Even Thirty Years of Marriage Isn’t a Reason to Endure Cheating Helen turned a small jewellery box in her hands – the velvet was worn, the golden letters faded. Inside glimmered three tiny stones. Beautiful, she had to admit. “Five hundred quid,” said Oliver, scrolling through the news on his tablet. “Got it from Goldsmiths, with my discount card.” “Thank you, love.” Something clenched inside her. Not because of the price – what could she expect, at their age? It was the way he said it. So ordinary. As if he was reporting on buying milk. Thirty years together. Pearl anniversary – rare these days. Helen got up early, fetched the fancy lace tablecloth from the cupboard – a wedding gift from her mother-in-law. She started making Angel Cake – Oliver once called it “a slice of heaven.” Now he sat, hunched over his screen, grunting answers to her questions. “Ollie, do you remember how you promised to take me to Italy for our thirtieth?” “Mmm,” without looking up. “I thought maybe, at least, we could have a trip to Cornwall? We haven’t had a proper holiday together in ages.” “Helen, I’ve got a big project on. No time now.” Project. There was always some project. Especially these past eighteen months, since Oliver suddenly caught a case of “feeling young.” Signed up to the gym, bought expensive trainers, changed his wardrobe. Even his haircut was trendy – fringe to the side, buzzed temples. “Midlife crisis,” her friend Susan said. “All men go through it. You’ll see, it passes.” It didn’t. If anything, it got worse. Helen tried on the ring – a perfect fit. After all these years, he still remembered her size. The stones glittered with a cold shine. “Pretty,” she repeated, staring at the gift. “Yes. Trendy setting. Youthful design.” That evening, they sat quietly at the celebration table. The cake was, as always, soft and light. Oliver ate a slice, praised it automatically. Helen watched him, wondering when her husband had become a stranger to her. “So, who’s this girl?” she asked suddenly. “What girl?” Oliver looked up from his plate. “The one who helped you pick out the youthful ring.” “What’s she got to do with anything?” “Oliver,” her voice was calm. “I’m not a fool. A woman picked that ring. No man ever says ‘youthful design.’” Long pause. Awkward. “Helen, don’t be ridiculous.” “Is her name Alyssa?” Oliver paled. Didn’t even ask how she knew. She’d hit the mark. “I saw your messages by accident. Last month, when you asked me to find the insurance number on your phone. ‘Sunshine, I’ll see you soon’ – sound familiar?” He was silent. “Twenty-eight, works in your office. Yesterday she posted a photo from a restaurant – the window seat where you two sat. I recognised the tablecloth.” “How do you know about the restaurant?” “Susan saw you. By chance. You think people in town wouldn’t notice?” Oliver sighed heavily. “Alright. Yes, there’s Alyssa. But it’s not what you think.” “What is it, then?” “She understands me. With her, it’s easy, interesting. We talk about books, about films.” “And with me, there’s nothing to say?” “Helen, just look at yourself! You only talk about the kids, your health, how the groceries have gone up. With Alyssa I feel… alive.” “Alive,” Helen repeated. “I see.” “I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Oliver dropped his head. “Does she know you’re married?” “She does.” “And she’s fine with that? Comfortable with dating a married man?” “Helen, she’s a modern girl. Doesn’t have illusions.” “Modern,” Helen scoffed. “So our thirty years together was an illusion too?” She stood to clear the table, hands trembling, though she tried not to show it. “Let’s talk properly,” Oliver pleaded from the kitchen door. “There’s nothing left to discuss. You’ve made your choice.” “I haven’t chosen anyone!” “You have. Every day, by coming home late. By lying about work trips. By buying her gifts with my money.” “Our money!” “Mine too. I work as well, remember?” Helen washed the dishes, carefully stacked them in the rack. Folded the fancy tablecloth and stowed it away. Everything as usual. Except her hands kept shaking. “What do you want, Helen?” Oliver asked, standing in the doorway. “I want to be alone. Tonight. To think.” “And tomorrow?” “I don’t know.” Two days she stayed silent. Oliver tried