Broken Hearts and a Secret Spell
Emily returned home from a parents’ evening in the quiet town near York. The moment she stepped inside, she went straight to her son’s room and began scolding him.
“Mum, enough already! I’m sick of your lectures!” snapped Thomas.
“Enough? I’ve only just started! Mrs. Wilkins is furious with your behaviour,” Emily said, glaring at him.
“I’ll act how I want, just like Dad! Now I get why he’s got someone else—you must’ve nagged him to death too!” Thomas blurted out.
“Someone else? What are you talking about?” Emily froze, her voice trembling with shock.
She had been at the meeting where the teacher complained about Thomas—skipping homework, daydreaming in class, talking back. What was wrong with him? He’d become distant, distracted, shutting her out. She’d have to speak to her husband—let him handle this.
Just then, she spotted his car parked near the pavement. Had he come to pick her up? How thoughtful! She quickened her pace—then stopped dead. Her husband, Edward, stepped out with a bouquet of roses, but he wasn’t walking toward her. Instead, a strange woman took the flowers, embraced him, and they drove off together.
Emily stood there, paralysed. Who was she? Tall, fiery-haired, in a sleek dress—the opposite of Emily, petite with dark curls. Edward had said he’d be working late, discussing a new project with colleagues. Was she his colleague? In fifteen years of marriage, Emily had never doubted his loyalty.
They’d married for love after university. His well-off parents had gifted them a flat in central York. His family adored her, and when their daughter was born, they doted on her. Edward took over his father’s role in the family business when he retired. It was tough at first, but Edward proved himself, earning his team’s respect. His salary covered everything—a countryside cottage, holidays abroad. He’d even urged Emily to quit nursing and focus on the family, but she loved her job too much.
And now this? If he’d found someone else, he’d fallen out of love. Soon he’d leave her… Tears burned her cheeks. It hurt too much—how could he betray her? They weren’t just spouses, they were best friends, sharing everything, their intimacy never fading. Edward had never even glanced at other women, despite being handsome.
That evening, she confronted Thomas again.
“Mum, seriously—stop with the sermons!” he snapped.
“Mrs. Wilkins says you’ve been slacking!”
“I do what I want—like Dad! Saw him in a café with some glamorous woman. Walked right past him, he didn’t even notice me. What do you say to *that*?”
Emily collapsed onto the sofa, burying her face in her hands. Sobs wracked her body.
“Mum, don’t cry…” Thomas, always protective, faltered.
“There it is… We loved each other, and now he’s moved on…”
“Things happen. I still love him—but if he’s treating you like this, he can go. We’ll manage. I’m thirteen, not a little kid. But it still hurts. Dad’s been a right git.”
He handed her a tissue. She wiped her eyes and hugged him.
“I’ll talk to him. He’ll tell me the truth.”
Hours later, Edward returned home, looking drained.
“Em, I ate with colleagues. Just need a shower and sleep.”
“Edward, I saw you… You gave her flowers. I was walking back from school…”
He stiffened, paling.
“You—saw? Right. It’s my new assistant, Caroline. Don’t know how it happened.”
“And what now? Leaving us?”
“Em, I don’t want to go… but I’m drawn to her, like a magnet. I love you, but it’s like an obsession. She invited me to her place, introduced me to her mum. Had dinner a few times. I couldn’t refuse—and I fell for her. We met at our cottage. I’m so sorry…”
“*Our* cottage? In *our home*? Edward, how could you?” Emily choked.
“I’m sorry. We should divorce. Can’t pretend nothing happened. I’ll still support Thomas. You keep the flat—I’ll take the car and cottage.”
“Already decided… She’s just playing with you. Use your head!”
The next day, Edward packed his things and left while they were out. He left Thomas a letter, trying to explain. Emily stared at the empty wardrobe, her heart shattered. She’d loved him completely. Money never mattered—family did. Divorce? Let him file it. She and Thomas would cope.
Her mother-in-law called in tears.
“Em, Edward told us. How could this happen? Everything was fine! Midlife crisis? What now? That girl’s after his money!”
“Margaret, I’m in shock. Thomas won’t speak to him.”
“Oh, love… Stay strong. We’ll always be here.”
Two weeks later, Edward returned for more belongings.
“Em, hi. Mind if I grab a few things?”
“Take what you need.” She frowned—he looked awful: gaunt, ill.
“Thomas won’t answer my calls. I get it… Maybe he’ll come around.”
“Maybe. You look rough. Caroline draining you dry?” she quipped.
“Something’s wrong. Weak, apathetic. Caroline irritates me, but I can’t leave.”
She confided in her colleague and friend, Charlotte.
“Em, this smells fishy. My neighbour knows about this stuff. Fancy a visit?”
“Charlotte, I’m a nurse—don’t believe in mumbo-jumbo.”
“Just humour me. Bring his photo.”
That evening, they visited the neighbour, Betty—a no-nonsense woman in a dressing gown, nothing like a “fortune-teller.” Betty lit a candle, closed her eyes, and took Edward’s photo. Emily stifled a laugh.
“He didn’t leave you willingly. He loves you,” Betty said.
Emily scoffed. “Loves me? Then why’s he with her?”
“Don’t laugh. He’s been spelled—through food. Her mother’s behind it. They want his money. Without the spell, he’d never leave—your bond’s too strong.”
“Spells? He’s a grown man!”
“Her mother’s a witch. He’s suffering—spells do that. First euphoria, then weakness. Could end badly. Karma will catch them.”
Emily hesitated. Betty didn’t ask for money, seemed sincere.
“What do I do?”
“Bring him home. I’ll give you a prayer—say it in church. Leave his photo with me. He’ll improve in a week.”
Emily agreed—what if it was true? Edward wasn’t answering calls, so she went to the cottage.
The taxi stopped at the gate. Memories flashed—barbecues, laughter, dancing. Now she knocked like a stranger.
Caroline answered.
“Emily? Didn’t expect you.”
“I need Edward.”
“He’s resting.”
“Now.”
Inside, Edward lay curled up, pale, unshaven.
“Edward? Are you ill?”
“Em? What’s wrong?”
“Thomas is in trouble—he needs you.”
“What happened?” He scrambled up.
“Can you drive? You look terrible.”
“I’ll manage.”
Caroline blocked the door.
“Where’s he going?”
“Home, to his family. You never wanted him—just his money.”
“What? You’re just jealous!”
“I never mentioned a spell.”
“Take him! He’s useless anyway!”
Edward emerged, livid.
“So *that’s* why you wanted me? A fancy flat? Get out.”
Caroline stormed off. They locked up and drove away, Edward sobbing.
Two weeks later, Edward improved. Emily prayed in church; Betty worked her charms.
“Told you!” Charlotte beamed.
“Miracles do happen,” Emily murmured.
Edward’s eyes brightened. Thomas grinned, seeing them reunited. Caroline vanished, quitting her job. Whether karma found her, no one knew—but their family had found peace again.
The lesson? Love tested is love strengthened—and no spell can break what’s truly meant to be.
