It terrified her. «No, this can’t go on,» she told herself. «My husband’s betrayal isn’t the end of the world.
My life goes on. I’ll get used to living without him. I have people to live for.
My parents would be devastated if something happened to me. I have my job.
I’m needed by my students.» She recalled how her students lit up when she entered the classroom. The girls would run to hug her.
And the kind words she’d heard from students and parents on Teacher Appreciation Day, just a few days ago. The kids gave her handmade cards. Emily was deeply touched, reading their heartfelt congratulations and wishes from her third graders.
Those words held so much warmth and sincerity that she felt incredibly happy. Suddenly, Emily realized she was starving. She hadn’t eaten anything but a cup of coffee today.
She decided to stop at a café. It had been ages since she’d been to one; James didn’t like eating out, believing home-cooked food was tastier and healthier. He wasn’t stingy and didn’t mind spending money on her.
He genuinely preferred eating at home. Plus, Emily was an excellent cook. James always praised her food, saying she had a real talent.
She even packed him homemade lunches for work so he could eat well. What’s he eating now? she wondered but quickly dismissed the thought. It wasn’t her concern anymore.
Let Lila dance around the stove, making breakfast, lunch, and dessert. That’s how James liked to eat. Emily walked into the first café she saw and sat at a table.
A waiter promptly greeted her and handed her a menu. Emily ordered fish with vegetables and a seafood salad. James didn’t like seafood and always preferred meat.
So, she hadn’t cooked or eaten such dishes in ages. She also asked for a glass of orange juice. While waiting for her order, she decided to call her parents.
«Everything’s fine, Emily,» her mom said. «Your dad’s feeling okay today. We had lunch and are going for a walk.
It’s such a nice day. October’s been kind to us this year. You should go for a walk too.
I walked a lot today. The weather’s lovely.» «Were you with James?» her mom asked.
«No,» Emily replied, sighing. «Mom, no point hiding it. You’ll find out soon.
What happened, honey? James and I are splitting up.» «What?» «He has another woman.» There was silence on the line.
Nancy Wilson didn’t know what to say, processing the news. «Jerk!» she finally said. «Don’t tell your dad yet.
He can’t handle stress. We’ll tell him later.» «Yes, Dad will get upset.
How are you holding up?» «I’m okay, Mom. I’m managing, don’t worry. I have you, my job, my friends, though we don’t see each other often.
Everything will be fine.» «I’m glad you’re staying strong,» Nancy said. «If James did this, he doesn’t deserve you.
Don’t waste your tears on him. Life doesn’t end here.» «That’s what I think too.»
«Thank you, Mom. Make sure you and Dad go for that walk. He rarely leaves the house.»
Talking to her mom made Emily feel lighter. Her parents were her closest people, who’d never betray her and always love her. And she loved them dearly.
The waiter brought her order, and Emily ate with gusto; everything was delicious. «You again?» she heard as she paid and was about to leave.
«Amazing.» She looked up and saw the man who nearly hit her earlier. «Yes, it’s me,» she said, equally surprised.
«You look much better now. Got some color in your cheeks, not so lost anymore.» «Thank you,» Emily said, unsure if that was a compliment.
«You ate here?» «Yes, just leaving.» «Well, take care. I sometimes grab pastries here.
They make great donuts and muffins. My kids love them. So, I recommend it if you or your family like baked goods.»
«Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Though I usually bake myself,» Emily said, standing and putting on her jacket.
«Goodbye.» «Goodbye,» the man smiled, adding, «Though we already said goodbye today and met again.»
Emily smiled back and left the café. «He must be so happy,» she thought. «He has a family, kids.»
She shuddered, thinking what could’ve happened if he hadn’t stopped in time. She was at fault, crossing on red, but how awful it would’ve been for him, a seemingly kind man, if she’d died under his car.
Emily trembled again and hurried home, vowing to be more careful. The rest of the day, she couldn’t stop thinking about what happened.
It had been a while since she’d had such a weekend filled with bad events. On Saturday, she learned of James’s infidelity, and on Sunday, she nearly died crossing the street on red. What a streak of bad luck. But on the other hand, she had a guardian angel.
It saved her from an accident today. She kept thinking about the man who stopped in time. She regretted not asking his name during their second encounter. For some reason, she wanted to know more about him.