to talk, but got polite one-word replies. On the third day, he snapped. “How long is this going to go on?” “What are you unhappy about?” Helen asked as she ironed his shirt. “I cook, clean, wash up. Same as always.” “But you won’t talk to me!” “Why? You have Alyssa for conversations.” “Helen!” “What, ‘Helen’? You said it yourself – with me you’re bored, nothing to talk about. Why force it?” That evening, he left. Said he was going to see friends. Helen knew – he went to her. She sat at the computer, found Alyssa’s social media. Pretty. Young. Photos from luxury holidays, stylish clothes, champagne in hand. One post from yesterday: “Life is beautiful when you’re with someone who values you.” Hashtags: love, happiness, matureman. Mature man. Helen laughed. Like a product label. Girlfriends commented: “Alyssa, when’s the wedding?”, “Lucky you snagged such a guy!”, “What does his wife think?” Alyssa replied to the last: “Their marriage is just formality now. They live like housemates.” Thirty years – housemates. Next morning, Helen booked an appointment with a solicitor. Young chap in glasses listened carefully to her story. “I see. Joint assets are split fifty-fifty. House, cottage, car. If you can prove adultery, you might get a larger share.” “I don’t want a larger share,” Helen said. “Just what’s fair.” At home, she made a list: House – sell and split. Cottage – his. I’ll never go there again. Car – mine. He can buy himself a new one. Bank accounts – split. Oliver came home late, saw the list on the table. “What’s this?” “Divorce.” “Have you lost your mind?” “No. For once, I’ve come to my senses.” “Helen, I explained! She’s just a fling. It’ll pass!” “And if it doesn’t? Another thirty years waiting for you to ‘grow out of it’?” Oliver slumped on the sofa, buried his face in his hands. “I never meant to hurt you.” “But you did.” “What am I supposed to do now?” “Choose,” Helen said simply. “Family, or Alyssa. There’s no third option.” Three months they lived as actual housemates. Oliver moved into the guest room. Only spoke when necessary. Helen signed up for English classes, went swimming, made time for books she’d always put off. Alyssa called sometimes, tearful. Oliver stepped onto the balcony, tried to reassure her in hushed tones. One evening he came home early. Sat across from Helen. “I’ve broken it off.” “Why do I need to know?” “Helen, I get it now. I was an idiot. I made a terrible mistake.” “I agree.” “Can we try again? I’ve changed.” Helen set aside her book. “Oliver, you broke it off not because you realised my worth. But because she bored you. The next ‘Alyssa’ will pop up in a year or two.” “She won’t!” “Oh, she will. Because you didn’t lose me – what you lost is your youth. And I can’t help you with that.” “Helen.” “The divorce papers are ready. Sign them.” He did. No drama, no fighting over property. Helen took only what she’d planned. Six months later, Helen met Roman – her age, a widower, an English teacher. They met at a course. He invited her to the theatre. “You know, Helen,” he said over coffee after the play, “I enjoy talking to you. You’re interesting.” “Really? My ex-husband thought I was boring.” “Then he just didn’t know how to listen.” Roman listened. He valued her thoughts, laughed at her jokes, shared himself – without trying to act young. “What do you find attractive in women?” Helen asked one day. “Intelligence. Kindness. Sincerity. And you, in men?” “Honesty. And I like those who aren’t afraid of their age.” They laughed together. Oliver called occasionally. Holiday greetings, asking after her health. Like old friends. “Are you happy?” he asked once. “Yes,” Helen answered without hesitation. “And you?” “I don’t know. Probably not.” “Well, we all make our choices.” The five-hundred-pound ring she still keeps. Doesn’t wear – it stays in a jewellery box. A reminder of how thirty years can be devalued so quickly. Roman gave her a vintage brooch for her birthday – found at a flea market, not expensive, but chosen with love. “Beauty isn’t about price,” he said. “It’s about the feeling behind the gift.” And Helen understood – life after fifty doesn’t end. It only begins again. What do you think? Is it possible to start over from scratch later in life? Share your thoughts below.

