Whos calling? Paul asked, glancing at the clock. Its almost midnight.
Um its my boss, Ethel replied, her voice wavering. Ive got to jet off to an urgent work conference.
At midnight? And what kind of conference is this, anyway? Are you sure it cant wait?
Yes, unfortunately. Its one of the biggest events in our field, and I simply cant miss it. Toptier speakers, cuttingedge research
But you just got back from the London trade show last month. Isnt there anyone else you could send?
Id rather not go either, but you know how crucial this is for my career. Itll be only a couple of weeks, I promise. You understand, dont you?
Fine, if its truly essential, Paul said, frowning. Im starting to enjoy my solo evenings, and this this just wont help. Ill miss you terribly.
Ill miss you too, love. The sooner Im back, the sooner we can whisk off on a proper holidayjust the two of us! she said, snuggling into his side.
Alright, Ill try to survive those two weeks.
Two days later Paul helped Ethel load her suitcase into a black cab.
Off I go, love you, dont miss me! she called as the driver pulled away.
Settling into the back seat, she opened a messenger, typed a familiar number and sent:
Just left the house. Will be at the airport soon.
A few seconds later came a reply, complete with winking emojis: Great! Ill be waiting in our room. Cant wait to see youmissed you already!
Ethel smirked, glancing at her wedding band. Shed had to spin another little lie for her husband, and she didnt mind one bit. Paul was a decent bloke, just a bit predictable. Mark, on the other hand just thinking of him made a warm flutter in her stomach.
What she really craved were two weeks of relentless sunshine, turquoise sea, and raucous nights with her lover. The conference was merely a cover story to keep Paul in the dark. She knew what she was doing was immoral, but reason had long since left the building.
The Isle of Wight felt like paradise. Ethel lounged on the sand, watching the shimmering water, blissfully content to spend those golden hours with Mark.
She turned to him; the broadshouldered man had just emerged from the surf, his wet muscles glinting in the sun. His damp form was enough to drive her wild. She wanted to yank his hand and haul him back to the bungalow for a night of well, anything but the beach.
A wave of melancholy washed over Ethel. These were the last days of their escape. Shed told Paul she was off to a big conference, perhaps also to get a little R & R. The truth? Shed only thought about the lie long enough to make it sound believable.
She wasnt planning a hasty divorcejust a perfect runway and a 100% certainty that she had somewhere safe to stash a suitcase.
Mark, do you think Paul and I can split the assets cleanly? she asked.
He plumped down on a deck chair, draped a wet towel over his shoulder, and ran a calloused hand over her knee.
I think itll be fine. Youd better get a solicitor now rather than trying to sort everything out yourself, he said, his tone a little too pragmatic for her liking.
Ethel hoped that once the divorce was final she could move in with him and spend the first few weeks glued together, reveling in their longawaited happiness.
That evening they dined out to mark the final day of their island getaway. Ethel sipped wine, purring contentedly beside Mark, yet her thoughts kept drifting back to Paul and the serious talk that loomed.
In her mind Paul was that lovable, slightlydopey blokea proper mummys boy whod never suspect his wife was chewing his ear with someone else. Yet the looming divorce could turn into a disaster, especially if his mother got involved and the courts dragged on.
Ill soon be divorced, move in with you, and well be happy, Ethel declared, raising her glass.
Hold on a minute, we never agreed to that! Mark snapped.
Ethel froze. Shed forgotten the conversation entirely. A cold shiver ran through her as if someone had doused her with ice water.
No, theres no deal for me to move in. I have a wife, two kids, and I never mentioned any of that to you, Mark muttered.
She slowly shook her head, watching his every move. Shed fallen for him hard during the holiday, despite the obvious red flags.
Want a divorce? Do it. Thats not my problem. Im not about to tear a family apart; my lifes fine as it is, Mark continued, his words cutting like a blunt knife.
Ethel could barely muster a reply. She spent the rest of dinner in a heavy silence. The next morning they headed to the airport together.
Ethel, dont overthink this. I never promised anything. We just went on a joint holiday, thats it. My wifes due with a third child soon, so our meetings are over. I have to be a proper family man, Mark said, shrugging.
Right, Ethel replied dryly, wishing she could yank the hope out of his words.
He was righthed never promised her anything. All those beautiful fantasies shed built were nothing more than the product of a restless imagination desperate for a happilyeverafter.
The entire flight was a quiet, painful hum in her chest, a disappointment that seemed to turn her inside out.
Are you sure you wont divorce? Mark asked, halfsmirking.
Ethel, any decent bloke knows he wont end up living with his lover forever. If you cheat on your husband, youll cheat on me too. Ive got a solid family, kids, a new baby on the way. You dont need me fulltime, even if that sounds harsh. Thats just adult life, love, he replied cynically, tucking a stray wheatcoloured lock behind her ear before planting a kiss on her forehead.
