Im your husbands wife. Ill be living with you! declared the stunning stranger.
That morning, Helen awoke far too early. Shed been tossing and turning, plagued by nightmares, and had woken up more than once, in a feverish daze. Then, a blustery wind, howling outside, pulled her from a shallow sleep. The flat was chilly, and it felt like winter had truly set in overnight. She peered out of her window and shivered. At least it was a Saturday and she didnt have to head out into that dreadful weather. She trudged to the kitchen, switched on the kettle, and after slipping into a warm tracksuit, whipped up a modest breakfast. Out of habit, she dialled the hospital, but once again, there was no news to lift her spirits.
It had been two weeks since her husband, Anthony, had fallen into a coma. Hed taken a tumble on some icy steps, ended up in intensive care, and the doctors wouldnt give her any rays of hope. Helen kept telling herself to stay optimistic, but with every passing day, it got harder.
She sipped her chamomile tea by the window, utterly at a loss for ways to push away her gloomy thoughts.
When Anthonys friend called, Helen was surprised by a surge of relief. Usually, she kept their conversations short and politeshe knew perfectly well how he felt about her. But for once, she was glad to hear from him, pouring out her fears about losing Anthony. The friend, George, reassured her with complete confidence that Anthony would pull through. For some reason, she believed him, and the heaviness in her chest finally eased a little.
Helen decided to tackle a thorough top-to-bottom clean of the flatanything to keep her mind busy. There was no room for moping now; if Anthony came home, she wanted everything to be just right, especially the new arrangement of furniture theyd talked about.
Helen always kept a tidy home, but today she wanted it immaculate.
By the time shed finished hanging the new kitchen curtains, the day had flown by. Feeling quite chuffed with herself, she took a shower and planned on turning in early, thinking shed visit the hospital in the morning instead of just ringing. She wanted the doctors to explain in detail what they were doing for Anthony, what tests hed had, how long he might be like this.
But just as she was getting ready for bed, the doorbell rang. She felt a painful stab in her chest and a dreadful premonition. She didnt stop to think who it could be, and hurried to open the door.
Standing there was a girl, probably in her early twenties, with striking looks and an odd resemblance to Helens younger self.
Can I see Anthony? the girl demanded, her voice brisk and businesslike.
Sorry, who are you? Helen asked, caught off guard.
Im your husbands wife. Ill be living with you. Fetch Anthony for me!
Helen couldnt decide if she was being pranked or if this woman had just got the wrong address. Life is full of surprises, after all.
If youre his wife, surely you know where he is? Helen said.
The girl brushed past her without so much as a by-your-leave and began strutting around the flat.
Tony, where are you? Come on, Tony darling!
Helens alarm bells were ringing. Was this just some brazen scam-artist set on distracting her, stealing her things while she was bamboozled? She quickly blocked the doorway to the bedroom, which the girl was trying to enter, and said sternly, Leave this flat now!
The girl just arched an eyebrow. Didnt you hear me? I live here now. Anthony went off to sort out the divorce with you last week, promised me hed kick you out so I could move in, but he hasnt picked up his phone. So, here I am, as we agreed. Im not budging until I hear it from him. By the way, where is he?
Hes not here, and he wont be for some time. If you dont leave, Ill call the police, Helen managed to say, barely keeping calm.
Seriously? Oh, Im terrified, the girl laughed, Go ahead then! Want my phone or do you have your own?
Helen picked up the phone and began dialling for good measure as the uninvited guest rambled on.
This flat belongs to Anthony, doesnt it? And as far as I know, you arent even officially registered here, so the police wont care. Were both equally entitled to be here. Both wivesjust that youre the ex, albeit with the paperwork, and Im the new one, and the paperwork will be sorted soon! So, if anyones going, it isnt me!
The girl slipped off her expensive-looking faux fur coat, took off her boots, and gave Helen a pointed look.
So, which room should I have while Anthonys away? Or shall I just pick?
Helen swallowed a lump and sank onto the sofa. The wife sauntered into the bedroom, began dragging Helens clothes out of the wardrobe and dumped them in the living room, saying, I cant wait forever, I picked my room. Need to be up early for yoga tomorrow.
Helen sat there, frozen and voiceless. If shed been in a different state of mind, shed have thrown this cheeky cow out on her earher belongings flying after her. But today, she just couldnt. She managed only to call George when the girl went off to shower.
George, she whispered, Sorry to disturb you, but how do I get her out?
Only by force, George replied. Ill come round and carry her out if you want.
Thats not wise, Helen sighed. Shed just say I assaulted her or something worse. Maybe the police can help?