Author Emily TaylorReading 8 minViews 1

Even thirty years of marriage isnt a reason to tolerate betrayal

Helen turned the small box in her handsvelvet worn thin, gold letters faded. Inside, three tiny stones sparkled. Beautiful, she admitted.

Five hundred pounds, said Oliver, scrolling through the news on his tablet. Bought it at Goldsmiths, using the store card.

Thank you, dear.

Something tightened in her chest. Not because of the pricewhat could she expect at their age? It was the way he spoke: casually. As if hed just bought a pint of milk and was reporting back.

Thirty years together. The pearl anniversaryrare these days. Helen had risen early, taken out the embroidered tablecloth from the cupboard, a wedding gift from her mother-in-law. Shed started preparing a Victoria spongethe cake Oliver once called a slice of heaven.

Now he sat, absorbed in his screen, barely answering her questions.

Oliver, do you remember you promised to take me to Italy for our thirtieth anniversary?

Mhm, not looking up.

I thought, maybe we could at least visit Cornwall? Its been ages since our last holiday together.

Helen, Ive got a tight deadline on this project. Cant spare the time.

There was always a project, especially in the last year and a half, since Oliver caught a case of late-life youth. Gym membership, expensive trainers, a revamped wardrobe. Even his haircut had changedswept fringe, shaved sides.

Midlife crisis, said her friend Susan. All men go through it. Itll pass.

It hadnt. In fact, it grew stronger.

Helen tried on the ringit fit perfectly. At least, after all these years, he still knew her size. The gemstones twinkled with a chilly gleam.

Looks nice, she repeated, examining the present.

Yeah. Current design. Youthful style.

That evening, at the celebration table, they sat together, mostly silent. The cake was as perfect as everlight, soft. Oliver ate a slice, complimented her out of habit. Helen watched him and wondered: When had her husband become a stranger?

And whos the young woman? she asked suddenly.

What woman? Oliver looked up from his plate.

The one who picked out the fashionable ring.

Whats she got to do with anything?

Oliver, her voice was calm, Im not stupid. A woman chose this ring. No man says youthful style.

A long, awkward pause.

Helen, dont be ridiculous.

Is her name Alice?

Oliver turned pale. He didnt even ask how she knew; confirmation enough.

I saw your messages by accident. A month ago, when you needed your insurers number. Sunshine, cant wait to see youring a bell?

He said nothing.

Twenty-eight, works at your office. Last night she posted a photo from that restaurantthe very table by the window where you sat. I recognised the tablecloth.

How do you know about the restaurant?

Susan saw you. By chance. Do you really think people here dont notice?

Oliver let out a heavy sigh.

All right. Yes, theres Alice. But its not what you think.

Then what is it?

She gets me. Its easy and fun with her. We talk about books, about films.

And with me, theres nothing to talk about?

Helen, look at you! You care only about the kids, about health, about supermarket prices. With Alice, I feel alive.

Alive, Helen echoed. I see.

I never wanted to hurt you.

Oliver bowed his head.

And does she know youre married?

She does.

And it doesnt bother her? Happy with being with a married man?

Helen, shes modern. Shes not chasing fairytales.

Modern, Helen scoffed. Yet thirty years with you is just an illusion?

She rose from the table and started tidying up. Her hands trembled, though she tried not to show it.

Lets talk properly, Oliver suggested, lingering in the kitchen doorway.

Theres nothing left to say. Youve made your choice.

I havent chosen anyone!

You have. Every day. When you come home late. When you lie about business trips. When you buy her gifts with my money.

Our money!

Mine, too. I work, remember?

