A beautiful thirty-five-year-old woman with sad eyes gazed back at Anna from the mirror. She couldnt understand what todays English men truly wanted. Its a shame they dont teach that at university. What was the point of graduating with first-class honours?
Anna always dreamed of having a family: a loving husband and children, ideally three of them. Her own parents had been the ideal example, the sort of family anyone would wish for, and Anna was so eager to get married, as if happiness might slip through her fingers.
She met her husband, Victor, while at university. He was handsome, athletic, clevera man who caught peoples attention and was always the life of the party. They met at a student gathering and immediately took a liking to each other. Victor had come to London to study from another town, while Anna was living at home with her parents.
Half a year later, Victor proposed. She said yes, and they married shortly after finishing their degrees. Victor seemed like the perfect husbandattentive, caring, cheerful. He landed a job as an engineer with a gas corporation, while Anna took a position at a local bank.
Six months after the wedding, Anna discovered she was pregnant. Victor was far from thrilled.
Anna, how did this happen? You said you had it all under control.
Victor, I really dont know, she admitted honestly, shaken by his tone. But is it really so terrible? We planned to start a family anyway. Maybe this is meant to be.
Dont talk nonsense! Its not fate, its carelessness. Weve only just started working. Nows the time to focus on our careers, not changing nappies every five minutes.
Anna barely held back tears, completely blindsided by his reaction.
Anna, love, Victor said gently, putting an arm around her shoulders, maybe we should you know Theres no need to rush, we have time
She stared at Victor in disbelief.
Dont even think about it! If youre not happy about this, I wont force you. Make your own choice.
Anna rushed out of the flat. For hours she wandered the streets of London, trying to process what had happened. Her dream of a big, happy family seemed to be crumbling.
She and Victor didnt speak for days. In the end, he apologised, said hed really thought things through, and was glad to become a father after all. Annas happiness knew no limits. Eight months later, their son Anthony was born.
Anna delighted in motherhood. It was a joy to care for her son, keep their home tidy, and cook for Victor. When Anthony turned three, Anna returned to work and enrolled him in nursery school.
She flitted through life as if on wings, convinced she was the happiest woman in the world. Their many family friends seemed to confirm this. Their flat was often full of old university mates and their families. Then one evening Anna overheard Victor chatting with his friends.
Vic, youve landed on your feet with Anna! Shes stunning, clever, has a job, keeps the flat spotless, and cooks like a top chef.
Too right, agreed another. Mine just nags and asks for money.
Well, Im not too bad myself, so I deserve a wife as brilliant as Anna, Victor replied with a laugh.
The friends burst out laughing. Their wives, however, disagreed, and never hesitated in sharing their views with Anna.