Honestly, Helen, how can you prove you have rights to this flat? She could just as easily say youre the intruder, not her. The police usually dont get involved with this sort of thing; if the property owner isnt here, only the courts can evict someone. My old neighbour died, and the live-in carer, paid by the grandkids, refused to leave until officially evictedit was a nightmare. If you want, Ill come round, though.
No, George, I dont want to drag you into this. But did you know anything about Anthony planning to divorce me?
No, George said, Let me know if you change your mind.
Helen ended the call. No sooner had she done so than the girlgrinningemerged from the bathroom, strolled into the kitchen, and started rooting through the fridge, taking out the butter and cheese.
Thats enough! Helen barked, grabbing the food and putting it back. Stop acting like you own the place. Stay in the roomyou dont set foot in my kitchen again. Once Anthonys back, youll be out of here the same day.
Well see whos packing their bags when that day comes, the girl smirked. By the way, Im Chelsea.
Dont care, Helen muttered, covering her face with her hands.
Chelsea left, but soon returned, holding out her tablet.
Here, take a lookif you dont believe me. Its my birthday video.
Helen didnt want to watch, certain it would just be a fake. But when she heard Anthonys voiceso warm and soft, as it had been in their first yearher eyes drifted to the tablet. There he was, arms around Chelsea, declaring how happy shed made him, gifting her that same faux fur coat, now hanging on the rack.
Helen only managed a quiet, Get out, before she shut the door after Chelsea.
Sleep wouldnt come. Helen sat at her kitchen table, gazing out into the darkness, quietly crying as she remembered better days. Her marriage to Anthony had felt happy enough. Theyd never been blessed with children, but together, theyd been content. Both of them held good jobs and indulged themselves now and then. They lived in Anthonys flat, while Helen rented hers out, which helped top up their budget. How had she not noticed the moment he began to stray? Maybe Chelsea wasnt even the first.
How could Anthony betray her? Helen had always believed families were for lifeher nan had drilled that into her since childhood. Families should be solid, ride out every storm together, listen, support, forgive, but never break apart for nothing.
Helen found herself thinking about George, oddly enough. Theyd first met at her wedding to Anthony. Hed brought a huge bouquet of white chrysanthemums (shed always hated them), and when Anthony was called away, George looked straight at her and said, Ill always regret that Anthony met you before I did. He handed her the bouquet and disappeared, but those words gave her goosebumps. Shed never felt anything similar with Anthonytheyd simply been comfortable together. But with George it was a thunderclap of emotions shed suppressed for the sake of her vows.
She saw George a couple more timeshis glances made fireworks go off inside her. Then he moved away for work, and Anthony mentioned hed married out there. But a couple of months ago, George had turned up againsingle, having just bought a house in the suburbs, inviting Anthony and Helen round for a barbecue. And despite all her efforts to be polite but distant, Helen felt those long-buried feelings resurface, desperate to break free. She made excuses whenever Anthony suggested they meet up as a group, trying to silence her own mind. And all that time, Anthony well, hed been living a second life of his own.
Helen was pulled back to the present by the doorbell. She glanced at the clockit was morning already. Getting up to open the door, she was interrupted by Chelsea dashing into the hallway, shouting, Thats for mebreakfast delivery! She collected the food and strolled back to the kitchen to set it out, acting like she owned the place.
Helen resisted the urge to throw her out physicallyout of her kitchen, out of her flat, out of her life
The phone rang, making Helen jump. More than anything, she just wanted to bury herself under her duvet and wake up to find all this had been a bad dream. But she took the callit was the hospital. Her husband had woken from his coma. In that moment, she forgot all about his cheating, or about the other woman in her flat; she was simply overwhelmed and in tears.
How is he? Yes, Ill be there right away. Is there anything I should bring? Okay, she said.
Who was that? Chelsea asked as casually as if they were flatmates.
Shouldnt you be heading to yoga? Helen shot back. Hurry upI need to leave.
Im not stopping you! Just leave the keys and were square.
Would you like my bank card and PIN as well? Helen couldnt help snapping.
No need, Anthony sorted a card for me, Chelsea grinned.
Helen didnt bother answering. She was desperate just to see Anthony, to make sure he really was okay. She wasnt going to mention Chelsea until hed fully recovered. She switched on the hidden cameras they usually used when away, and left.
She wasnt allowed to see Anthonyhe was still in intensive carebut the consultant kindly filled her in: he was on the mend, but needed full-time care for a while.
Were short staffed, so hell need someone with him. Either you stay, or youll need to find a carer.
Helen nodded. Ill sort a carer.
