Poppy slipped into the study without knocking and shivered at the halfheard phone call.
We really should get new curtains, she said, eyeing the livingroom window. These have faded to nothing.
James put down the Sunday Times and glanced at the glass.
They look fine to me. Why change them?
James, theyve been hanging there for eight years! Poppy sighed. Its high time for an update.
Fine, buy them if you want, James muttered, diving back into his paper.
Poppy drifted into the kitchen to start dinner. It was a typical evening, the kind of routine theyd perfected over twentytwo years of marriage talk turned into small domestic chores. She chopped vegetables for a salad, set a pot of potatoes to boil, fetched the meat from the fridge. The motions were automatic, as if she were on a conveyor belt: work, home, cooking, cleaning, repeat.
Poppy, tea? James called from the lounge.
Later! she shouted back.
James was the chief engineer at a large manufacturing plant on the outskirts of Coventry. Lately hed been staying late, looking weary. Poppy blamed it on the new project launch.
His phone rang. He rose quickly, closed the door behind him, and disappeared into his study. Poppy heard his muffled voice, but couldnt make out the words.
It was odd. James had never taken calls in private before; now it was the third time that week he vanished into the study.
Poppys brow furrowed. Something didnt feel right. She tried to shake off the uneasy thoughts. No, nonsense, she told herself. Hes not the type to cheat. Weve been together for ages.
But doubts gnawed. She remembered a lipstick stain on his shirt the previous week. James had brushed it off, saying a colleague, Natalie, had given him an enthusiastic hug at the office party. Hed also started checking his reflection more often, bought a new cologne, and fussed over his wardrobe, claiming the plants dress code had become stricter.
She shook her head. Im overthinking it, she muttered. Just exhaustion, a touch of paranoia.
Dinner was ready. Poppy set the table and called James in. He emerged, looking pensive.
Everything okay? she asked.
Yeah, work stuff, he said, sitting down.
They ate in silence. Poppy stole glances at him; he seemed distant, his mind far away. Usually hed regale her with work stories, but now he was quiet.
Hows the project coming along? she ventured.
Fine, he replied shortly. Poppy, can I hit the sack early? Im knackered.
Sure, she said, trying not to show her disappointment.
James retired to the bedroom, leaving Poppy to clear the table. She washed the dishes, wondering why her husband had become so withdrawn.
The next evening Poppy arrived home early from work her boss let everyone leave an hour before the power cut at the plant. The lights were on, so James must have been back. She stripped down to her nightrobe and walked into the lounge, but James was nowhere to be seen. The kitchen was empty too. A soft murmur drifted from the study.
She hesitated to knock; the study door was usually open to all. Pushing it ajar, she stepped inside.
James stood by the window, phone pressed to his ear. He snapped around when he heard her, his face twisting in alarm.
Right, well catch up later, he blurted into the handset before cutting it off.
Poppy caught a few fragments:
You know how important this is I cant keep doing this Ill sort it out tomorrow She mustnt find out
The final line cut through her like a cold wind. She mustnt find out. Who was she?
James forced a nervous smile. Youre early.
Got off work early, Poppy said, voice steady despite the tremor inside. Who were you talking to?
Just a colleague, he answered too quickly.
A colleague? Poppy stepped further into the room. I overheard you say she mustnt find out. Who is she?
James went pale, opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again.
Its complicated.
Try me, Poppy said, cold but curious. I have time.
James ran a hand through his hair, eyes darting. I didnt want you to hear it the way you did.
Her heart thumped. Something was definitely up.
What? Whos there? Am I? she asked, voice shaking.
What! James shouted, bewildered. Theres no one else!
Poppys eyes welled. Youve been staying late, hiding phone calls, that lipstick stain and now this!
James fell silent, his stare saying more than any words. The silence felt like a verdict.
Oh my God, Poppy whispered. So its true?
No! James lunged forward. Youve got it wrong!
Then explain! she demanded, stepping back. What am I supposed to have heard? Whos the mystery woman?
