Love, while youre still living with Mum, my sisters coming over, my husband said, shoving my suitcase into the hallway.
Are you serious? Its Tuesday, Emmas got school! I snapped.
My mum will pick her up after lessons, Ive already sorted it.
Sorted? Without me? Simon, whats going on?
I stood in the middle of the bedroom, watching him pull sweaters, jeans, every bit of my clothes out of the wardrobe and stuff them into that old leather suitcase. He didnt even glance at me. His movements were mechanical, rehearsed, like hed done this a hundred times.
Nothings happening, he said calmly. Ivys staying here for a week. She needs a quiet room she cant stand any noise. And Emmas been blasting music since sunrise.
What does Emma have to do with this? Ivy could stay in a hotel, or crash on the couch!
Simon finally looked up. There was a cold edge in his eyes I hadnt seen before a sort of indifference.
The couch? My sister in a hotel? Natalie, are you hearing yourself? This is my house, by the way.
My our house, I whispered.
My house, he snapped. Bought with my money. I decide who lives here.
A lump rose in my throat. Twentythree years of marriage. Twentythree years of keeping this place tidy, raising our daughter, cooking, cleaning, waiting for him to come home from work. And now hes packing my things as if Im a shortterm tenant.
How long? I asked, voice trembling. How long do I have to stay with Mum?
A week, maybe two. Ivy hasnt decided yet it depends on how things go.
What things? Shes supposed to be on holiday!
He slammed the suitcase shut, clicked the locks.
Not your business. Pack up, Ill drive you out in an hour.
He left the room, leaving me standing on the bedroom floor. I sank onto the edge of the bed, staring at that battered suitcase the same one wed taken on our honeymoon. Back then it was shiny and new, stuffed with my dresses and his shirts. Now it was being used to kick me out of my own home.
Mum met me at the door, her face twisted in that sour expression she always wore.
Well, look who finally showed up, she said.
Mum, please, I muttered, dragging the suitcase inside.
How could I not? I told you what would happen when you married him, when you bought the house in his name. Listen to your mother!
Maggie Johnson was a woman of strict rules and even stricter judgments. At seventytwo she still had a razorsharp mind and an iron will that sometimes felt like too much for me.
Mum, Im only staying the night. It wont be long.
Sure, sure. Ive heard that line a hundred times. First a week, then a month, and next thing you know youre filing for divorce. Your sisters here, you know the one the one who last visited five years ago?
I didnt answer. I slipped into the room that had become Mums makeshift wardrobe and magazine store. The narrow single bed remained, the one I used as a teenager.
Have a cup of tea, Mum softened. You look pale. Didnt they even give you breakfast?
Im not hungry.
Ten minutes later I was sitting at the kitchen table with a mug of strong tea and a slice of toast, Mum across from me, eyes fixed on me.
Somethings happened, she said. He wouldnt just kick you out for no reason.
He didnt kick me out, he just asked to stay with you.
Natalie, Im seventytwo, but Im not out of my mind. Men dont throw wives out of the house without a reason. Either theres another woman or money trouble.
There isnt another woman.
How do you know that? Youre at home all day. Hes at work from dawn till dusk. Did you check his phone?
Mum!
What, mum? Youre naïve, you always have been.
I finished my tea and stood.
I need to pick up Emma. Shes out at three.
Simon promised to collect her.
Ill get her myself.
Emma was a mirror of me at fifteen the same chestnut hair, the same grey eyes, the same stubborn set to her mouth. She walked out of school with her friends, giggling, but when she saw me, her face fell.
Mum? Wheres dad? He was supposed to pick me up.
I decided to do it, I said, pulling her into a hug. Lets go for a walk and talk.
We strolled through the autumn park, and I told her about staying with Grandma, about Ivys arrival, about it being just for a short while.
He drove you out, Emma said flatly.
No, its just
Mum, Im fifteen, not five. I get it. He kicked you out, and me too.
Dont say that.
Emma turned to face me, eyes full of hurt.
What else can I say? The truth. Ive noticed hes been acting weird for a month. Hiding his phone, disappearing at night. You didnt see it?
From where
Im not blind. Two nights ago I heard him talking on the phone in the bathroom for an hour, laughing like hed just heard a joke.
