**Secret Encounters**
After his divorce, Daniel often told colleagues and friends he was «keeping an eye out.» Eight years of marriage had ended bitterlyhis ex-wifes temper was unbearable, though he hadnt wanted things to turn sour. At least there were no children; shed never wanted any.
At thirty-six, Daniel was in fine shapebroad-shouldered, athletic, with a handsome face and a mysterious gaze. Hed had flings with women, even younger ones, but marriage was the last thing on his mind. Office romances didnt interest him either; too clichéd, and most of his female colleagues were married.
«Ive got more sense than to get tangled up in that mess,» hed say over pints at the pub with his mates.
«Famous last words,» theyd laugh. «You know how it goeslove comes when you least expect it.»
Daniel had been overconfident. Fate had other plans. Hed never forget the summer day a new colleague, Evelyn, joined their office. The day before, his friend Oliver had mentioned, «Maxs wife is transferring here from the other branch.»
Daniel barely knew Maxa dull, unremarkable man. «Bet his wifes just as boring,» hed thought, dismissing the news.
Then he met Evelyn. One glance, and he was speechless. She was stunningand sharp, too. Within a week, Daniel was counting the minutes until each morning, restless at night, thinking only of her.
«Evelyns perfect for me,» he told himself. «If she suits me, I must suit her. I just need her to notice me. Her being married actually works in my favourwell collaborate closely, and no one will suspect a thing.»
Another week passed. Daniel noticed Evelyn seemed to like him. They worked side by side, joking and laughing, but her frequent mentions of Max irked him.
«Does she bring him up to hint shes not interested? Or does she actually love that dull man?» The thought stung, but he held back from flirting openly. Still, their shared project meant stolen momentsthough Oliver was usually nearby, spoiling any privacy.
Then one day, Oliver was absent. Leaning over documents, their heads almost touching, Daniel felt Evelyns warm breath and impulsively kissed her. She pulled back, covering her mouth.
«Oh, Danielplease dont do that again.»
But she didnt storm off. A good sign.
«Sorry. Lost my head,» he said, grinning.
Evelyn pretended nothing had happened, and Daniel exhaled in relief. Days passed without another chanceuntil Friday, when he dared ask, «Can I call you this weekend?»
«No!» she said, alarmedthen softened. «Ill call you.»
«Brilliant. Ill wait.»
But Saturday passed without a word. Sunday morning, still nothing.
«Why wont she call? Even with Max home, she could sneak a minute,» he fumed.
That evening, he caved and dialled. Evelyn answered instantly, whispering, «Dont call me. Ill ring you.»
At dawn on Monday, his phone buzzed. Evelyn.
«Daniel, are you busy? Can I come over?»
He bolted upright. «Alone? Youve got your car? Yesheres my address.»
He showered, brewed coffee (too jittery to drink it), and opened the door to her knowing eyes. No words needed. He kissed her hungrily.
«Good morning,» she murmured when she could speak.
Daniel, overwhelmed, didnt reply.
Later, over coffee in his kitchen, Evelyn said, «Max leaves for work much earlier than me.» Daniel scowledwhy bring him up now?
«Your place is cosy,» she added, glancing around. «And the coffees lovely.»
They arrived at work just in time, separately but close. Daniel braced for suspicion, but no one noticedexcept Oliver.
«Running late today, mate? Youre usually first in.»
«Just overslept,» Daniel lied.
Their secret continued. Colleagues saw nothing odd in their collaborationEvelyn was married, after all, and Daniel had never blurred professional lines.
Mornings at his flat became routine. One Saturday at ten, his phone rang.
«Can I come over?»
«Any time, Evelyn. Always.»
She arrived within the half-hour. «Howd you manage today?» he asked as they lay in bed.
«Max visits his parents country house on Saturdays. I hate the place.»
«Stay with me. Properly, I mean. Forever.»
«I cant.»
«Why not?»
«Because I cant,» she sighed.
Daniel bit back frustration. She needed time. But what if Max grew suspicious?
«Evelyn, where is this going?»
«We keep meeting. Today, Im yours all day.»
«But weekends are rare. I want more.»
She laughed when he joked, «Maybe I should marry someone elselevel the playing field.»
«Forbidden fruits sweet, but Ive no sweet tooth,» she teased.
Weeks passed. Early-morning trysts, rare Saturdays. Daniel grew restless.
«Evelyn, divorce him. Marry me. I hate these rushed momentsI miss you.»
«No, Daniel. I cant.»
«Why?»
«Because besides Max, I have a son. Hes nearly elevenindependent, gets himself to school. Thats why I can slip away. Surprised?»
Daniel hesitated. «No. Id adopt himI love you.»
«Max would never allow it. He adores our boy.»
After that, their meetings dwindled. Daniel saw no future. He wanted marriage; she wouldnt leave. The secrecy wore him downand waking at dawn lost its charm.
«Evelyn, Ive thought hard. This isnt enough. Divorce him, or were done.»
«I cant,» she said softly.
«Then this ends now.»
«Alright.»
She left for good. Daniel later met another womansingle, but not loved as fiercely. He believes such passion comes once in a lifetime. Between torment and peace, he chose peace.
Sometimes, settling is the wiser choice.
