After her spin class, Rosie hurried home, promising her husband she’d make a proper fish stew. When she walked into the flat, she found Leonard lounging in the kitchen, a glass of red wine in his hand.
Wow, youve been out the whole evening, love Leonard, could you have waited a bit? Let me at least whip up a starter, she said.
No need, sit downtheres something we need to talk about, he replied.
Rosie had never seen Leonard look so lost and troubled. Good heavens, whats happened? she asked.
He sighed. Im not even sure where to begin Ill tell you straight. My secretary, Kate, is pregnant with my child, and Im leaving her.
Rosies mouth fell open. That sounds like a cheap drama. How long have you been with her?
About a year. From the moment she arrived she was showering me with attention. Shes young, beautiful, full of laughterjust like you were in your twenties. I fell for her like a schoolboy. I wanted to be honest with you, but I didnt have the courage. I felt guilty.
He swallowed. Now theres no turning backwell soon be parents. Ive always wanted a child of my own. Igor is like a son to me, but not by blood. I need an heir to pass the business on to, you understand? Being with Kate makes me feel younger I suppose its a midlife crisishave you heard of that?
I admit Im a scoundrel, Leonard. But I wont deprive you or Igor. Ill leave you the flat, the car, everything, and Ill keep supporting you financially, just as I promised. Ill pay for the childrens education. Ive already bought a new house and put it in Kates nameshell be the mother of my child.
Rosie nodded. I get it, Leonard. Its hard to resist a beauty like Kate, and youre a true gentleman. You cant abandon a childthats noble. Thanks for the financial help; Ill use it to start travelling and live for myself.
When are you moving out? Maybe I can help with the boxes?
Leonard stared at his wife, bewildered by her calm. It was almost a blessingno shouting, no hysterics.
Goodbye, love. Thank you for the years weve shared; Ive been happy with you. Life has its own script perhaps Ill love someone else and find happiness with a new man. Thats all, go nowKate must be waiting, thinking Ive clung to you like a leech.
Leonard grabbed his suitcases, offered an awkward smile, and headed for the lift.
When the door closed, Rosie walked back to the kitchen, pulled a bottle of champagne from the fridge, popped it, poured herself a full glass and drank it down. Her husband had left her. The absurdity of it all struck her.
She had never imagined this. All those years they had lived peacefully; there was no fiery love, but there was affection, habit, respect.
She shook off the tears. A new life, new rules! She would find something to occupy her, and Leonard would keep paying. It would be foolish to turn away the money; with it came more possibilities. She just needed to get used to being on her own.
The whirl of fresh experiences swept Rosie away. She signed up for dance classes after work, spent weekends in museums, at the cinema, and at the gym. She wasnt aloneher neighbour, Iris, a single woman, gladly kept her company.
Her son Igor studied in another city and visited rarely. Rosie was on her own. She cooked only what she liked, no longer tailoring meals to anyone else. She pursued what made her happy; no one could forbid her. She didnt even think about a new boyfriend, and being alone felt fine.
The divorce was quiet and amicable. In the hallway of the courthouse she caught a glimpse of Katea striking beauty, the kind Leonard seemed to have a taste for.
Leonard kept sending the monthly payments, just as hed promised. Rosie appreciated his generosity; she knew his business was thriving and he could comfortably support her and Igor as a thankyou for the years theyd shared. Kate, it seemed, was unaware of this arrangement and likely would not have approved.
A year passed. Rosies routine stayed the samedance, gym, the occasional trip abroad. Leonards payments stopped, and Rosie felt uneasy asking why. Perhaps Kate had put an end to it. It didnt matter; she would manage. Igor earned a decent wage while at university and could fund his own tuition. Her own earnings covered her needs.
One lazy Sunday, after cooking a stew, she realized she was out of breada staple she loved. She stepped out to the bakery and ran into Leonard.
Leonard, what a surprise, she said.
Rosie, hello. Im living nearby nowbought a flat, he answered.
Wow, news. Hows Kate? Any children? she asked.
A daughter, he said. And a strange storyturns out Kate was planted by a rival. She earned my trust, I fell for her, then she tried to force me to transfer the business to her, fearing Id walk away emptyhanded. After the baby was born, I signed everything over in a panic. I kept a small sum hidden, but she threw me out. The daughter isnt mine, the business went to the competitor. Its a messlike a terrible soap opera.
I bought a flat, found work, Im getting by, but my old life is gone. I cant help you anymore. Sorry, Leonard said. You probably dont even want to talk to me now.
Rosie felt a pang of pity despite everything. You were a fool, Leonard! Kate was a swindler. You put so much effort into the business!
Its ridiculous, he muttered.
Come over, love. Ive just made the stew you used to love, Rosie replied.
They chatted warmly in the kitchen where they had shared countless meals over the years, now as friends rather than spouses.
From time to time they called each other. There was no talk of reconciling; each had moved on. At a dance class Rosie met a man, married him, and found genuine happiness.
She invited Leonard to the wedding; he attended and seemed genuinely pleased for her. At the reception he met the brides sister and, months later, Rosie and her new husband were dancing at his own wedding.
Life, it turned out, was utterly unpredictable. One should never let setbacks crush the spirit or write ones story in stone, because you never know what tomorrow will bring. The secret is to keep moving forward, embrace each new day, and find joy wherever you are.
