Id caught a snippet of my wifes conversation with her mother and suddenly understood why shed really said I do.
Ian, have you seen my blue file with the contracts? Im sure I left it on the dresser, but now its just your magazines stacked there, Eleanor said, riffling through a heap of paperwork in the hallway while glancing at the clock. Only forty minutes remained until the board meeting, and the traffic in central London was already winding into thick, crimson ribbons on the satnav. She hated being late. After fifteen years as finance director of a large construction firm, punctuality had become second nature, drilled into her like a reflex.
Ian emerged from the kitchen, chewing on a ham sandwich. He was wearing that soft, velour tracksuit Id given him for his birthdaya deep navy that made his blue eyes pop. At thirtytwo he still looked sharp: fit, freshcut hair, the sort of style youd see on a magazine cover. Beside him, Eleanor, whod just turned fortythree, sometimes felt out of place despite her pricey creams, regular visits to the dermatologist and a strict gym regime.
Darling, why are you freaking out? he said with a teasing grin, wiping crumbs from his chin. I just put it on the shelf in the wardrobe so it wouldnt gather dust. You know Im a neat freak. Ill fetch it now.
With a boyish sprint he slipped into the walkin cupboard and, a heartbeat later, handed her the missing file.
Thanks, love! Eleanor planted a kiss on his cheek, still scented with aftershave lotion. What would I do without you? Im off. Theres a dinner in the fridgejust heat it up. Ill be late; we have an audit tomorrow.
Good luck, my queen! Ian called after her as she hustled to the stairwell.
In the lift, Eleanor smiled at her reflection. How lucky she felt. Three years earlier, after a nasty, messy divorce from her first husbandwhod drained her emotionallyshe never imagined a new relationship. Then Ian appeared: young, ambitious, a modest sales manager at a car dealership, not a billionaire, but caring. He showered her with attention shed missed: spontaneous flowers, breakfast in bed, compliments. Friends whispered about a golddigging alliance, saying he was after her money or the house. Eleanor brushed it off. Could you fake that spark in someones eyes? Could you pretend for three years straight?
She climbed into her SUV, tossed the file onto the passenger seat and turned the key. Her gaze snagged a bag of drycleaning on the back seatsomething shed meant to drop off yesterday but forgot. Inside the coat pocket was a second phone, the work one auditors were supposed to call.
Bloody hell! she muttered.
She had to kill the engine and turn back. The lift creaked up at a snails pace. Eleanor slipped the front door open with her key, trying to be quiet; she didnt want to wake Ian, who was about to start fiddling with his laptop on some project.
She stepped into the hall and heard her husbands voice drifting from the living room. Ian was talking loudly, animatedly, pacing about.
Mum, stop nagging! I told you everythings on track! Ians irritation cut through the air, far from the gentle tone of five minutes earlier.
Eleanor froze, her hand still hovering over the coat rack. The tone was alien, hostile. She knew eavesdropping was rude, yet her legs felt glued to the parquet.
What does she even want? Ian continued. Mum, are you even listening? Im not a fool. Ive put up with this old bat for three years just to keep you from walking out over a cottage.
Eleanors breath caught; a cold stone seemed to shatter inside her chest. Old bat? He was calling her that?
Yes, Mum, Ill keep putting up with it! Ians laugh was a harsh, grating sound. Youve seen her up closeno plaster can fix her. Every night when I crawl into bed I picture myself back at work. I have to pay for my harmful habits, even if Im the one milking the milk!
She pressed a hand to her mouth, stifling a scream. Tears burst, smearing her mascara. She wanted to storm the room, hit him, throw him out. But a cold, angry force held her in place. She had to listen, had to hear the whole thing.
Anyway, love, itll pay off soon, Ians voice softened into a dreamy murmur. She bragged yesterday she wants to transfer the country house to me. The one in Silver Oak. She says its a anniversary gift. Can you imagine the price? Ive already called the estate agent. If we sell, well have enough for a flat in the city for you, a new business for me, and a tidy sum to get us out of here. And you, Lenwhat will you do? Cry, I suppose. Youre strong, youll get on.
In the background, a phone rang and Ian started to justify himself: I dont mind her! Remember how she turned away from the salad at your birthday, shouting Mayonnaise is unhealthy, cholesterol!? Shes an aristocrat, I hate her sometimes so much I clench my teethespecially when she tutors me: Ian, develop yourself, read more. Ugh!
