31 October 2025
After my morning run at the HydePark circuit, Victoria rushed home, promising she’d make a proper fish stew for us. I walked into the flat to find her standing in the kitchen, a glass of red wine in her hand, while I was perched on a stool, sipping the same bottle.
Really? Onetrack mind, love Did you run out of patience waiting for me? At least let me whip up a starter, she said, halfsmiling.
I pulled the chair in, my voice flat. Sit down, we need to talk.
I had never seen Victoria look so disoriented, her eyes dimmed by something I couldnt yet name. What on earth is happening? I asked, feeling the weight of what I was about to spill.
I dont even know where to begin, I confessed. The truth is, my secretary, Katherine, is pregnant with my child. Im leaving with her.
Her mouth fell open. That sounds like something out of a lurid soapopera. How long has this been going on?
About a year, I admitted. From the moment she arrived she showered me with attention. Shes young, gorgeous, full of laughter, just like you were when we first met. I fell for her like a schoolboy. I wanted to tell you straight away but never found the courage. I feel terrible for you.
I tried to soften the blow. Theres nowhere to run now; a babys on the way. Ive always wanted an heir, someone to carry on my business. Ian is like a son to me, but not by blood. I need a successor, and with Katherine I feel rejuvenated maybe its a midlife crisis. Have you heard of that?
Yes, Im a scoundrel, I continued, but I wont leave you or Ian emptyhanded. The flat, the car, everything will stay with you. Ill keep sending money, just as I promised, and will fund Ians education. Ive already bought a new house in Surrey and put it in Katherines nameshell be the mother of my child.
Victoria sighed, I get it, Leonard. Its hard to resist someone as striking as Katherine, and youve always been a proper man. The fact you wont abandon the child shows some decency. Thanks for the financial help; Im thinking of travelling, of finally living for myself.
When are you moving out? Need a hand with the boxes? she asked.
She stared at me, oddly calm. No shouting, no hysteriajust a quiet resignation.
Goodbye, my dear, I said, thanks for the years we shared. Life has its own script; perhaps Ill find love again someday. Now off you goKatherine will be waiting.
I grabbed my suitcases, forced a nervous grin, and headed for the lift.
Closing the door behind me, Victoria slipped into the kitchen, fetched a chilled bottle of champagne from the fridge, popped it, poured herself a full glass and drank it down. My departure felt absurd in the moment, but it was the reality wed both been avoiding.
Shed never imagined this ending. All those years wed lived peacefullyno wild passion, but there was mutual respect, habit, and affection. She brushed away the tears, telling herself shed start anew, that the money Id send could open doors. Shed have to get used to being a leftbehind woman.
The next weeks whirled by in a dizzying mixture of new experiences. Victoria signed up for ballroom classes after work, spent weekends at museums, cinemas and the gym. She wasnt alone; her neighbour, Iris, a single woman from the same block, gladly kept her company.
Ian was studying in Manchester and visited only occasionally. Victoria finally cooked only what she liked, without trying to please anyone else. She pursued her own interests, free from anyones restrictions. A new man never crossed her mind; being on her own felt fine.
Our divorce was settled quietly, without drama. In the courtroom corridor she caught a glimpse of Katherinea strikingly beautiful woman, proof that my former husband still had taste.
Every month I transferred the agreed sum through my bank, as promised. Victoria thanked me for the generosity, aware that my business was thriving and I could comfortably support her and Ian. Katherine, Im sure, never learned of this arrangement; she probably wouldnt have approved.
A year later, nothing much had changed for Victoria: dancing, working out, a couple of trips abroad. My payments stopped, and she felt uneasy asking whyperhaps Katherine had intervened. Ian was earning well enough from his university job to fund his own studies. Her own salary covered her needs.
One lazy Sunday, after preparing a fish stew, Victoria discovered there was no bread lefta staple she loved. She dashed to the local bakery and, to her surprise, ran into me.
Leonard, what are you doing here? I asked.
Victoria, hello. I live nearby nowbought a flat, she replied.
Wow, any news on Katherine? The baby? I asked.
A daughter, she said. You wont believe itturns out Katherine was a plant sent by a rival. She gained my trust, I fell for her, and then she tried to force me to transfer the business to her, fearing Id dump her. After the child was born, in a fit of emotion I signed everything over. I kept a modest sum in a secret account, which she never knew about. She later threw me out, the daughter isnt mine, and the business went to the competitor. Its a proper mess, like a bad soapopera.
Ive bought a flat, found work, and Im getting by, though my old life is gone. I cant help you any more. Sorry. You probably wont want to talk to me again after Ive traded you for this mess.
I felt a pang of pity for him, despite his missteps. You fool, Leonard! Come over, Ive just made the fish stew you love.
We sat together in the kitchen where wed once shared countless meals, chatting about the weather and the news. We were no longer husband and wife, merely two old friends.
We kept in touch now and then, never discussing a reunion. Each lived our own lives. Victoria met a man at the dance studio, married him, and found happiness.
I was invited to their wedding; I showed up, genuinely glad for her. On the dance floor I met the brides sister, and months later I saw Victoria and her new husband attending a wedding of a mutual friend.
Life, Ive learned, is delightfully unpredictable. One must never let despair take hold or write ones own epitaph before the storys end. Whatever comes, we simply have to keep moving forward and cherish each day.
