Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! Sarah said with a grin to the stranger at the front door.
Hang on a sec, Emily! Someones at the door. Ill call back once I find out who it is and what they want, Sarah muttered, ending a chat with an old friend. Emily had just been recounting, in vivid detail, her motherinlaws birthday bash, peppered with jokes that had Sarah giggling nonstop, as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Sarah padded over to the door, peered through the peephole and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour, since random people rarely get past the secure entrance of their block. Instead, a young woman shed never seen stood on the landing.
She decided not to open better to keep strangers at bay, especially these days when fraudsters are everywhere. Sarah lived by a strict rule: no chitchat with unknowns. Con artists prey on gullibility, but she wasnt going to be one of their victims.
She lifted the phone to finish her talk with Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Sarah was alone; her husband James had gone to a mates place to help with some gardening. She returned to the door and, this time, examined the visitor more closely through the peephole.
There was something odd yet pathetic about the lady, but Sarah didnt sense any immediate danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? Then I can finish the weekend in peace, she mused. Shes probably lost or here to sell something.
She acted quickly, swung the door open. The woman in the hallway straightened up, nervous fingers smoothing her hair before she spoke.
Hi! Are you Sarah? she asked, twiddling a scarf round her neck. Of course you are why would I ask?
Sarah thought, Interesting. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you in, so either tell me why youre here or leave! Sarah said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Sarah off guard.
Thats something, Sarah thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name a prepared con artist, no doubt.
Youre here for James? Sarah asked, though she intended to say something else.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is inside itll make things harder for me, the woman replied smoothly.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Sarahs curiosity grew with each moment.
Dont you have what youre after? Sarah finally asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its hard to discuss matters like this in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Sarah snapped.
Do you really want me to explain the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Sarah shouted, louder than she intended.
Just then, Mrs. Clarke, the neighbour from next door, emerged from the lift. Sarah, love, you alright? Why are you shouting? she asked.
Oh, hi Mrs. Clarke! All good, just a bit of weather talk, Sarah replied, trying to defuse the scene.
It looks like rains on the way, Mrs. Clarke said, lingering near the doorway, clearly interested in the commotion.
Come in, Sarah said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger forward.
Inside, the woman began to scan the flat with interest, her eyes drifting over various objects.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Sarah warned, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Olivia, the woman said, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Right, original! Couldnt think of anything more cliché? Sarah retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats so cliche about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband has moved on, Olivia replied confidently, trying to walk past Sarah.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Sarah asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be standing here, Olivia declared boldly.
My husband knows nothing about love. Hes clueless, so youre badly mistaken, dear, Sarah said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Turner cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Olivia claimed.
Really? That sounds out of character. What do you want from me, Olivia? Sarah pressed, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Olivia announced firmly.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though hes never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Sarah asked, now amused.
Before Olivia could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, eyebrows raised at the sight of a stranger in the hallway.
Olivia? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, puzzled.
No, Im here for you, Sarah replied, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something at work? James asked, still bewildered.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Sarah said with a grin.
Olivia, blushing, hastily slipped on her coat and backed toward the door.
Leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Sarah joked.
Olivia was already out the door.
What was that about? James asked, utterly confused.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and saying youd live with her? Sarah asked, folding her arms.
Seriously?! James exclaimed, looking baffled. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would be over.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women today will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Sarah said, shaking her head.
James stared at her uncertainly, then let out a deep sigh. Ill never understand what some people imagine. This is all terribly strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Youre right, Sarah said with a faint smile. But Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can meddle in our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James replied, moving to hug her. Thanks for standing by me. I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Sarah returned the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both realised that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship was unshakable. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