What was his wife like, his kids, what he did for a living? Emily didn’t understand why she was so curious. But she was glad to distract herself from thoughts of her husband’s betrayal.
She knew life went on despite everything. Time would pass, and the pain would fade. And surviving today was a sign.
She had to keep living. Something good awaited her. Emily so wanted to believe that.
Two weeks passed. Emily was increasingly accepting that she was now alone, that her husband had another woman. She noticed the burning jealousy and hurt were fading.
Her job, her students, and her colleagues kept her busy. One day, she spoke with the school principal, Rachel Harris, who was much older and treated Emily and other young teachers like a mother. She was a wonderful person, wise, and fair.
«Emily, I feel like something’s going on with you. Want to share? Or is it too personal?» Rachel asked, inviting Emily to her office. When alone, the principal always used first names and spoke informally.
«Is it that obvious?» Emily was surprised. She thought she hid her emotional state at work. But Rachel’s keen eye missed nothing.
«I noticed,» Rachel smiled. «Your eyes are sad, so sad. You used to light up when you came to work.
Now your gaze is different. What happened? Need help or advice?» «I’m divorcing my husband,» Emily said after a brief pause. «He has another woman.»
«I suspected as much,» Rachel said thoughtfully. «Is divorce final?» «Yes, I can’t forgive betrayal, and he’s long wanted to leave for her. He stayed with me out of pity.
You know my story, why I can’t have kids.» «Yes, you shared that. But you know divorce isn’t the end of life, right?» «I know.»
«I understand your feelings well. I went through a divorce too, for the same reason. We had two kids, but he left for another woman.
So, you can’t hold a man if he’s fallen out of love. Don’t blame yourself, Emily. It’s not your fault.
Your paths diverged. He wasn’t meant for you.
It happens in life.» «Thank you, Rachel, for your support. It’s getting easier.
At first, it was so hard I didn’t know how to go on.» «That’s normal, Emily. Betrayal is always painful.
Especially from someone you trust. It hurt me too. Work saved me then.
I felt responsible for my students. But two years after the divorce, I met a wonderful man, and we’ve been happily married for 27 years. He accepted my kids and raised them as his own.
My youngest calls him Dad. And the grandkids see him as their real grandpa. He loves them so much.
So, Emily, don’t see your divorce as a tragedy, the end of a happy life. It might be the start of a new path. I’m sure it will be.
You’re young, smart, interesting, and you’ll be happy again.» The talk with the principal uplifted Emily and gave her hope that happiness would find her. Rachel found her man after betrayal.
But Emily wasn’t ready to think about new relationships yet. She needed to close the chapter with James first. She hadn’t seen him in two weeks, but sometimes, coming home from work, she noticed signs he’d been in the apartment.
He clearly came for his things when she wasn’t home. She kept waiting for him to call about the divorce, but he didn’t. Then one evening, her mother-in-law called.
«Hello, Emily,» Susan said kindly. «Sorry to bother you. I just want to check on you, see if you’re okay.
You’ve become like a daughter to me over the years, and I’m worried about you and feel guilty for my son’s actions.» «I’m fine, Susan,» Emily replied politely. «Don’t worry, I’m working and trying to adjust to life without your son.
By the way, do you know why he hasn’t mentioned the divorce? Has he already filed?» «Not yet. He’s swamped with work.» «Emily, I’m calling about something else,» Susan said, pausing to gather her thoughts.
From her tone, Emily sensed an unpleasant conversation. «I’m listening, Susan.» «I don’t know how to say this without offending you.
Just say it,» Emily sighed. After James called me a suitcase without a handle, hard to carry and a shame to throw away, I doubt much can offend me now. «James said that?» Susan was shocked.
«Yes, not to my face, of course, but to Lila. I overheard. That’s how I found out he had another woman.»
«He’s wrong. You don’t speak that way about a woman you lived with for so long, who was a good wife. So, what did you want to say, Susan? Tell me, I need to grade papers and prepare for tomorrow’s lessons.»
«Yes, yes, Emily, sorry for distracting you. James told me he’s leaving you the apartment. Is that true?» «Yes, that’s his decision,» Emily replied, sensing where this was going.
«Don’t get me wrong. I’m not against it. I know James wronged you.
