your friends. Weve lived together six months
Youre staying with the kid. Emily was secretly relievednone of her friends boyfriends were as scruffy as Daniel.
Right, he muttered, offended.
The next morning, Emily bustled about preparing for her party. She ironed her dress and left it hanging, ready for the evening. Daniel still hadnt spoken to hernot even a birthday wish. She brushed it off, determined not to let it spoil her mood.
After work, she rushed home to changeonly to find her dress missing.
Wheres my dress? she shrieked, storming into the kitchen where Charlotte lay on the camp bed.
Ignoring her, the girl fiddled with her phone.
Are you *listening*? Emily snatched the phone from her hands.
Give it back! Charlotte squealed, as Daniel rushed in.
Whats going on? Give it to her!
Wheres my *dress*? Emily hissed.
I didnt take anything, Charlotte sneered. She just hates me!
Give it back, *now*, Daniel ordered.
Oh, *shell* admit it! Emily hurled the phone to the floor. The screen shattered, and Charlotte burst into tears. Emily marched out, triumphant.
She grabbed another outfit and left for the café, where she pushed the mess from her mindand decided to end things with Daniel.
She stumbled home at dawn. Daniel, hearing her return, got out of bed.
Do you know what time it is?
Trying to play strict husband? Too late. Emilys voice was flat. Youre both out in the morning.
So *Im* the one to blame?
You broke Charlottes phone
She *stole* my dress! Emily shrieked.
My daughter took *nothing*! Daniel snapped. Im certain.
Emily scoffed and waved him off.
To calm herself, she reached for a half-finished wine bottle in the cupboard. She took a swigthen spat it out.
What *is* this? *Shampoo*? Youll say I poured that in too? Laughing bitterly, she yanked open the binand froze. And heres the *dress*! Care to explain *this*?
You just wanted an excuse to leave! Daniel shouted. I *know* youve been planning this!
Emily arched a brow. She remembered it all perfectly.
I *bugged* the flat. I heard every call with your sisterI *know* what you said!
A surprise! Emily recoiled. So *thats* how you always knew!
This time, Daniel didnt try to stop her. He knew it was over.
