After my training session, I sprinted home, promising my husband Id whip up a pot of fish stew. When I pushed open the front door, I found my husband, Leon Hart, perched at the kitchen table with a glass of red wine.
Wow, youre really pulling a fast one on me, arent you, Len? Couldnt wait for me? Let me at least fix us a snack I said.
He waved me off. No need, love. Sit down, weve got to talk.
Id never seen him look so despondent, so lost. What on earth happened?
He rubbed his temples. I dont even know where to begin Ill just say it straight. My secretary, Katie Malone, is pregnant with my child. Im leaving her.
My word it reads like a bad soap opera. How long has this been going on?
About a year. From the moment she arrived she started showering me with attention. I couldnt resistshes young, gorgeous, full of laughter, just like you were when you were my age. I fell for her like a schoolboy. I wanted to be honest with you, but I didnt have the nerve. I felt sorry for you
He paused, shoulders slumping. Now theres nowhere to run. Were about to become parents. You know Ive always wanted a child of my own. Ian is like a son to me, but not by blood. I need an heir to pass my business on, you understand? Being with her makes me feel younger maybe its a midlife crisishave you heard of that?
He swallowed. Im a bastard, I admit. But I wont leave you or Ian highanddry. The flat, the carIll leave everything to you, keep sending money, pay for the kids education as I promised. Ive already bought a new house in Surrey in Katies name; shell be the mother of my child.
I sighed. I get it, Len. Its hard to turn down a beauty like Katie, and youre a true gentleman. You cant abandon a childthats noble. Thanks for the financial help; I wont turn it down. Im planning to travel more, live for myself now.
When are you moving out? Want a hand with the boxes?
Leon stared at me, bewildered by my calm. It was almost a reliefno shouting, no hysterics.
Good riddance, darling. Thanks for the years we shared; Ive had a good time with you. Life has its script maybe Ill fall in love again and be happy with someone new. Thats thatoff you go, or Katie will think Ive got her in a chokehold.
Leon grabbed his suitcases, forced a nervous smile, and headed for the lift. The doors shut, and I slipped into the kitchen, grabbed a chilled bottle of champagne from the fridge, popped it, filled a glass, and drank it down. My husband had just walked out on me. It sounded absurd, but it was true.
Id never imagined this. All these years wed lived peacefullymaybe not a raging romance, but there was attachment, habit, respect. No point in wallowing. New life, new rules. Id find something to do, and Leon would still be paying. Turning down money would be foolish; with it came opportunities. I just had to get used to being the one left behind.
The next weeks threw me into a whirlwind. I signed up for dance classes after work, spent weekends in museums, at the cinema, and back at the gym. Luckily I wasnt alonemy neighbour, Ivy Clarke, a solitary sort, happily kept me company.
Ian was studying up north and visited rarely, so I was on my own. I cooked only what I liked, didnt have to cater to anyone else. I pursued my interests freely; no one could stop me. The thought of a new man never crossed my mind, and being single wasnt terrible.
The divorce went smoothly and quietly. I caught a glimpse of Katie in the courthouse hallwayshe was undeniably stunning. Apparently my exhusband had good taste.
Leon kept his promise, sending a monthly cheque in pounds. I was grateful for his generosity; his business was thriving, and he could easily support both me and Ian as a thankyou for the years wed spent together. Katie, Im sure, knew nothing of thisshed probably never have approved.
A year later, nothing much had changed for medancing, gym sessions, a couple of trips abroad. Then Leons payments stopped. I felt awkward asking why; most likely Katie had put an end to it. Oh well, Id manage. Ian was earning a decent wage while at university and could fund his own studies. My own salary covered my needs.
One lazy Sunday, I was making fish stew when I realized I was out of breadmy favourite accompaniment. I stepped out to the bakery and ran into Leon.
Len, what are you doing here? I asked.
Emma, hi there. Ive moved close by bought a flat, he replied.
Big news. Hows Katie? Any babies? I pressed.
Got a daughter. Funny storyturns out Katie was an agent planted by a rival. She ingratiated herself, I fell for her, and then she tried to force me to transfer the business to her, fearing Id dump her. In a panic after the birth, I signed everything over. I kept a small sum hidden, but she ousted me. The daughter isnt mine, the business went to the competitor. Thats the mess Im insounds like a bad soap opera, right?
I bought a flat, found work, and Im getting by, but I cant help you any more. Sorry. I know Ive hurt you, swapped you for this mess.
I felt a pang of pity for him despite everything. Hed been duped by a fraudster, and all the effort hed poured into his company was gone.
You fool, Len! Come over, Ive just made the fish stew you love.
We sat at the kitchen table, the same one where wed shared countless meals, chatting about the news. We were no longer husband and wife, just two old friends.
We still phoned each other now and then, never talking about getting back together. Each of us moved on. At the dance studio I met a man, married him, and found happiness.
I invited Leon to the wedding; he turned up and seemed genuinely pleased for me. He even met the grooms sister there. Six months later, my new husband and I were dancing at his own wedding.
Life really is unpredictable. You never give up, never write yourself off, because you never know whats around the corner. All you can do is live and cherish each day.
