I never saw this twist coming
Having spent just over twenty years with Mark, I could feel the chill drifting from him. In truth, my own fire for him had waned too; the passion we once shared felt like a distant memory.
They say there comes a point in a marriagea crisis, they call itwhen everything seems to wobble. I wondered whether Mark might be tempted by another woman. It was a thought that should never have entered my mind, yet I could not help but dread it.
I was growing bored with our routine. At work, many of my colleagues complained about their husbands, some even confessed to seeking solace elsewhere with another man. I could never condone that; it felt utterly wrong.
One morning, before I left for the office, Mark asked, Could you pick up some aftershave? Ive run out. He held up an empty bottle, smiled, kissed my cheek and added, You always know exactly what I need.
Alright, its on my way, I promised.
That evening, after a long day, I slipped into the Westfield shopping centre, a place I frequent. I headed straight to the toiletries aisle, bought the aftershave for Mark and a new lipstick for myself. At the checkout I decided to pay cash, but a few coins clattered onto the floor. I crouched, gathered them quickly.
Heres another one, a pleasant male voice said from above.
Keep it, I replied without looking up, its for luck.
No need, he chuckled, they say you can give away your happiness with a coin.
You cant steal happiness from someone who has none, I sighed.
He still handed me the coin. I thanked him, paid, and left the store. As I walked toward the bus stop, the same voice called out, Excuse me, are you waiting for the bus? Let me give you a lift.
A flash of irritation crossed my mindNot again. Yet, without thinking, I agreed. Its not far for me, anyway.
He parked a sleek black sedan right beside me, opened the passenger door and I slipped into the front seat.
What a lovely and comfortable car you have, I said.
Yes, reliable above all, he replied. By the way, Im James. And you are?
Eleanor, I answered.
Nice to meet you, Eleanor, he said, his tone rehearsed. If youre not rushing home, perhaps we could continue this conversation over a coffee?
Why, whats the reason? I asked, a little embarrassed.
You mentioned happiness I thought you might be in no hurry to get home.
I blushed. It was absurd to say such things; after all, I had a house, a steady job, a husband, an adult daughter who had just graduated and married. Yet James stared at me intently.
But you cant honestly say everything at home is perfect and Mark is the love of your life, can you? he pressed.
And you can claim you have a beloved wife Yet here we are, stuck in a car together, I replied sadly.
He paused, then confessed, Unfortunately, its true. Im on my second marriage; my wife is ten years younger. My first marriage fell apartshe didnt want children. I imagined a different life with my second: homecooked meals, a few kids, but its never materialised. Shes lazy, and for reasons I cant explain, she refuses to have more Im fortyfive now.
Our conversation flowed, slipping quickly to first names. We talked about books, films, mutual acquaintances. Opinions often aligned, making the talk all the more engaging.
Im afraid I must be going, I said, glancing at my watch, thanks for the lift. I stepped out, waving goodbye.
We exchanged numbers and even arranged to meet again, promising to call first. I had considered ending it then, but James wasnt having it.
I dont think thats wise Id rather not, he said, and I fell silent, the silence sealing my consent.
Mark was still at work, so I didnt have to justify my 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 shopping centre?
Dont be late, Ill be waiting.
I knew Mark would be delayed; we often stayed late at the pub on Fridays with colleagues, and hed mentioned a boys night earlier that day.
I counted the minutes until the end of my shift, then raced to our rendezvous, wrestling with guilt. The moment I saw James, the remorse melted away.
We spent a wonderful evening. I declined his suggestion to go to a restaurant; instead, I wanted to cruise around the city and pause by the park pond. Beneath a sprawling lime tree we kissed for ages, oblivious to the few latenight walkers. A sweet, lingering ache settled over me, and I sensed James felt the same.
It’s been ages since Ive had a night like this, I whispered as we said goodbyes. He lingered, reluctant to let me go.
Mark wasnt home yet, so I could remove my makeup in front of the mirror without having to explain my lateness. I rationalised, Its not betrayal. Marks rarely home; hes always working late. And James? Oh God, I wont think about that now. Let things be as they are.
Secret meetings with James became my escape. Suddenly, my coworkers gossip made sense. We met in cafés, took weekend trips, rented hotel rooms, even shared a few reckless moments in the back seat of his car. The heated encounters, the goodbyes, the reunionseach felt like a fresh blow.
Six months passed. Mark remained oblivious, buried in his own world. I no longer probed why he stayed late; it suited me. James and I missed each other increasingly, and we began to talk about solving our tangled lives. I was ready to end things with Mark when James suddenly announced, Ive got an emergency at home.
What happened?
My wifes pregnant.
How can that be? You said
I said I was free, but now I cant abandon her I dont love her, but the child matters.
That revelation hit me like a sack of bricks. I had imagined James as single, devoted solely to me, ready to leave his marriage behind.
Lord, who do you truly love? I whispered to myself, tears welling. I dont trust anyone anymore. Were you ever with me, or just with your wife?
I love you, Eleanor! I always will but I cant walk away from my wife now. Its complicated, you understand?
I get it, its cliché What did I expect? A romance with a married man? Im not the first, nor will I be the last to be scorched. Thats how it ends.
James tried to explain, I never imagined shed want a child. She realised I have a softer side and used it to tie me down. She knows my weakness
I exploded, You you I hate you! Youre just like everyone else! I bolted to the bus stop; he didnt even try to follow.
The days that followed were a nightmare. I wept in the bathroom, feeling utterly broken. Mark finally noticed my gloom.
Darling, why dont we take a holiday? Were both worn out. Lets start afresh, he suggested, offering a glimmer of hope.
That sounds perfect, I replied, clinging to the idea of rescue.
We booked a breakaway to Brighton and spent a lovely week together. The time apart reminded me that Mark could be a good partner. When we returned, I changed the SIM card in my phone.
Why did you change it? Mark asked, suspicious.
Just tired of some persistent calls, I replied, and he seemed to accept it.
A year later, I saw James again, hunched and looking weary while shopping in a local supermarket. He didnt notice me; I simply thought, He looks thinner, worn down kids keep you up at night, no rest for the weary.
I smiled to myself, feeling at peace. The marital crisis with Mark had faded; we had rebuilt our life together. Everything was fine, and I finally felt happy.