But he’s living with Lila in a rented studio. They’ll have kids eventually. Lila’s young and wants a child.»
Susan paused, choosing her words. «I’m happy for them. And what’s next? You think it’s unfair the apartment stays with me.
But James made that choice himself. I didn’t ask for anything.» «I know, I know.
But put yourself in James’s shoes,» Susan said quickly. «He’ll be stuck in rentals with a family, while you live alone in a big two-bedroom apartment.
It’s an expensive place in a good neighborhood. It’d be fair to sell it and split the money. I’ve talked to a realtor friend; you could get a great price.
With the nice renovations, good plumbing. You’d have enough for a one-bedroom, and James could add his savings for decent housing.» «I see,» Emily smirked.
«You could’ve started with that, Susan. Why say I’m like a daughter and you’re worried about me?» «I do care about you and worry. But James is my son.
You understand, I’m a mother and worry about him. He bought that apartment.
You always earned pennies at school. Now he’s left with nothing. That’s unfair.
You wouldn’t be left homeless. Please, don’t agree to what James says.
Sell the apartment and split the money. I’ll think about it, Susan,» Emily said coldly.
She wanted to end this unpleasant conversation. «Think about it, Emily. I’m begging you.
A one-bedroom is enough for you. James will have a family, kids.» Emily couldn’t listen anymore.
She said goodbye to her mother-in-law and hung up. She felt sick. Emily hated hypocrisy in people.
But why be surprised? It’d be odd if James’s mom was happy for her former daughter-in-law, keeping a fancy apartment with all the furniture and appliances. Maybe they had a good relationship before, when she and James were married. But now their paths had diverged, and naturally, a mother would side with her son.
From that perspective, Emily understood her, but not why she started with talk of caring and treating her like a daughter. Why the hypocrisy? After the call, Emily sat lost in thought, processing Susan’s words. She walked through the apartment and suddenly realized she wanted a fresh start and didn’t want to stay here.
Susan was right. Why did she need such a big place alone? She couldn’t afford it financially either. James always handled the utilities.
With his good salary, it was easy. How would she manage on her modest income now? Most of her paycheck would go to bills. She didn’t want to find a higher-paying job. Emily loved her school and students.
She chose this profession from the heart. The only downside was the low pay, but with James, she didn’t feel it. Now she’d have to rely on herself.
No, she didn’t want to live here. In a house where everything reminded her of life with James. Every corner, every item, reminded her of him, their time together, and his betrayal.
Emily realized she couldn’t be happy staying here. She didn’t need this grand gesture of generosity from her almost ex-husband. Let it be by law.
She was entitled to half the marital property. So be it. She’d buy a small apartment, furnish it to her taste, and try not to dwell on the past or regret anything.
With these thoughts, Emily picked up her phone and called James. «Hey,» he answered. «Didn’t expect you to call.
Something wrong?» «Yes. We’re not a family anymore. I want to know when we’ll file for divorce.
I want to end this as soon as possible. Why drag out the inevitable?» «Alright, I agree. Tomorrow we’ll go.
I think I can get off work in the afternoon. Can you?» «Yes, I’m free after two. And one more thing.
James, let’s sell our apartment and everything in it and split the money.» «Why’d you decide that?» James replied. «I said the apartment’s yours.
It’s only fair. You deserve some compensation for what I…» «I don’t need compensation,» Emily interrupted. «I don’t want to live here.
I can’t afford this place on my salary. And I realized I don’t want anything from you. I’ll buy a small apartment and new furniture.
I don’t want anything from our past life together.» «If you say so,» James said after a pause, his voice tinged with relieved joy. «Honestly, Mom and Lila have been on me to change my mind about leaving it all to you. But I wasn’t going to until you called. Your mom called me today too, asking for fairness.
And after talking to her, I realized I want to end things with you quickly and never cross paths with your family again. This apartment isn’t mine. I don’t want your relatives hating me or cursing me behind my back.
To part ways and forget each other—that’s all I want. I’m sorry, Emily. I know I hurt you.
Thank you for your decision about the apartment. You’re an amazing woman.
You’re incredible. No need for those words, James. Save them for your new wife.
Emily cut him off, cringing at his insincere compliments. I’m not doing this for you; I’m doing what’s best for me. Call me tomorrow when you’re free.
