Charles stepped out of the registry office and drew a long, deep breath. At last! He was free! Hisnow formerwife clicked along in her high heels, hurrying towards the man waiting for her outside, planting an ostentatious kiss on him before waving her freshly signed divorce papers with a flourish. Charles smirked. Emily always did have a flair for theatrics.
She shot Charles a triumphant glance and, linking her arm with her new suitor, strode away from the stone steps. Charles grinned again, eyes wandering as he wondered how best to mark this momentous day. His gaze settled on a young woman slipping out of the same registry office. Clearly distressed, she seemed on the brink of tears.
Descending the steps, the woman caught sight of the departing couple. Instantly, silent tears streamed down her cheeks. Charles, heading towards his car, hesitated, then scolded himself for meddling and turned back towards her.
Are you all right? Would you like a hand? he asked.
N-no, honestly, Ill be fine, the woman sniffled, but Charles had already made up his mind.
My names Charles. And you?
Silence.
You divorced today? More silence. Is that your husband over there? He gestured towards the happy pair, but still she didnt speak. Hes walking off with my ex-wife, Charles added.
For the first time, she raised her large, storm-blue eyeseyes swollen with tears and heartbreak. Charles felt himself being pulled into their depths.
Bethany. Beth, really, she murmured, so you got divorced today too?
Yes, Charles replied simply.
And how is it?
Hows what?
How do you feel?
Well, I feel good, he admitted, uncertain where the conversation was headed.
But why?
He shrugged. Its been coming a long time. We both knew it was over. Now weve got what we wanted.
So you dont love her anymore?
Charles was about to say such a question was hardly polite between strangers, but something in Bethanys gaze, the agony and hope, kept him from brushing her off.
No, not anymore, he said, and Bethanys tears fell anew.
You know what? blurted Charles, surprising even himself, lets go and celebrate our divorces together!
What do you mean, celebrate? Bethany stared at him, wide-eyed.
I mean just that! Were comrades in misfortune, arent we? Why not join forces?
But you said you didnt love your wife?
I dont anymore. But I did once. We can share our storiesyou with your present heartache, me with my memories. People say its easier to unburden yourself to a stranger.
Bethany regarded Charles for a long moment, then threw up her hands.
All right then, why not!
Splendid! Theres a decent pub round the corner, shall we? Charles bent his arm gallantly as an invitation.
So, your wife and my husband have run off together? he asked, peering at his new companion.
It seems so, Bethany sighed, swirling her glass absentmindedly before leaning in and whispering conspiratorially, What cads, both of them, dont you think?
Couldnt agree more. Charles nodded. Emily was looking for a replacement for me the minute things got rocky.
Oh, I adored Thomas, Bethany confessed, her voice cracking as the alcohol took hold. Id have done anything for him. And he just trampled all over my feelings! Didnt even bother to hide the other woman. As if I were nothing! When I filed for divorce, he was astonished. He told me someone as feeble as me would never be wanted by anyone else if I left him! Well, I thought, so be it! Even if I end up alone, at least Ill never have to suffer his indifference or betrayal again!
Well said! Charles exclaimed, admiring her courage, his own spirits lifted by the drink. You did exactly the right thing. And as for being aloneyour ex is a fool! Youre a lovely woman and youll have your pick of men yet, mark my words.
Bethany gave a sad smile. You havent seen me in the mirror lately, have you? Still, thank you.
Oh come on, Charles insisted, Youre simply too hard on yourself! Or do you still believe everything your ex said and not notice how other men look at you?
Honestly, Charles, stop it! I know youre just trying to make me feel better. Theres no need.
Im not just trying to console you! Why would I bother? Charles snapped, and then, on a sudden whim, suggested, Lets get married!
Married? What on earth do you mean? Bethany blinked, struggling to focus.
Exactly as it sounds! Lets prove to those two that the world didnt begin and end with themwe can find replacements just as easily!
But
Dont worry! Itll be a marriage in name only. Well just act as though everythings top-notch between us! And as soon as either of us finds the right partner, well get divorced again, no hard feelings. Agreed?
All right! Bethany replied, not quite realising what shed agreed to.
When Charles arrived to collect her for the registry office the following morning, Bethany could scarcely believe her eyes. Shed woken convinced it had been drunken nonsense, but there he was on her doorstep, wondering why she wasnt ready!
They signed the register quietly, and Bethany moved into Charless flat. To her surprise, he turned out to be a gentle and considerate man, giving her his own bedroom and decamping to the sitting room. He always knocked before entering her room, helped with the chores, and left her money for shopping.