Eleanor sank to the wall, crouching, the noise in her ears deafening. Three years of lies. Every I love you, every hug, every bouquetall an investment. Hed been waiting for the big payday. The countryside house, inherited from her father, was truly worth a fortune, and she had indeed thought of putting it in his name so hed feel like a master rather than a leech. How foolish shed been!
Enough, Mum, Ian said, as if to his mother on the phone. Shell come back eventually, forgetful as always. Ill call you tonight when shes asleep. I love you. Youre the only woman Id do this for.
Footsteps moved toward the kitchen. Gathering courage, Eleanor slipped out of the flat, closed the door gently behind her.
In the hallway she pressed her forehead to the cold wall, heart thundering in her throat, a fine tremor shaking her. She needed a plan. Confront him now? Make a scene? Hed twist the story, claim shed misunderstood, say it was a joke about his boss. Noshe couldnt act on impulse.
She wiped her face with the cuff of her expensive coat. She was a finance director; she could count, strategise, strike when the opponent least expected. He wanted a game? Hed get one.
She walked down to the car, glanced at herself in the rearview mirrorred eyes, running mascara. Old bat, she whispered. Three years of putting up. Well then, Ian, lets see who endures longer.
She didnt go to work. She called her deputy, said she felt ill, asked to postpone the meeting. Then she drove to a quiet café on the outskirts, where no one could find her. She needed a plan.
That evening she returned home, arms full of grocery bags, wearing her practiced, weary smile.
Ian met her at the hall, reaching for a kiss. Eleanor barely held back a recoil, tucking her cheek away, refusing to inhale his scent. Now he reeked of rot hidden beneath expensive perfumeprecisely the one shed bought for him.
Hard day, love? he asked, taking the bags. Ive made pasta with seafood, just like you like.
Thanks, dear, Eleanor replied, voice a little hoarse but steady. My heads pounding. Work is a madhouse.
She watched him serve the salad, pour the wine, gaze into his clear, honest eyes. Inside her head a voice repeated, I have to pay for my harmful habits.
Ian, she began, swirling her glass, Ive been thinking a lot about us today.
Ian tensed, a flicker of fear crossing his face for a split secondshe noticed.
What about? he asked, trying to sound casual.
The house in Silver Oak. Remember we talked about it?
Ians face smoothed, a predatory glint flashing in his eyes before he covered it with a smile.
I remember, of course. But you know I dont need anything from you. The important thing is were together.
Liar, Eleanor thought.
I get it, she said, nodding. But I want to do something meaningful for you, to make you feel secure. Ill handle the paperwork next week and transfer the title to you.
Ians fork nearly flew from his hand. He tried to stay composed, but his lips twitched.
Thats a big step Are you sure? Maybe we shouldnt rush.
Absolutely sure. Youre my husband, my rock. Who else? By the way, will your mother mind? Maybe we can invite her over for lunch this weekend, celebrate my decision, let her see how much I value you.
Mum? Ian lit up. Shell be thrilled! She always says, How wise you are, Eleanor.
Eleanor lowered her eyes, hiding a sly grin.
Great then, let her come Saturday. Ill cook something special.
The next three days turned into an elaborate torment. She slept in the same bed, endured his touches, listened to his chatter, all while the goal gave her strength. Shed already consulted a solicitor and knew exactly what to do.
Saturday arrived, and Margaret, Ians mother, appeared in fullflown glorya blouse with ruffles, a massive brooch she only wore on special occasions. She radiated saccharine friendliness.
Eleanor, darling, youve lost weight! Working so hard, no selfpity. And Ian says youve got something to surprise us? she chirped.
Please, Margaret, have a seat, Eleanor invited, leading them to the table.
The spread was decadent: roast duck, assorted salads, caviar, fine wine. Ian flitted about, attending to the guests, but his eyes constantly flicked to the centerpiecethe conversation about property.
When the appetizers cleared and Ian poured wine, Eleanor tapped her fork against the crystal, demanding attention.
My dear family, she began solemnly. Ive gathered you today for a reason. As you know, I own a house in Silver Oak. Ian and I have discussed transferring it.
Yes, indeed, Eleanor, a very sensible move, Margaret cooed. A man should feel like a master of his own home; it strengthens the marriage.
