Why are you home so early? A startled voice came from the bedroom.
Who was calling? Its nearly midnight, Paul asked his wife, Emily, with a puzzled frown.
Oh just my boss, she replied hesitantly. Theres an urgent work conferenceI have to leave.
At midnight? What kind of conference cant wait till morning? Are you sure this is necessary?
Yes, unfortunately. Its one of the biggest in our fieldI cant miss it. Top experts, groundbreaking research
But you just flew to Manchester for an expo last month. No one else can go?
I dont want to, but you know how important this is for my career. Its only two weeks. You understand, dont you?
Paul sighed. Fine. If you really have to go. But Im getting tired of being left alone. Ill miss you.
Ill miss you too, love. The sooner I go, the sooner Ill be back. And when I return, well take a proper holidayjust us! Emily pressed close to him.
Alright. Ill survive the fortnight.
Two days later, Paul helped load her suitcase into the taxi.
Thats itoff I go! Love you, dont miss me too much!
As the car pulled away, Emily took out her phone and opened a familiar chat.
*Just left home. Be at the airport soon.*
*Perfect. Waiting in our room. Cant wait to see youmissed you!* came the reply, punctuated with flirtatious emojis.
A sly smile played on Emilys lips as she glanced at her wedding ring. Yet another lie to her devoted husband. But she didnt regret it. Paul was a good manjust painfully dull. But James the mere thought of him sent a thrill through her.
Two weeks of scorching sun, turquoise seas, and intoxicating nightsthats what she craved. The conference was just an excuse to keep Paul in the dark. She knew it was wrong, but reason had long since lost the battle.
The island was paradise. Stretched out on the beach, Emily watched the shimmering waves, utterly content beside James.
She studied him as he emerged from the water, muscles glistening in the sunlight. His wet skin sent shivers through her. She longed to drag him back to their room, where they could lose themselves again.
A pang of sadness hit herthese were their final days. Shed told Paul she was attending a conference, with a little leisure on the side. A break from him, toothough that part remained unspoken.
She wasnt ready to divorce him yet, not without a safety net. Not until she was certain of a soft landing.
James do you think we could actually make this work? After Paul?
The broad-shouldered man lounged on the sunbed, towel slung over his shoulder. His calloused hand traced her knee before he leaned back, leaving his touch lingering.
Youll need to plan carefully. Get a solicitordont try handling it alone.
His indifference stung. Shed imagined moving in with him straight after the divorce, spending weeks tangled together in bliss.
That evening, they dined at a seaside restaurant to mark their last night. Wine flowed, laughter bubbled, but Emilys thoughts kept drifting to Pauland the reckoning awaiting her.
To her, Paul was a foolnaïve, hopelessly in love, oblivious to her infidelity. But divorce? That could be a disaster. If his mother got involved, the legal battle would drag on forever.
Soon, Ill be free. Ill move in with you, and well be happy, Emily declared, raising her glass.
Hold onthat was never part of the deal.
Emily froze. He was righttheyd never discussed it. Ice flooded her veins.
We had a great time, but no, youre not moving in. I have *a wife*. Two kids. Did I forget to mention?
She shook her head slowly, watching his every move, the man shed fallen for so recklessly.
Want to leave Paul? Fine. But Im not wrecking my family. Were happy. You were fun, but thats all this was.
Emily sat in stunned silence. The rest of dinner passed in quiet agony.
The next day, they boarded their flight home.
Dont overthink it, Em. I never promised you anything. Time to grow up. Jamess kiss on her foreheadonce intoxicatingnow made her skin crawl.
As the plane landed, he shrugged. Call me sometime.
No chance.
He hailed two taxis. Their cars sped off in opposite directions.
Tears of humiliation burned Emilys throat. The future shed imagined was ashes. She had to go home, patch things up with Paul, pretend their marriage still meant something. Being alone terrified hershed *never* been alone.
The taxi stopped outside her flat. She dragged her suitcase inside, rehearsing apologies.
Then, the sound of laughter from the bedroom.
Paul appeared, startled. Youre back early
Emily shoved past him. A woman scrambled from the bed, clutching the duvet.
Rage erupted. Emily lunged, claws out, until Paul hauled her back.
How *dare* you? Im working my fingers to the bone, and you bring some *tart* into our bed?
The woman fled, snatching up clothes, as Emily screamed curses.
Only when she went limp did Paul release her.
I thought youd be waiting for me! That wed celebrate my return! Instead, you
I know you werent at any conference, Paul cut in coldly. You were with James. Two weeks by the sea. So I planned a surprise of my own.
His words were a hammer blow. Emily searched his eyes for mercyfound none.
Wordlessly, she repacked her suitcase and walked out.
An hour later, she sobbed on her best friend Sophies lap, mascara streaking her cheeks.
Every marriage hits rough patches, Sophie soothed. Real love means forgiveness.
Forgiveness? Unthinkable. Emily had *sworn* shed never tolerate infidelity. Yet here she was, aching to undo it all.
By morning, the idea didnt seem so absurd. Theyd both been vile. Were they still the couple whod once adored each other?
The next day, she stood at Pauls door, heart pounding.
To her shock, he let her in. The kettle boiled as she gathered courage.
Ive thought it over, Paul said quietly. We should try again. We hurt each other, but theres something worth saving.
Emily stared. This was the last thing shed expected.
He took her hands. Lets forgive. Start fresh. Buy a bigger place. Have a baby. Never betray each other again.
Tears spilled over. She collapsed into his arms.
Somehow, their marriage grew stronger. The wounds scarred but didnt fester. They talked more, dreamed together.
Neither dared stray again.
For now, that was enough.