Shed usually melt at his kisses, but now she just wanted to slam him hard enough to make him feel the sting of her hurt. The plane finally touched down, passengers shuffling off.
Alright, Ethel, well keep in touch, Mark called out.
No thanks, she snapped, not even glancing his way.
Shed hoped hed chase after her, but he just rolled his shoulders and called a cab for both of them. Their cars drifted apart as they approached the city.
Tears of disappointment welled up. The bright future shed imagined now lay in ruins. She had to go home, make peace with Paul, try to rebuild the semblance of a family they still had. She couldnt stand being alone.
Ethel wasnt cut out for solitary life; shed spent most of her adult years hopping from one relationship to another, after a childhood spent under her parents roof. Being alone meant being unloved and abandoned, a prospect she could not stomach.
It had been a wonderful trip, one shed remember forever. Yet she knew she had to pull herself together, return to her family, and end the affairs that meant nothing. All the men who drifted into her life were temporary distractions, offering no real hope for the future. Being solo terrified her.
The taxi halted outside her block. Ethel lugged her suitcase up the stairs, mentally rehearsing a hearttoheart with Paul, maybe a joint session with a therapist, some quality time away from the daily grind. Perhaps she could rekindle the love that had once flourished.
She slipped the key into the lock, turned it twice, and pushed the door open. The familiar creak sounded like a bolt of lightning in her head.
Why are you back so early? Paul called from the bedroom, a hint of panic in his voice.
Ethel pushed past him, slipped into the room, and saw a young womanher friend Emilyhuddled under a blanket on their bed. By the script of any drama, she should have frozen, covered her face, and fled to the kitchen. But Ethel wasnt one for melodrama. Without a second thought she yanked the girl off the bed, and a tussle broke out that left Paul barely able to pull her away.
Like a furious storm, Ethel fought against the grip Paul had on her, both hands clenched.
How dare you? Im at work and you bring a stranger home? I hate you both! Let me go, Ill deal with her right now! she shouted.
The terrified girl, clutching her dress, bolted toward the stairwell, pulling the fabric up as she fled. Paul only released Ethel when he saw shed weakened.
He was still poised to strike if she tried to chase the girl further down the hallway.
I thought youd be waiting for me, that wed celebrate my return, and you bring home who knows what? You think you can swap me for her? Ethel snarled, her voice dwindling with each gasp.
I know you werent off to a conference but on a holiday with Mark, Paul said coldly. And while youve been frolicking by the sea for two weeks, Ive cooked up a surprise for you.
His words cut deep. Ethel stared into his eyes, hoping for an explanation that might spare her the need to forgive. She stood, threw her belongings into the suitcase, and left the flat without a word.
An hour later she was on her knees, sobbing into a pink dress, while Emily brushed her hair back, whispering that every family hits rough patches and that real love is about reaching out and forgiving.
Ethel had always believed shed never forgive infidelity; it seemed impossible. From her teenage years onward, shed sworn shed never turn a blind eye to betrayal. Yet there she was, crying on a friends couch, confronting an idea that once felt utterly absurd.
By the next morning, the notion of forgiveness no longer seemed monstrous. Both of them had acted terribly. Were they not the couple who once loved each other so fiercely theyd do anything to stay together?
What now? Emily asked.
Ill go to Paul tomorrow. Well talk, decide whats next, Ethel said, buying herself another day of contemplation.
Smart move. No point wallowing for months. Youve reset the board. Now you both know what it feels like to risk losing the family. Make up, and maybe youll be invited to the christening, Emily chuckled.
Ethel didnt trust the outcome; after all, if Paul could stray, where was the love? Yet theyd grown accustomed to each others habits, and maybe that familiarity could help them push past the pain.
The following day she knocked on Pauls door, heart racing, rehearsing every line she might need. Fear that hed evict her before she uttered a word hung heavy in the air.
Paul opened, and she launched into her rehearsed speech, trying to finish before he could shut the door. He let her in calmly, offered her a cup of tea, and gave her a moment to breathe.
Ive thought a lot and I think we should try again. Weve both hurt each other, but I believe theres still a solid foundation for a real, lasting partnership, Paul said, taking her trembling hands in his rough ones.
Lets forgive each other, erase the past, and start anew. We could have a child, a bigger flat, a proper future, he added, eyes hopeful.
Ethel wanted to answer, but she was too exhausted. She sobbed, her head falling onto his chest.
Their relationship, strained as it was, seemed to grow stronger after the ordeal. How long it would last, she didnt know, but she hoped theyd have enough resolve to keep the spark alive. They vowed to talk more, plan together, and never again look elsewhere for excitement.
The taxi pulled up outside the block. Ethel dragged her suitcase in, still damp from tears. She turned the key, pushed the door open, and heard the familiar creak.
Why are you home so early? Pauls voice trembled from the bedroom.
She stepped in, ready to face whatever came next.
