After a hard training session, Poppy was in a hurry to get home, having promised her husband Leon that shed whip up a nice fish stew for dinner. As she tossed her gym bag onto the sofa, she found Leon lounging at the kitchen table, a glass of red wine in his hand.
Whoa, look at you, multitasking, Poppy chuckled, trying to keep the mood light. Did you run out of patience waiting for me? Let me at least rustle up a starter.
Leon waved her off. No, sit down. We need to talk.
Poppy had never seen Leon look so solemn, his usual grin replaced by a puzzled, almost helpless expression. What on earth happened? she asked.
Leon sighed. I dont even know where to begin Ill be straight with you. My secretary, Katie, is pregnant with my child, and Im leaving with her.
Poppy blinked. Well, thats straight out of a cheap melodrama. How long has this been going on?
About a year, Leon admitted. She started doting on me as soon as she arrived, and I didnt stand a chance. Young, beautiful, full of laughsshe reminded me of you when you were younger. I fell for her like a schoolboy. I wanted to be honest with you from the start, but I didnt have the courage. I felt terrible for you.
He paused, then added, Now theres no turning back; were about to become parents. You know Ive always wanted a child of my own. Harry is like a son to me, but not by blood. I need an heir to pass the business on, you understand? Being with Katie makes me feel younger maybe its a midlife crisisever heard of that?
Leons voice softened. Im a scoundrel, I know. But I wont leave you and Harry high and dry. Ill keep the flat, the car, everything. Ill still chip in financially, pay for the school as promised. Ive already bought a new house and put it in Katies nameshell be the mother of my baby.
Poppy shook her head, a wry smile forming. I get it, Leon. Its hard to resist a beauty like Katie, and youre a proper English bloke. You cant just abandon a childnoble of you. Thanks for the money, though. Ive been thinking about traveling, living for myself.
She asked, When are you moving out? Need a hand with the boxes?
Leon stared at her, bewildered by her calm. No yelling, no dramajust quiet resignation.
Goodbye, dear husband, Poppy said, trying to keep the irony thinly veiled. Thanks for the years we shared; Ive enjoyed being with you. Life has its scripts, and perhaps Ill love someone else and be happy with a new man. Thats all, off you goKaties probably wondering why Ive suddenly disappeared.
Leon grabbed his suitcase in a rush, managed a nervous grin, and headed for the lift.
Poppy closed the door behind him, sauntered to the kitchen, fetched a chilled bottle of champagne from the fridge, popped it, poured a full glass, and drank it down. Her husband had left herhow absurd that sounded.
Shed never imagined it. All those years theyd lived fairly peacefully; there hadnt been a fierce love, but there had been companionship, habit, respect.
She shrugged off the selfpity. New life, new rules! Shed find things to do, and Leon would still be paying. It would be foolish to turn down money when it opened doors. She just needed to get used to being a newly single woman.
Soon enough, Poppy was swept up in a whirlwind of fresh experiences. She signed up for dance classes after work, spent weekends at museums, the cinema, and the gym. Fortunately, she wasnt aloneher neighbour, Irma, a cheerful single, gladly kept her company.
Harry, her son, studied in another city and visited only rarely. Poppy was left to her own devices, cooking only what she liked, without anyone elses expectations. She pursued her passions freely; no one could stop her. She hadnt even thought about a new boyfriend, and being solo wasnt too shabby.
The divorce went quietly and amicably. In the hallway of the courthouse she caught a glimpse of Katiestill stunning, as always. Good taste runs in the family, Poppy thought, smirking.
Leon continued to transfer money each month, just as hed promised. Poppy was grateful for his generosity; his business was thriving, and he could comfortably support her and Harry as a thankyou for the years together. Katie, it seemed, knew nothing of this arrangement and probably wouldnt have approved.
A year slipped by. Poppys routine stayed the same: dancing, workouts, the occasional trip abroad. The payments from Leon stopped, and she felt awkward asking why. Most likely Katie had put the brakes on it. No worriesshed manage. Harry was earning well while at university and could fund his own tuition. His salary covered her own expenses.
One lazy Sunday, with no rush to be anywhere, Poppy enjoyed the day. While making fish stew she realised shed run out of breada staple she loved. She dashed to the local bakery and, lo and behold, ran into Leon.
Leon, what are you doing here? she asked.
Poppy, hello! Im Ive moved close by. Bought a flat, he replied.
Fancy that And Katie? Any kids?
A daughter. Funny story, actually. Turns out Katie was planted there by a rival. She won my trust, I fell for her, and then she tried to force me to transfer the business to her, scared Id walk out emptyhanded. After the baby was born I, in a panic, handed everything over. I kept a small sum in a secret account, which she never knew about. She later threw me out, the child wasnt mine, and the business ended up with the competitor. Classic badsoapopera ending, right?
He sighed. Ive bought a flat, found a job, and Im getting by, but my old life is gone. I cant help you any more. Sorry. Im sure you wont want to talk to me anymore after Ive swapped you for this mess.
Poppy felt a pang of pity for himhe looked genuinely sorry. Youre a fool, Leon! Come over, Ive just made that fish stew you love.
They shared a warm chat in the kitchen that had once witnessed daily arguments and laughter. Now they were simply two people catching up, not husband and wife.
They kept in touch now and then, but there was never any talk of rekindling things. Each pursued their own path. Poppy met a man at her dance class, married him, and found happiness.
She even invited Leon to the wedding. He showed up, genuinely happy for his exwife. At the reception he met the grooms sister, and six months later Poppy and her new husband were dancing at his own wedding.
Life, it turns out, is a wildly unpredictable circus. You never want to throw in the towel or write yourself off, no matter what happens. You never know what the next act will bring, so you just keep living and enjoy every single day.
