When Olga Stepped Into the Flat, She Paused: Next to Her and Ivan’s Shoes Stood an Expensive Pair of…

Entering the flat, Emily paused. By the doorway, neatly arranged beside hers and Davids shoes, stood a pair of high-heeled stilettos. She recognised them instantlythey belonged to Davids sister, Sophie. Pricey, elegant, the sort Sophie would wear. Why was she here? Emily couldnt remember David mentioning a visit from his sister.

Emily, is yours off on another business trip? called out her colleague, Peter, catching up with her as she headed to the bus stop. Fancy stopping off at the café? Have your favourite hot chocolate, chat a bit. We always seem to be rushinghello, goodbye.

Sorry, Peter, not tonight. David promised hed be home sooner; we were going to pick out a kitchen. We havent really settled since the renovations. And, actually, he hasn’t travelled for work in ages.

He is home on time, then? Peter asked, barely hiding the sarcasm in his voice.

Not always, Emily replied with a smile, shaking her head. We need the money right now, so Davids working late. Once we furnish the flat properly, hell be home on time more often.

Understood, Peter smiled, bid her a nice evening, and turned off down a side street.

Emily was in luckthe bus came far quicker than usual, and, having left work early, she made good time. She took a seat by the window and drifted into thought.

Once, she and Peter had planned to get married, but theyd split over something sillyshe couldnt quite remember the reason anymore. Things moved quickly after; David appeared, and she married him partly to prove to Peter she wasnt alone, hoping he might regret letting her go.

He tried making amendsapologies, promises of happiness, loyaltybut by then Emily was swept up with David. She told herself shed never truly loved Petermaybe she hadnt, maybe she simply wanted to.

Shed stopped thinking about Peter altogether until his transfer from head office landed him at her branch.

He acted surprised by the coincidence, but Emily suspected hed chosen the move on purpose, knowing she worked there. Still, it was pleasant to know Peter remained single and always treated her warmly.

She wished him happiness, though somewhere deep down, she envied whoever would be his future wifehe had admirable charm and a romantic streak.

Her own life wasnt bad, just that David worked constantly. Yes, he was doing it for the familys comfort and wellbeing, but lately, Emily felt neglected.

They lived in Sophies flat; Sophie had generously offered them the place while her children were young.

Sophie and her husband never worried about moneyshe hadnt worked a day in her life. Rather than letting out property, they simply invested for the childrens future.

David and Emily renovated to their tasteSophie had given permission. Now they were buying furniture. Still, Emily sometimes wondered if it wouldnt have been better to rent a proper, ready-made flat. Theyd spent enough money to cover several years rent, or even a mortgage deposit. But Davids eyes had lit up when Sophie offered them the flat.

Emily got off the bus, hurried across the road and walked towards home. The air carried that promise of approaching rain, though she wasnt in the mood for fresh air and drizzle.

Her mind spun with thoughts, none resting long before melting into the next. How long had they lived here? A year? More?

Emily couldnt pin it down, but it still felt temporarythe flat, the furniture, always waiting for something better, as though real life was yet to start, but when exactly?

Nearing the building, she realised her pace had slowed, almost reluctant to reach her door. The lobby door clicked open, she entered the dim corridor, climbing up to the fourth floor.

The stairwells blurred past, tension creeping in with every step.

Inside the flat, Emily hesitated. By the doorway, lined up with hers and Davids, were Sophies heels.

She knew them instantlySophies expensive, high heels. Why was she here? David hadnt mentioned his sister visiting.

Emily nearly called out her arrival, but something stopped her. Intuition said not to rush in. She hung back, listening.

Wed planned a break, my husband and I, Sophies voice carried from the lounge, but his holiday dates didnt work out. So, I thought Id give you these tickets instead. On one condition… Her voice sharpened, You go with Claire, not your wife.

Emily froze. Claire? She remembered David once mentioning Sophie had tried to set him up with her friend Claire. Emily hadnt thought much of it then; now that name sent a chill through her.

Im not interested in Claire, Davids voice was edgy. Sophie, Ive told youIm with Emily now. I have Emily. Why are you starting this again?

Emily breathed a sigh of relief. Clearly, Sophie was just pushing her own agenda, as usual. She was about to enter the lounge and announce she was home when Sophie pressed on.

Who are you fooling? Sophie retorted. You were besotted with Clairealmost got married! Then sulked over something trivial. Dont be stubbornI can see Emilys not right for you. Claires different.

Emily stood motionless. Love? Marriage? David had told her Claire didnt mean anything. Emily stared at the floor, fighting to keep calm, but Sophies words gnawed at her.

So what? David replied, his voice now both exasperated and uncertain. Thats in the past. Yes, it happened, but its done. I love my wife.

Love? Sophie scoffed. Come off it, David. You married Emily so Claire would get jealous after she left you for someone else. Then when Claire tried to get back with youbegged your forgivenessyou married Emily to spite her.

The words unsettled Emily. Spite? Had David married her just to make a point? A heaviness pressed down on her. She recalled rushing into marriage after her breakup with Peter.