Helen washed the dishes, arranged them in the rack, folded away the fancy tablecloth. Everything as usual. Except her hands still shook.

What do you want? Oliver asked softly.

I want to be alone. Tonight. To think.

And tomorrow?

I dont know.

For two days, she kept quiet. Oliver tried to talk to her, but got only polite, single-word answers in reply. On the third day, he cracked.

How long is this going to go on?

Whats wrong with it? she asked, ironing his shirt. I do everything. Cooking, cleaning, laundry. Like always.

But you wont talk to me!

What for? Youve got Alice for conversation.

Helen!

What? She shrugged. You said yourselfIm boring, weve nothing to discuss. Why force it?

That evening, he went out. Claimed he was meeting friends. Helen knew where hed really gone.

She sat at her computer and opened Alices social page. Pretty. Young. Pictures from fancy resorts, stylish dresses, champagne flute in hand.

One post yesterday: Life is beautiful with someone who values you. The tagslove, happiness, matureman.

Mature man. Helen smiled to herself, as if it were a product feature.

In the comments, friends chirped: Ally, whens the wedding? Lucky you! Whats his wife think?

Alice replied to the last: Their marriage has been just on paper for ages. Theyre just housemates.

Thirty yearsas room-mates.

The next morning, Helen booked an appointment with a solicitor. A young man with glasses listened attentively to her story.

I see. Joint assets are split equally. House, cottage, car. If we prove adultery, you may claim a greater share.

I dont need a bigger share, Helen replied. Fair is enough.

Back home, she made a list:

Housesell, split proceeds.

Holiday cottagehis. Shed never go back.

Carhers. Let him buy himself a new one.

Bank accountsdivide.

Oliver returned late, found the list on the table.

Whats this?

Divorce.

Youre mad!

No. Ive finally come to my senses.

Helen, I explained! Its just a fling. Itll fade!

And if it doesnt? Should I wait another thirty years for you to outgrow it?

Oliver slumped on the sofa, hiding his face in his hands.

I didnt mean to hurt you.

But you did.

What do I do now?

Choose, Helen said quietly. Family or Alice. Theres no middle ground.

For three months, they truly lived as housemates. Oliver moved to the spare room. Conversations were strictly functional. Helen signed up for English classes, joined the local swimming pool, started reading books shed never had time for.

Alice called occasionally, crying down the phone. Oliver would step out onto the balcony, explaining in whispers.

One evening, Oliver came home early. He sat opposite Helen.

Ive ended it with her.

Why tell me?

Helen, I know. Im a fool. I made a dreadful mistake.

I agree.

Could we try again? Ive changed.

Helen put down her book.

Oliver, you didnt leave her because you realised what Im worth. You just grew bored. Therell be another Alice in a year or two.

There wont!

Oh, there will. Its not me youre chasing, its your fading youth. And I cant help with that.

Helen.

Divorce papers are ready. Sign them.

He didwithout argument, without fighting over assets. Helen took only what shed outlined.

Six months later, she met Roberta widower, her own age, an English teacher. Theyd met at her night class. He asked her to the theatre.

You know, Helen, he said, over coffee afterwards, I enjoy talking with you. Youre genuinely interesting.

Really? My ex-husband thought I was dull.

He just didn’t know how to listen.

Robert did. He valued her thoughts, laughed at her jokes, spoke freelywithout pretending to be younger than he was.

What attracts you to women? Helen asked once.

Intelligence. Kindness. Sincerity. What about you in men?

Honesty. And not being embarrassed about his age.

They both laughed.

Oliver would ring now and then. Holiday greetings, small talk about health. Like old acquaintances.

Are you happy? he asked once.

Yes, Helen answered without hesitation. Are you?

Im not sure. Probably not.

Well, we all make our own choices.

She still kept the five-hundred-pound ring in her jewellery box. She didnt wear itjust kept it as a reminder of how easily thirty years can unravel.