Exactly, Eleanor agreed. Thats why I met with a solicitor this morning.
Ian leaned forward, eyes glittering with greed.
And? he prompted.
Eleanor paused for dramatic effect. Instead of simply transferring the title, I sold the house this morning. The deal is done, the money is in the bank.
A heavy silence fell, so thick you could hear the hallway clock ticking. Margarets mouth opened, then closed, then opened again.
Ssold? How? Without me? We had an agreement Ian stammered, his voice dropping.
I told you Id handle the paperwork, Eleanor replied innocently, fluttering her lashes. A buyer came offering double the price, but only if the transaction closed immediately. I couldnt pass up such a chance.
And the money? Margaret demanded, her genteel façade cracking.
Oh, the money, Eleanor beamed, has been donated to a charity for women survivors of domestic abuse. All of it.
A shattered glass clinked as Ian sprang up, overturning his chair. Red wine spilled across the immaculate tablecloth like a bloodstain.
Youve gone mad! What charity? These are my money, my house! You promised me! he roared.
Your money? Eleanors smile hardened into stone. Since when does property inherited from my father become yours, Ian?
Eleanor, is this a joke? Margaret gasped, clutching her chest. You cant do this to your family!
Could I have? Absolutely, Eleanor answered calmly. But a parasite deserves nothing.
Ian stood, fists clenched, his mask finally falling. He was no longer a loving husband, but an enraged, cheatedup man.
You knew all along, he hissed, eyes darting. You were watching me?
Why watch? Just return home, forget the phone, hear him call me old bat while he pretends hes tolerating my estate for a cottage. He discusses selling my inheritance and fleeing.
Margaret went pale, sinking into a chair, trying to become invisible. Ian was at a loss for words. He realised hed been caught.
So, Eleanor stood, the circus is over. I didnt sell the house, nor did I give money to any charity. That was a test, and you both failed miserably. Youve shown your true, rotten, greedy cores.
Witch! Margaret shrieked. Youve mocked us! My son has spent his best years on you! You owe him life! Who do you think you are, you old hangeron?
Eleanor calmly said, Out, both of you. From my house. Right now.
What?! Ian protested.
Out of my house. Both of you. Now.
This is my house too! Ian tried, Im on the register! Were married! Ill split the assets!
Split? Eleanor laughed. The flat was bought before marriage. The car is on the company. All you have here are socks and underwear. As for residency Ill evict you through the courts in two bills. But if you dont leave this instant, Ill upload our conversation online. Yes, I installed a hidden camera with a microphone in the hallway a few months ago for security. Im sure your current employers and future lovers will love hearing how loving you really are.
It was a bluff. No camera existed, but Ian didnt know that. The fear of public disgrace and lost reputation outweighed his greed.
Pack it up, Mum, Ian muttered, avoiding Eleanors gaze.
But Ian! Were just leaving like that?! Margaret wailed.
Were leaving, Mum! Lets go!
Take your things later when Im not home. Leave the keys with the concierge, and make sure youre gone in ten minutes, Eleanor called after them, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. And may the spirit that haunts this place depart with you.
They shuffled out, cursing, Ian stamping his boots in the hallway. Eleanor stood in the living room doorway, arms crossed, watching the filth of her life walk away.
When the door slammed, she poured herself a full glass of wine. Her hands trembled, not from fear but from a surge of adrenaline. She took a sip, walked to the window, and looked down. A few minutes later two figures emerged from the entrance halla stout woman in a bright coat and a lanky man, arguing and gesturing wildly.
She finished her wine, laughed loudly, and said to her reflection in the dark glass, Old bat, you say? Well, that old bat just saved a million pounds and a heap of nerves. Lifes just beginning, Ian. Its only beginning.
The next day she filed for divorce. The process was swift and messy for Ianhe tried to claim the kitchen table and even the coffee machine, but the prenuptial agreement (which Eleanor had forced him to sign three years ago despite his claims of love) and her seasoned solicitors left him with nothing.
She changed the locks, refurbished the bedroom, tossed the hateful old bed, and finally drove to her Silver Oak house alone. She sat on the terrace, sipping mint tea, listening to birdsong. She wasnt lonely; she was at peace. She vowed never again to let anyone use her. If love ever returned, it would be love between equals, not a transaction masquerading as romance.
She kept the house after allher own reminder that shes the master of her fate.
