Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! Kate said with a grin to the stranger standing at her front door.
Hold on a sec, Emma! Someones at the door. Ill call back when I know who it is and what they want, Kate replied, sounding a bit annoyed as she ended the call with her old school friend. Emma had just been spilling the details of her motherinlaws birthday bash, full of jokes, and Kate was laughing nonstop as if she were watching a comedy on TV.
Kate walked over to the door, peered through the peephole and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour next door strangers dont just wander into their secure block. But there, in the hallway, stood a young woman shed never seen before.
She decided not to open the door better to steer clear of strangers, especially these days when scams are everywhere. Kate had a hardandfast rule: no chatting with unknown people. Scammers prey on gullibility, but she wasnt one of them.
She grabbed the phone to finish her chat with Emma, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Kate was alone; her husband James had gone over to a mates place to help with some garden work. She went back to the door, looked through the peephole once more, this time paying closer attention to the unfamiliar face.
Something about the woman was odd and a bit pitiful, but Kate didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to leave? Then I can enjoy the weekend in peace, Kate thought. Probably shes lost or trying to sell something.
She acted quickly and swung the door open. The lady standing in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Kate? she asked, twirling a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you ask?
Kate raised an eyebrow. Scam artists are getting cleverer. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you in, so either tell me why youre here or go! Kate said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Kate off guard.
Thats something! Kate thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared con.
Are you here for James? Kate asked, though she meant to ask something else.
No, I came to speak with you. But if James is around, itll be harder for me, the woman replied calmly.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Kate wondered, curiosity building.
Is he not what youre looking for? Kate finally asked.
Maybe we should go inside. Its awkward discussing this in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Kate replied.
Do you really want me to talk about my relationship with James right here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Kate shouted, her voice louder than intended.
Kate, are you alright? Why are you shouting? asked Mrs. Patel, the neighbour who had just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hi Mrs Patel! All good. Hows the weather out? Kate tried to defuse the tension.
Looks like rain is on the way, Mrs Patel replied, lingering near the door, clearly curious.
Come in, Kate said reluctantly, gesturing the woman inside.
Inside, the woman started looking around the flat, her eyes lingering on various items.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Kate said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Megan, the woman began, shedding her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Really? Thats so cliché! Couldnt you think of something more original? Kate retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats cliché about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Megan replied confidently, trying to step past Kate.
Are you sure he stopped loving me and fell for you? Kate asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were any other way, I wouldnt be standing here, Megan said boldly.
My husband doesnt know love at all. Hes clueless, so youre dead wrong, love, Kate said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Carter cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Megan declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So, what do you want from me, Megan? Kate asked, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Megan announced, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though he never mentioned a divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Kate asked, now genuinely amused.
Before Megan could answer, the door swung open and James stepped in, looking bewildered at the stranger in the hallway.
Megan? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, confused.
No, Im here for you, Kate said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happen at work? James asked, still puzzled.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Kate replied with a grin.
Megan, flushed, quickly slipped on her coat and started backing toward the door.
Youre leaving already? And what about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Kate joked.
Megan was already at the exit.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, completely baffled.
You tell me! Why did that cheeky woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Kate asked, hands on her hips.
Seriously?! James exclaimed, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She acted strange at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would be over.
Right. You know I dont joke, James. Women these days will do anything to fix a chaotic life, Kate said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then sighed. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all bizarre. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Exactly, Kate said with a soft smile. Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives stroll in uninvited. This is our life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James replied, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for having my back, always. I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Kate returned the embrace, feeling that, despite the oddity of the whole episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both felt that, no matter the unexpected hiccups, their relationship was unshakable. Nothing that day could pull them apart.