But on her birthday, Robert gave her a vintage brooch hed found at a charity fair. It was inexpensive, but chosen with care.

True beauty isnt in the price, he said, but in the feeling behind the gift.

And Helen realisedlife isnt over after fifty. It begins again, if you let it.

So, what do you think? Is it ever too late to start afresh in life?

“When Was the Last Time You Actually Looked at Yourself in the Mirror?” Her Husband Asked—But His Wife’s Surprising Response Changed Everything Alex sipped his morning coffee, watching Marina out of the corner of his eye. Her hair was pulled back with a rubber band—one for little girls, with cartoon cats. But their neighbour, Sophie from next door, always seemed vibrant and fresh, with that lingering scent of expensive perfume that filled the lift long after she’d left. “You know,” Alex put his phone down, “sometimes I think we live like… well, like neighbours.” Marina paused mid-cleaning, the cloth frozen in her hand. “What do you mean?” “Nothing special. Just… when was the last time you looked in the mirror?” That’s when she looked at him. Really looked. And Alex suddenly realised things weren’t going as he’d hoped. “When was the last time you looked at me?” Marina asked softly. An awkward silence hung between them. “Marina, don’t be dramatic. I just mean—women should always look amazing. It’s basic! Look at Sophie—she’s your age.” “Ah… Sophie,” Marina said. And something in her voice made Alex wary, like she’d just realised something important. “Alex,” she said after a pause, “tell you what. I’m going to stay at Mum’s for a bit. Think about what you said.” “Sure. Let’s live separately for now, think things over. But remember, I’m not kicking you out!” “You know,” Marina hung the cloth up with care, “maybe I do need to look in the mirror.” And she started packing. Alex sat in the kitchen, thinking, “This is what I wanted.” But somehow, he didn’t feel happy at all—he felt strangely empty. For three days, Alex lived like he was on holiday. Lazy mornings with coffee, evenings doing whatever he liked. No romantic dramas on TV. Freedom—good old male freedom. He bumped into Sophie outside that evening. Shopping bags from Waitrose, heels, a perfectly fitted dress. “Alex!” she smiled. “How are you? Haven’t seen Marina lately.” “She’s at her mum’s for a break,” he lied. “Mmm,” Sophie nodded knowingly. “Sometimes women need a breather—from the housework, the routine.” She said it as if she’d never touched a duster in her life, as if dinner simply appeared in her kitchen. “Soph, maybe we should grab a coffee sometime—just as neighbours?” “Why not?” she smiled. “Tomorrow evening?” All night, Alex planned the date—shirt, jeans or trousers, which cologne won’t overpower. But the next morning, his phone rang. “Alex?” It was a new voice. “It’s Mrs Smith—Marina’s mum.” His heart skipped a beat. “Yes?” “Marina asked me to tell you: she’ll pick up her things on Saturday when you’re not home. She’ll leave the keys with the concierge.” “Hold on, what do you mean pick up her things?” “What did you expect?” Mrs Smith’s voice was steely. “My daughter’s not waiting her whole life for you to decide if she matters.” “I haven’t said anything like that.” “You’ve said plenty. Goodbye, Alex.” She hung up. Alex sat in the kitchen, staring at his phone. What the hell? He hadn’t divorced—he just asked for time. But they’d decided it all without him. The coffee with Sophie was awkward; she was friendly, chatted about banking, laughed at his jokes. But when he reached for her hand, she gently pulled away. “Alex, you know I can’t. You’re still married.” “But we’re living apart—” “For now. Tomorrow?” Sophie gave him a long look. He walked her home, then went up to his flat. It greeted him with a silence and the unmistakable scent of single life. Saturday. Alex made himself scarce—no scenes, tears, or explanations. Let her collect her things in peace. But by three, he was desperate to know: what had she taken? Everything or just the essentials? What did she look like? At four, he gave in and went home. Outside