An Accidental Marriage
Kate carefully set the dining table with her finest plates, cutlery, and crystal glasses. Stepping into the kitchen, she checked the roast in the oven, ensured the salad was ready, the starters laid out, and the side dishes perfectly arranged.
Thats everything, she thought.
She headed upstairs to slip into a stylish evening dress, let her hair fall loosely over her shoulders, applied a touch of makeup, and put on her best heels. Inspecting her reflection, Kate smiled and gave herself a playful wink before returning to the kitchen.
In just fifteen minutes, James would arrive. As soon as he did, shed dim the lights, light the candles, and surprise him with a festive dinner. Today was Jamess 40th birthday. Though he didnt bother with such milestones, Kate wanted to do something special for him all the same.
The clock struck seven, yet there was no sign of James. Probably caught in London traffic, she thought while pacing the house. By eight, worry crept in; he was never this late without a call. Finally, she dialed his mobile.
A gruff voice answered, Stuck in a jam, can you believe it?
Kate glanced at the traffic updates; there was no congestion anywhere she could see. At nine, she received a brief message from James: Dont wait up.
She was stunned. Alone with her confusion, Kate cleared the table shed set with such care and wandered through the rooms, unable to sleep a wink. She headed into work the next day bleary-eyed, unrested.
James didnt come home that night either. Kate called again and again, but his phone was off. Another sleepless night.
The following morning, she decided she simply couldnt face work. Sitting in the kitchen, lost in thought, she heard the front door open.
Morning, James muttered as he walked in.
Kate just stared at him in silence. She thought shed shout and demand an explanation, but all her energy was gone.
Where have you been? she asked flatly.
Kate… Ive realised whats missing in my life.
And whats that?
A child.
Kate was baffled. A child? Hed always said he didnt want children! Shed loved him so much, shed agreed to that condition.
You want us to have a baby? she asked, heart flickering with hope.
Kate, love, youre nearly forty. Its not going to happen for us now. Youre a wonderful woman, and weve had fifteen fantastic years, but someone elseshes expecting my baby.
Kate went pale at his words. She tried to protest, James, women have babies at forty
James interrupted. Please, Kate, just listen. Theres someone else now, shes younger and having my child. Youre too old. Pleasepack your things and leave.
She was stunned. You cant just tell me to leave. This is my home too; we built this together.
Actually, the deeds in my name. Youre not my wife, Kate. You have no legal claim here. If you dont go, Ill have to call the police.
How she wished she could stride out with her head held high! She almost didif only she had somewhere to go, or money for a new flat. And shed have to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Kate went upstairs, fetched her suitcase, and began packing. She gathered her clothes, then moved on to the bed linen.
Oi, why are you taking the sheets? James barked.
Because I bought them. I even have the receipts.
And my jacket? I havent worn that yet. You just gave it to me.
Kate smirked. I paid for itIve got the receipts for that as well. I dont recall it being a gift.
James fumed while she calmly packed up the things shed purchased. For years, shed transferred extra money to Jamess bank for joint expenses after he claimed she couldnt save, so everything big had been bought in his name. Now she wondered: would he say anyone could deposit money into his account, so she had no rights? At least she could sell some of her things online.
In the end, Kate had quite a collection of belongings to moveso many, she had to book a removal van. She also took some kitchen appliances, sofas, and even a wardrobeall covered by credit contracts still in her name.
Once everything was loaded and James snatched back the keys, Kate asked the driver, Could you give me fifteen minutes, please?
He nodded. Kate dashed to the riverbank, hugged a wise old oak tree, and finally let her tears fall.
When are you two getting married? When are you having children? I love you. Why bother with marriage? Isnt this our home, just the way we want? Children only complicate things Are you sure about this man, dear?
Kates mind overflowed with memories and doubts. Fifteen years ago, shed believed in James. Now, nearing forty, she had nothingno home, no savings.
Time passed. She sold off the unneeded furniture, rented a small room, worked hard, and started savingmaybe she could buy a flat one day.
But people, as ever, were thoughtless. News of Jamess new marriage and his soon-to-be-born childof them driving her car and living in the house to which shed contributed half the moneyreached Kates ears constantly. Look at you, gave him your best years. Now youre on your own, and James pampers his new wife.
You shouldve insisted on having a baby
Should never have lived with a man without marriage
You brought this on yourself
Every day was a new trial. Kate knew shed loved James more than herself; it wasnt wrong to be happy in those years, was it? Still, the gossip and regret wore her down.
What will you do now? her friend Jane asked.
I dont know Maybe Ill buy a flat, Kate mumbled.
