25October2025
After my training session this evening I hurried home, promising Evelyn that Id cook a proper fish stew for dinner. When I stepped into the flat, I found her standing in the kitchen, a glass of red wine in her hand.
Really? All in one go, then Evelyn, have you lost patience with me? Let me at least make a starter, she said, trying to hide the hurt in her voice.
I replied, No need, sit down. Theres something we need to talk about.
I had never seen her look so upset, so lost. Lord, whats happened? I asked.
She took a deep breath. I dont even know where to begin Ill say it straight. My secretary, Katie, is pregnant with my child, and Im leaving her.
I felt the room tilt. That sounds like something out of a terrible soapopera. How long has this been going on?
About a year now. From the moment she arrived she showered me with attention. I was a foolyoung, beautiful, full of laughter, just like you once were. I fell for her like a schoolboy. I wanted to be honest with you, but I was too scared to hurt you.
She continued, Theres no turning back now; well soon be parents. Ive always wanted a child of my own. Ian, my son, feels like family even if he isnt bloodrelated, but I need an heir to pass my business on to. Being with Katie makes me feel younger I suppose its a midlife crisis, have you heard of it?
My dear, I am a scoundrel, Ill admit that. Yet I wont abandon you or Ian. Ill leave you the flat, the car, and keep supporting you financially. Ill fund the childrens education as promised. Ive already bought a new house in Kent, registered it in Katies nameshell be the mother of my child, after all.
I tried to be generous. I understand how hard it is to resist someone as attractive as Katie. Youve always been a proper man, Leon. You cant just ditch a childthats noble of you. Thank you for the financial help; I wont refuse it. I want to start travelling, live for myself now.
She asked, When are you moving out? Need a hand with the boxes?
Leonard stared at her bewildered, oddly composed. It was a relief that there were no shouting matches or tears.
Goodbye, my dear husband. Thank you for the years we shared; Ive been happy with you. Life has its own script, and perhaps Ill love again and find happiness with another man. Thats alloff you go, before Katie gets the wrong idea about me.
I hurriedly gathered my suitcase, forced a nervous smile, and headed for the lift.
When the doors shut, Evelyn slipped into the kitchen, fetched a chilled bottle of champagne from the fridge, poured herself a full glass, and drank it in one gulp. Her husband had just walked out on herhow absurd that sounded.
Shed never imagined such an ending. All those years theyd lived peacefully; there had never been a raging passion, but there had been affection, habit, mutual respect.
She shrugged off the tears. New life, new rules. Shed find something to occupy herself, and the money Leonard would still send would provide opportunities she couldnt refuse. Shed have to adjust to the status of a woman left behind.
Evelyn dived into a whirlwind of fresh experiences. She signed up for dance classes after work, spent weekends in museums, cinemas, and at the gym. Her neighbour, Clairea single womankept her company.
Ian was studying in Bristol and visited only occasionally. Evelyn was left to herself, cooking only what she liked, without having to cater to anyone else. She pursued her interests freely; no one could forbid her. She didnt even think about finding a new man, and being on her own felt fine.
The divorce went quietly, amicably. She caught a glimpse of Katie in the courtroom hallwaya striking beauty, unquestionably the kind of woman Leonard had always liked.
Leonard kept his promise, transferring a modest sum each month. Evelyn appreciated the gesture; she knew his business was thriving, and he could comfortably support her and Ian as a thankyou for the years together. Katie, it seemed, was unaware of this arrangement and would likely never have approved it.
A year passed. Evelyns routine remained unchanged: dancing, gym sessions, a couple of trips abroad. The monthly payments from Leonard stopped, and she felt uneasy asking why. Most likely Katie had put an end to it. Still, she managed; Ian earned well while at university and could fund his own studies. Her salary covered her needs.
One lazy Sunday she boiled a pot of fish stew, only to discover shed run out of the crusty bread she loved. She dashed to the bakery on the high street and ran into Leonard outside.
Leonard, what are you doing here?
Evelyn, hello. Ive moved nearbybought a flat not far away.
Really? And Katie? Any baby yet? Whos the little one?
My daughter, actually. Funny storyKatie turned out to be a plant hired by a rival to infiltrate my trust. I fell for her, then she tried to force me to transfer the business to her, fearing Id abandon her. In a fit of emotion after the birth I signed everything over. I kept a secret reserve account she doesnt know about. In the end she tossed me out, the child wasnt mine, and the business fell into the competitors hands. What a mess, like a bad melodrama.
I bought a flat, found a job, Im getting by, but the old life is gone. I cant help you any moresorry. You probably dont even want to speak to me now, having been swapped for this nightmare.
Evelyn felt a pang of pity for him, despite his woes. Youre a fool, Leonard! Come over; Ive just made that fish stew you love.
They talked warmly in the kitchen where theyd shared countless meals, catching up on news, though they were no longer husband and wife.
From time to time they phoned each other, but there was never any talk of rekindling. Both moved on. Evelyn met a gentleman at dance class, married him, and found happiness.
She invited Leonard to her wedding; he attended and was genuinely glad for her. At the reception he met the brides sister, and months later he and Evelyns new husband were seen together at a friends ceremony.
Life, Ive learned, is a wildly unpredictable thing. You must never let despair take hold or close the book on yourself, no matter what happens. You never know what tomorrow may bring, so you simply have to live, and cherish each day.
Lesson: Even when everything seems to crumble, keep the faith that new chapters will appearoften when you least expect them.