was a car with local plates. At the wheel—a man in his forties, smart, good jacket, loading boxes for someone. Alex waited on the bench. Ten minutes later, a woman in a blue dress emerged. Her dark hair was pulled back—not with a kiddie band, but a stylish clip. Subtle makeup made her eyes pop. Alex stared in disbelief. It was Marina. His Marina. But different. She carried her last bag, and the man hurried to help, carefully guiding her into the car as if she were made of glass. Alex couldn’t hold back. He strode to the car. “Marina!” She turned. Her face was serene—and beautiful. No trace of the constant exhaustion he’d come to expect. “Hi, Alex.” “Is that really you…?” The man behind the wheel tensed, but Marina touched his arm lightly—all fine. “Yes,” she said simply. “You just haven’t looked at me in a long time.” “Marina, wait. Can’t we talk?” “About what?” No anger in her voice—just quiet surprise. “You said women should look fabulous. So I listened.” “No, that’s not what I meant!” Alex’s heart nearly burst. “What were you hoping for, Alex?” Marina tilted her head. “That I’d become beautiful, but only for you? Be interesting, but only at home? Love myself, but not enough to leave a husband who doesn’t see me?” As she spoke, something turned over inside him. “You know,” Marina went on gently, “I realised—I really did stop taking care of myself. But not from laziness. I’d simply got used to being invisible. In my own home, my own life.” “Marina, I didn’t mean…” “Oh, but you did. You wanted an invisible wife—who does everything but never takes up space. And when you tire, you upgrade to a flashier model.” The man in the car said something quietly. Marina nodded. “We have to go,” she said. “Vaughan’s waiting.” “Vaughan?” Alex’s mouth went dry. “Who’s he?” “Someone who sees me,” Marina replied. “We met at the gym—Mum’s got a new fitness centre nearby. Imagine, I tried sport for the first time at forty-two.” “Marina, please. Let’s try again. I was an idiot.” “Alex,” she looked at him intently. “Can you remember the last time you told me I was beautiful?” He couldn’t. He just stood there. “Or asked how I was?” He realised then—he’d lost, not to Vaughan or circumstances, but to himself. The car started. “I’m not angry, Alex. Really. You helped me discover something: if I don’t see myself—nobody else will.” The car pulled away. Alex stood outside, watching his life drive off—not his wife, his life. Fifteen years he’d called routine, but now saw had been happiness. He’d just never noticed. Six months later, Alex bumped into Marina at the shopping centre. She was choosing coffee beans, reading labels intently. Next to her was a girl in her twenties. “Let’s get this one,” she said. “Dad says arabica is better than robusta.” “Marina?” Alex approached. She turned and smiled—softly, effortlessly. “Hi, Alex. This is Anna, Vaughan’s daughter. Anna, this is Alex, my ex-husband.” Anna nodded politely, a pretty uni student, watching Alex with curiosity but no hostility. “How are you?” he asked. “Fine. You?” “All right.” A brief, awkward silence. What do you say to an ex-wife who’s changed so much? They stood by the coffee shelves. Alex looked at her: tanned, in a light blouse, new haircut. Happy. Truly happy. “And you?” she asked. “How’s your love life?” “Nothing much,” he sighed. Marina looked carefully at him. “You want a woman who’s as pretty as Sophie, but as obedient as I was. Clever, but not so clever she notices you eyeing others.” Anna listened, eyes wide. “There’s no such woman, Alex,” Marina said calmly. “Marina, shall we?” Anna cut in. “Dad’s waiting in the car.” “Yes, coming.” Marina took the coffee. “Good luck, Alex.” They left. Alex stood amongst the shelves, thinking: she was right. He had been searching for a woman who didn’t exist. That evening, sat in his kitchen with a cup of tea, Alex thought of Marina—of who she’d become. And of how sometimes, losing someone is the only way to learn their true worth. Maybe happiness isn’t about finding a convenient wife. Maybe it’s about learning to truly see the woman beside you.