Why stay here? People will always talk. You need a real change.
I suppose
I can see how much youve changedlost your spark. There were so many men chasing after you! Now, where are they?
I just dont see the point, Kate replied, close to tears.
Well, then move away. Find a new job in a bigger city, where there are more people. You have to do something!
Kate sighed in defeat. How could she start over at her age? She doubted shed ever meet anyone better than James.
More time trickled by. Jamess wife gave birth, and he looked so pleased with himself. Every friend and neighbour made sure Kate knew.
Maybe Janes right, Kate thought. I shouldnt stay in this town, full of broken hopes. But who needs someone like me at forty?
Then one evening her old neighbour, Mrs. Thompson, called.
Hello, Kate? Id like your famous Victoria sponge recipe.
I remember it. Do you want me to write it down, Mrs. Thompson?
To be honest, dear, Id much prefer if you baked itIll pay!
Of course. When do you need it?
By Saturday, please.
Saturday arrived. Carrying the cake, Kate knocked at Mrs. Thompsons gate. A man, polite but unfamiliar, greeted her.
Hello there. Who are you looking for?
Ive brought Mrs. Thompsons cake.
Ah, come in. This way.
Kate wondered if this was Mrs. Thompsons sonshe knew she had one but had never met him.
Mum, someone to see you! he called.
Kate, hello! Gosh, I havent seen you in ages. Andrew, this is Kate. Thank you for the cake, love. Stay for some tea.
Kate felt out of place and tried to refuse, but Mrs. Thompson insisted.
Go on, dont be shy, Andrew grinned. Mums always trying to introduce me to people. Shes desperate for me to get married.
And are you?
I dont mind marriagejust havent met the right woman yet.
Over cups of tea, they chatted easily. Mrs. Thompsons home was warm and inviting, and for the first time in ages, Kate relaxed.
I didnt call just for your cake, Kate, Mrs. Thompson admitted.
Kate tensed.
Youre such a lovely person. The way James treated you makes my blood boil.
The comfort disappeared instantly.
I really think you should leave this town. Andrew, werent you looking for someone to help in your business? Take on Kate.
Oh, Mrs. Thompson, thats not necessary Kate protested.
What do you do? Andrew asked.
Im an accountant, good with office systems, and I enjoy working with people.
Why not give it a try? Andrew offered. If you want a fresh start, Ill help however I can.
He really meant it. Gradually, Kate regained her old spirits. She smiled more, her confidence returned, and before long, she found herself laughing and even chatting with new men.
Kate, you look gorgeous! said Andrews friend, Mike, during a visit.
Kate laughed. Whatever do you mean?
I mean, you could sweep a man off his feetyou just need someone to carry you off to their den.
Dont joke with Kate unless youre serious, Andrew warned.
Maybe I am serious. Kate, will you marry me? Mike teased.
Kate burst out laughing. Alright, I will!
Splendid! Lets pop round and fill in the formsits just down the street.
What a joker, she thought, but played along. To her surprise, they really did file the marriage notice at the registry. It all happened so suddenly.
Mike, are you sure? You hardly know me.
Thats the beauty of it, Katea man just knows. I knew the first time I saw you. Lets drop the formalitiescall me Mike.
And so, quite by accident, Kate found herself married, and, in time, she had a daughter. Sometimes, shed watch her family and scarcely believe it was her own life.
Kate, hello! Her mobile rang as she walked her daughter in the park. An unknown number.
Hello?
Its me, James.
Hello. What do you want?
We need to meet.
Is that really necessary?
It is.
Alright. You know where to find me.
Later, Kate sat across from James in a café. He looked as handsome as ever. Yet he seemed like a stranger now.
You look incredible, James said softly, moving to embrace her. Kate stepped back.
Kate, I was wrong. I made a terrible mistake. Please come back.
Whats happened? Kate asked, surprised.
She tricked me. Said she was expecting my child. Now it turns out hes not mine at all. Im getting a divorce.
I see.
Im ready to marry you this time, as soon as its over.
Kate gazed at him, finding it hard to believe. Dont my years worry you suddenly? I appreciate the offer, James, I really dobut Im married now, and Im happy.
You got married?
Yes. I even have a childa daughter. Im sorry, James, but I must go.
With that, Kate left the café, inhaled the crisp spring air, and smiled up at the gentle English sun as she hurried home to her husband and daughter.
Life doesnt always go as planned, and sometimes what seems like an ending is really a beginning. Kate learned that letting go of the past opened up a future shed never dared to dream, and that happiness, however unexpected, waits for those brave enough to start anew.
