Betrayal Behind Closed Doors
Oliver slid the key into the lock of his flat in Manchester, his heart pounding with excitement. He pictured the joy that would light up his wife Emily’s face when she saw him. It had been nearly a year since he’d been home—what started as a month-long business trip had stretched indefinitely. Now, at last, he’d been given a week’s leave to visit her. He’d planned a surprise, arriving without warning. Quietly slipping off his shoes and leaving his suitcase by the door, he hid a bouquet of roses behind his back and followed the sound of Emily’s voice coming from the kitchen. But as he reached the doorway, he froze, as if struck by lightning.
The surprise had worked—just not the one Oliver intended. At the kitchen table sat two people: Emily and a stranger with a composed, well-groomed appearance, sipping tea as if he belonged there. When Emily spotted her husband, she stiffened, her eyes widening in shock. The guest, however, merely smiled and said coolly:
“Good afternoon. Welcome back.”
“Hello…” Oliver muttered, his gaze darting to Emily. “Em, I’m home.”
“Oliver!” She leapt up and rushed to embrace him. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“Clearly, you’re thrilled,” Oliver snapped sarcastically, thrusting the roses at her. He turned to the stranger, barely containing his anger. “And who’s this?”
“Don’t worry, Oliver,” the man replied smoothly. “I’m Thomas, a colleague of Emily’s. We work in the same department. Just dropped by to check on her—she wasn’t feeling well.”
“Not well?” Oliver’s voice sharpened. “So you’re her personal doctor now?”
“Oliver, calm down,” Emily cut in, her voice trembling. “Thomas was just leaving. Weren’t you, Thomas? Sorry, he’s just tired from the journey—”
“Of course,” Thomas said, smiling. “I’ll just finish this slice of your famous pie, Emily. It’s as delicious as always.”
“As always?” Oliver’s glare fixed on his wife. “So he’s a regular guest for pie now?”
“Oliver,” Thomas continued, unfazed, “your wife has been baking for our office for the past year. After your long absence, we’ve all been looking out for her. By the way, is this visit short, or are you back for good? Your colleague James mentioned—”
“James?” Oliver frowned. “How do you know him?”
“We’re old friends,” Thomas said smoothly. “Works in your department. He talks about you often. Says you’re quite the joker. Are you always this cheerful, Oliver?”
“Enough!” Oliver barked, his patience gone. “Five minutes. Finish that pie and get out.”
“Oliver, stop!” Emily cried, but he silenced her with a look.
“We’ll talk later. Nice surprise you’ve set up for me. Thanks.”
“About surprises, Oliver,” Thomas smirked, “James told me you’re quite the master of them. I’m sure you’ve brought Emily something spectacular. So, is this a short trip or permanent?”
“That’s it!” Oliver clenched his fists. “Outside. Now.”
“With pleasure,” Thomas said, walking to the door.
On the landing, Oliver barely kept his rage in check. “Listen carefully, you smug git. Get out and never come back. Understood?”
Thomas gave him a cold smile.
“Understood. But now you listen. Today, you’ll tell Emily the truth. Or I will. It’s not the gentlemanly thing, but it’ll have to do.”
“What truth?” Oliver paled. “What are you talking about?”
“About your other life,” Thomas said, his voice turning hard. “About the woman you’ve been living with for six months, playing house. About Charlotte, who’s carrying your child. You told her you came back just to divorce Emily, didn’t you?”
Oliver staggered as if struck.
“How do you— Who told you—?”
“James,” Thomas cut in. “Charlotte’s his sister. She tells him everything, and he worries. That’s why I’m here. I knew you’d be back today. You’ve got 24 hours, Oliver. Tell Emily the truth, file for divorce, and never hurt her again. She matters to me. Clear?”
“What if I want to stay with Emily?” Oliver choked out.
“Doubt she’ll want that,” Thomas said coldly. “After the truth.”
With that, he turned and walked calmly down the stairs. Oliver stood motionless, feeling his world collapse. When he stepped back inside, Emily was waiting, her face pale, eyes full of tears.
“You heard?” he whispered.
She nodded.
“Everything?”
“Everything,” she barely breathed.
“And you’ll agree to the divorce?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
“Long overdue,” she said, turning away.
Oliver stared at his wife, lost for words. His life, once so familiar, had crumbled like a house of cards—and he had no idea how to piece it back together.
