An Accidental Encounter
An autumn wind swirled leaves along the pavement, tossing them up before letting them settle again on the damp tarmac. Evelyn strolled leisurely through the centre of Manchester, collar of her new cashmere coat flicked up against the chill. Shed just left the hairdressersher dark hair styled perfectly, lipstick flawless, every detail of her appearance meticulously arranged. In her head, she organised her schedule for the coming days: must book a spot at yoga, pick out a dress for Charlottes partypreferably before the weekendand perhaps pop into that new shop off Market Street. Her leisurely thoughts seemed to keep pace with the brisk autumn breeze.
It was precisely then that she collided with someone. There was a slight jolt, the soft sound of two coats brushing, a moment’s confusion.
Ohsorry! Evelyn said out of habit, gazing up.
Standing before her was Michael. Yes, that Michaelonce a familiar face in their circle of friends a decade or more ago. Time had left its mark; a touch of grey at his temples, fine lines around his eyes, giving his face an exhausted but still animated look. Yet his gaze was as sharp as everwry, probing, as if from the very first moment he was trying to decode whatever was hidden behind her smile.
Evelyn? I cant believe it! he beamed, but she detected something forced in his smile, something not quite genuine. What brings you back to this neck of the woods?
Just visiting family, she replied, glancing him over with a hint of condescension. An ordinary wool coat, nothing flashy, not even a glimpse of wealth or status. He looked like any number of passers-by. And you? Still doing those computer things?
Programming, Evelyn. Still at it, he replied. And youstill shining, as always. Paris, Milan these days?
Oh, you know, lifes been absolutely wonderful, she replied playfully, flicking a lock of hair behind her ear, treating him to a light, almost ethereal smile. How about you, then? Got a wife? Children?
Wife, two lads. Fairly average stuff, he shrugged, though pride coloured his voice. You? Still out on the hunt for Prince Charming?
I decide who I want to find, thank you, she retorted, chin tilting up. And by the way, how’s Simon? Seen him recently?
Michael hesitated, sizing her up, then slowly, and with clear amusement, replied, Simon? Oh, youre a little behind. Hes quite the big shot these days. Department manager at a major firm, salary to make your eyes water. House in Hale, new Audi All very successful.
A strange pang shivered through Evelyn. Simon? Her Simonthe same lad who used to stub pennies together, always worrying over his overdraft and never bold enough for anything serious? Here he was, a success, owner of a swanky car and a home in an upmarket suburb? The thought barely computed.
Youre joking, she whispered, unable to mask the surprise. Her voice quivered for a second, but she composed herself. He always seemed so unambitious.
Precisely! Michael chuckled, with genuine, respectful wonder. Thats what everyone thought. But he just went for it. Gorgeous wife, two kidspicture book life, really.
Evelyns fists clenched inside her pockets. She was roiling within, caught between jealousy, annoyance, andabove alla hungry curiosity. How had he managed such a transformation? Why hadnt she heard about any of this before, when once upon a time all their dreams and plans had been shared between them? Now she learnt of his achievements by sheer accident.
Fascinating, she drawled, trying to sound bored so as not to betray her feelings. So, wheres he working nowadays? Perhaps I ought to drop by, offer my congratulations
Michael looked at her with open cynicism, head cocked. His eyes said plainly: You really think its that simple?
Think thats a good idea? After everything?
And what, exactly, was everything? Evelyn raised an eyebrow, doing her best impersonation of the unflappable ex. We just broke up. Doesnt mean I cant be happy for an old friend.
If you say so, Michael replied, a trace of warning in his tone. Just dont say I hadnt warned you. Simons changed. His life is very different now.
Hes changed, has he? Evelyn gave a composed smile, but a glint of intrigue flickered in her eyes. She was already calculating what doors this chance encounter might open. Fate had dropped a winning ticket in her lapthe possibility of re-entering a life shed almost forgotten. Care to elaborate?
