Valerie couldnt remember the last time shed felt so refreshed. Her business trip had been delayed by a few hours, and without a word of explanation, she switched off her phone and stretched out on the bed. Just that morning, shed returned from a weekend in the countryside, where she hadnt sat down for a momentwashing, cleaning, cooking, all under the constant criticism of her mother-in-law and husband.
To her mother-in-law, Valerie had ruined her son, didnt earn enough, and somehow, despite her wages, they were all starving. Her husband, Oliver, agreed, muttering that she could easily find extra work since she came home early and didnt even have to cook.
Look how she mops the floor, the older woman scolded her son. Takes her hours when she could be doing the laundry.
Valerie snapped back that if they cleaned even once a week, it wouldnt be so filthy. She regretted it instantlythe barrage of complaints only worsened. Closing her eyes, she calmly suggested, I did offer for you to move to the city. Oliver and I could look after you there, and he wouldnt have had to quit his job.
Oliver flew into a rage. So you want me to work myself to death and then care for Mum? Youve got a heart of stone.
Valerie didnt wait for more. She opened the door and stepped outside, sinking onto the bench by the gate.
Val, whats happened? Her neighbor Tanya stood before her. Valerie wiped her tears and managed a smile. Theyd met before the wedding, and shed liked Tanya instantly.
Hey, Tan, she sighed.
Your lot at it again? Tanya asked.
Dont even start.
None of my business, but I dont get why you put up with it. Hes always there, but youre not really living together. Whats the point?
We didnt choose this, Valerie said. We cant just abandon his mum in her state. Once shes better, Oliver can go back to work.
Tanya smirked. Shell outlive us all. I reckon shes faking it. You used to be different. What happeneddid they brainwash you?
Valerie shrugged. I dont know. Just Drop by sometime, yeah?
When her phone rang, it was her boss. Her trip had been rescheduled for noon the next day. Relief flooded herextra pay, and a blessed break from Oliver and his mothers endless calls.
That evening, the house was oddly peaceful. She and Oliver slept in separate bedshe didnt want to upset his mother. Valerie didnt argue. Exhausted, she fell asleep instantly.
At two a.m., her mother-in-law shook her awake. Were you ignoring me?
Valerie blinked, still half-asleep. Sorry, I was out cold. What is it?
Fetch my pills.
Valerie stared. The medicine cabinet was closer to the woman than to her. But she got up. She didnt sleep again until five, only to wake at six-thirty. By the time she reached the city, she was wrecked. When they told her the trip was postponed, she nearly danced. She turned off her phone and collapsed onto the bed. Now, finally, she felt alive again.
She even had time to freshen up before the train. It didnt matter that the destination had changedshed had rest.
An hour earlier, her travel allowance had come through. For the first time, she didnt send it to Oliver. She wasnt sure why. Shed already given most of her last paycheck. This time, shed keep it.
With twenty minutes until departure, she ducked into a café for water. Hurrying back, she spotted Oliver at a flower stall. Disbelief gripped herwasnt he supposed to be caring for his sick mother? Hed claimed she was too ill to leave alone. Yet here he was, buying a bouquet.
Valerie froze. What if the flowers werent for her? The thought sickened her, but the seed of doubt had sprouted. Nine minutes left. Clutching her ticket, she watched him hail a cab. She flagged one down, breathless. Follow that car. Ill pay double.
The driver, amused, raised an eyebrow but agreed. Through the window, she saw Oliver embrace another woman, handing her the bouquet before she climbed into a car. Valeries stomach twisted. The driver smirked. Might not be what you think.
Only then did she really look at himtoo polished for a cabbie.
Shed never ridden in such a luxurious car. Maybe hed fallen on hard times. As she pondered, they turned into her street. Oliver and the stranger entered her building. Tears welled. So while she was away and his mother suffered, he brought women to her flat?
Going in? the driver asked gently.
No point, she muttered.
Youve missed your train anyway. Where were you headed?
She named a town two hundred miles away.
Nonsense. Lets get coffee. Calm down, then Ill drive you.
I cant afford that.
Who said anything about a taxi? I just dropped my dad at the station. He visits my aunt every summer. Then you barged in.
Valerie flushed. Sorry.
Stop the waterworks, he teased. Youll flood the car.
Half an hour later, she stood by the river, coffee in hand, watching the sunset. It was breathtakingher worries faded.
Like it? asked the driverAlex.
Stunning. Lived here years and never knew this spot.
I come often, he said. Found it after my wife cheated.
Valerie gaped. He laughed. Yeah, I thought the samehow could anyone cheat on me?
She studied him properlyaround her age, handsome, steady.
Two days later, Oliver called as she packed for her trip.
Val, whats this? Wheres the money? They paid you, right?
For expenses, she said coolly.
So youre not sending it?
No. And while were at it, collect your things from my flat. Its minefrom my parents.
Silence. Then a sigh. Are you mad? How am I supposed to live?
Get a job. Like normal men.
And leave Mum alone?
Shes not that ill. You leave her long enough to buy flowers for other womenon my moneyand bring them to my home.
She hung up. For the first time, she saw how naive shed been.
She and Alex exchanged numbers. Goodnight texts, little chats.
On the day of her next trip, Oliver ambushed her outside.
What are you doing here?
He grabbed her wrist. We need to talk.
No. Were done.
Wrong, he hissed. You wont shake me off that easy. So I had a bit of funIm a man, I have needs.
You think I care?
He yanked her closer. Stop this nonsense. Whod want you? Apologize and come home.
She wrenched free, fabric tearing.
Im not going anywhere.
He seized her again, fingers burning her skin. You are. Men straywomen endure.
Suddenly, he was gone. Alex stood there, tense.
Val, you okay?
She stared. How are you here?
Didnt want you traveling alone. Letting some bloke chat you up.
Oliver reappeared, sneering. So youve got a boyfriend? I want a divorce!
Valerie straightened. Perfect.
He faltered. She smiled.
Thanks for offering. Im busyyou handle the paperwork. Ill sign.
As they drove off, Alex chuckled. Hes still standing there, gobsmacked.
Ex-husband, she corrected. Now explain.
You texted about your trip. I came to drive you.
Thats three hundred miles!
Yep. He braked suddenly, popped the boot, and returned with white roses. Forgot these. That was the plan.
He handed them over.
Valerie looked from him to the flowers and smiled. It was better than shed dreamed.
