I get back home around four, hoping to enjoy some peace and quiet for a couple more hours. I know Kyle will make an appearance at some point, but I certainly don’t expect him to come over before five.

When I hear the roar of his engine, I sigh, my stomach dropping. They must have let him out early. I had hoped he would give me the time I asked for, but this is Kyle I’m talking about.

I hear him walk toward the door. I think he’s going to knock, but he doesn’t. Instead, he sticks his key in the lock and tries to turn it…to no avail. He jiggles the key. The more he does it, the more furious his movements become. I’m rooted to the sofa, hands clasped tightly together, my heart drumming a million miles an hour.

I wait for the inevitable shouting to come, surprised and anxious when it doesn’t.

“What the fuck are you doing here?”

Immediately, my posture straightens. Who is he talking to? Jumping up, I rush to the door and look through the peephole, my anger spiking. Sarah.

“I’ve come to speak with Alice. She’s my best friend.”

I hear Kyle laugh. “Best friend? You didn’t think about that while you were fucking me, did you, sweetheart?”

I see the hurt and anger in her eyes. “Shut up. Don’t forget you’re just as much at fault as I am. We both knew what we were doing and what the consequences would be.”

When he sniggers, I see just how evil he looks. This is definitely a new side to Kyle. A side I wish I had seen when we first met.

“You’ve been friends with her since school. I’m sure she’ll forgive my indiscretion, but you? You were supposed to be her best friend. Someone who is there for her no matter what. She trusted you...relied on you.”

“And that’s not the same for you? You made vows at a church.”

“So did you. Speaking of which, how did Ethan take it?”

“That has nothing to do with you.”

He starts laughing again. “I bet he left your arse. He’s better off anyway.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

He shakes his head, looking at her like she’s shit on his shoe. “You’re nothing special. You don’t hold a candle to Alice.”

“Then why did you seek me out? Why were you the one to practically spend every lunch hour you could get off to sneak over to my house? Why were you the one to ring me and tell me to come over to your house when you had time for a quick fuck?”

“My wife wouldn’t let me fuck her without a condom. You offered yourself to me on a plate. How was I supposed to say no to that? If Alice had been more attentive, there’s no way I would have entertained you.”

Sarah makes a move to slap him. “You fucking bastard.”

Kyle grabs her hand and leans in. “Enjoying this, are you? I know you like a bit of rough foreplay.”

“Stop it!” I shout from behind the door. I don’t want to listen to any more of this.

Kyle turns and places his hands on the doorframe. “Babes, why doesn’t the key work? Let me in and we’ll talk.”

“I want you both to leave. I don’t want to see either of you.”

“Alice,” Sarah begins. “Please, I really need to speak with you.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Kyle barks. “You’re making this worse. Go away and let me talk with my wife.”

“I don’t want to see either of you. I told you to give me a few days, Kyle.”

“If I give you a few days, you’ll want to leave me.”

Closing my eyes, I sigh. I knew he was going to be difficult, but I kind of hoped he’d put my needs first for a change. But I guess that’s just me all over. I always tend to look for the good in people—no matter what.

“I asked you to give me time. I’m not ready to speak with either of you, especially since what I saw yesterday is still fresh in my mind.”

“See what you fucking did?” Kyle snaps. “If it weren’t for you, she’d let me in. You being here is just making things worse.”

Getting angry, I slam my hand against the door. “No, Kyle. Both of you being here is making things worse. Please, would you just leave me alone?”

“Why have you changed the locks?”

I look at the door, grateful that I have it between me and my soon-to-be ex-husband. “I’d hoped you would leave me alone for a few days, like I asked, but something inside told me you wouldn’t.”

Kyle bangs the door. “You’re my wife!”

I jump back. At first, I’m a little scared, but then I remember why I’m in this situation, which makes me angry again. “You should have thought about that when you cheated on me with my best friend.”

“Alice,” Sarah calls. “Please, let me talk with you so I can explain.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” I snap. “You both made a choice and now you must deal with the consequences. Ethan is a good man who didn’t deserve what you did. I didn’t deserve it, either.”

“I know. I know,” she wails. “Please, let me in so we can talk.”

“Will you just fuck off already?” Kyle growls at Sarah.

“Both of you go. I don’t want either of you here. Leave me alone. Please, can you just do something for me for a change?”

I close my eyes again, leaning my hand against the door as my tears flow. I didn’t intend to cry, but the frustration of this situation is just too much.

I don’t hear anything, wondering whether they’ve both left. Then I hear muffled whispers. Leaning my ear against the door, I strain to hear what they’re saying. I pick up Sarah telling Kyle to leave it be for now and that I’m not going to let them in. At least she’s got that right. If I let him in, Kyle will never leave. I have no intention of letting him force me out of my own house. If he refused to leave, that’s exactly what I’d do.

“Okay!” Kyle shouts, making me jump. “Alice?” I can hear him get closer to the door. “I will leave only if you agree to see me tomorrow.”

I sigh. I know he won’t leave until I agree. “Fine. I’ll text you when and where.” There’s no way it’s going to be here.

“Okay,” he concedes, which surprises me. “I’ll wait to hear from you.”

“Thank you.”

“I love you.”

I don’t say anything back.

“I’ll call you,” Sarah shouts.

Again, I don’t answer. Instead, I wait until they’ve both left before falling into a sobbing heap on the floor.