She cant have changed like that! When James spots his exwife, he loses his voice.
No, it cant be her. I cant believe Poppy could look so different. He freezes in front of the window of an upscale Mayfair restaurant, watching his former spouse from a hidden angle.
The elegant blonde sits by the window, absorbed in typing on a laptop. A waiter places a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a slice of cake topped with raspberries and strawberries on the table.
How does she look so flawless? And where did she get that pricey bracelet? It must have cost a fortune. James bites his lip, steps back, hoping she doesnt notice him.
—
James met Poppy six years ago, just after graduating from university and landing a junior role at a wellknown construction firm. His career climbs quickly.
At a trade fair for building equipment, he bumps into a friendly girl working at one of the booths.
What are you doing hanging around these diggers? Lets grab a coffee instead, a cheerful man suggests.
They start chatting, and the quiet, kindhearted Poppy immediately catches Jamess eye.
Thats exactly the sort of woman I need. She never argues, always agrees. Shell be the perfect, obedient wife, he thinks.
Sure, shes a bit plump but a gym could fix that. And if she ever gets pregnant, Ill just take a lover, the man says, handing a coffee cup to the girl.
What are you doing here at the fair? James jokes as he steps outside with Poppy.
Actually I write short stories and dream of becoming a screenwriter, Poppy replies, her blue eyes shining shyly.
I just finished my literature degree, still learning the ropes. I still have to pay the rent, she adds.
Perfect. She has no money, no property. I can mold that grey mouse into anything a cook, a housekeeper, a mother, a woman who obeys me without question, James muses, already bragging about his plans.
—
James buys a coffee from a kiosk across the street, sits on a bench and continues to watch Poppy. When she steps outside again, he cant believe his eyes. Her graceful stride, a fur coat, a sleek sports car James never imagined that in three years Poppy could transform so dramatically. He drinks his hot coffee in one gulp, clutching the cup as if it might protect him.
Meanwhile, Poppy drives off in an unknown direction. That night James lies awake, unable to sleep. After their breakup, Poppy blocks him on every social platform. In a fit of desperation, he creates a new account just to stalk her photos.
Jealousy, envy, rage he drinks half a bottle of whisky and feels the full spectrum of negative emotions.
You couldnt possibly have changed like this You were nobody, I took you in with nothing to offer. How do you now pose in luxury hotels, flaunting designer bags and jewellery? James rages, scrolling through pictures of his exwife looking flawless in fivestar resorts.
Youve shaved at least ten kilos Where do those perfect curves come from? Plastic surgery? Or do you never leave the gym? he snarls, crushing his phone.
—
The next morning James recalls a conversation with Poppy.
That story was rubbish. Who even reads that? he mutters after reading her latest piece.
Taste is subjective, Poppy replies timidly. I already have admirers of my work.
Admirers? James smirks. Only people with no brain appreciate that kind of writing.
James, why are you like this? Poppys voice trembles. Weve been together a year, yet you cant accept that I have my own interests. Im not criticizing your job that consumes you.
Exactly, James shouts. If you helped me with my business, I wouldnt spend so much time in the office.
Thats an idea, James snaps, standing up. From now on you stop writing and start assisting me.
What do you mean, stop writing? Poppy freezes by the window, stunned.
Thats it, Poppy. Play the game and quit. If you want to keep our family and improve our life, you quit your pointless scribbling and start being useful, James says, his eyes blazing.
My stories are my soul I cant just bury them, Poppy cries, tears spilling.
I dont care. Nobody else needs them. Right now youre useless, so start bringing me value. Every day Ill give you a list of tasks, and youll do them, he declares.
I dont understand any of this Youre taking away what matters to me, Poppy sobs, turning away.
Ungrateful. Ive supported you for a year, bought you gifts, taken you on holidays. Either help me or get out, James spits. If you dont like it, the door is right there, he adds, gesturing toward the exit.
Poppy wipes her eyes with the cuff of her shirt and turns off her laptop. James never sees her write again.
—
A year passes. James builds connections, amasses capital from selling his grandmothers house, and launches his own construction company. From dawn till dusk Poppy handles paperwork, prepares presentations, manages crews, and arranges his meetings.
Another year later James finishes a new housing estate, earning a tidy profit. He likes everything about his life with Poppyexcept her appearance. Under constant stress, Poppy develops a sweet tooth, rapidly gaining weight.
How am I supposed to go out with this pig? Im embarrassed to be seen with her. She was already a bit heavy before we married, and now shes so bloated its disgusting, James complains to a mate at the local pub.
Yeah, its a sad sight, his friend replies, scrolling through a photo on his phone.
Time to bench her, then James says, installing a dating app on his phone after a pint. I thought Id have an affair once Poppy has a baby, but shes become so unattractive its repulsive.
A fit new girlfriend, Olivia, appears quickly. She agrees to be his companion on a first date, and they end up together in the bathroom of a trendy London restaurant. Unlike Poppy, Olivia is demanding.
You love how I look, dont you? she whispers into his ear in a loft overlooking the city nightscape, a place James rents for secret rendezvous.
Of course, James coos, trailing a feathersoft hand across her back.
Ill need about three hundred pounds for hair, nails, a dermatologist, a gym membership Olivia lists her expenses. James barely listens, simply admiring her beauty, convinced he can now afford a higher level of success.
