I never saw that twist coming
After more than twenty years of marriage, Diana Hart felt a chill creeping in from Andrews side. She, too, wasnt quite as smitten as she used to be.
Everyone says theres a point in any marriage when a crisis hits, Diana mused one evening. Could Andrew be seeing someone else? I mean, anyone could, but Id rather not find out.
Diana was bored with the routine. Her colleagues at the office complained about their own husbands, and a few even admitted to finding an escape on the side. She didnt approve of that; it felt rather unseemly.
One morning, just before heading out, Andrew asked:
Could you pick up my aftershave? Im down to the last splash. He held up the empty bottle. Id pop down myself, but Ive got a sixoclock meeting with the boss. Besides, you always know exactly what I need, he said, flashing a grin and planting a kiss on her cheek.
Fine, Im on the way, Diana promised.
After work she stopped at Westfield in Birmingham, breezed straight to the mens toiletries aisle, grabbed the aftershave and a lipstick for herself. At the till she decided to pay cash, but in the shuffle a few pennies clattered onto the floor. She crouched, scooped them up quickly.
Heres another one, a pleasant male voice said from above.
Keep it, Diana smiled without looking up, its for luck.
No, they say you can toss a coin and send your happiness off with it, the stranger insisted.
You cant steal happiness from someone who doesnt have any, she sighed, but she pocketed the coin anyway, thanked the man, paid, and left.
She was ambling toward the bus stop when the same voice called out again.
Excuse me, you catching the bus? Let me give you a lift.
Not again, Diana thought, but before she could protest she found herself saying, Sure, its not far.
He pulled up a car right beside her, opened the passenger door, and she slipped into the front seat.
Nice car, she remarked, comfortable too.
Reliable, thats the key, he replied. By the way, Im Oliver Briggs. And you are?
Diana Hart, she said.
Pleasure, Diana, he said, his tone a touch rehearsed. If youre not in a rush, how about we continue this chat over a coffee? You dont look like youre hurrying home.
Whats that about? she asked, a faint blush creeping up.
Based on what you said about luck he trailed off.
Oh, that, Diana stammered, feeling a bit foolish. She had a house, a good job, a husband, an adult daughter fresh out of university and recently married. She didnt need any of this nonsense.
Oliver studied her a moment.
But you cant really say everything at home is perfect and your husband is the love of your life, can you?
And you cant claim your wife is the love of your life either otherwise we wouldnt be sitting in this car, Diana replied, a melancholy edge to her voice.
Oliver paused, then said:
Sadly, thats true. Im on my second marriage; my wife is ten years younger. My first marriage fell apart she didnt want children. With my current wife I imagined a cosy life of homecooked meals, pies and a couple of kids, butits neither. Shes too lazy, and Im 45, so Im not sure why she wont try.
They slipped into firstname terms, swapped book recommendations, debated films, and discovered a surprising number of shared opinions. The conversation flowed easily.
Unfortunately Ive got to go, Diana said, glancing at her watch with an exaggerated sigh. Thanks for the lift. She stepped out, waving.
They exchanged numbers and even pencilled in a second meetup, promising to call first. Diana considered ending it there, but Oliver wasnt having it.
I dont think thats a good idea, he said. She remained silent, and he took that as a tacit agreement.
Andrew wasnt home yet, so Diana didnt have to explain her late return. The next day was Friday, and Oliver called her after lunch.
Ive missed you, his voice chimed. When can we see each other again?
How about after five? Around the shopping centre?
Dont be late; Ill be waiting, she replied, already feeling the familiar flutter of excitement.
She knew Andrew would be stuck at work; they often had a Friday lads night with colleagues, and hed warned her about a boys night out. She barely survived the workday, dashed to the meeting spot, and halfheartedly told herself she was doing something wrong. The moment she saw Oliver, any remorse vanished.
They spent a wonderful evening, not in a restaurant Oliver kept offering, but Diana wanted to roam the twilight streets, linger by the pond in the park. Under a sprawling lime tree they kissed for ages, paying no heed to the occasional passerby. She felt a sweet, lingering ache, and sensed Oliver felt the same.
Its been ages since Ive had a night like this, thank you, Oliver, she said as they parted, and he lingered a little longer than polite.
Andrew was still out, so Diana could wash off the days makeup in the mirror and mutter to herself:
Thats not cheating. Andrews never around much anyway. And Oliver? Oh dear, lets not think about that now. Lets just see where it goes
Secret rendezvous with Oliver became her little escape. She finally understood what the office gossip meant. Their dates varied coffee shops, countryside drives, a night in a hotel, even a few reckless minutes in the back seat of his car. Hot encounters, goodbyes, and remeetings became the pattern.
It was a blow, a real one.
Six months later, Andrew remained blissfully unaware, always busy. Diana never bothered to ask why he was late; it suited her fine. She and Oliver missed each other more and more, and talks of sorting things out grew frequent. Diana was poised to end the marriage when Oliver dropped a bombshell:
Ive got an emergency at home.
What happened? she asked.
My wifes pregnant.
You said you werent
I know, I said I wasnt. But now I cant just walk away I cant abandon a pregnant wife and our child. I may not love her, but the baby means something.
The news struck Diana like a sack of bricks. She had imagined Oliver would soon be single, his wife would leave, and theyd be together.
Lord, who do you really love? she whispered to herself, feeling utterly betrayed. Did you ever love me, or was I just a fling?
I love you, Diana! I always will but I cant leave my wife now. Its not that simple, Oliver pleaded.
Right, its all so cliché What did I expect? A romance with a married man? Im not the first, nor will I be the last, to get burned by that. It always ends like this, she sighed.
Oliver tried to explain, saying his wife had unexpectedly decided to have a child, using his weakness against him.
Dianas fury boiled over. She stormed out of the car.
You you I hate you, she shouted, sprinting toward the bus stop, while Oliver made no attempt to catch up.
The following days were a nightmare endless crying, long baths, sleepless nights. Andrew finally noticed her gloom.
Darling, how about we take a break together? Were both exhausted. Lets start fresh, he suggested, his tone oddly hopeful.
She clung to the idea like a lifeline.
They booked a cheap holiday and off they went to Brighton. The seaside getaway rekindled their bond; she even started to think Andrew might be the better half after all. Back home, she swapped her SIM card.
Why the new SIM? Andrew asked, eyes narrowing.
Just tired of a few persistent calls, she replied, and he pretended to believe her.
A year later, Diana spotted Oliver in a supermarket, looking thinner, a bit weary. He didnt notice her, and she mused to herself without spite:
Hes lost a bit of weight, looks tired Kids keep you up at night and wont let you relax. Thats probably his lot now.
She smiled, content with her own life. The marital slump with Andrew had passed, they were happy, and she felt at peace.
