Listen, its a bit awkward to admit, Daniel said, forcing a guilty smile and tapping his fingers on the table. I left my wallet at home, all the cards are in there. Could you cover the bill? I feel terrible about it.
Emily inhaled, holding back a surprised sigh, and reached for her handbag. Six hundred pounds for a dinner for two wasnt cheap, but it wasnt a disaster either. Shed been earning enough for years to be comfortable with sums like that.
Of course, no problem, she replied.
The waiter brought a payment terminal, and Emily slid her card in. The screen flashed green, confirming the charge. Daniel nodded gratefully and helped her to her feet, supporting her elbow.
A cold wind drifted through the streets, cutting to the bone. Emily pulled her scarf tighter. Daniel walked beside her in silence, his mind clearly elsewhere. He stopped beneath a streetlamp and turned to her.
Theres something I need to tell you, he began, his voice taking on an odd tone. The wallet is actually with me. So are the cards.
Emily froze, a shiver climbing up her legs like a poisonous snake.
So?
It was a test, Daniel said, pulling a sleek black leather wallet from his jacket pocket and twirling it between his fingers. I wanted to be sure you werent with me for the money. Do you see? Now I know youre not materialistic and youre selfsufficient.
Emily exhaled slowly. Inside her chest tightened into a hard knot. A laugh caught somewhere between her throat and chest, but she forced a smile, letting her face relax.
Im glad I passed your test, she said as gently as she could.
Daniel let out a relieved chuckle and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Emily leaned into him, hiding her face so he wouldnt notice the tension in her jaw. Inside everything was turning upside down. It felt humiliating, petty. She was a grown woman, yet he was treating her like a schoolgirl.
The next weeks slipped by in their usual rhythm. Then Daniel got down on one knee and proposed. It was romantic and flawless, and Emily said yes.
Wedding preparations began almost immediately. Emily bought a creamcoloured lacesleeved dress from a boutique. They booked a restaurant for forty guests and mailed out the invitations.
Daniels mother, Margaret, visited every weekend, fawning over her son as if she were hawking a market stall.
Daniel is such a responsible young man, she chirped, pouring tea into delicate, almost translucent cups. He always helps out, never forgets his mother. Emily, you should be thrilled he chose you.
Emily nodded and smiled, though Margarets words slid past her without sinking in. She learned to tune out the motherinlaws monologues.
Two weeks before the wedding, Daniel suggested Emily move in with him a brandnew flat on the fifteenth floor of a riverside development, with panoramic windows. Emily agreed, though a part of her resisted. She started packing, boxes filling her tiny onebedroom flat.
On moving day, Emily carried the first box of decorative pillows and photo frames. Daniel met her at the lift, helping to haul the load.
The flat smelled of fresh paint and new furniture. Emily set the box down in the hallway, straightening her back as a ache crept into her lower spine.
Daniel took her hand and led her toward the balcony.
Come on, I want to show you the view, he said.
They stepped onto the narrow balcony. The wind tossed Emilys hair, and she squinted against the bright sun. Below, the river glittered, reflecting the sky, while the city stretched to the horizon.
Give me your phone, Daniel suddenly asked. I want to snap a picture of you with this backdrop.
Emily dug into her jeans pocket and handed over her black smartphone. Daniel glanced at the screen, then, without warning, spun around and tossed the phone over the railing.
Emily froze. Time seemed to stop. She stared down at the tiny dot disappearing among the bushes at the base of the building. A cold calm washed over her.
What now, love? Daniel said, crossing his arms and flashing a grin.
Emily shifted her gaze from the ground back to him, her heart steady, her mind clear.
You need to go down and bring me a SIM card, she said evenly, almost dispassionately.
Daniel burst out laughing, fishing the phone back out of his pocket and waving it in front of Emilys nose like a magician producing a rabbit from a hat.
Surprise! he declared, delighted with himself. I see you dont mind. Here you go. I just wanted to see how youd react when my old phone took flight.
Emily took her phone, noticed a scratch on the screen protector, and ran a finger over the glass. Irritation rose inside her, dark and heavy, filling the space around her. She lifted her eyes to Daniel.
Im not a piece of household equipment for you to test, she whispered.
Daniels laughter died. His face stretched, eyebrows climbing.
Come on, it was just a joke. Dont be mad. I love you, he pleaded.
Emily slipped a gold ring with a modest diamond from her finger and placed it in his hand.
What are you doing? Daniel recoiled, as if shed handed him a venomous snake.
Im returning it, Emily said, laying the ring on his palm. These little games chip away at my selfrespect. I wont marry someone who treats me like an infant.
Emily, are you serious? Over a prank? Daniels voice trembled with complaint.
She turned and walked back into the flat. The boxes remained untouched in the hallway. She felt a small relief that she hadnt yet unpacked anything. Grabbing her car keys, her bag, and the solitary box, she headed for the door.
Emily! Wait! Daniel chased after her down the corridor. Lets talk!
Theres nothing to discuss, she called over her shoulder. But I can explain it in your own language. You, Daniel, failed the test.
Emily loaded the box into the car, slipped into the drivers seat, and started the engine. Daniel stood at the entrance, watching her disappear down the street, bewildered. She drove home.
The house smelled of coffee, old books, and lavender spray. She kicked off her shoes, padded to the kitchen, and set the kettle on. Her phone buzzed. It was Daniel. She declined the call. A minute later a text arrived: Im sorry, I hurt you. Lets meet and talk.
She deleted the message without replying. More followed, then another, and another. She blocked the number and silenced the notifications.
In the days that followed Daniel called from unknown numbers, messaged via social media, begged mutual friends to tell her he was remorseful.
Emily ignored everything. She no longer cared about the wedding expenses, the booked restaurant, or the invitations already sent. All that mattered was that she would no longer abase herself for anyones sense of superiority.
The cream dress hung in the wardrobe, wrapped in a protective cover. Emily pulled it out, smoothed the lace sleeves. Her niece, Katie, had recently asked for help picking a prom outfit. This dress would look perfect on her, far better than on a bride who would never walk down an aisle.
Emily settled onto the sofa, hugging her knees and watching the sky darken with the last glimmers of sunset. The city hummed below, alive and indifferent to personal dramas. Somewhere, Daniel probably sat in his highrise, puzzling over why she had cut everything short. He didnt understand that tests demean a relationship, that love and trust arent measured by experiments.
Her phone buzzed again from an unfamiliar number. She didnt answer. She turned on some music, tucked herself under a blanket, and closed her eyes. Inside, there was a quiet calm, as if a heavy backpack had finally been set down after a long trek.
Two days later Katie burst into the flat, shrieking with excitement at the sight of the dress.
Is this really for me? she pressed the lace to her chest, twirling before the mirror.
Its yours, Emily replied, watching the joy spark in her nieces eyes.
Will you need it any more?
No, I have other plans.
Katie wrapped her arms around Emily, the scent of floral shampoo and youthful energy filling the air. Emily returned the hug, running her hand along Katies back. It felt good that the dress wouldnt go to waste, that she had stopped in time, that there was no lingering regretonly a gentle sadness for the wasted time and shattered hopes.
Now she was free, and that mattered more than any test or expectation. In the end, she learned that true respect comes from standing firm in ones own worth, not from proving oneself to others.
