A Christmas Farewell and a New Year’s Miracle
The kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of roast beef and potatoes, candlelight flickering warmly across the table as Emily adjusted the tablecloth, her heart fluttering in anticipation of her husband’s return. Tonight was special—New Year’s Eve—and she had poured her heart into making it perfect. But James was late. Two hours late. The food had gone cold, and so, just a little, had her heart. Yet when the door finally opened, she rushed to greet him with a smile—her beloved was home.
They sat in silence. Emily waited, hopeful, while James pushed his fork absently through his meal. Then, without meeting her eyes, he set it down and spoke.
“The beef is tough again. And honestly… I’m leaving. There’s someone else. Has been for a while. I don’t love you, Emily. Maybe I never did. I don’t even know why we married.”
The words stung like a slap. Emily froze, the bite of beef turning to ash in her mouth. Seven years of marriage—and in one dinner, it was all erased.
“What about me, James?” she whispered. “What am I supposed to do now?”
“Live. You’re young—you’ll find someone else. No children, no ties. And Sarah… the woman I’m with… she’s incredible. Older than me, with a daughter who already calls me Dad. And she cooks better, too.”
He said it casually, as if discussing weekend plans. The flat could stay hers—he wasn’t a complete monster. He’d take the car—it was his loan anyway. Fair’s fair. Then, almost as an afterthought:
“Happy New Year, Em. Hope you find happiness.”
With that, he walked out, leaving behind only the fading scent of his cologne—and silence.
Sarah. A little girl calling him Dad. God, it hurt.
Emily sank into the armchair, staring blankly. His creased t-shirt lay draped over the armrest—the one he always slept in. She pressed it to her face and wept. Quiet, gut-wrenching sobs, the kind that come when not just love, but an entire life, crumbles.
But morning brought resolve. The t-shirt went into the bin. She wiped her tears, stood tall, and whispered, “Enough. I won’t break.”
She skipped the office party—no spirit for celebration. Colleagues offered pity, especially Margaret from accounts, whom she’d foolishly confided in. Their sympathy stung worse than the pain.
Her mother sighed when she heard. “Maybe he’ll come back? Forgive him, love. These things happen…”
“I don’t want him back, Mum. He never loved me. And I… I don’t think I ever knew what love was.”
“Come stay with us for the holidays…”
“No. I need to be alone. To heal.”
On December 31st, Emily bought mince pies, a ready-made feast, a bottle of champagne, and a jar of cranberry sauce. She strung fairy lights across the window, as she always did. Then, on a whim, she remembered an old childhood tradition—writing a wish on a slip of paper.
*”I want to find my soulmate and be happy,”* she wrote, folding it neatly beneath her pillow.
Her spirits lifted, just a little. As Big Ben struck midnight, she stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the sky with a wry smile.
“Well then, where are you, my soulmate? Don’t judge me for the roast, and don’t run off to a Sarah. Just… come.”
“What’s your favourite music?” A man’s voice drifted up from below.
“Who—? Sorry?” Emily blinked in surprise.
“William. I live downstairs. Couldn’t help overhearing. My apologies…”
“Classical. And opera.”
“Perfect. I don’t spend evenings glued to a screen, and there’s no Sarah in my life. I’m alone too… freshly divorced.”
“William… lovely to meet you. Fancy coming up? We could listen to some music.”
“Give me a moment! Just need to grab a jar of marmalade and some bubbly!”
They welcomed the New Year together. Dancing, talking, laughing, sharing mince pies. Emily couldn’t remember the last time she’d laughed so freely. It was pure magic.
Then came the dates—ice skating, cosy cafés, long conversations. William was kind, genuine. With each passing day, she fell deeper in love.
By the time the divorce papers were signed, Emily arrived in a crisp white blouse, radiant. James gaped.
“You—you’re happy?”
“Yes. And I thank you. For setting me free. I think… I’ve finally found my soulmate.”
And she walked away, without looking back. Truly happy, for the first time.
Sometimes, to begin living, all it takes is welcoming the New Year with an open heart.
