How painful…
Emily was on the phone when William peeked into the office. Charlotte shot Emily a sideways glance, signaling that the conversation was important and that they weren’t free. William’s head disappeared behind the closing door.
Ten minutes later, Emily ended the call and set her mobile down.
“William stopped by for you,” Charlotte said.
“For me? Maybe for you?” Emily bristled.
“I’m married. Haven’t you noticed how he looks at you?”
“How?” Emily lifted her gaze from the monitor.
“Like he’s interested,” Charlotte answered with a playful smirk.
Of course, Emily had noticed. She wasn’t blind. Yes, he was attractive—exactly her type. If only he weren’t so much younger…
Work piled up, so Emily declined Charlotte’s lunch invitation. William entered the office and set a cup of coffee on her desk.
“Take a break. Swamped?” he asked.
“As usual,” Emily replied with a grateful smile, sipping the hot coffee.
“Fancy catching a film tonight?”
“Sorry, I have my little girl.” She took another sip without meeting his eyes.
“I know. Maybe your mum could watch her for the evening?”
Emily finally looked up. So he’d finally made a move instead of just exchanging glances. Handsome, charming. If only he were a few years older, she wouldn’t hesitate to respond to his attention.
She looked younger than her age, but not enough to hide the gap between them. After a painful divorce, Emily had avoided men for years—wary of new mistakes and disappointments. Time dulled pain and caution. She felt ready to love again. But with William?
“So? Did he come by?” Charlotte asked upon returning from lunch.
“Who?” Emily pretended not to follow.
“Why are you dodging him? He’s a decent bloke. If I weren’t married…”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Emily cut in. “I’m years older than him.”
“So what? You don’t look it. And a bit of male company does any woman good, especially a single one. I’ve seen how you light up when he’s around—your cheeks flush, you smile more. Admit it.”
Emily stayed silent.
“You’ve been alone for years. You’ve said yourself you’re ready. While you wait for someone your age, some beauty will snatch William up. Give him a chance. If nothing else, for your own sake.”
Emily said nothing. But Charlotte had a point. Maybe a film night wouldn’t hurt?
She called her mum to arrange childcare, then dropped off Sophie after work. The film would end late, so she’d collect her in the morning. Her mum narrowed her eyes but said nothing.
The evening went beautifully. Emily hadn’t been to the cinema in ages, let alone concerts or other outings. It ended in bed. She was ready for it—why wait? She was free, so was he. For her own sake.
“Well? How was last night?” Charlotte asked the next day. “Don’t pretend you don’t follow. You’re glowing.”
Emily didn’t answer, making it clear she wouldn’t discuss her private life. But secrecy didn’t last. William visited the office often, throwing her smoldering looks that made her pulse race and thoughts scatter. Charlotte noticed, smiling knowingly.
Their romance escalated. They met daily—always at her place. William still lived with his mum. At first, he arrived after Sophie was asleep and left before she woke. Occasionally, he lingered. The little girl never questioned why her mum’s friend was sipping coffee in the kitchen. In fact, she liked his visits. Mum never raised her voice when he was around.
When Emily married, her ex-husband often suggested selling both their flats to buy a bigger one. She resisted—hers had been a gift from her father before he passed. Small, but life was unpredictable. Now, it proved useful.
With William in her life, Emily reconsidered a larger home. Sophie was growing, understanding more. But post-divorce, Emily had bought a used car and was still paying off the loan.
“Ever thought about a mortgage?” William asked once.
“Yes, but I’m still paying for the car.”
The question unsettled her. How long would this last? Time flew; a woman’s prime was short. Aging together was one thing, but William was just hitting his stride. How long before the gap showed? Cosmetics, treatments, surgery—all costly.
And still, youth couldn’t be chased. In films, women ruined themselves trying, only for lovers to leave anyway. A mortgage would trap her—alone, struggling to repay.