My legs gave way.
What was he laughing about?
I didnt catch the words, just the tone. When was the last time you heard dad laugh like that?
I was silent. I really couldnt remember.
In Mums flat we found Maggie already having made two beds and set a dinner on the table.
I love borscht, potatoes and meatballs, she chirped. After we eat Ill put on a good film about love.
Grandma, Id rather stay in my room and do my homework, Emma said, dropping her backpack.
What homework on a day off? You should be relaxing!
Emma disappeared into the other room, leaving me alone with Mum.
She understands everything, Maggie whispered. You cant hide the truth from her.
We ate in silence. The borscht was thick, the potatoes fluffy, the meatballs juicy exactly the way only Mum could make. I forced down each bite.
Give him a call, Mum suddenly suggested. Ask how hes doing, ask about the sister. Let him know you havent given up.
I dont want to call.
You have to. You cant let a man run unchecked.
I didnt call that night, nor the next. I kept busy with chores, helped Mum, collected Emma from school. Life felt frozen, hanging in limbo.
On the third day my friend Olivia rang.
Natalie, where have you vanished to? Ive called you a hundred times!
Sorry, my phone was on silent.
Is it true Simons seeing some other woman?
My heart stopped.
What? Where did you hear that
Olivia said she saw them at the new restaurant on The Mall. He was holding her hand, kissing her cheek. She thought it was his sister, but said the woman looked about thirty, not fortysomething.
I hung up, hands shaking. It matched everything Mum and Emma had said.
Whats wrong, love? Maggie asked, stepping into the kitchen.
Mum, can I go back home? I need to grab something.
Maggie looked at me long enough to make me feel every second.
Go, but dont make a fuss. First find out whats really happening.
I caught a bus, trying to calm my thoughts. Maybe it was a mistake, maybe Olivia got the wrong pair. But deep down I knew the truth.
Outside my block a sleek white foreign car was parked. I went up to my flat, fumbled for the keys, my hand trembling as I turned the lock. The flat smelled of expensive perfume Id never used. Laughter a woman’s floated from the living room.
I slipped off my shoes, tiptoed down the hall. The sofa was slightly ajar.
On the couch sat a young woman, hair blond and perfectly styled, barefoot in a white robe. Glasses of wine and a fruit platter lay on the coffee table.
Beside her, Simon was gently stroking her arm, whispering something.
You promised she wouldnt be back for a week, the woman said softly.
Shes at Mums, Simon replied. The daughters there too, dont worry.
Youre sure? she asked.
Sure. Shes at Grandmas.
My mind went blank. The word betrayer echoed in my head.
What will you tell her? the woman asked again.
Hell sort the paperwork on the house first, so she cant claim anything.
She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
I turned and bolted for the door. The keys clanged loudly as I slipped my shoes back on. Footsteps thundered from the living room.
Natalie? Simons voice sounded surprised.
I didnt look back. I lunged for the stairs, shouting for help, pushing past the hallway, nearly tripping on the steps. I burst out onto the street, gasping for air, tears blurring my vision. Strangers stared, but I didnt care.
I didnt get home until dark. Mum met me at the door, her face a mix of worry and anger.
Whats happened? she asked.
I slipped into my room, stripped, collapsed on the bed. Emma peeked in, but Mum waved her away.
An hour later there was a frantic knock. Maggie opened the door, then slammed it shut.
Dont come in! she shouted.
Olivia, I need to talk to Natalie, Simons voice came from the hallway, tense.
She wont talk to you.
He pushed past her anyway. He sat on the edge of the bed.
Leave.
This isnt what you think.
Really? I asked, eyes locked on his. Whats this about, Simon? Explain.
Its Ivy shes my work assistant. Shes here to help with some documents.
In a robe? Barefoot? With wine?
He stayed silent.
I heard everything, I said, feeling the sting of every word. The papers, the plan to keep me out of the house. Do you think Im a fool?
Natalie
Twentythree years, Simon. Twentythree years Ive been your wife, raised your daughter, kept this house running. And you treat me like a guest you can throw out?
He stood, pacing.
I met Rita six months ago. She works next door. We got together. I didnt plan it, it just happened.
