She never imagined it would turn out like this
After more than twenty years of marriage, Felicity felt a chill creeping in from Marks side. She, too, no longer burned with the same love she once had for him.
Its not without reason they speak of a crisis in a marriage when the years go on, Felicity thought. Could Mark have taken a fancy to another woman? What would that even mean? Anything could happen, but Id rather not see it happen.
She had grown bored of her life with Mark. At work, colleagues complained about their own husbands, and a few even admitted to finding solace elsewhere with other men. She never approved of that; it felt wrong.
One morning, before she left for the office, Mark asked,
Could you pick up some aftershave? Im out. He held up an empty bottle. I could swing by myself, but today Im stuck at a sixa.m. briefing with the boss. Besides, you always know what I like, he said with a smile, kissing her cheek.
Fine, its on my way, she promised.
That evening, after work, she stopped at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre, a place she visited often. She headed straight to the men’s toiletries aisle, bought the aftershave for Mark and a new lipstick for herself. At the checkout she decided to pay in cash; a clumsy movement sent a few coins skittering onto the floor. She crouched, gathering the change quickly.
Heres another one, a pleasant male voice said from above.
Keep it, Felicity replied without looking up, for luck.
Its said you can give away your happiness with a coin, the stranger insisted.
You cant take happiness from someone who has none, she sighed.
She pocketed the coin, thanked the stranger, paid, and left the store. Walking toward the bus stop, she heard the same voice again.
Excuse me, are you waiting for the bus? Let me give you a lift.
Not again, she thought, but without waiting for herself she answered, Sure, its not far for me.
No problem, Ill take you. Hop in, he said, opening the passenger door of a sleek silver sedan that was parked just a few feet away. She slipped into the front seat.
Nice car, very comfortable, she remarked.
The best part is its reliable, he replied. By the way, Im James. And you are?
Felicity, she answered.
Pleasure, Felicity. If youre not in a hurry, perhaps we could continue getting to know each other? Might I treat you to a coffee? You dont seem rushed to get home.
Why is that?
You mentioned happiness earlier
Oh, that I just
She felt a flicker of embarrassment. She had everything: a house, a good job, a husband, an adult daughter who had just finished university and married.
James looked at her thoughtfully.
But you cant honestly say everything at home is perfect and Mark is the perfect husband, can you?
And you can say you have a beloved wife If that were true, we wouldnt be sitting here now, Felicity said, her voice tinged with sadness.
James paused, then replied,
Sadly, thats the case. Im on my second marriage, my wife is ten years younger, but its not working. My first wife didnt want children. With my second I imagined a quiet life with homecooked meals, a few kids, but neither has happened. She cant provide for meone because of laziness, the other for reasons I cant understand. Im fortyfive now.
They quickly slipped into you, chatting about books, films, mutual acquaintances. Their opinions often aligned, making the conversation lively.
Unfortunately, I must be going, Felicity said, glancing at her watch, thanks for the lift, she added, waving as she stepped out of the car.
They exchanged numbers and even arranged to meet again, planning to call first. Felicity had considered ending it there, but James didnt support that idea.
I dont think thats a good plan, he said. And perhaps you feel the same?
She stayed silent; his silence was taken as consent.
Mark wasnt home yet, so Felicity didnt have to explain her late return. The next day was Friday. James called after lunch.
Ive missed you, his voice said. When can we meet?
How about after five? Near the mall?
Dont be late, Ill be waiting.
Felicity knew Mark would be delayed; they often stayed at a café with colleagues on Fridays, and he had warned her about a boys night that evening.
She barely made it through the workday, rushing to the meeting spot, wrestling with the thought that she was doing the wrong thing. But when James appeared, all guilt drained away.
They spent a wonderful evening together. Felicity didnt want a restaurant; James offered, but she preferred a drive through the city and a pause by the pond in the park. Under a sprawling lime tree they kissed for a long time, indifferent to the few other walkers. A sweet ache settled over her, and she sensed James felt the same.
Its been ages since Ive had a night like this. Thank you, James, she whispered as they partied, and he lingered, reluctant to let her go.
Mark was still out, and Felicity, looking at herself in the mirror later, washed off her makeup, trying to rationalise.
Its not really cheating. Mark isnt much present; hes always working late. And James? Oh God, I shouldnt even think about him. Let whatever happens happen
Secret meetings with James became her escape. She finally understood what some colleagues meant when they talked about finding a way out. Their rendezvous varieda café, a weekend trip, a hotel room, even a few reckless minutes in the back seat of his car. Hot reunions, goodbyes, and new meetings followed.
Six months passed. Mark remained oblivious, busy as ever. Felicity stopped trying to find out why he was always late; it suited her. She and James missed each other more and more, and talk of a decision grew frequent. Felicity was almost ready to end her marriage when James suddenly announced,
I have an emergency at home.
Whats happened?
My wife is pregnant.
You said you werent
I know, but its true. I cant just walk away from my pregnant wife and our child. Even if I dont love her, the baby matters to me.
The news hit Felicity like a blow. She had believed James was single, that he would leave his wife, and that they would be together.
Lord, who do you really love? she thought, her heart heavy. I dont trust anyone now. Were you ever with me, or only with your wife?
I love you, Felicity! I always will but I cant leave my wife right now. Not yet, you understand?
I get it, its all so typical What did I expect? A romance with a married man? Im not the first, nor will I be the last to get burned, she muttered. Thats how it ends, always.
James tried to explain, I never imagined shed want a baby. She saw I have a soft spot, so shes trying to tie me down.
Felicitys anger boiled. She stormed out of the car.
You you I hate you, youre just like everyone else, she shouted, sprinting to the bus stop, while James didnt even try to follow.
The following days were a nightmare. She wept in the bathroom, feeling hollow. Mark noticed her gloom.
Darling, why dont we take a break together? Were both exhausted. Lets start fresh, he suggested, and she saw a glimmer of hope.
Lets do it, she agreed, feeling a lifeline.
They booked a holiday and drove to Brighton together. The trip reconnected them; she realised Mark could be a good partner after all. When they returned home, she switched her phones SIM card.
Why did you change it? Mark asked suspiciously.
Just tired of some persistent calls, she replied, and he pretended to believe her.
A year later, Felicity spotted James again, stooped and looking down, buying groceries in a supermarket. He didnt see her, and she watched without anger.
Hes probably skinny from sleepless nights with the little ones, she thought, smiling to herself. My life is different now. The crisis with Mark is behind us, were happy, and Ive learned that chasing shortcuts only leads to heartache.
The lesson she carries forward is simple: true contentment isnt found in fleeting affairs or quick fixes, but in facing ones own life honestly and building steady, genuine connections.
