**Diary Entry**
I never thought Id end up someones mistress. Marriage just never came my way. By thirty, I was still single, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and find a man. At first, I didnt know Paul was married, but later, he didnt bother hiding itnot once he realised Id grown attached to him.
I never blamed Paul, not once. Instead, I blamed myselffor the affair, for my weakness. I felt worthless, as though Id failed because I hadnt found a husband in time. The years kept slipping away.
Looking at me, you wouldnt think I was hopelessnot a beauty, but pleasant enough, a little plump, which probably made me look older.
Things with Paul were going nowhere. I didnt want to stay his mistress, but I couldnt bring myself to leave him either. The thought of being alone terrified me.
Then, one day, my cousin Steve dropped in unexpectedly. He was in town for work and stopped by for a few hourswe hadnt seen each other in ages. Over lunch in the kitchen, we chatted like old times, catching up on everything. I told him about Paul. I laid it all out, even shed a few tears.
Just then, my neighbour popped in, asking me to come over and see some things shed bought. I was gone about twenty minutes. While I was away, the doorbell rang. Steve answered, thinking it was mewe hadnt locked the door.
Paul stood there, frozen. Steve took one look and knew exactly who he was. Paul just gaped at this bloke in a tracksuit and vest, munching a ham sandwich.
“Emily home?” was all Paul managed.
“Emilys in the bath,” Steve said without missing a beat.
“Sorry, who are you?” Paul stammered.
“Her husband. Common-law, for now. And whos asking?” Steve stepped closer, grabbing Paul by the collar. “You wouldnt be that married bloke she told me about, would you? Listen upif I see you here again, Ill throw you down the stairs. Got it?”
Paul scrambled free and bolted.
When I got back, Steve told me what happened.
“What did you do? Who asked you to interfere?” I cried. “He wont come back now.”
I sat on the sofa, covering my face.
“Good riddance,” Steve said. “Stop moping. Ive got a decent bloke in mind for youa widower back home. Women have been throwing themselves at him since his wife died, but hes turned them all down. Wants to be alone, for now. When Im back from this trip, well go see him. Get you introduced.”
“What? No, Steve, I cant justwho even is he? Showing up like thatits embarrassing.”
“Embarrassing is sleeping with a married man. This is just a chat. My Lucys birthdays coming upwere going.”
A few days later, we were in the village. Lucy had set up a table in the garden by the shed. Neighbours and friends cameincluding Steves mate, the widower, Alex.
After a pleasant evening, I went back to the city. Alex had been quiet, reserved. “Poor man,” I thought. “Still grieving. Not many like him left.”
A week later, the doorbell rang. I wasnt expecting anyone. When I opened it, there stood Alex, holding a bag.
“Hope you dont mind,” he muttered, reddening. “I was in town for shopping. Thought Id drop by.”
I invited him in, already sensing this wasnt a coincidence. Over tea, we talked about the weather and market prices.
Before leaving, he fumbled with his jacket, then turned back suddenly.
“Emily, Ive thought of nothing but you all week. Had to see you.”
I flushed, looking away.
“We barely know each other…”
“Doesnt matter. Just tell meyou dont dislike me? Can we drop the formalities?” He hesitated. “Ive got a little girleight years old. Shes with her gran just now.”
“A daughter? Thats lovely,” I said softly. “Ive always wanted one.”
Encouraged, he took my hands, pulled me close, and kissed me.
When he drew back, my eyes were wet.
“Did I upset you?” he asked.
“No. The opposite. I never expected It feels right. And honestIm not stealing someone elses.”
After that, we met every weekend. Two months later, we married and settled in the village. I got a job at the nursery. A year on, we had a daughter. The girls grew up loved, equally cherished.
As for Alex and me? We only grew happier with time, our love deepening like aged wine.
At gatherings, Steve still nudges me.
“See, Em? Told you Id find you a proper husband. Look at youglowing. Never doubt your big cousin. He always says it with that same grin, and I just roll my eyes, but deep down, I know hes right. Life didnt turn out the way I plannedbut then again, the best things never do.