Even if Davids reasons matched hers, didnt they love each other now? Surely. Emily, holding her breath, waited to hear what hed say next.

Its all done, she heard David say, Im married now, and I have obligations to my wife.

Oh, what obligations? Sophie scoffed. No children yet, thank goodness. I hope you remember where you livealways shuffling from place to place with Emily. Meanwhile, Claires just been given a beautiful three-bedroom flat by her parents, brand new… and she still loves you, hoping youll come to your senses.

Emily pressed herself to the cold wall, feeling emotions spiral out of control. How could Sophie say this? But even more, how would David respond? Emily barely dared to breathe, waiting for his answer.

Sophie, stop, David spoke slowly, but less confident than before. Its not all about the flat. For now we have somewhere to live, and who knows, well buy our own soon.

But Sophie wasnt done.

You just resist change. Claire was always better for you, you just havent let the past go. Its not too late to fix things. With Claire youd have a home, stability, everything you deserve. You cant tell me youll be truly happy with Emily.

And besides, Sophie continued, I cant let you stay here forever. I have plans for this flat, so youll need to move out soon.

Does Claire know what youre up to? David asked abruptly.

Of course! Sophie replied quickly, In fact, Claire put me up to it. She knows you still care. The tickets were her idea, she asked me to help.

A silence fell. Emily felt like her world was spinning. Why was David silent? Was he actually considering Sophies offer?

What do I tell Emily? he finally asked quietly.

Say youre helping me at the cottage, Sophie suggested breezily, as if it was perfectly ordinary. Were redecorating. Meanwhile, go to the seaside with Claireits simple.

Emily couldnt hear any more. She slipped quietly out and, without a glance back, hurried away.

Her feet took her to a small, quiet café that was nearly empty. Dim light, gentle music, dusk growing beyond the window. Tired and drained, she sat at a window table and ordered vanilla hot chocolate, not really tasting or caring. Fragments of the conversation haunted her, impossible to focus on anything else.

Sophies words ran through Emily’s mindhow could David have hidden the truth so long? How could he stay silent about having nearly married someone else, especially Sophies friend Claire? Emily felt betrayed, but indignation gnawed at her even harder. Was their marriage just a means for David to get back at his ex? She thought hed chosen her with his heart, but perhaps not. Then again, hadnt Emily done something similar herselfrefusing even a café chat with Peter, let alone a trip to the seaside! She loved her husband with her whole heart, after all.

Darkness fell outside and Emily remained, gazing at rain-blurred streetlights. She hadnt touched her hot chocolate; time itself seemed frozen.

He hadnt tried to call her, hadnt asked where she was. Probably planning to go away with Claire, she thought bitterly, and doesnt care at all where I am.

She reached for her phone to check the time, but it was dead.

She sighed and decided she couldn’t hide any longerit was time to go home. Collecting herself, she pulled on her coat and stepped outside, the evening chill seeping into her bones. With every step towards their flat, her mind braced for the end of her relationship with David. Separation felt inevitable, and Emily tried to steel herself for what lay ahead.

At the building, her heart sank further. She climbed the stairs, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. Silence greeted herno TV, no clatter from the kitchen. But in the middle of the room stood bags, with David folding his clothes into them. So thats it, she thought, Hes off.

What are you doing? she asked automatically, already expecting him to say he was helping Sophie at the cottage. Yet, David surprised her:

Emily, were leaving. Ive found us a flat. For now, anyway, and then Ill work out how to get a mortgage. He paused, looking at her as if searching her face. Why were you so late? Ive tried ringing all eveningyour phones off. Taking extra shifts?

Emily could hardly believe her ears. Everything shed meant to say, every line shed rehearsed, suddenly seemed pointless. She nodded, not knowing what else to do.

Were leaving? she whispered, still unclear.

David seemed to sense her confusion, stepped closer, and explained:

Had a bit of a row with Sophie, he sighed. Ive had enoughI dont want to depend on her anymore. We need our own place.

Relief softened Emily, though she knew the conversation wasnt over. David sat on the sofa, motioning for her to join him, and he quickly filled her in on his talk with Sophie.

I should have told you sooner, he lowered his voice. I did have something with Claire. And yes, marrying you started as a way to get back at her. But, Emily, you need to knowit’s ancient history. Youre the only one I truly love now. I dont want to lose you.

Emily listened, and the knot inside her slowly began to loosen. The pain of secrets and half-truths lingered, yet she valued that they could finally talk openly.

Im sorry I didnt tell you sooner, David added, head bowed. When you mentioned almost marrying Peter, I thought my story would sound out of place. Then I just couldnt bring myself to bring it up.

Tears stung Emilys eyesbut these were tears of release.

All right, she breathed. The past is past. You said youd rented a flat?

Yes, David nodded. Temporary, but at least its ours. No more Sophie, no more interference. Well manageI promise. And soon, well get a mortgage and do things properly.

Emily nodded. It felt right. At last, theyd live on their own terms, not someone elses.

So, David smiled, shall we start packing?

Emily nodded again, unable to speak. All she could do was hopeand believethat their life, whatever its messy beginning, might finally find its way forward, leaving the past where it belonged.