Just happened, I repeated. It didnt happen after twentythree years of marriage, then suddenly it does.
You dont get me, he said. I dont feel anything for you anymore. Were like flatmates.
You even missed my work, my life, I snapped. You just show up, eat, go to bed.
Maggie, still in the doorway, interjected. Shes right. Shes young and pretty, thats all that matters to you.
Mrs Johnson, thats none of your business! Simon shouted.
It is my business! Shes my daughter! Maggie retorted.
Youre my wife! I have the right to decide who lives here!
I have the right to live here, too, I said, voice steady. But not on your terms.
He smirked. The house is in my name. Im the sole owner.
Its marital property, bought during our marriage.
Prove it. Got the money for a lawyer? Time for court?
I had no money. I hadnt worked in a decade, just kept the home and Emma.
He laughed. Then youre stuck, love. Its your own fault we got here.
He walked out, closing the door behind him. I sat there, numb, as Maggie wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
Dont cry, love. Hes not worth it.
I didnt cry. The tears had run dry; only a hollow numbness remained.
The next few days were a blur. I still collected Emma from school, helped Mum with meals, tried to keep my mind occupied.
Olivia called me at a café.
Nat, you need a solicitor.
How am I supposed to pay?
Well sort it. Ill lend you what you need. Youve got a right to half the house.
The house is in his name.
It doesnt matter. You were married when you bought it. Its joint.
He kept saying I didnt have the money for a fight.
Id spent twentythree years letting him call the shots where we lived, how we spent, where we went on holiday.
Mom, Im fed up, Emma said one evening. I want to go back home.
We cant, I said.
Why? This is our home! Why are we living here with that that woman and Dad?
Because Dad decided.
And you? she asked.
I didnt know what to say. At fifteen, Emma was wiser than most adults.
I dont know what to do.
Then Ill tell you what to do. We need to kick her out. This is our house, Mums too, in a way. He just handed it over to some stranger!
Mom
No, Mum! Ive been silent all my life. When he yelled at you for undercooked soup, when he forgot my birthday, when he turned up drunk at three in the morning. You put up with it, night after night. And look where that got us!
Where did I hear all this?
Im not deaf, Mum. I heard you crying in the kitchen, thinking I was asleep.
I pulled Emma into a tight hug, the first real embrace Id felt in days.
Im sorry, love.
No need to apologise. We need to act.
The next morning I dressed up for the first time in a week a smart coat, sensible heels. Mum gave me an approving nod.
Where are you off to? she asked.
To a solicitor.
Olivia gave me the address of a modest law office. Marina Patel took me in, listened patiently, and made notes.
Its a classic case, she said. He thinks because the title is in his name he can do whatever. But the house was bought during marriage, so its joint. You have a minor daughter, which strengthens your position.
I dont have the cash for a lawsuit.
The first consultation is free. If we win, hell cover costs.
I think well win.
I left the office feeling a sliver of hope.
But when I got back, Emma was at the door, eyes red.
Dad called. He said if you dont give up the house hell strip us of parental rights.
What? I gasped.
He says Im an unfit mother, that hell take us apart.
Maggie tried to reassure me. Hes bluffing.
But I knew Simon could do anything.
That night I lay awake, thinking about the house, about Emma, about the future. I realized the house wasnt worth losing my daughter.
In the morning I called Simon.
Ill give the house to you.
He was silent a beat.
Smart choice, he finally said. Ill arrange child support for Emma.
Dont need your support. Just leave us alone.
I hung up. Mum stared at me, puzzled.
What have you done?
I chose. Between the house and my child.
You have a right to protect Emma, not to cling to the house.
Maggie sighed. Its a pity. So many years in that house.
I was past pity. I started looking for work. At fortyfive, with an old school certificate and a decade out of the workforce, it was tough, but I didnt give up.
A week later I landed a job as a shop assistant in a small boutique on the high street. The pay was modest, but it was something. The days were long, dealing with demanding customers and a fussy manager, but each shift made me stronger.
Mum beamed when I brought home my first paycheck.
Youve made me proud, love.
Emma helpedNow, as we sit together in our modest flat, I finally feel the steady heartbeat of freedom and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
