Had he truly been working late? In those days, work had become heavier, the hours stretched ever longer.
Margaret tucked the children into bed and retreated to the kitchen, longing for the comfort of a cuppa. David still hadnt come home. Lately, hed been forever busy with work and returned later and later each evening.
She felt for her husband and tried to shield him from the little worries of home. After all, he was the family’s only provider. It had been their agreement after marriage: Margaret would mind the house and raise their future children, while David would ensure they lived in comfort. Three children had come one after the other. Each arrival brought him happiness, and he would often remark that he hoped for more.
But Margaret felt wearied by endless nappies, bottles and sleepless nights. For now, she resolved there would be no more children.
David rolled in after midnight, slightly merry from drink. When she asked why he was so late, he replied, Maggie, we were all so tired from work, we decided to unwind a bit.
My poor dear! Margaret smiled. Come on, Ill fix you something to eat.
No need love. Had a steak back therespoiled my appetite. Ill just turn in.
The 8th of MarchMothering Sundaywas nearing. Margaret asked her mother to keep an eye on the children and set off for the shops. She wanted the day to be special: a romantic meal just for the two of them. Her mother agreed to take the little ones.
With food and gifts in hand, Margaret decided to treat herself, for she hadnt bought herself anything in a good whileembarrassed to ask David for money for clothes when she had nowhere to wear them anyway. Her last purchase had been a dressing gown, and that surely wouldnt suit a special evening. She wandered into a dress shop and, selecting a few frocks, began trying them on.
Whilst slipping into a second dress, she overheard, from the next cubicle, a mans familiar voice: Mmm, Id rather be taking that dress off you!
This was met with a womans sparkling laughter.
Patience, naughty boy! Go pick something for your wife instead.
Whats the point? Shes buried in child-rearing. The children dont care what she wearsso long as theyre fed, nappies changed and toys tidy! Ill get her a blender. Or a bread makerlet her be grateful for that!
Margaret felt as though cold water had been dumped over her. She finished trying on the dresses, listening sharply to the voices next door.
If she asks how you spent so much money, the woman giggled, a blender and bread maker dont cost that much
And why should I answer for how I spend MY money? I work, she just stays at home with all she needs. I give her whats needed for housekeeping, thats plenty! She ought to thank me for it.
It sounded like theyd finished, for the voices faded. Margaret carefully peeked out. Sure enough, her own beloved David stood at the till, paying for purchases with a blonde woman. As he turned, he kissed the girl full on the lips, right in front of the cashier.
You alright, madam? The shop assistants voice broke Margarets trance; she realised shed sat motionless in the changing room for ages.
Yes, Im fine. She tugged the curtain aside, handed the armful of dresses to the assistant and said, Ill take all of these.
Back home, after her mother left and the children were napping, Margaret sat quietly, wondering what on earth she was to do. Shed never expected such betrayal from Davidnot only the cheating itself, but the way he belittled her efforts at home.
She wanted to run and demand a divorce, but forced herself to think.
If I ask for a divorce, hell leave for his blonde, and Ill be left with the children and nothing to live on. Maintenance from him? Likely a pittance What will we eat?
By evening, her mind was made up. David didnt claim to be late at work that day. Already had your fun today, Margaret mused indifferently. All feelings for him had faded. He was a stranger now. Her only worry was that he might seek affection, and she found she couldnt give it any more. Well, so be it.
But David, it seemed, had already taken all he wanted, for he never sought closeness from her again.
The next day, Margaret polished her CV and sent it off to various companies and agencies. There was nothing to do but wait. Now each morning she began with a hopeful check of her email. At last, she received the long-awaited invitation: a job interviewironically, at the very company where David worked. Margaret thought long and hard, but decided she must go.
Leaving the children with her mother again, Margaret attended the interview. Nearly two hours of conversation with the directors, and she was offered a decent post with flexible hours. The salary at first would be modest, but enough to get by for her and the children.
Margaret returned home walking on air. Her mother plied her with questions at the door.
Mum, Davids cheating on me! she burst out joyfully.
Convinced her daughter must be momentarily unhinged, her mother pulled her to the settee. Margaret, what are you saying? How could David cheat? Hes always at work!