Bethany matched his efforts, keeping the house tidy, cooking up delicious meals, making sure Charless clothes were always clean and pressed, and never prying into his affairs. From the outside, theirs was a picture-perfect marriage.
At gatherings with friends, they would play the part of a blissful couple, much to the irritation of their exes, who, through a twist of fate, often found themselves in the same company.
So, what on earth did your husband find wanting? The question caught Bethany off guard as they sat together one evening, Charles watching the cricket while Bethany knitted.
If circumstances were different, Id carry you around on a throne! Charles said suddenly.
Well, whats stopping you? she retorted playfully.
You know, thats a good point! Charles cried, and before she could protest, scooped her into his arms and spun her round the room. Bethany erupted in laughter.
Charles! Stop it! Im getting dizzy! she howled, still giggling as he gently set her down. But as she took a step towards the sofa, she stumbled and grabbed his arm for balance. In a heartbeat, she was in his arms and his lips found hers hungrily. She didnt resistshe had been starved of affection for so long. But when his hands strayed beneath her jumper, she drew away.
Charles, lookI understand. But perhaps we shouldnt use each other this way?
It felt like an eternity before he answered. Maybe youre rightbut Beth, dont get the wrong idea. I genuinely like you. Ifwell, just know that I deeply respect you. Id never want to take advantage.
Without another word, Bethany fled to her room.
For a week she avoided looking at Charles, though he carried on as usual, as if that kiss had never happened. But Bethany couldnt forget, replaying it each night. For the first time, she stopped thinking of Thomas. She no longer cared how he fared with his new wife or dreamed of him crawling back to her, begging forgiveness. All her thoughts were of Charles.
Beth, fancy going to the pictures tonight? Charles asked one Saturday as she did the lunch washing-up.
When?
This evening.
ButI was planning on making some shepherds pie for dinner, got the mince out and everything
The pie will keep, Charles grinned.
But if it does, what will we have for supper then?
Oh, Beth, dont be so dull! Your husbands asking you to a film, and youre worried about mince? Well find something else to eat later!
All right, she smiled shyly, Ill go and get ready.
The film, as it turned out, was hopelessly romantic. All around them couples kissed unabashedly. Bethany felt awkward and a bit jealous, wishing Charles would do the same. As if hearing her thoughts, he gently put his arm around her, turned her face to his and kissed her.
Afterwards, they went for a leisurely dinner, chatted and danced. The whole evening, Charles gazed at her with warmth shed never known. Flustered beneath his look, Bethany couldnt hide her joy. In the taxi home, Charles kissed her again, and they rode the whole way without letting go of each other.
At home, their kisses continued. Breaking away, Charles searched her eyes with a silent question. She nodded, and in the next instant, he scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom.
Half a year slipped by in a dream. Bethany basked in the devotion and passion of her husband. She counted the moments at work until she could see him and rarely left his side at home. Charles reciprocated, showering her with flowers, chocolates, or little trinkets nearly every day.
As their anniversary approached, Bethany noticed Charles growing increasingly thoughtful. Dread crept in: was he about to leave? Had he found someone he truly wanted?
She had other worries, tooa persistent morning queasiness that led her to buy a test. Her suspicions proved right; she was expecting a baby. Fear gnawed at her. If she told Charles, hed surely do the honourable thing, but would he resign himself to a lifetime with her, sacrificing a chance at real love? Unwilling to see him trapped, Bethany resolved to keep her news secret and set about preparing for their anniversary.
Charles arrived with a grand bouquet of roses. After taking them, Bethany led him to the living room, where shed set a celebratory table. With a glass of wine in hand, Charles took her hands and gazed seriously into her eyes.
Its happening, Bethany thought. She steeled herself for the worst.
Beth, Ive been thinking a lot about us I know we started in a rather unconventional way. But in recent months, somethings changedsomething I very much like. Even if you dont feel the same, I need to say it: Ive fallen for you. Youre exactly the woman I want by my side for the rest of my days. At that, Charles got down on one knee and produced a velvet ring box. Bethwill you marry me? For real, this time?
Tears sprang to Bethanys eyes.
Of course! If only you knew how long Ive wished for this!
They kissed, full of joy.
Buthow can I marry you when were already married? Bethany suddenly realised.
Well go on a proper honeymoon! Charles replied with a laugh. We never did have one. And as for childrenwell, we should get started, shouldnt we? His grin stretched from ear to ear, thoroughly pleased with himself.
Theres no rush for that, Bethany answered, smiling mysteriously.
Whatare you? Is it true? Charles stared at her with wide, hopeful eyes. She only lowered hers in reply.