Back at home, Helen headed for Anthonys study and checked the footage. Chelsea, to her relief, hadnt rifled through the cupboards, but was clearly settling in, pondering how shed redecorate everything.
Helen found Chelsea sitting at the kitchen table, sipping coffee, looking so at ease it made Helens skin crawl.
Tell me, why do you want Anthony? Helen asked, dropping all pleasantries. Hes a lot older than you, and cant have children.
We love each other, Chelsea said simply.
Helen couldnt help a bitter laugh. So youre happy to spend forever with him, through thick and thin?
Of course, absolutely! Chelsea insisted, Just leave Anthony alone, stop breaking his heart. He was so scared to tell you the truth.
Helen nodded. Ive no objection if its true, if Anthony confirms it. But since youve called yourself his wife, youd better step up. Hes in hospital and needs looking after.
Chelsea blanched. He hes not going to recover?
Come off itdont panic, its just temporary. But since youre his real wife now, the job falls to you. Ive sorted a private room, bed includedfor you to stay and care for him. When our romeos up and about, well talk.
Chelsea squared her shoulders. Of course. I wouldnt abandon Tony.
The way she said Tony made Helens stomach churn. She decided it was best just to get some sleep.
Next morning, Chelsea was up at the crack of dawn, slapping on a full face of makeup as if going to a beauty pageant, not a hospital, changing outfits several times.
Helen watched, barely believing this was happening to her.
When George rang, Helen didnt want to answer. Not because she was avoiding himbut because this felt like the moment she had every right to break her lifelong principle. But in the end, she picked up.
Helen, hey, Georges deep, soft voice made her heart flutter. Any news? Hows Anthony?
Much better, Im so relieved! You can visit, but
Its probably not the right time, is it?
No. But thanks for checking.
And your houseguest?
Shes off to the hospital. Thanks, George. Sorry, I need to dash to work.
All right! Call if you need anything, George saida running jokebefore Helen ended the call, leaning against the doorframe and exhaling sharply.
At work, she realised how tired she actually was. Shed been putting off taking leave, waiting for Anthony to wake up. Now, with someone in place for him, maybe she could finally rest. She submitted her holiday form, stepped out into the snowy streets, and decided to take a walk, bracing herself against the biting cold. Her phone buzzed, but she ignored the call at first. Then, realising it was Anthony, she could hardly believe it.
Helen, my love, he said, voice wavering, I know I wanted to tell you myself
Anthony, you dont need to go on, Helen cut him off. Its over. Youd better spend your time with your new wife, she added, pointedly.
Chelsea just nipped out for water, Anthony said, and then quietly, Dont call her my wife.
Goodbye, Anthony, Helen replied, and hung up.
She told herself, quietly, Well, thats that. Forty years old and single again.
She no longer felt like drinking her coffee. She headed home, intent on gathering her things and moving out to her own flat. But her renters had paid another three months in advance, so shed need to find somewhere temporary. She began to pack, but was interrupted by a sudden pounding at the doorstrange, since the bell worked.
She barely had time to react before a furious Chelsea barged in, grabbed her bag, and shrieked: Why didnt you tell me hell never recover? Am I just your free nurse? You can all go to hell you and your Anthony!
What? Who said that?
The doctor! Dont act clueless. Im not changing his nappies!
Helen had no idea where that had come fromthe worst of Anthonys troubles was simply hed need help to walk for a while. She almost wanted to snap, What happened to for better or worse? But instead, she just watched Chelsea storm out, threw on her coat, and hurried to the hospital, heart pounding.
The consultant chuckled when she burst inIs that girl still winding you up? Sorry, couldnt resist. When she marched in claiming to be Anthonys wife, well, I put on a bit of a show, told some tall tales. She legged it. Guess she failed the hard times test.
Ill stay, then, Helen replied, finally able to breathe.
Of course. Anthony will be glad for it. Hes been asking where his nurse-wife disappeared to.
When she entered, Anthony tried to sit up.
Helen, Im so glad. Please, dont be angry at me and Chelsea. I cant explain itshe reminded me of how you were when we first met. Its like chasing youth.
Lets skip the details. Theres nothing to say. You betrayed me. I dont know if I can forgive it. By the way, Chelseas done a runner. Couldnt handle the in sickness bit.
Didnt expect any different, Anthony admitted.
I cant leave you like this. So lets just forget Chelsea ever existed.
Anthony showered her with apologies, kissed her hands, and Helen stayed, helping with his recovery. Soon he was dischargedGeorge popped in for a few visits.
Helen avoided being in the room with themshe was nervous and used tiredness as an excuse, but when she went back for her phone, she overheard their conversation.