Michael scowled. For a second, he regretted stopping to chat with Evelyn, wondering why he had let it go on this long. Only moments before hed been rushing to a meeting, yet here he was, defending Simon to a calculating ex.
And why should I tell you anything? His voice was sharper than hed intended. Keep your nose out. Simon has a loving wife, two smashing little ones. Theres no place for you thereespecially after what you put him through.
Evelyn raised her chin, outwardly calm, but simmering at the rebuke. She was used to people trying to appease her, not chastise her.
Spare me the lecture, she scoffed, realising no useful information would come from him. Yet this, she felt, only made things more interesting. If anything, Michaels resistance fired her competitive spirit. Only one thing worried her now: that he might warn Simon. But then, that too could work in her favourSimon would no doubt wonder why she was seeking him out after all these years.
I just want to know how my ex is doing. Is that a crime? she threw in, playing the aggrieved party, as if to justify herself against an unfair judge. We were together three years, after all!
Hes been with Kate for over ten, Michael shot back with a bit of a sneer. Tell me honestly, why did you really come back? Did your wealthy boyfriend finally give you the boot?
For a split second, Evelyn froze, but immediately pasted on a dazzling smile, pretending his barb meant nothing whatsoever to her. In her mind, though, she sent Michael packinghed hit a nerve, and his self-satisfied smirk got right under her skin. Still, she wouldnt give him the satisfaction of showing it.
Thats not your business. And yes, if I wanted Simon back, his wife wouldnt stop me. You do realise who really owns his heart, dont you? Evelyns words were cool, almost dismissive, but within she was taut as a bowstring, searching Michaels face for a flicker of doubt. Your expression says it all. So just keep out of it.
Michael wavered, torn over whether to continue this conversation. His face went still for a moment, then he stepped away and made a dismissive wave, as if shaking off something unpleasant.
Fine, he said, feigning disinterest. Its none of my business. But Ill tell you thisif Simon chucks in his whole contented life with Kate for your little drama, then hell have lost all my respect.
Evelyn straightened, doing her best to stay detached while her fists balled in the coat pockets. Her tone was measured:
Oh pleaseSimon wont wither for lack of your respect! Well sort ourselves out. And if we decide to revisit our feelings
Yes, yes, Michael interrupted, already halfway past her.
He gave her a look of undisguised distaste, and suddenly found the conversation so disagreeable it made his skin crawl. Without another word, he walked right round Evelyn, as if worried about catching something.
Striding away, Michael allowed himself a small, private smirk. Let her try. Hed watch with popcorn in hand. Deep down, he didnt believe Simon would actually consider changing his life. The man cherished his family and his routines far too much to throw all that away for an ex. But if he did well, it would serve him right.
*****
Evelyn stood in front of her mirror, scrutinising her appearance. She hummed a pop tune that had been stuck in her head all day, giving her ensemble one final check. That night, she was preparing for a meeting that could change everything. She planned her outfit meticulously: a dress that hugged her curves, elegant heels, tasteful jewellery. Even her perfume was chosen with carethe same one shed worn back when she and Simon had been together.
Eleven years ago theyd ended things after three years. Back then, it had all seemed so clear-cut. Evelyn recalled those days without bitternessmore out of idle curiosity, like flipping through an old book. The split had been mundane, almost cliché. Shed simply doubted Simon could ever amount to much.
He had always been diligent, but his role seemed a dead end. He himself didnt seem to dream of more. Simon was a creature of habit, content with routine: wake to the alarm, commute to the office, eight hours at a desk, home, evenings before the telly. His two-bed flat on the outskirts was modest but snug. Holidays meant Devon or the Lake Districta pub lunch and a ramble through the fells. It suited him.
But Evelyn had bigger ambitions. At twenty-three, she was a force of energy and possibility. She drew plenty of male attention, basking in admiration and complimentsbut she craved more than that. She didnt want to waste years grinding at a dreary job, nor settle for scrimping and saving. Her dreams were filled with foreign beaches, lavish gifts that appeared as if by magic, admiration and excitement everywhere she turned.