A month later Olivia pushes Poppy out of Jamess thoughts. He spends almost every evening with the sultry brunette, returning home only to find Poppy waiting with a homecooked pasta and pesto sauce.
Ive made the pasta with your favourite pesto, just the way you like it, Poppy greets him after his week away with Olivia. How was the trip?
Fine, James grunts. Im not hungry.
Lets get back to work. How are the numbers? James asks. In his eyes, Poppy is now just another employee, yet he demands more from her than from anyone else, even though she works for free.
After another month James starts to resent seeing Poppy at the office. His projects falter, expenses balloon, and partners begin to pull out. He blames Poppy for every setback and, in a heated divorce, ensures she receives nothing. He throws her out in a single day.
Three years later, James cant believe what he sees.
—
Based on geotags, Poppy now lives in a suburb of Manchester, in a lavish house owned by a wealthy businessman. James muses in his kitchen. I have a meeting with an investor nearby. Her house is on the way Something feels off. A plain mouse cant just blossom into a rose, he says, sipping his tea.
A text from Olivia pops up:
James, we should break up. Ive met someone else. Nothing personal, just an experience. My friend will collect my things.
And you expect me to pay for that trip I booked for you! James erupts, typing an angry reply, hurling every insult he knows.
Ilya, youre emotional. I understand. When youre ready, well talk calmly. Im blocking you for a while; drama doesnt suit my looks, Olivia records a voice note and blocks his number.
—
After being turned down by the investor, James, still fuming, drives to the upscale gated community where Poppy lives. He sits in his car, smokes a pack of cigarettes, and watches a sleek black car pull up to the gate.
James, what are you doing here? Poppy asks, startled as he bangs on the door three times.
Just wanted to see how youve settled, James mutters.
Seeing the suspicion in her eyes, James eases his tone, hoping to get a glimpse of her new life.
I actually came to apologise. Ive realised a lot while youve been gone. It was all handled poorly, he says, grasping for the right words.
Poorly? Poppy smirks, shaking her head. You banned me from writing. I worked for free for two years, cooked, cleaned, looked after the house, believed in you when everyone said youd fail Then you tossed me out in a day.
Fine, James, apologise, Poppy says, wrapping her arms around herself.
Maybe you could let me inside? It feels awkward outside, James asks, kicking a small stone.
Maybe I will Poppy replies, secretly pleased to see her former husband humbled.
Whos paying your bills? No one can afford a stonebuilt mansion without work, James asks, eyeing the spacious living room.
I bought everything myself, Poppy says, heading to the kitchen.
Youre lying James shouts, following her.
What are you surprised about? That Ive achieved my dreams? Poppy places a glass of water on the table.
How? James asks, puzzled, turning the glass over.
I returned to writing, this time screenplays. I sold a couple of pilots to film studios, but they thought my work was nonsense, she says, fixing her hair. Today Im one of the countrys most recognised scriptwriters; my series air on the main channels, she adds modestly.
As far as I remember, you said you were here to apologise, Poppy notes, sitting opposite him.
The old saying goes that the best revenge is to succeed without the person who broke your heart. James feels crushed again, his anger flooding like a waterfall. The breakup with Olivia, the lost investment, Poppys soaring careerall combine into a desperate need to vent his fury.
You were a dull mouse, unattractive, talentless, without connections or a flat All the success you have now is thanks to me. I gave you a shove in the right direction, taught you life, James whispers. Half of your earnings belong to me.
James, that doesnt sound like an apology, Poppy says, smirking. The only thing you gave me was a glimpse of how ruthless people can be.
Youll get nothing from me, and its time you left, Poppy stands, pointing toward the door.
You dont get it, rat. Open the safe or hand over the cash now, or you wont leave alive, James loses all control, grabbing Poppys elbow and dragging her into the lounge.
Let go, it hurts! she screams.
A mouse stays a mouse forever, James growls, shoving her onto the sofa.
Tell me where the safe is, or youll never get out, he threatens, brandishing a fireplace poker.
Single women often keep cats, Poppy says, rubbing her elbow, looking straight into his eyes, smiling. But Im not just any woman; Im different.
I dont care who you are, Poppy If you dont hand over half the money now, Ill kill you, James hisses, brandishing the poker, eyes bloodshot.
Youre wrong to think Im just a cat lady Ive got dogs, Poppy replies, chuckling, glancing behind James. You havent met Baxter and Milo yet.
James turns; two large Dobermans stand a metre away, staring menacingly. Baxter drools on the polished marble floor, Milo growls low, already understanding the situation.
Baxter, Milo, fetch the thief! Poppy shouts.
If youd seen Jamess face at that moment, youd see his confidence crumble, his throat dry, his eyes pleading. The hungry dogs snap forward; James tries to run, but the car park space only lets him move a few steps before hes trapped. A chaotic scene of retaliation erupts, complete with flashing police lights, paramedics, and countless stitches.
CCTV in Poppys house records everything. James receives a suspended sentence and loses any hope of returning to his former life.
Today Poppy is thriving. Rumour has it shes married a talented director, is expecting a child, and is happy. They say every successful woman has a man who broke her heart, and the sweetest revenge is showing you can thrive without him. Whether thats true or not, one thing is clear: if you truly believe in yourself, youll make it.
