Betrayal Behind Closed Doors
James turns the key in the lock of his flat in Manchester, his heart pounding with excitement. He imagines the joy on his beloved wife Emma’s face when she sees him. Nearly a year has passed since he left home—what was meant to be a short work assignment in another city stretched on indefinitely. Now, finally, he’s been granted a week’s holiday to visit her. He decided to surprise her, not giving any warning. Quietly slipping off his shoes, leaving his bag in the hallway, and hiding a bouquet of roses behind his back, he follows Emma’s voice, drifting from the kitchen. But as he reaches the door, he freezes, as if struck by lightning.
The surprise is successful—just not the one James intended. Sitting at the kitchen table are two people: Emma and a stranger with a polished appearance, calmly sipping tea. When she spots her husband, Emma goes still, her eyes widening in shock. The stranger, however, merely smiles and says smoothly,
“Good afternoon. Welcome back.”
“Hello…” James replies, bewildered, his gaze shifting to his wife. “Emma, I’m home—”
“James!” She leaps up, rushing to hug him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“I can see how happy you are,” James mutters sarcastically, handing her the bouquet. He turns to the guest, barely suppressing his anger. “And who’s this?”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Thompson,” the man replies evenly. “I’m Thomas Andrews, Emma’s colleague. We work in the same department. Just checking in—she’s been under the weather.”
“Under the weather?” James raises his voice. “So you’re her personal physician now?”
“James, calm down,” Emma cuts in, trembling. “Thomas was just leaving. Weren’t you, Thomas? I’m sorry, he’s tired from the journey—”
“Of course,” the man says with a smile. “Just finishing a slice of your famous pie, Emma. It’s as incredible as ever.”
“As ever?” James’s stare burns into his wife. “So he’s had it often, then?”
“Mr. Thompson,” Thomas continues, “your wife has been bringing her desserts to the office for a year now. After your long absence, we’ve been her support system. Speaking of—how long are you staying? A week, or for good? Your colleague Michael mentioned—”
“Michael?” James frowns. “How do you know him?”
“An old friend,” Thomas replies coolly. “Works in your department. He talks about you often. Seems like quite the character. Are you always this lively, James?”
“That’s enough!” James snaps, losing patience. “Finish your pie and get out—you’ve got five minutes.”
“James, don’t be like this!” Emma protests, but he silences her with a glare.
“We’ll talk later. Thanks for the lovely surprise.”
“About surprises, Mr. Thompson, I’d argue,” Thomas says with a smirk. “Michael says you’re a master of them. I’m sure you’ve got something grand planned for Emma. So, is this visit temporary?”
“I’ve had enough!” James clenches his fists. “Outside. Now.”
“With pleasure,” Thomas nods, heading for the door.
On the landing, James barely restrains his rage, hissing,
“Listen here, smart-arse. You leave now and never come back. Understood?”
Thomas meets his glare with an icy smile.
“Understood. But now you’ll listen. Tonight, you’ll tell Emma the truth. Or I will. It’s not my place, but I’ll do it.”
“What truth?” James pales. “What are you on about?”
“Your other life,” Thomas says coldly. “The woman you’ve been living with for six months. The one who thinks you’re here to divorce Emma. Olivia—the one expecting your child. You told her that, didn’t you?”
James staggers as if struck.
“How do you— Who told—?”
“Michael,” Thomas cuts in. “Olivia’s his sister. She confides in him, and he cares. That’s why I’m here. And because I knew you were coming. You’ve got twenty-four hours, James. Tell Emma the truth, file for divorce, and don’t you dare hurt her again. She matters to me. Clear?”
“What if I want to stay with Emma?” James chokes out.
“Doubt she’ll want that,” Thomas replies. “Not after she knows.”
Turning, he walks calmly down the stairs. James stands frozen, his world crumbling. Back inside, he finds Emma. Her face is pale, her eyes brimming with tears.
“You heard?” he whispers.
She nods.
“Everything?”
“Everything,” she murmurs.
“And you’ll divorce me?” he asks, already knowing the answer.
“Long overdue,” she says, turning away.
James stares at his wife, lost for words. His life—once so stable, so certain—has collapsed like a house of cards, and he has no idea how to rebuild it.