I dont understand, have you changed the locks? he began, indignant. I couldnt get in for half an hour
Your things are with Susan, Alice interjected. Go fetch them if you truly are made for each other.
Max Whitaker turned a ghastly shade. The lump in his throat rose, his jaw trembled.
What nonsense is this? Whos Susan?
Jenny, youre off today, arent you? Alice raised an astonished brow, eyeing the hairdresser whose hair was tinged pink from the cold.
She shook the frost from her bright auburn curls and hurried to pull on her coat.
Oh, Alice, a client just phoned she needs an urgent wedding updo. She rang just an hour ago.
Im on my way, Jane said, clearly nervous, fumbling with her sleeves. You dont mind, do you? Ive slotted it into my schedule.
Alice waved a hand dismissively the shop kept its doors open, thank heavens. She loved her little salon precisely for that cosy, almost family atmosphere.
These days, Renate was busy mixing a complex colour, whispering to his client, while Lucy and Polly took a tea break between manicures, sharing a slice of cake someone had brought. Katie stood by the window polishing the tools.
The room was warm, snug, scented with fresh coffee and hairspray.
Alices pocket phone buzzed with a message from Max:
Darling, Ill be late today. Important meeting with the clients.
Alice smiled he always gave a headsup when hed be tardy. Considerate, she thought.
Just the other day hed bought her favourite Victoria sponge simply to see her smile.
The shop door swung open, letting a blast of frosty air inside.
On the threshold stood a tall young woman in a coat with a plush fur collar, polished boots shining, leather gloves in hand.
Good afternoon, she said, her tone cool as she surveyed the room. I need to speak with you.
Alice returned her customary smile.
Im listening.
Privately, the visitor replied, smoothing her perfectly coifed blond hair.
Something in her tone set Alice on edge. She led the stranger to the tiny back room, proudly called the directors office.
My name is Susan Blake, the woman said, easing into a chair and crossing her legs. Im here about Max.
Alices heart hammered, but she kept her composure. Years of dealing with capricious clients had taught her to wear a steady face.
Which Max? Alice asked.
Your husband, Susan leaned forward slightly. Listen whats your name?
Alice.
Listen, Alice. I know youre unwell, and thats why Max is too scared to ask for a divorce.
He fears hell hurt you, he worries your mind cant bear it. But it cant go on like this.
Weve loved each other a long time. We could have been happy if only we hadnt behaved so.
Alice stared at her interlocutor, feeling reality melt into a surreal dream.
Max? The Max who kissed her on the way to work this morning? The Max who spent an hour yesterday browsing holiday packages for May, whispering, Whereever you want, love?
Ive thought a lot, Susan continued, rehearsing her lines. It would be fair to give you half the flat. You understand that keeping a husband by blackmail is indecent.
Alice exhaled slowly. Her thoughts rang clear as a church bell.
I need time to think, she said evenly. Shall we reconvene tomorrow?
Susan seemed caught offguard by the calm reply. She fluttered her lashes, hesitated.
Yes, of course write my number down.
That evening Max returned late, as promised. He smelled of his familiar aftershave mixed with a faint trace of Susans perfume a scent Alice could now distinctly recognise.
Fancy a dinner? she asked as he slipped off his shoes with his usual gesture.
I wouldnt say no, he grinned, planting a kiss on her cheek. Whats on the menu?
Seafood pasta. Your favourite.
He ate heartily, recounting his taxing day, asking how the salon fared. Everything unfolded as usual, yet now each smile, each gesture seemed a performance staged for Alice alone.
Five years, the memory ticked in her temples. Five years of pretending.
That night she lay awake, listening to Maxs steady breathing, recalling how theyd met, his courtship, his proposal.
When did the lies begin? From the start, or later? And why?
She ran the household, paid the bills, bought gifts for the whole family, even his elderly aunts birthday present. She organised holidays, looked after his health, remembered vitamins and vaccinations.
And he he only paid the instalments on his costly Jaguar, a symbol of status and position.
By morning the decision had crystallised. As Max, as usual, kissed her goodbye and left for work, Alice pulled out her phone and found yesterdays contact.
Hello, Susan? Its Alice. Lets meet today. Ive made my mind up.
Alice methodically folded Maxs shirts, smoothing each crease.
The darkblue checked one his favourite for important meetings. The white one with French cuffs a birthday gift from last year.
Five years of shared life now fit into two suitcases and a sports bag.
Susan called again triumph barely concealed in her voice.
Im on my way! The taxis downstairs. Are you sure youve thought this through?
Absolutely, Alice replied calmly. If were selling the flat, the first step is to vacate it.
Ill collect Maxs belongings, you take them. Ill speak to him myself; hell be home this evening.
A pause lingered on the line.
You know, Susan said uncertainly, youre rather sensible. I expected you to scream, threaten but youre just reasonable.
Alices lips twitched. A selfassured woman who thought the world ought to dance to her tune.
Life teaches restraint, she answered dryly. The flat is three hundred and twelve pounds.
Susan entered the flat in a pink coat, a designer handbag slung over her shoulder, heels clicking despite the icy pavement.
Oh, thats his favourite sweater! she chirped, eyeing the clothes. And the cufflinks I gave him for New Years!
Alice froze. Those cufflinks were hers, yet Max had claimed he bought them on a business trip
Take everything, she said hoarsely. Even the linen, its in a separate bag.
Susan huffed, hauling suitcases into a taxi, constantly readjusting her flawless hairdo.
I knew straight away that Max was miserable in the marriage, she murmured. A man cant thrive beside She halted, appraising Alice with a calculating glance. In any case, were made for each other. Hell flourish beside me, youll see!
Alice watched in silence as the stranger rummaged through her home. What stories had Max spun for his lover?
When Susan finally shut the door, Alice sank onto the sofa. The oncefilled flat now echoed with a hollow hush.
Five years of togetherness had dwindled to a handful of memories and those too felt like a façade.
The phone buzzed again Maxs name flashing.
Love, fancy a pizza tonight? Im starving 
Alice smiled. Even the emojis showed a caring husband, affectionate and attentive. Shed always taken pride in their relationship.
Friends would envy: Five years together and still like newlyweds!
At seven oclock that evening, a knock sounded. Max stood on the step, dishevelled and bewildered.
I dont understand, have you changed the locks? he began, irritated. Ive been standing here for half an hour
Alice, your things are with Susan. Go collect them if you truly believe youre meant for each other.
Max paled. His throat tightened, his jaw quivered.
What rubbish? Whos Susan?
Enough, Alice said, weary. She came to the salon yesterday. Told me everything about your affair, my blackmail. By the way, why am I ill? What did you tell her?
Alice, listen
No, you listen. The flat is mine. The car well split in the divorce; its joint property. And Im perfectly healthy.
She slammed the door shut on his drained face. Her hands shook, yet a strange comfort settled inside her.
The phone rang almost instantly Susan again.
What does my flat mean? she shouted. You promised!
I never promised anything, Alice cut in. You decided to split everything here. By the way, look after your own prince.
Hed even bought his own car on credit his contribution to the family purse.
She pressed hang up and tossed the handset onto the couch. Then she paced the quiet rooms, growing accustomed to the new silence.
Empty shelves glimmered in the wardrobe, his shaving set was gone from the bathroom, the kitchens favourite mug with its ridiculous slogan lay empty.
Five years evaporated, leaving a void and a strange, bittersweet relief.
Alice walked to the window. Snow swirled outside, lamps flickered on in neighbouring houses. Life went on.
She grabbed the phone and dialed.
Jane? Remember you mentioned the hendo this weekend? Ive changed my mind Ill be there with you.
