David, on the other hand, grew increasingly vocal and boastful as the evening progressed. He boasted about his recent promotion, his car, and even subtly commented on how “it’s hard to keep your wife from overspending.” His colleagues laughed politely, but Emma noticed the awkward glances their wives exchanged.
By the time dessert arrived, Emma had made up her mind. This evening, she wouldn’t confront David with words or tears. Instead, she would let her actions speak for themselves. And when she did, she would surprise him in a way he never expected.
Emma carried the apple pie to the table, carefully setting it down as the guests applauded at the aroma. She cut it with precision, plated it, and served each person with a smile. David, already on his third glass of whiskey, leaned back in his chair and smiled arrogantly.
“My wife may not look like much, but at least she can cook,” he said loudly, eliciting a few forced laughs.
Emma’s cheeks burned, but she remained calm. Instead of reacting, she simply sat down and calmly cut herself a slice. The conversation continued around her, but she was no longer listening. She focused on what she had to do.
After dinner, while the guests chatted in the living room, Emma excused herself and went upstairs. She opened the wardrobe, took out a large leather bag, and quietly began filling it. Several sets of clothes, her grandmother’s jewelry, important documents she kept in a briefcase—passport, birth certificate, bank records. She had prepared all this months ago, just in case. That night, she realized that “just in case” had become the present.
She moved quickly but quietly. Each item she packed wasn’t just cloth or paper—it was a part of her freedom. Zipping up her bag, she looked at herself in the mirror. For the first time in years, she didn’t see the woman David had humiliated. She saw a woman who had reached her limit.
Laughter drifted up from downstairs. David was in his element, entertaining his friends, enjoying the attention. She didn’t notice Emma return briefly, leaving her empty bowl in the sink and sliding her bag under the back door.
She entered the living room for the last time.
“Does anyone want coffee?” she asked politely.
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