Simon couldnt offer any of that. He tried, honestly, but his idea of happiness was a world apart from hers. After much weighing of pros and cons, Evelyn had reached her conclusion: why stay with a man who couldnt match your aspirations? She decided she wouldnt.
Fate then handed her a golden ticketan established businessman, a good twenty years her senior, but to her advantage, radiating the confidence of someone whod achieved it alland, importantly, single. She turned on the charm, deploying every trick of hers to captivate him. Before long, she was off to Dubai on a private jet, leaving Simonand his modest worldfirmly behind.
Simon, she was certain, was left in the dust, with his routines and unremarkable hopes
Who would have thought hed get it together? Evelyn muttered, running her hand through her perfectly styled hair. Now hes all successful, living in a grand house, driving an Audi Hes really made it. And I never believed in him.
She stared at her reflection. For a split second, regret or maybe excitement flickered in her grey-green eyes. But there was no time for nostalgia. She needed to recapture Simons affectionsquickly. Time was not on her side: youth and beauty fade, and she was still unmarried. That thought stung, urging her on.
Things with the businessman fizzled out. For a few years, he whisked her from promise to promiseluxury wedding, shed live in comfort. But there was always another excuse: business, bad timing. Then one day, he cut her offhed found someone new, better suited to his style. Evelyn remembered how cold his goodbye was. She was left with littlea studio flat hed bought in Manchester, and none of the security, none of the dreams shed been sold.
Afterwards, she made a brief attempt to reconnect with Simon. But he was still as before: same office grind, same flat. There was a new wrinklehed taken to drinking, more than she remembered. Evelyn saw the tired face, the messy lounge, and didnt even attempt conversation. She simply turned and left. At least the city provided plenty of chance for her to meet new prospects.
Other men passed in and out of her life. Some were generous, others demanding or impossible. A few fleeting affairs, a handful of longer flings, but none led to marriage. With each year, conviction ebbed.
And then, on a routine visit to see family, she stumbled across Michael. That meeting, purely by chance, led to a tornado of revelations. Her Simononce so hopelesswas now another man altogether, successful and clearly thriving.
Now Evelyn was plotting another accidental encounter. Shed mapped it allwhere to cross paths, how to look, what to say. She could just about see the scene: Simon recognises her, relives the past, finds he never stopped loving her. In her mind, the whole story unfolded: within two weeks, Simon would be at her feet again. She believed in it so thoroughly there was a faint tremor in her handsnot nerves, but the thrill of impending triumph.
Oh, sorry! Evelyn performed a perfect little sway, arms flung wide as if shed genuinely lost her balance. Every gesture, intonation, even the hint of fear in her eyespracticed to perfection. And, as planned, Simon was right there in her path. I didnt mean to bump into you
No bother, happens to us all, he chuckled, stepping forward instinctively as if to steady her.
If you hadnt been there, Id have been flat on my facewait. Simon? Is it really you? she said, eyes widening as though only just realising who he was, though shed timed everything precisely.
Simons brows shot up. It only took a moment for him to know her. Evelyn the woman hed once loved more than anything, who had filled his thoughts for years.
Its me, he managed, his voice catching. After a cough, he recovered. Evelyn, is it really you? Or am I dreaming?
Im here. But I didnt think youd recognise me after all this time.
I could never forget you! Simon burst out, not caring that people nearby turned to look. All his focus was on Evelyn. You look amazingno, even better than before.
Thank you, she replied modestly, though inside she was exultant. Everything was progressing exactly as shed mapped out. She stilled her triumphant grin, letting a gentle, bashful joy play across her lips. Shall we have a coffee? Catch up?
Wont your husband mind? Simon asked automatically, genuine curiosity flickering through.
Im not married, Evelyn replied, flashing a coy smile, glancing up artfully. Never have been.