We’ll go file the papers. Talking to her husband, Emily felt she’d done the right thing. Now she just wanted to divorce quickly and move to new housing.
Emily and James divorced a month later, as they had no minor children or property disputes. Susan’s realtor friend quickly found a buyer for their shared apartment, selling it for even more than expected, including all furniture and appliances. A wealthy businessman bought it for his college-bound daughter, thrilled to avoid spending extra on furnishings.
Everything was in excellent condition, thanks to the former owner’s care. Emily wanted nothing from her old home except her personal belongings and laptop. James considered taking some appliances, but Lila scoffed, saying she wanted everything new.
She didn’t want used items from the apartment where her man lived with his ex-wife. The young woman, long his mistress, was over the moon about soon wearing a wedding ring and becoming his lawful wife. The ex and future wives crossed paths once before the sale.
Emily came to pick up her remaining things, certain she wouldn’t see her ex-husband. But he was there, with Lila, who suddenly wanted to see the apartment where her future husband lived with his ex. Emily walked into the living room as Lila was saying, «Your ex had no taste.
I’d do everything differently here.» Emily didn’t miss a beat. «You’ll get your chance in your own place. I was the homemaker here.» Lila froze, sizing Emily up with a disdainful look.
She wanted to say something to the woman she once saw as a rival but apparently couldn’t think of anything. «I didn’t know you’d be here, and not alone,» Emily said to James.
«Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come. I’ll grab my clothes from the closet and go. Got a lot left?» her ex-husband asked.
«Maybe I can give you a ride? It’s tough with heavy bags on the bus.» «A taxi’s waiting downstairs, and I don’t have much. I’ve taken almost everything,» Emily replied and left the living room. «Why’re you offering her a ride?» she heard Lila’s indignant voice.
«She’s nobody to you now.» «Don’t be jealous. It’s just basic courtesy,» James said, trying to calm her.
Lila said something else in a displeased tone, but Emily didn’t hear. She closed the bedroom door and packed her remaining things. Her mood soured slightly from the unexpected encounter with the woman who caused her marriage’s collapse.
There was a time when curiosity gnawed at her, wanting to see who James cheated with for a year. Then she lost interest, but fate arranged this meeting.
Lila didn’t impress Emily. Young, pretty, but nothing special. Fake eyelashes, heavy makeup, and plump lips likely from a cosmetic surgeon, not nature.
Plenty of women like Lila roamed city streets, looking like sisters. Emily felt a twinge of offense that James, a smart and interesting man, traded her for one of these artificial beauties. But she pushed those thoughts away, packed her things, and left without saying goodbye to her ex-husband.
Soon, there’d be no reason for them to meet, and she could do what she’d been thinking about—start fresh. Emily walked home from work, enjoying the crisp winter air. She loved winter. The New Year and her thirty-fourth birthday had passed. She spent the holidays with her parents in their apartment, quietly celebrating her birthday with her mom and dad, her closest people.
Emily had been living with her parents for over a month, searching for new housing. She wasn’t in a rush, knowing haste wasn’t needed. Her parents didn’t mind; they loved having their only daughter around and supported her fully. Emily wanted a place that suited her perfectly.
She had some personal savings, thanks to James covering utilities and household expenses during their marriage, allowing her to spend her modest salary as she pleased, help her parents, and save some. Now she planned to use those savings for furniture and appliances for her future apartment.
Rachel gave Emily the number of a good realtor, Sarah, with whom Emily quickly hit it off. Sarah was cheerful and outgoing, and they became friends.
One Saturday morning, Sarah called with good news. «I’ve got two great options. One’s close to your school.
Great layout, but it needs work. The price is reasonable, though. The other’s pricier and farther from work.
But it’s move-in ready, great renovations. It’s on the tenth floor, though. I know you wanted lower, but it’s worth a look. Can you today?» «Of course,» Emily said, excited.
«It’s my day off, so I’m free.» «Great. I’ll pick you up around noon.
Be ready.» They agreed, and Emily waited.
She viewed both apartments and said she’d think about it. They were nice but didn’t fully suit her. «Think it over,» Sarah agreed. «It’s your right.
If something’s off, better to pass. You’re not in a hurry.
I’m good at my parents’. Sometimes I feel like a little girl again, cared for by Mom.