Not workingseeing his girl!, Margaret recounted all shed overhead in the fitting room. Her mother listened, then asked quietly,
What will you do now?
Ill file for divorce! Yes, and Ive found a job with flexible hours. Ill apply to get the children into nursery, and once theyre settled, Ill work full time!
Well, I wont try to stop you. No one should forgive a betrayal like that, and I can see this is only the beginning. Besides, David doesnt value you as his partner anymore. As for the children, Ill help as much as I can!
Thank you, Mum! Margaret hugged her mother tightly.
On the seventh of March, David again returned home late. Margaret didnt question him. Surprised by her indifference, David began to make his excuses:
Margie, we were at the office till late But Margaret cut him off, telling him to go to bed.
The next morning, as Margaret fed the children their breakfast, David presented her with a gifta bread maker.
There you go, loveto make life a little easier! He tried to kiss her, but Margaret stepped away without so much as a glance at the present.
I have something for you too!
Perplexed, David, gift in hand, followed as she led him to the hall, where there were two large suitcases.
Im divorcing you. No need to hide your affair anymore!
How did you find out? David gasped, shocked.
In the fitting room, while you bought your blonde her present. And take the bread maker to her tooI dont want it.
Stung, and realising he was losing his family, David lashed out:
So what, youre jealous that Ive found someone exciting? Beautiful, spirited, well-kept, unlike you! Youve forgotten how to look after yourselfdrowning in children, living on my income! Why should you question how I spend my money? Youre just after the cash yourself, materialistic fool!
Im not jealous, said Margaret evenly. Now, leave.
The next day, Margaret served divorce and maintenance papers. A week later, there was a sharp knock at the door. On the threshold stood her mother-in-law. Without even a greeting, she shouted:
You greedy little cow! You threw out your husband and now you want to milk him for money? Give up this talk of maintenancehe owes you nothing!
Hes not paying mehes paying for his children, whom he himself wanted! Margaret retorted. If hes short after pleasing his mistress, thats his business! Hes as much their father as I am their mother!
What will you do without his money? You had children hoping youd have a free ride for life! Hell get the bosses to lower his official salaryyoull get peanuts! Youll come crawling back soon enough!
Well see about that! Margaret replied, ushering her out. Now get out before I call the police!
Cursing, her mother-in-law left.
Months passed, and slowly places at the nursery school were found for the children. When the younger finally started, Margaret began working full days.
Hello, said a familiar voice at her desk. Could we talk, perhaps?
Sorry David, Im rather busy, Margaret answered, not looking up.
Maybe lunch then? David persisted. Margaret finally raised her head, meeting her former husbands eyes. He looked worn and weary. She knew that the blonde whod taken him in had thrown him out as soon as she learnt half his wages would go to his children. But that no longer bothered Margaret in the slightest.
No, David. We wont talk, and we wont lunch together.She stood, gathering her things. I have a meeting, she said briskly.
As she walked past him, Margaret felt a surprising lightness. She didnt hate David; she didnt wish him ill. In fact, it was as if he were already a chapter closed, someone she had known in her youth. She strode through the corridorsconfident, steady, her heels clicking out a quiet rhythm of freedom.
At home that evening, the children clamored for her attentionsticky kisses, drawings thrust into her hands, stories of small triumphs and woes at nursery. Margaret knelt and hugged them, inhaling their familiar warmth.
Her mother called, just to see how things were. Everythings alright, Mum, she replied, glancing at the dinner simmering on the stove. The house was a little chaotic, but it was hers, theirs. Every surface told the story of their new beginning.
That Mothering Sunday, Margaret woke to the giggles of her children carrying in a tray: a mug of tea, a lopsided slice of toast, and a single daffodil bobbing in a glass. Happy Mothers Day! they chorused.
Tears sprang to her eyesnot of sadness, but of hope so fierce it startled her. She was no longer waiting for apologies or permission, nor measuring her worth through the eyes of others. She was mother, provider, andat lasther own person.
Margaret smiled at her children and realized the gift shed given herself: a future bright with promise, built on her own terms. And as the children snuggled close, their love fierce and uncomplicated, she knew she would never again settle for less.
Struggled at Work? Lately Burdened by the Job, He’s Always Running Late – But This Time He’s Hiding More Than Overtime
