**Revenge**
“Listen, Emily, I promised a colleague Id help him move today,” said James, buttoning his coat.
“Today?” Emily folded her arms. “Another excuse?”
“He just bought a two-bed flat. His wifes due any day now.”
“Last Saturday, you were off ‘celebrating’ someones new car. All your mates seem to be doing so well. Meanwhile, were stuck in this tiny place. Why is that, James?”
“Dont start, Em. Next weekend, I swearjust us.” He tried to pull her close, but she stepped back.
“Hard to believe. Theres always *something* with you.”
“Fine. Should I call and cancel?” He scowled.
“No. You made a promisego.”
James brightened instantly. “Youre a gem, Em. So, Ill head off then?” He leaned in, but she pressed a hand to his chest.
“Just remember *your* promise for next weekend.”
***
Theyd met at universityall three of them. Typical story: Emily fancied James; David fancied Emily. Lectures, cinema trips, walking her home. One night, David confessed his feelings.
“Sorry, but its James for me,” Emily said gently.
“Cant force the heart,” David sighed.
After that, he kept his distanceno more shared seats, no more coffees. If he did join them, hed leave early.
James had a small flat inherited from his grandfather. The group often gathered there. Emily visited but never stayed over, no matter how James coaxed her. Until New Years Eve. Soon after, she moved in.
David rarely visited. Couldnt bear seeing them happy.
“Whens the wedding?” he asked at their graduation party.
“Were fine as we are, right, Em?” James answered for them.
Emily looked down, silent.
“Youre wrong. Every girl dreams of a white wedding. Emily, ditch himmarry me,” David blurted.
James shot him a glare. “Actually, Ive been meaning to propose.” He pulled out a ring. “Will you?”
Emily flushed with joy. “Of course.” She didnt see David leave.
Two months later, he stood as their best man.
“Em, if he ever hurts you, tell me,” David said at the reception.
“When are *you* getting married?” Emily teased.
“Hes waiting for our divorce,” James laughed. “Keep dreaming.”
“Enough,” Emily cut in. “Dance with me.”
Three months in, David arrived for Emilys birthday with a dozen red roses. After the guests left, James fumed. “Everyone noticed how you gushed over those flowers.”
“Dont be jealous. I love *you*.”
“Sure.”
Three years passed. They were happy, but Jamess jealousy festerednot just over David, but any man who glanced at Emily. He wanted her home, starting a family. She wanted a career first.
Lately, James acted strangelyvanishing every weekend, restless at home.
“David, is James seeing someone?” Emily asked one evening.
“Em, he loves you,” David said, avoiding her eyes.
“Youre a terrible liar.”
***
James was gone again. Emily cleaned furiously. A knock interrupted her. Not Jameshe had a key. She opened the door to David.
“You? Wheres James?”
“Hes not here?” David stepped inside. “Tea?”
They sipped in silence.
“Em… I still fancy you,” David admitted suddenly.
“David, I thought youd moved on.”
“Just wanted you to know.”
“Theres more. James thinks youre cheating.”
Emily scoffed. “With who? I love him!”
“He asked me to… test you. Flirt, see if youd bite.”
“A *test*?” Her voice turned icy.
“I refused, but hed have found someone else. I came to warn you.”
“You *knew* hed be out?”
“Em, Id never”
“Leave.”
Alone, Emily seethed. If James wanted games, shed play. At work, she befriended Lilybold, flirtatious, no scruples. Over coffee, she outlined her plan.
“You sure?” Lily smirked.
“I just need proof. Saturday, James will be home. Ill pretend to babysit. You drop bylet nature take its course.”
Lily agreed.
Saturday came. Emily left, turned off her phone, and paced the shops. Guilt gnawed at her. Revenge was petty. She rushed back.
The sight of James and Lily on the sofa confirmed everything.
“Emily?!” James sprang up, dishevelled.
“Expecting someone else?”
Lily smoothed her dress and strolled out.
“Em, its not”
“Save it. Were done.”
She moved in with her parents. “Well buy you a flat,” her dad grumbled.
Autumn faded into winter. New Years Eve, Emily planned to drink alone. A knock interrupted her. David stood there, holding a miniature Christmas tree.
“Knew youd be alone.”
They toasted at midnight. “Guess my wish,” she said.
“Same as mine,” he grinned.
A year later, they married. Nine months after that, twin girls arrived. Happiness, served full measure.
Sometimes revenge isnt about spiteits about truth. And the truth set her free.
