Sarah had always been known as the mistress. Luck never truly sided with her when it came to marriage. She remained single well into her thirties before finally deciding it was high time to find herself a man. At first, she didnt realise that Paul was married; it only came out later, and Paul didnt even try to hide it once he saw shed grown attached and was falling for him.
But Sarah never said a harsh word to Paul. Instead, she blamed herself for the whole affair and her own weakness toward him. She felt incomplete, as though shed lost the race to find a husband in time, while the years kept slipping by. In truth, she was a decent enough woman: not strikingly beautiful, but pleasant, with a gentle face, just a touch fuller than she liked, which perhaps made her seem a bit older.
Her relationship with Paul led nowhere. Sarah couldnt bear to remain the other woman, but she couldnt bring herself to leave Paul either. The prospect of being alone terrified her.
One day, her cousin James showed up unexpectedly. He was just passing through London on a work trip and decided to visit since it had been ages since theyd seen each other. Over lunch in the kitchen, they chatted like they used to as kids, sharing stories about work and life. Sarah confided in James about her situation. She told it all, cried a little too.
Suddenly, the neighbour from downstairs popped in, inviting Sarah over to have a look at her new purchases. Sarah excused herself for about twenty minutes. Just then, the doorbell rang. Thinking it was Sarah returning, James went to answer, forgetting the door was unlocked. On the doorstep stood Paul. At once, James understood this was Sarahs secret lover. Paul looked bewildered to see a hulking man in tracksuit bottoms and a vest munching on a ham sandwich.
Is Sarah in? was all Paul managed.
Shes in the bath, replied James quickly, playing along.
Sorry, and you are…? Paul stammered.
Im her partner. We live together. For now, anyway. Why do you ask? James moved closer and grabbed Paul by the front of his shirt. Youre not that married chap Sarahs told me about, are you? Listen to me. If I catch you here again, Ill toss you down the stairs, understand?
Paul wriggled free and bolted off.
Soon after, Sarah returned, and James recounted the visit.
What have you done? Who asked you? Sarah sobbed. He wont come back now.
She dropped to the sofa and buried her face in her hands.
He wont come back, and its for the best, James said firmly. Stop crying, will you? Listen, I know a proper bloke for you. Widower in my village. After his wife died, women have been after him left and right, but hes turned them all down. Seems he wants to be on his own for now. Anyway, after my business trip, Ill drop by and take you with me. Youll meet him.
What? No, James, I cant just go meet some stranger. Its embarrassing. Honestly, I cant.
Embarrassings sharing a bed with someone elses husband, not meeting a free man. No ones dragging you into his bed. Youll come. My Lucys birthdays coming up anyway.
So, a few days later, Sarah and James took the train down to the village. Jamess wife, Lucy, had laid out a lovely spread in the garden next to the shed, inviting neighbours, friends, and his mate Alex, the widower. Everyone already knew Sarah, but it was her first time meeting Alex.
After a cheerful afternoon, Sarah returned to London. She remembered Alex as quiet and reserved, clearly still mourning his wife. Poor man, hes got a kind heart. Men like him are rare, she thought.
A week later, on Sunday, someone knocked at Sarahs door. She wasnt expecting anyone. Opening it, she was surprised to find Alex, holding a carrier bag.
Hope you dont mind, Sarah. I was in town for the market and some shopping. Thought, since were acquainted now, Id pop by, Alex said, shifting nervously.
Sarah invited him in, puzzled but hospitable, offering tea as she wondered what this visit really meant.
So, did you manage to buy all you needed? she asked Alex.
Yes, its in the car. This is for you, by the way. Alex pulled a small bunch of tulips from his bag and offered them to her.
Sarah accepted the flowers, her eyes lighting up. They sat in the kitchen with tea, chatting about the weather and prices at Borough Market. When the tea was finished, Alex thanked her and began to leave, moving slowly as he slipped on his jacket and shoes. Almost at the door, he turned around abruptly.
If I dont say this now, Ill regret it. Sarah, Ive thought about you all week, honest. You really stuck in my mind. Couldnt wait till the weekend. Got your address from James
Sarah blushed, lowering her gaze.
We barely know each other she replied.
That doesnt matter. Am I unpleasant to you? May I call you by your first name? I know Im no catch. I have a little girl, shes eight. Shes staying with her gran just now.
Alex was anxious, his hands trembling.
A daughters a blessing, Sarah smiled dreamily. I always wanted a daughter.
Heartened by her words, Alex took Sarahs hands, pulled her gently towards him, and kissed her.
Afterwards, Alex searched her face for a sign.
Am I unwelcome? he asked quietly.
No, not at all. I didnt expect this from myself it feels sweet and calm. Im not stealing anyone from anybody
From that day, they spent every weekend together. Two months later, Sarah and Alex married and settled in the village. Sarah found work at the local nursery school. Within a year, she gave birth to a daughter. The two girls grew up together, both cherished and loved. There was plenty of joy and affection to go around. And Alex and Sarah seemed younger with each passing year, their love growing richer, like a fine matured wine.
At family gatherings, James would often wink at Sarah and say, Well, Sarah, what do you think of the husband I picked out for you? You only get lovelier each year. You know Id never steer you wrongbest listen to your cousin.
Reflecting on it all, Ive learned that sometimes, letting go of whats bad for you opens the door to something truly wonderful. You just have to be brave enough to let it happen.
