You want my husband? Hes all yours! said the wife with a smirk, addressing the stranger at her door.
Hang on a sec, Emily! Someones ringing the bell. Ill call you back once I see who it is, said Sarah with a sigh, ending the call with her childhood friend. Emily had been recounting the hilarious details of her mother-in-laws birthday party, and Sarah had been laughing like she was watching a stand-up show.
She headed to the door, peeking through the peephole, and froze. Shed expected a neighbourstrangers didnt just waltz into their secure building. But there stood a young woman with an odd vibe, someone Sarah had never seen before.
She decided not to open the doorbetter safe than sorry, especially with all the scammers about. Sarah had a rule: no chatting with strangers. Con artists preyed on the gullible, but she wasnt one of them.
She lifted her phone to resume her call with Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Sarah was aloneher husband, Daniel, had gone to help a mate with some garden work. She turned back to the door, peering through the peephole again, studying the stranger more carefully.
Something about her seemed off, almost pitiful, but Sarah didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to leave? Then I can get on with my weekend, Sarah thought. Probably lost or trying to sell me something dodgy.
Resolved, she opened the door. The woman in the hallway straightened up, fussing with her hair.
Hello! Youre Sarah, right? she asked, fiddling with her scarf. Actually, of course you arewhy even ask?
Well, thats interesting, Sarah mused. Scammers are getting clever these days. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been standing here for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so say your piece or leave, Sarah said firmly.
Is Daniel home? the stranger asked, catching Sarah off guard.
Well, thats new, Sarah thought, suspicions rising. She knows my husbands name too. Definitely rehearsed.
Are you here for Daniel? Sarah asked, though shed meant to say something entirely different.
No, I came to talk to you. But if Daniels here, itll be harder for me, the woman replied with unsettling casualness.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Sarah wondered, curiosity prickling.
Hes not here. What do you want?
Maybe we should step inside. Bit weird discussing this in the hallway, the woman suggested, growing bolder.
Not a chance. I dont know you, and I dont let strangers in. Say what you need to say, and make it quick, Sarah shot back.
Really? You want to talk about the intimate details of my relationship with Daniel out here where the neighbours can hear? the woman said, smirking.
What? What relationship? Sarah blurted, louder than she meant to.
Sarah, love, everything alright? Why the shouting? came Mrs. Thompsons voicethe nosy neighbour from next door, just stepping out of the lift.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Thompson! Everythings fine. Bit gloomy out, isnt it? Sarah tried to deflect.
Looks like rain, Mrs. Thompson replied, though she made no move to go inside, clearly intrigued by the scene.
Fine. Come in, Sarah muttered grudgingly, motioning for the woman to enter.
Once inside, the woman glanced around the flat like she was browsing a catalogue.
Youve got five minutes. Talk, Sarah said, blocking her from moving further into the living room. This isnt a museum tour.
My names Jessica, the woman began, unwinding her scarf. Daniel and I are in love.
Oh, classic. Couldnt come up with something more original? Sarah cut in, smirking.
Whats cliché about it? People fall in loveit happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband walked away, Jessica fired back, trying to sidestep Sarah.
And youre sure he doesnt love me anymore and loves you instead? Sarah asked, still smiling.
Absolutely. Otherwise, I wouldnt be here, Jessica said boldly.
Well, heres the thingmy husband doesnt love anyone. He doesnt know how. So youre mistaken, darling, Sarah replied coolly.
Jessica opened her mouth to argue, but just then, the door swung openand Daniel walked in.
He stopped short, baffled to find a stranger in their hallway.
Jessica? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Something work-related? he asked, confused.
No, shes here for you, Sarah said, relishing the moment.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at the office? Daniel pressed, looking more lost by the second.
No, love. She came to take you away from me. Permanently, Sarah said dryly.
Jessica, now flustered, grabbed her coat and started backing toward the door.
Leaving already? What about Daniel? Didnt you come for him? Honestly, Id be more than happy to hand him over, Sarah teased.
But Jessica was already out the door without another word.
What on earth was that about? Daniel asked, completely bewildered.
You tell me! Why did this bold woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youd move in with her? Sarah crossed her arms.
Are you serious? Daniel looked genuinely shocked. I havent the foggiest whats going on. Shes been acting odd at work, but I never gave her any reason. Im sick of this nonsense. I promised you, remember?
Good. Because you know me, DanielI dont tolerate this rubbish. But honestly, women these days will try anything to fix their messy lives, Sarah said, shaking her head.
Daniel kicked off his shoes and headed to the kitchen while Sarah stood there for a moment, lost in thought. She vowed not to let silly dramas disturb their peace. Against her will, she smiled at how poorly executed Jessicas whole plan had been.
One thing was clearno matter what others tried, their marriage was stronger than anyone realised.