Honestly? Thats wonderful, Simons smile broadened, eyes shining as if released from a great weight. I always hoped maybe there was a chance for us
Evelyn glowed inside. It was even easier than expected. One evening, a handful of lines, a look or two that he couldnt resistSimon was undone. He filed for divorce practically overnight, unmoved by his wifes pleas or the cries of his children. Evelyn didnt trouble herself with the details of their sufferingher only concern was that everything was working out exactly as shed planned.
All she had to do was wait for the settlement and soon shed take her place in the master bedroom of that dream house, the very one shed longed for. She could already see her dresses in the wardrobes, her cosmetics in the bathroom, her shoes lined up in the hallway. Kate, after all, hadnt workeda house bought with Simons income would surely be his by right. Evelyn convinced herself it was only fair. Let Kate move out with the childrenmaybe into the old flat Simon used to have.
Jubilant, Evelyn swept into the café, cheeks flushed with anticipation, eyes bright as glass. She imagined the resta romantic dinner by candlelight, talk of old memories, the gentle rebuilding of intimacy. Soon, theyd move on to their shared futurethe life shed always pictured. She needed only to finalise the details with Simonwhen hed be free, how best to present their reunion.
She approached their usual corner table, then froze. Sitting opposite, posture ramrod-straight, was Kate, Simons wife. Evelyn took in her tailored black dress, barely-there makeup, hair pinned in a neat ponytailno sign of tears or desperation, just steely resolve.
Evening, Evelyn, Kate said calmly, each word delivered as if from a script. I knew youd come. Simon told me where youd be.
What are you doing here? Im supposed to meet Simon, Evelyn replied, summoning confidence though her voice trembled.
I asked him not to come. Its time for us to talk, just the two of us, Kate continued with a faint smile. Let me spell out how things are going to unfold.
She reached into her handbag, pulling out stacks of documents and laying them out neatly on the table: deeds, bank statements, contracts, each topped with an official seal.
These, Kate explained coolly, are the title deeds, banking records, agreements. All you want to know about Simons supposed fortune. She watched for Evelyns reaction.
Evelyn reached out, eager to snatch a peek, but Kate pressed her palm down, quietly firm.
No rush. Let me explain, she said, voice unwavering. The house you think youll move into? Bought entirely with my inheritance. The Audiregistered in my name. That so-called prestigious job? He worked for my brother. He was let go three days ago.
ButMichael saidhe told me Simon had made it on his own! Panic cracked Evelyns composure; her voice shook. Some part of her still clung to hope it wasnt true.
Michael? Kate allowed a brief, sardonic curve to her lips. There was no gloating there, just the tired irony of someone disillusioned. He knows the truth. He probably wanted to see how youd squirm.
Evelyn sat as if struck. Memories of the last few days flashed byher fantasies of swanning through a luxurious home, her careful plotting, her certainty that Simon would be desperate for her. Now, it all felt ridiculouslike shed built a sandcastle just to watch the tide wash it away.
He still loves you, you know, Kate added softly. Her voice was neither angry nor accusing, just sad. Hed give up everything for you. But what about you? What are you willing to give up?
Kate stood, placing a five-pound note by her empty coffee cupexact change, nothing extrathen made her way to the door. There, she paused and glanced back.
Stop torturing him. And yourself. Her voice was nearly a whisper, and then she slipped through the door, leaving Evelyn with the documents and her own shattered illusions.
For a while Evelyn sat as if turned to stone, eyes fixed on the spot where the paperwork had been. Her mind raced, tangled, utterly unable to piece things together.
She left the café without looking back. The wind immediately tousled her perfectly-arranged hair, but she didnt care. She walked through the city, unseeing, oblivious to the crowds, the traffic, the noise. One thought hammered in her head, round and round like a bad pop song: He has nothing. Nothing! What use is he to me now?
The very next day, she bought a train ticket to Londonand never texted or phoned Simon, offered no explanation, no farewell. She simply grabbed the essentials, rang for a cab, and left behind her broken dream of the good life.
