Hearing Footsteps, Olivia Swiftly Deleted the Text Saying Someone Missed Her Terribly and Couldn’t Wait to Meet Again, Then Placed the Phone on the Nightstand Where It Stayed Untouched

Hearing footsteps, Emma quickly deleted the message that said how much the sender missed her and couldnt wait to meet again, then placed the phone back on the bedside table where it had been.

She kept rereading the message on her husbands phone, unable to believe it was real and not a nightmare. Her husband, her rock, her beloved James, had betrayed her again.

And not with some young, beautiful model like beforethis time, it was a woman at least fifteen years older than him.

As footsteps approached, Emma swiftly deleted the message and set the phone down. James walked in, whistling. Today, all the employees had received generous bonuses, which meant he could buy his wife an anniversary gift and still afford a seaside getaway with Natalie.

The thought of Natalie made him smile dreamily. Hed had many affairs beforeyoung girls, divorcees, even married womenbut none like Natalie. She was his colleague.

She was plump, but the way she dressed, carried herself, spokeand how she behaved when they were alone Age was catching up, but while she was still in her prime, hed enjoy every last drop.

Seeing the displeased look on his wifes face, James snapped back to reality.

“Something wrong? You seem off.”

“Nothing, just thinking about the anniversary. Could you give me some money to organize the party?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Emma didnt understand herself. Before, shed have thrown a furious scene at the first hint of infidelity, threatening divorce. Now, she acted as if nothing had happened, as if she hadnt just read those damning messages.

James picked up his phone, pretending to call a colleague about work before slipping onto the balcony to send Natalie a flirty text. Emma forced calm over herself. Screaming and crying wouldnt change anything.

This wasnt his first betrayal. He used to blame her for gaining weight after childbirth, for letting herself gobut now? She looked perfect: toned body, long silky hair, light makeup, a stylish dress that made her look more like a starlet than a housewife.

Her friends didnt understand. She came from a well-off family, had a career before kidsshe wouldnt starve if she left. Yet she endured his cheating, only occasionally snapping before his parents rushed to his defense.

“Look at our neighbor, Helen. Widowed, working two jobs, sewing at night. And Veraher husband drinks, she wears rags, so do the kids.”

“But”

“No ‘buts’! Youve got nothing to complain about. You live like a queen, never lift a finger, shop in designer boutiques. So he straysso what? Your father-in-law did the same. Men need warmth and affection. Scold him, and hell leave for good. What would I have done with four kids? Now hes a model husband. Stop fussing and make sure James doesnt stray.”

Emma smiled bitterly. Shed just seen her father-in-law leaving Helens house. Still at itjust better at hiding it than his son.

“Polinas right. If hes looking elsewhere, youre lacking something. If my wife nagged like you, Id put her in her place. Dont like it? She can walk!”

Her mother-in-law would chime in with fake smiles, making Emmas skin crawl. Her own parents had loved each other faithfully, raising their children to believe in honestyif you fall out of love, say so.

No one deserves deceit. Emma had learned that long ago. So why was it normal when men cheated? Why was it always the womans fault?

Shed cried rivers, ruined her nerves, even wasted money on fortune-tellers who promised to “fix” her husbandall useless.

Her friends urged her to leave. But where would she go with three kids? Her parents house was full with her brothers family. Renting? Could she afford it?

She didnt work, and raising three children alone was daunting. Andshe still loved James. Theyd been together since first grade, confessed their love at twelve, never parted.

Maybe her mother-in-law was right. Maybe hed settle down. Maybe it *was* her fault hed changedhed been so loving once.

But remembering that message, she wanted to scream. Hed blamed her weight beforewhat was wrong now? What did this older woman have that she didnt?

And their anniversary was comingten years togetheryet here he was again.

Emma picked up her phone and scrolled through party planners, jotting down numbers.

The next day, Leon, co-owner of the company shed called, arrived. Apologizing for his absent colleague, he promised perfection.

“We have gift catalogs and event options, but feel free to suggest something. What does your husband enjoy? Fishing, sports, cars?”

“Women and affairs.”

“Excuse me?”

“My husband adores women. He cant go a day without cheating.”

Emma burst into tears. The café patrons stared.

“Why do you tolerate it? Youre enabling him. If you dont respect yourself, why should he?”

“You dont understand”

“I do. My younger sister *was*. Her husband cheated. She stayed silent, then Im raising her kids now. Do you have children?”

“Yes.”

“Live for them. Youll find a home, a job. Lifes too short.”

“Youre right.”

Dabbing her eyes, Emma smiled weakly. “Thank you. I know what surprise to give my husband now. Take notes.”

The next week, Emma oversaw preparations at a picturesque countryside villa. Invitations went to friends, family, even Jamess colleaguesincluding Natalie.

The party would be grand. Menu, décor, giftsall ready. Leon kept encouraging her whenever she wavered. In a week, hed helped her realize: not all men were the same, and she *deserved* better.

Now, in a black lace dress and heels, she admired herself in the mirrorflawless. Leon squeezed her shoulder.

“Time. Still sure?”

“Yes. No turning back.”

“Good. Ill call the movers.”

The party was in full swing. Jamess parents held court, oblivious to Emmas absence. He flirted openly with Natalie, sneaking off with heruntil Emma reappeared.

“Time for gifts! Darling, in ten years together, Ive learned one thing: never argue with a man like you. Just accept him. And Im *so* grateful you showed me what marriage should bewhat the perfect wife and mother should endure. No grand speeches. Just thank you. I think youll love this.”

A giant cake was wheeled inout popped three women: blonde, brunette, redhead. Emma watched Jamess stunned face, then whispered to Natalie:

“Think youre the only one? Look how he stares at them. Now look at yourself.”

As Natalie flushed, Emma turned to her mother-in-law.

“Seems your husband still visits neighbor Helen.”

Before the sputtering woman could reply, Emma faced James.

“Like your gift? Youve always loved womenhow many? Three? Five? Ten? Blondes, brunettes, redheads now Natalie. Your parents were right. No more jealousy. Enjoy this lifejust without me. Happy anniversary!”

She took the childrens hands and walked outwhere Leon waited.

The divorce was tedious. James blamed *her*, yet fought it. But time ran out.

Friends marveled at meek Emmas boldnesshow shed pulled it off without her own income. Simple: weekly allowances and the anniversary fund.

Years later, she never regretted leaving. Now married to Leon, adored, her children loved as his own.

Starting over isnt failure. Infidelity is comparisona search for “better.” Why cling when one thrives and the other suffers?

Love shouldnt hurt. And sometimes, walking away is the bravest act of lovefor yourself.