The doorbell buzzed. At the door were the husband’s folks. …

«Come on, babe, it happens to everyone!» Jake looked guiltily at Emily. «It was just one time, I swear, it’ll never happen again.» Emily stared blankly to the side, unable to forgive such a betrayal.

She and Jake had been dating for a year. Everyone called them the most beautiful and in-love couple. From day one, they were inseparable.

Just a week into their relationship, Jake moved into Emily’s place. She lived in an apartment she inherited from her aunt. The aunt, married to a professor, had acquired a stunning three-bedroom condo in downtown Chicago.

Sadly, they never had kids. So, she left the apartment to her only niece, Emily, her brother’s daughter. The luxurious gift couldn’t have come at a better time.

Emily had just graduated high school and managed to get into a public university in Chicago on a full scholarship. Housing was an issue, but then this apartment fell into her lap. Jake attended the same university, but on a paid program.

Both were from small towns, but Emily’s parents were blue-collar workers, while Jake’s family ran a small business. At first, Jake’s parents weren’t thrilled about Emily, but she eventually won them over—or so she thought.

After a year together, the couple decided to get married. They initially planned a simple courthouse wedding and a small family gathering. They didn’t have the budget for a lavish celebration.

But when they discussed the plans with both sets of parents, Jake’s insisted on a proper wedding: a fancy venue, a top-tier host, a limousine, and a huge guest list. “We’ve got a big family,” Jake’s mom said.

“They’ll give enough gifts to cover all the costs and then some.” Emily’s parents stayed quiet. Their only other relative, the aunt who left Emily the apartment, had passed away years ago…Still, they didn’t want to look cheap. Emily was their only child. So, they decided to take out a loan.

Both families and the couple dove into wedding planning. To save her parents’ money, Emily decided to do her own hair and makeup. She also had a friend design and sew her dress at a reasonable price based on her sketch.

Juggling dress fittings, shopping, and college, Emily didn’t immediately notice Jake pulling away. It’s fine, she told herself. He’s probably stressed about the wedding too.

He must have a ton on his plate. A few days before the wedding, Emily finished her last two classes early. Excited, she decided to head to her friend’s to pick up the dress and get home early to make Jake a romantic dinner.

To her surprise, someone was already home. Walking into the apartment, she saw clothes scattered everywhere. Moans echoed from the bedroom.

Praying it wasn’t what she feared, Emily opened the bedroom door. Her prayers went unanswered. Her fiancé was in their bed with one of his classmates.

They didn’t notice Emily at first, and when they did, they didn’t even stop. Emily walked out to the living room. Moments later, Jake rushed in, zipping up his pants.

“Emily, it’s not what you think.”
“How do you know what I think? Get out.”
“Emily, let’s talk.”
“Get out.”
“Fine, I’ll go, but you’ll regret this.”
“Trust me, I already regret ever meeting you.”

Jake left. After crying all night, Emily barely found the strength to go to class the next morning. Jake was waiting for her outside the lecture hall.

“Em, come on, let’s talk. You’ve been so caught up with this wedding, you haven’t had time for me. I just slipped up.”

“I swear it won’t happen again.” He seemed sincere. “Em, I only love you. I don’t need anyone else.”..Emily didn’t believe a word. She remembered how Jake reacted when she walked in yesterday. He didn’t even pause.

“What, you’re gonna play the proud card?” Jake’s voice turned cold. “You thought about our parents? They’re drowning in debt to give you a decent wedding. You wanna call it off? It’s just a couple days away.”

“Everything’s paid for. You do you, but I’m going to that reception with my friends.”
“You’re such a jerk,” Emily snapped.

Emily barely got through her own wedding, hiding her true feelings. Jake, meanwhile, partied hard with his family and friends. She couldn’t wait to get home.

She made up the couch to sleep on, but just as she was about to lie down, the doorbell rang. Jake’s parents stood at the door.
“We’re here for the money,” Jake’s mom announced.
“What money?”
“The money we gave you for the wedding. You got all those gifts, so pay us back.”

Ignoring Emily, the woman walked into the living room, where Jake appeared with a stack of cash already prepared.
“I gathered everything we got. Should be enough.” He handed it to his mom.

“How could you?” Emily said, nearly in tears. “My parents chipped in for the wedding too.”
“So what?” Jake’s mom sneered. “Our relatives gave most of the gifts. What could your broke family contribute? A toaster?”

The three of them laughed. After a brief chat with their son, Jake’s parents headed for the door.

“Oh, by the way, sweetie,” his mom turned back. “Go to the county office tomorrow and register Jake. He’s your husband now and has a right to live here.”

After they left, Jake approached Emily.
“Come on, babe, don’t be like that. Time to do your wifely duties.”

Emily noticed he was drunk—when did he even have time to drink? She grabbed the toaster and hissed, “Come near me, and I’ll smash your head in.”

Sensing he couldn’t handle her in his state, Jake backed off.

Locking the door and propping a chair against it, Emily tried to get some sleep.

“Miss, I’m sorry to intrude. Are you okay?”..A young, polished-looking man stopped beside Emily. His eyes were concerned. She realized she’d been sitting in this café for a while. The tissue in her hand was soaked from trying to stop her tears.