How could you? George was saying. Youve got a wife people would dream of. When I was married, shed sit around watching telly, never cooked or cleaneda nightmareand you you hurt Helen so much. Id carry her around on a silver platter!
Youre not in my shoes, Anthony grumbled. Maybe I just fancied a change, but maybe you can see why. Same old soup every day, anyone would crack.
Add some seasoning, thenitd save a lot of heartache, George shot back.
Enough with the advice, mate. Message received. I get itwithout Helen, Im nothing. Consider the subject closed.
Two weeks passed. Then, late one evening, the doorbell rang. Anthony answeredit was Chelsea.
Tony, I heard youre better, even back at work! Ive come back! Youve missed me, right?
Took you long enough to fetch the water, but I stopped waiting a long time ago, Anthony said, trying to close the door, but she stuck her foot out.
I only left because I found out I was pregnant, Tony! I needed to think things through. But Ive decided I can handle ita child, you, everything. Can I come in? Im out on the street now. You didnt renew my leaseIve got nowhere else.
Theres just one issue, ChelseaI cant have children! Anthonys tone was icy.
Looks like you can, Chelsea snapped back, so maybe your ex-wifes the real problem.
Helens been with me through all of this, so lets not insult her. Ill have a check-up tomorrow, and if youre lying, youll answer for it.
Youd accuse me of lying? she huffed. Anthony pointed her to the kitchen and then went in to find Helen, who, having heard it all, was sitting on the sofa, head in her hands.
Helen, let her stay tonightits just till I get the results tomorrow. She might be pregnant, and you know how much I wanted children.
Helen didnt answer. Leave. I need to sleep, she said, shutting the door and crying into her pillow.
She didnt know why she was putting up with all of this, but there was nowhere else to gonot until her renters moved out. Eventually, after a sleepless night, Anthony entered the room, face beaming.
Its doneIve had the tests. Chelseas not lying. I can be a father! Can you believe it? After all these years!
Am I supposed to congratulate you? Helen murmured.
No, I want to talk Look, your flats not available yet, but maybe you could stay with us? Just for a while?
She glared at him in disbelief. Do you hear yourself? Move in with you two? Are you mad?
She began stuffing her things into bags. There was nothing left to say. She booked a hotel room and left.
In the doorway, she bumped into George. He looked worried.
Made it just in time, he said, Anthony called couldnt contain his happiness, but I knew youd need support. Come home with me, Helen. You need peace, away from all this madness. I promise, I wont be in your waybut I cant leave you on your own. You mean too much to me. His voice shook.
Helen nodded silently and let him take her bags.
Just as he promised, George gave her space. Only when shed let go of her old life did she open up to him. He told her hed fallen for her at her own wedding, thats why hed left town for yearshe couldnt help his feelings.
A year passed. One bright morning, Helen couldnt wait for George to wake up. When he finally came into the kitchen, she flashed a mysterious smile and held out a pregnancy testpositive. George looked at it, baffled, until he realised, then scooped her up, spinning her round the kitchen. But then, the phone rang.
Ill just be a tick, Helen called out.
Its me, Helen, Anthonys voice made Helens smile vanish. How are you?
Brilliant! she replied.
Ive been trying to find you. Your old flat has strangers living in it, work said youd left town. Where did you go?
I moved on, Anthony. Started a new life, she replied, then surprised herself by asking, And you?
Not great. Chelsea walked out. Im alone with our son. This is hard, Helen, so hard to do it on my own. And I cant stop thinking about what I lost. If you wanted maybe we could start fresh? We were happy once, werent we? Couldnt we just raise our boy together, forget the past?
Im happy now, Anthony. Happier than I ever was with you. You made your choices. The only help I can offer is a nannys numberthe best youll find. Ill text it over. Goodbye, Anthony.
George looked up as Helen returned.
Who was that?
Just a ghost from the past, she smiled. And best left thereGeorge saw the gentle finality in Helens eyes and came to her, wrapping his arms softly around her waist. She rested her head on his shoulder, breathing out the ache of old memoriesa long exhale that left room for hope and light.
Through the kitchen window, golden sunlight tumbled in, painting everything with a warm, forgiving glow. George kissed Helens forehead. New beginnings, he whispered.
Helen smiled, feeling their future unfurling before hera future built not on survival, but on joy. She pressed her palm to her stomach and, for the first time in years, felt certain the best chapter of her life was just beginning. The sorrows of yesterday would always be a part of her, but now, finally, they were only the prologue.
And so, side by sidewith laughter ahead, secrets left behind, and the promise of new life blossoming between themHelen and George stepped out together into the sun, ready to write a story all their own.
