He runs into his exwife, and jealousy flushes his cheeks a sickly green. Philippe meets his former spouse, and envy literally paints his cheekbones a shade of emerald. He slams the refrigerator door so hard the contents rattle, and one of the magnets clatters off with a dull thunk, falling to the floor.
Clémence stands opposite him, pale, fists clenched.
So, feeling better now? she says, lifting her chin.
Youre getting on my nerves, Philippe replies, his voice trembling despite his effort to stay composed. Whats the point of this life? No joy, no future.
So its still all my fault? Clémence offers a bitter smile. Of course, nothing ever turns out like you imagined.
Philippe wants to fire back, but only lifts his hand. He cracks open a bottle of sparkling water, takes a gulp straight from the neck, then slams it back onto the table.
Philippe, dont stay silent, Clémence whispers, her own voice shaking. Tell me, for once, whats really bothering you.
What can I say? he growls. Im tired of all this. To hell with it!
They stare at each other in silence for a few seconds. At last, Clémence draws a deep breath and walks toward the bathroom. Philippe collapses heavily onto the sofa. The sound of running water seeps through the doorshe must have turned the tap on to drown out her sobs. It no longer matters to him.
**A life turned routine**
Three years earlier they had married. First they lived in the flat Clémence inherited from her parents, then moved to a countryside house, putting the apartment in their daughters name. Their home was spacious but unfurnished, with furniture dating back years.
At first Philippe was content: the city center location made commuting easy. Over time, however, everything began to irk him. Clémence loved their family haven with its brown wallpaper and the old inherited sideboard. Philippe saw only a lack of change.
Clémence, be honest with me, he kept repeating. Dont you want to replace that awful floor with yellow linoleum? Refresh the interior, modernize it?
Philippe, we dont have the money for renovations right now, she answered calmly. I too dream of change, but we have to wait for the bonuses.
Wait?! Thats your philosophy endure and wait!
Philippe often recalled how he fell for Clémence. She had been a shy student then, her sincere blue eyes and sweet smile had captivated him. Hed told friends, Shes a bud that will bloom. Now it seemed the flower never blossomed, already withering.
**Gift baskets**
Clémence never considered herself invisible. She simply lived as she thought best, savoring small pleasuresa mint tea, a new tablecloth, a quiet evening with a book. Philippe perceived all of that as stagnation and routine.
They didnt rush to divorcePhilippe didnt want to move back with his parents, and living apart wasnt feasible at the moment. Clémances mother, Madeleine, always sided with her daughter:
My son, Clémence is a good girl. Be glad you have an apartment.
Mom, you dont understand! Philippe snapped.
Her father merely nodded:
Let him figure it out.
At home, Philippe grew colder: Shes like a shadow, a gray ghost, he thought. During an argument he shouted:
I once saw a magnificent flower in you! And now? Im living with a frozen bud
It was the first time in months that Clémence cried. On that same day when everything collapsed, Philippe whispered softly:
Clémence, Im exhausted.
Exhausted from what? she asked.
From this life, this endless routine.
Clémence grabbed her bag and left. Philippe hoped shed come back and ask him to stay, but she stepped out calmly:
Maybe its better if you truly live alone. Move out.
Philippe exploded:
I wont leave!
Its my parents apartment, Clémence said coldly. And Im done living with someone who sees me as a burden.
With no other option, Philippe left. A few weeks later their divorce was finalized.
**The encounter that changed everything**
Three years passed. Philippe still lived with his parents, trying to start anew, but luck rarely smiled on him. His job paid little, and only minor satisfactions brightened his days.
One spring evening, while strolling down the street, he passed a café and froze at the window. There, through the glass, stood Clémence.
She was no longer the woman he knew. In front of him was a confident figure, hair neatly styled, an elegant coat, a set of car keys in hand.
Clémence? Philippe said, surprised.
She turned, recognized him, and smiled.
Philippe? Hello! How are you?
Uh fine, he stammered, unable to look away.
And you? she asked calmly.
Looks like youre doing even better work as usual?
No, I opened my own flower studio. It was scary, but I found someone to help me.
Whos that?
A tall man stepped out of the café, dressed in an expensive coat, and wrapped an arm gently around Clémence.
My dear, a table just opened, shall we?
Philippe, meet Antoine, Clémence introduced him. Were glad to see you again.
Happy for you, Philippe muttered, feeling a bitter pang of jealousy deep inside.
Thank you, Clémence replied evenly.
Antoine nodded, and the three of them entered the café together, leaving Philippe standing on the cold sidewalk.
He had once said, I live with a frozen bud. The bud eventually blossomedjust not beside him.
He Bumps into His Ex-Wife, and Jealousy Shades His Cheeks with Envy.
