After a workout, Emma hurried home, promising her husband shed make a fish stew. When she stepped into the flat, she found Leonard sitting at the kitchen table, sipping red wine.
Whoa, youre really in one mood Leonard, didnt have the patience to wait for me? Let me at least fix a snack
No, sit down, we need to talk
Emma had never seen Leonard like thisdisheartened, lost. Lord, what happened?
I dont even know where to begin Ill be straight. My secretary, Katherine, is pregnant with my child and Im leaving her.
Good grief this sounds like a bad soapopera. How long have you been with her?
About a year. From the moment she arrived she kept sending signals, and I couldnt resist. Young, pretty, full of laughterjust like you were in your youth. I fell for her like a schoolboy! I wanted to be honest with you, but I lacked the courage. Im sorry.
Now theres no turning back; well soon be parents. You know Ive always wanted a child of my own Ian feels like my own son, but not by blood. I need an heir to pass my business on, you understand? With her I feel younger maybe its a midlife crisishave you heard of that?
Emma, Im a scoundrel, surely. But I wont leave you or Ian emptyhanded. The flat, the car, everything stays with you. Ill keep supporting you financially, dont worry. Ill pay for the tuition as promised. Ive already bought a new house, put it in Katherines name, because shell be the mother of my child.
I get it, Leonard, its hard to resist a beauty like Katherine, and youre a real man you cant abandon a child, thats noble. Thanks for the financial help; I wont refuseit lets me start travelling, live for myself.
When are you moving out? Maybe I can help with the boxes?
Leonard stared bewildered at his wife, unusually calm. Thats for the bestno shouting, no tantrums.
Goodbye, my dear husband, thanks for the years we shared, Ive been happy with you. Life has its own script maybe Ill love someone else and be happy with a new man. Thats all, go, Katherine is probably waiting, thinking Ive latched onto you like a leech
Leonard hurriedly grabbed his suitcases, gave an awkward smile and headed for the lift.
After the doors closed, Emma went to the kitchen, pulled a bottle of champagne from the fridge, popped it, poured a full glass and drank it. Her husband had left her. How absurd it sounded.
She had never imagined this. All those years theyd lived peacefully; there was no raging passion, but there was attachment, habit, respect.
Fine, no point in whining. New life, new rules! Ill find something to do, and Leonard will keep paying. Its foolish to turn away money; it opens doors. I just have to get used to being the one left behind
Soon Emma was whirled into a vortex of fresh experiences. She signed up for dance classes after work, spent weekends in museums, at the cinema, and at the gym. Luckily she had company: her neighbour, Irene, a single woman, gladly kept her company.
Ian studied in another city and visited rarely. Emma was left to herself. She cooked only what she liked, no longer tailoring meals for anyone. She pursued her own interests; no one could forbid her. She didnt even think about a new man, and being alone was fine.
The divorce was quiet and amicable. In the courtroom corridor she caught a glimpse of Katherine, a striking beautywell, at least his taste was good.
Leonard transferred money each month as promised. Emma was grateful for his generosity. She knew his business was thriving, and he could easily support her and Ian as a thankyou for the years together. Katherine, it seemed, was unaware and probably wouldnt have approved.
A year passed. Emmas life hadnt changed much: dancing, gym sessions, a couple of trips abroad. Leonards payments stopped, and Emma felt awkward asking why. Most likely Katherine had blocked it. Oh well, she would manage. Ian earned well while at university and could cover his own tuition. His salary was enough for his needs.
One lazy Sunday, Emma boiled fish stew, only to discover she had no breadher favourite. She popped out to the bakery and ran into Leonard.
Leonard, what are you doing here?
Emma, hi. Im living nearby now. Bought a flat.
Well, thats news Hows Katherine? Any baby? By the way, who was born?
A daughter strange story. Turns 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 leave her penniless.
I signed everything over after the child was born, in a rush. I kept a small sum in an account she didnt know about. In the end she threw me out. The daughter wasnt mine, the business went to the competitor. Thats the mess I ended up in ridiculous, like a bad soapopera.
I bought a flat, found a job, Im getting by, but the old life is gone. I cant help you any more sorry. You probably wont want to talk to me now, I messed you up, traded you for this.
Emma felt a pang of pity for him. He looked harmless. What a fraud, Katherine! He poured all his effort into the business!
Youre a fool, Leonard! Come over, Ive just made the fish stew you love
They talked heartily in the kitchen where theyd spent years together, sharing news. But now they were no longer husband and wife.
They called each other from time to time. There was no talk of getting back together; each had their own life. Emma met a man at dance class, married him, and was happy.
She invited Leonard to the wedding; he came and was genuinely pleased for his exwife. At the reception he met the grooms sister. Six months later Emma and her new husband were dancing at his own wedding.
Life is truly unpredictable. Never let despair take hold or close the door on yourself, because you never know what lies ahead. Just keep living and cherish every day.