“I’m Ethan. I came here for lunch, and I’ve been watching you cry the whole time.”

Emily brought the useless tissue to her eyes. Ethan quickly offered his own.
“May I?” He gestured to the chair across from her.

Emily nodded.

“I work in that building over there.” He pointed to a gray office across from the café. “I come here for lunch a lot, but I’ve never seen you before. Did something happen?”

Emily nodded again and suddenly poured out everything weighing on her heart. It felt like a weight lifted.

Before responding, Ethan raised his hand to call the waiter. He ordered coffee and pastries. Smiling, he looked at Emily.

“Sorry for unloading all my problems on you.”
“It’s easier to open up to a stranger,” Ethan said, placing his hand over hers. “You did the right thing.”

Half an hour later, they left the café together. Ethan put her in a cab.
“Here’s my card. Emily, if you need anything, call me anytime. I’d be happy to help.”

Back home, Emily found Jake’s mom waiting.
“Sweetie, what’s the deal? I told you to register Jake. It’s been a week, and you haven’t done a thing.”

Emboldened by her talk with Ethan, Emily stood her ground.
“Why should I register him? So he can bring other girls here? Or so you can steal more of our money?”
“What money? What’s there to steal from you, you broke nobody? Besides that apartment you didn’t even earn.”
“That apartment is legally mine, and I’m not registering your cheating son. Why would I? You took our money, and now you’re eyeing my home. If you’re so broke, rent or buy your precious boy his own place.”

“You little—” Jake’s mom raised her hand.
“Touch me, and I’m calling the cops.” Emily held up her phone. “They’ll throw you out in a heartbeat.”..“And you, husband!” She turned to Jake. “Pack your stuff and get out.”
“I’m your husband. I have a right to stay here,” Jake smirked.
“I’ll divorce you.”
“Go ahead and try. I won’t make it easy. While we’re in court, I’ll make sure you register me.”
“She’ll register you tomorrow,” his mom screamed. “Or you’ll regret it.”

Jake’s parents left, and he followed, probably off to some club. It was the weekend, after all. Emily lay on her couch for a long time. Then, remembering Ethan, she pulled out his card.

Ethan Carter. Law Firm. Emily smiled.

On Monday, after classes, she faced a nasty surprise. She couldn’t get into her apartment. Jake had changed the locks.

She rang the bell and pounded on the door. Finally, a drunken voice answered, “What do you want?”
“Open the door now!”
“Go away! Register me, and then I’ll open it!” After a pause, he added, “Don’t bother calling the cops. They don’t get involved in domestic disputes.”

Emily froze on the landing. How had she not seen what a creep he was? And now what? The police wouldn’t help. She went downstairs and sat on a bench by the entrance. Then it hit her.

Digging through her bag, she found Ethan’s card and called him.
“Ethan, sorry it’s late!”

After explaining, she waited. Ethan arrived in minutes.
“We’re practically neighbors,” he grinned.

Emily tried to apologize again, but he waved it off.
“Don’t. I said anytime. Plus, I’m a night owl.”

They went back to her floor and rang the bell again.
“Get lost!” came from behind the door.

“Well, if your husband won’t open the door nicely, we’ll do it the hard way.”..Ethan made a call and spoke briefly. From the conversation, Emily realized he was talking to a locksmith.
“Perks of the job,” he smiled. “I helped this guy avoid jail once. He owes me.”

An hour later, a respectable-looking older man arrived. While they waited, Emily and Ethan talked quietly to avoid disturbing neighbors. In three minutes, the door was open.

Emily and her companions walked in. Jake, caught up in his partying, didn’t notice them at first.
“What the—” he exclaimed.

“Mr. Thompson, you have no right to be in this apartment. It belongs to Emily, and you’re not registered here,” Ethan said firmly.
“I’m in my wife’s apartment,” Jake protested.

His friends, sensing trouble, started slipping out.
“Your wife filed for divorce today and wants you out during the process.”
“You can’t do this!” Jake, now sober, shouted.
“Should I call the police to explain who has what rights?” Ethan offered.

Minutes later, Jake was gone.
“Leo, got a lock for Emily? Something solid,” Ethan asked the locksmith.
“You’re insulting me, Ethan.”

Leo left to get one.
“Coffee?” Emily offered.
“Gladly.”…She quickly brewed a pot.
“Ethan, I don’t know how to thank you. I know your services aren’t cheap, but I’ll pay you back.”
“No rush. I like helping good people, sometimes for free. My dad gives me grief for it.”
“Is he the other Carter in your firm’s name?”
“I’m the first,” Ethan laughed, then added, “Since I said you filed for divorce today, should we make it official? Or do you not want to?”
“Of course I do.”

Lost in talk and paperwork, they didn’t notice midnight pass. Leo installed a top-notch lock.
“Even I’d struggle to crack this one,” he said proudly..

Emily and Ethan switched to first names. A month later, Emily walked out of the courthouse, divorce papers in hand.

After a brief talk with Ethan, Jake signed everything without a word and left town. He was expelled from the university. Six months later, Emily graduated and got a job.

Her friendship with Ethan turned romantic, but she’s in no rush to remarry. They spend evenings together, Ethan working on cases, Emily freelancing on academic papers to pay off her parents’ wedding loan as fast as possible.