28April
After my spin class I was in a hurry to get home; Id promised Leon that Id make a proper fish stew for dinner. I fumbled with the keys, pushed open the front door, and found him sitting at the kitchen table, a glass of red wine in his hand.
Really? All in one go, is it? I tried to keep my voice light. Leon, didnt you have the patience to wait for me? Let me at least fix us a starter
He didnt even look up. Sit down, Vicky. We need to talk.
Id never seen him like thisso flat, so lost. My thoughts raced. What on earth had happened?
He swallowed, then went on. I dont even know where to begin Ill just say it as it is. My secretary, Agnes, is pregnant with my child. Im leaving her.
My heart dropped. It felt like a scene from a terrible soap opera. How long has this been going on? I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
About a year. From the moment she walked in, she was all attention, all charm. Shes young, beautiful, full of laughterjust like you were once. I fell for her like a schoolboy. I wanted to tell you the truth, but I was too scared. I felt sorry for you
He went on, speaking as if he were reading from a script. Now theres no turning back; well be parents soon. You know Ive always wanted a child of my own. Jack feels like a son to me, but not by blood. I need an heir to pass the business on to, you understand? With Agnes I feel younger I guess Im hitting a midlife crisishave you heard of that?
I admit Im a coward, he said, but I wont leave you or Jack emptyhanded. The flat, the carall yours. Ill keep sending money, pay for Jacks tuition, just as I promised. Ive already bought a new house and put it in Agness name; after all, shell be the mother of my child.
I tried to soften the blow. I get it, Leon. Its hard to resist someone as striking as Agnes, and youve always been a true gentleman. Still, abandoning a child feels noble. Thanks for the financial support; I wont turn it down. Im planning to travel, to live for myself now.
What about your things? When are you moving out? Need a hand with the boxes?
Leon stared at me, bewildered by my calm. No screaming, no dramajust a quiet resignation.
Goodbye, dear husband, I whispered. Thank you for the years we shared; I was happy with you. Life has its own script. Maybe Ill love again and find happiness with someone new. Now goAgnes is probably waiting, thinking Ive stuck her with a clingy ex.
He hurriedly grabbed his suitcase, forced a shy smile, and shuffled toward the lift. The doors closed behind him.
I walked to the fridge, pulled out a chilled bottle of champagne, popped the cork, poured a full glass, and drank it in one gulp. My husband had left me. It sounded absurd and tragic at once.
Never in my wildest thoughts had I imagined this. All these years wed lived peacefully; there was never a raging love, but there was habit, respect, a comfortable routine.
Enough with the selfpity. New life, new rules. Ill find something to do, and Leon will still be paying. Turning away from money now would be foolish; it brings options. I just need to get used to being a single woman again.
The whirl of fresh experiences swept me up. I signed up for evening dance classes after work, spent weekends wandering museums, catching the latest film, and hitting the gym. Thankfully I wasnt alone; my neighbour Ivy Clarke, a cheerful single, gladly kept me company.
Jack was studying at university in Manchester and only visited on holidays. I was left to my own devices, cooking only what I liked, without having to cater to anyone elses tastes. I indulged in whatever brought me joy; no one could forbid me. I didnt even think about a new man, and being on my own felt fine.
The divorce was settled quietly and amicably. In the courtroom corridor I caught a glimpse of Agnesstill striking, the sort of woman who could make any mans eye linger. Clearly, Leons taste was still good.
Leon kept up his monthly transfers as promised. I was grateful for his generosity; his business was thriving, and he could easily support both Jack and me as a thankyou for the years wed spent together. Agnes, Im sure, knew nothing of thisshe probably wouldnt have approved.
A year passed. My days were unchanged: dance, gym, occasional trips abroad. Leons payments stopped, and I felt uneasy asking why. Most likely Agnes had put an end to it. No matter; Id survive. Jack earned well enough from his parttime job to fund his studies, and his salary covered my expenses.
On a lazy Sunday I decided to make the fish stew again, only to discover I was out of breada staple I loved. I dashed to the corner bakery and, absurdly, ran into Leon.
Leon, what are you doing here? I asked.
Vicky, hello. Ive moved nearby bought a flat, he replied, trying to sound casual.
Wow, thats a change. Hows Agnes? Any babies? I pressed.
A daughter, he said, sighing. You wont believe itturns out Agnes was a plant for one of my rivals. She gained my trust, I fell for her, and then she tried to force me to transfer the business to her, fearing Id ditch her. After the baby was born, I signed everything over in a panic. I kept a small sum hidden, but she pushed me out. The daughter isnt mine, the business went to the competitor. Im stuck in a messsounds like a cheap melodrama, doesnt it?
I bought a flat, found a job, and Im getting by, but the old life is gone. I cant help you any more, sorry. You probably wont even want to talk to me now.
I felt a pang of pity for him, despite everything. He looked defeatedaggressive as always, now humbled by Agnes deceit.
Dont be a fool, Leon, I said, halfsmiling. Come over; Ive just finished the stew you used to love.
We talked in the kitchen that had witnessed years of our routinesharing news, laughing, now just two old friends. We still called each other every now and then, but there was no hope of reconciling. Our lives had taken different paths.
At the dance studio I met a kind man, we married, and I finally felt truly happy. I invited Leon to the wedding; he came and seemed genuinely pleased for me. He even met the brides sister at the reception, and a few months later we found ourselves both attending his colleagues wedding together.
Life really is an unpredictable thing. You never know when fortunes will turn, but you must keep moving, cherish each day, and never let despair win.