James sank onto a chair, covering his face with his hands.
Its not what you think. I swear, theres no cheating.
What then? Poppys voice cracked. Tell me!
He lifted his head, eyes filled with a pain that made Poppy pause. I I cant say yet. Not yet.
How can you not say? she snapped. Im your wife! I have a right to know!
I know, he said, standing. Just give me a bit more time. By the end of the week, Ill explain everything. Please.
How long? A day? A week? A month?
By Saturday, he promised firmly. Ill tell you everything. Just not now.
Poppy stared at him, part of her wanting to shout, part of her seeing how torn he was.
Fine, she sighed, wiping her tears. Saturday it is. But if youre lying, if there really is someone else I wont forgive you.
No other woman, James said, taking her hands. I love you, Poppy. Only you.
She looked into his eyes, feeling his sincerity, yet the knot in her mind remained.
The days that followed were a torment. Poppy tried to act normal, but sleepless nights replayed every possible scenario. Was James in debt? Sick? Under pressure at work? Or was there a secret lover?
Her friend Laura, noticing Poppys gloom, asked what was wrong. Poppy finally confessed.
Laura, Id normally wait until Saturday, but Im at my wits end, she said.
Honestly, you should check his phone, Laura suggested. Its not cheating, but you have a right to know.
No, that feels low, Poppy replied. I dont want to betray his trust.
Youre not being low, youre being wronged, Laura retorted. You deserve the truth.
Poppy hesitated. Digging into his phone felt like a betrayal of the very trust she was fighting to protect.
That Thursday evening James was on yet another prolonged call from his study. Poppy lingered at the door, straining to catch snippets, then embarrassed herself for eavesdropping.
Only fragments slipped through: think shell be happy need to get everything right yes, Saturday
Happy? What for? Poppys mind tangled further. It didnt sound like a lover or a doctor.
Friday morning James left for work unusually early, claiming an important meeting. Poppy called in a day off, unable to work with the anxiety gnawing at her. She paced the flat, trying to distract herself with chores, but the thoughts returned.
The phone rang. An unfamiliar number.
Hello?
Is this Poppy Whitaker? a womans voice asked.
Yes.
My names Emily. Im acquainted with your husband. I need to meet you. Its important.
Poppys heart gave a little jolt. Okay, where?
In an hour at The Orchard Café on High Street. Ill be in a blue coat.
She arrived early, perched at a window seat, twisting a napkin. The bell jingled as a woman in a blue coat walked in tall, poised, about forty, with a friendly smile.
Poppy Whitaker? Emily asked.
Yes, Poppy replied, standing. Please, have a seat.
Emily settled opposite, her demeanor calm, almost rehearsed.
Thank you for coming. I know this is odd, she began. James told me youd overheard his conversation and got the wrong idea. Im here to set the record straight.
What did he say? Poppy asked, fists clenched.
Emily opened a folder. He said she mustnt find out. The she is me.
Poppy blinked.
I run a charity for stray animals, Emily continued. Three months ago James approached us with a proposal to help fund a new shelter.
Poppys eyebrows shot up. A shelter?
Yes, a modern rescue centre for dogs and cats. He bought a plot on the outskirts of town, hired builders, poured his savings into it. Its almost finished.
A shelter? For animals? Poppy echoed, bewildered.
Exactly. He wanted to surprise you for your birthday, to name it after you. He feared if you found out too early, the surprise would be ruined. Hes been juggling calls with me about permits, budgets, and volunteers, and thats why hes been secretive.
Emily flipped through photos: bright enclosures, a veterinary clinic, volunteers kitchen, happy dogs wagging their tails.
This is the she you heard, Emily said, pointing to a picture of a goldenretriever puppy. He was talking about the opening day on Saturday your birthday.
Poppy felt a mix of relief, embarrassment, and a flood of emotions.
So why the lipstick? she asked, halflaughing.