Yet, William grew more appealing daily. When a girl smiled at him, jealousy pierced Emily’s heart, clouding her mind. How could she not love, not envy, with her heart free and yearning? She was still young, after all.
So she stalled, waited.
Then William left for a two-day work trip. Nothing urgent at work distracted her. At lunch, Emily stepped out. The air was crisp, dry, though snow was forecast.
After a brief walk, she turned back, chilled, and ducked into a small café for coffee. Shedding her coat, she spotted William. A young blonde sat across from him. They leaned close, foreheads nearly touching, hands clasped. Lovers’ gazes.
No mistake—this was more than friendship. He’d lied about the trip. A dull ache twisted in her chest, breath ragged. She fled before he noticed.
She’d known this would come. But so soon? She’d thought it casual, short-lived. Who knew she’d fall for him? Confront him? Throw him out? Revenge? But the pain—so deep.
That evening, she snapped at Sophie, who burst into tears. Emily held her close, weeping too—anger, hurt, disappointment unleashed. Would she never have a proper family, lasting love, shared aging, grandchildren?
She tucked Sophie in but lay awake. If William came, lied he’d returned early, she’d forgive. Maybe she’d misjudged. He’d sat at an angle—she should’ve approached. No, it was him. She’d ironed that shirt. If she’d spoken, she’d have spewed venom.
She slept fitfully, waking with a headache, irritable. Sophie dawdled, refusing to rise, dressing slowly. Emily snapped. The girl cried, refusing nursery.
William would return “from his trip” tonight. Sophie shouldn’t witness their fight. Emily phoned her mum, promising to fetch Sophie later.
After work, Emily paced, awaiting William. The doorbell rang. She opened it, stepping aside.
“Hey. Where’s Sophie? At your mum’s? Good—I missed you.” He kissed her, but she pulled away.
“What’s wrong?” he asked warily.
“Headache, must be a cold. Didn’t want Sophie catching it. You just got back?” She searched his eyes.
“Yeah, an hour ago. Came straight here.” He buried his face in her hair. She caught a whisper of foreign perfume.
“I saw you today. With a blonde, barely twenty.” Emily shoved him. “How long have you lied? You’re not my husband—just tell me you’ve found someone else. I’d let you go. But you’re like the rest. Leave. I’ll bring your things to work.”
“Em—” He reached for her, but she recoiled. “Please, go.” She fled to the bathroom, shutting the door.
William pleaded through the wood. She turned on the tap, drowning him out. When she emerged, William was gone. Alone, she braced for tears. No—not now. She called Charlotte.
“Meet me. I’m a wreck. Not at home.”
“Where?” her friend asked.
Emily named a café and hailed a taxi.
Charlotte arrived swiftly. They ordered wine. Drinking, Emily confessed. The alcohol or confession eased the weight.
“Never thought I’d react like this—so jealous, hurt. I know it’ll pass, but right now…” She drained her glass.
Charlotte refilled it; Emily gulped it down. In public, she held back tears. The wine numbed the sting.
Charlotte listened, interjecting little. What advice was there? Emily wasn’t a child.
Standing, the room spun. Charlotte hurried her outside.
“I must fetch Sophie. Call a taxi,” Emily slurred.
“In this state? Get her tomorrow. Warn your mum.” Charlotte checked her watch. “Blimey—my husband’ll kill me.”
She flagged down a rare passing car.
“Take her home. Tennyson Street, number fifteen. I’ve noted your plates,” Charlotte warned.
“Thought you were in a hurry. Drunk?” The driver sighed.
“She’s heartbroken. Nerves gave out. Here’s the fare.” She passed him notes.
“Get her home safe,” Charlotte said, slamming the door.
Emily woke stiff. She blinked, disoriented, her head throbbing.
“Awake?” a man’s voice asked. She flinched.
“Who—? Why am I still in the car?”
“As she looked into the kind, tired eyes of the stranger who had waited so patiently for her, Emily realized that sometimes, the right person enters your life quietly—just when you need them the most.