That was me, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek at a fundraising gala. He blushed, and the stain stayed on his shirt.
Poppy laughed, tears spilling. Im such a fool.
Emily smiled softly. He loves you, Poppy. He just wanted to give you the biggest surprise ever.
Poppy left the café with the folder clutched to her chest, her mind reeling. She hurried home, burst into the study, and found Jamess desk littered with blueprints, land purchase contracts, and a heartfelt letter addressed to her.
Dear Poppy,
If youre reading this, Ive bungled the surprise. Im sorry for the secrecy, the phone calls, the lipstick stain. I wanted to make your birthday unforgettable by building the Whitaker Animal Haven in your honour a place for stray dogs and cats to find love, just as you have always wanted. Ive poured my savings, even sold the family cottage, taken a loan all for you.
I love you more than words can say. Please forgive my clumsy attempt at a grand gesture.
Yours forever,
James
As she read, the absurdity of her suspicions washed away.
Just then the front door slammed open. James stepped in, eyes widening at the sight of Poppy holding his letter.
Poppy, you read it? he asked, halfgasping.
Yes. And I met Emily, she replied, smiling through tears. Youve been planning a whole animal sanctuary for me.
James lowered his head, ashamed. Im sorry. I should have told you earlier.
Poppy wrapped her arms around him. Its the best surprise I could ever get just a bit early.
They laughed, embraced, and Poppy thought how lucky she was to have a husband who could still surprise her after over two decades.
The following Saturday, James drove Poppy to the brandnew Whitaker Animal Haven. Emily greeted them at the gate with a bouquet of wildflowers.
Happy birthday, Poppy, she said, kissing her cheek. Welcome to your very own sanctuary.
A large wooden sign read: Whitaker Animal Haven Dedicated to Poppy Whitaker.
Inside were spacious pens, gleaming veterinary suites, a cosy volunteer kitchen, and walls adorned with photographs of rescued pets.
Poppy gasped, eyes shining. Is this really mine?
Your vision, your name, James replied, brimming with pride.
A large ginger dog named Rusty wagged his tail wildly as they approached his pen.
This is Rusty, Emily introduced. Found him injured on a country lane a month ago. Hes been through a lot, but now hes safe.
Poppy knelt, and Rusty rested his head on her lap, eyes soft.
Can I take him home? she asked James.
Of course, he said, chuckling. Hell bring his mate, Midnight, from the next pen. Theyre inseparable.
Then well adopt both, Poppy declared.
The drive back home was filled with the happy panting of two new family members and the warm glow of a day that had started with suspicion and ended with joy.
That night, over tea, Poppy confessed, I learned that mistrust is a nasty thing. It eats you from the inside and makes you see monsters where there are none.
James squeezed her hand. I should have been more open, but I promise, no more secrets.
She smiled. And Ill try not to let my imagination run away with me.
Rusty and Midnight curled up at their feet, tail wags echoing in the quiet house. Snow fell softly outside, but inside the warmth of love, laughter, and a newlyopened animal haven made everything feel perfectly bright.
Later, Poppy called Laura, bubbling with excitement.
Laura, you wont believe it! James is a genius he built an entire sanctuary for us!
Brilliant! Laura replied. Do you need a volunteer? Im in!
Poppy laughed. Youre more than welcome. Theres always work to be done.
The Whitaker Animal Haven became Poppys new passion. She spent mornings feeding the cats, afternoons walking the dogs, and weekends fundraising with James. Together they rescued countless stray animals, finding them forever homes and watching them trot off with wagging tails.
One evening, Poppy told James, When I heard that phone call, I thought my world was collapsing. Turns out it was just a test of our trust, love, and partnership.
James kissed her forehead. We passed with flying colours.
They watched Rusty and Midnight nap at their feet, the fire crackling, the house humming with contentment. Outside, the snow continued to fall, but inside the Whitaker Animal Haven lived on a testament to love, loyalty, and the joy of giving stray hearts a home.