Every Tuesday Liana hurried through the London Underground, clutching an empty plastic carrier bag in her hand—a symbol of today’s failure: two fruitless hours of wandering Westfield, not a single good gift idea for her goddaughter, her friend’s daughter. Ten-year-old Maisie was well over ponies and into astronomy now, but finding a decent telescope on a teacher’s budget was a mission fit for NASA. Evening was drawing in, and the particular weariness of the underground at the end of day hung in the air. Skipping past those exiting, Liana squeezed onto the escalator. That’s when her usually distracted mind caught a sharply emotional snippet above the crowd’s din. “— Honestly, I never thought I’d see him again,” came a young, slightly shaky voice behind her. “But now, every Tuesday, he picks her up from school himself. Drives over, and they go to that park with the old carousel…” Liana paused on the moving escalator, glancing back just for a moment to see a sparkly-eyed woman in a bright red coat—animated, excited, being listened to by her friend. “Every Tuesday.” She’d had a day like that once. Three years ago. Not the dreaded Monday, not Friday with its promise of the weekend—Tuesday. A day the whole world seemed to spin around. Every Tuesday, precisely at five, she would dash out from the English department and race across town to the Purcell School of Music, housed in a creaky Victorian manor. She’d pick up Mark, her seven-year-old nephew with the serious face and violin nearly as tall as him—not her child, but her brother Anton’s, who’d died in a terrible car accident three years before. Those early Tuesdays had been rituals for survival. Mark, silent and withdrawn. His mother Olga, shattered and barely out of bed. And for Liana—the anchor, piecing their lives together one Tuesday at a time. She remembered every detail: Mark leaving class, head down, not looking anywhere; she’d take the heavy violin case from him, he’d hand it over silently. They’d walk to the Tube, and she’d tell him goofy stories—about a spelling mistake, or the seagull that stole a sausage roll from a student. One rainy November Tuesday, Mark asked suddenly, “Auntie Li, did my dad hate rain too?” The ache and tenderness nearly toppled her, but she answered, “Hated it. Always dashed for cover.” Mark gripped her hand firmly then, as if grasping not at her, but at the memory of his dad—the reality of it, right here in the wet London air. For three years, her life split into Before and After. And Tuesdays were the heartbeat of it—the real, hard, wonderful day. The rest just background. She’d prepare for it: buy Mark’s favourite apple juice, queue up silly cartoons on her phone, rehearse conversation starters. But time ticks forward. Olga slowly healed, found work, even found love again. She chose a new start in a city by the sea. Liana helped them pack, sent Mark off with a hug, his violin in a soft new case. “Text me, OK? I’m always here.” At first, every Tuesday at six on the dot, Mark would call. Fifteen minutes to check in—school, violin, new friends. His voice, a thin silver thread across the miles. Then, calls slipped to once a fortnight. “Sorry Aunty, forgot last Tuesday, had a maths test,” he’d message, and she’d reply gently: “Don’t worry, love. How was the test?” Tuesdays became a window of expectation, maybe a message, maybe not. Sometimes she wrote first. Then just birthdays, Christmas. His voice deeper now. “All fine. Doing well. Learning lots.” His stepfather, Steve, was a good sort—never tried to replace Anton, just there, solid. That had mattered most. There was even a baby sister now, Alice, and in the photos Mark held her awkwardly but tenderly. Life—tough and generous all at once—kept moving on, layering over the old pain with nursery runs, homework, and plans for tomorrow. Liana’s role, “the aunt from the past,” quietly shrank, though never quite vanished. And now, amidst the anonymous roar of the Tube, this stray phrase—“every Tuesday”—didn’t sting but echoed softly, a greeting from that old version of herself. The Liana who had, for three years, carried immense responsibility and love, as agony and as blessing; who’d been the lighthouse, the safe place, the one needed most by a little boy on a Tuesday. She remembered. The woman in red had her own drama, her own matrix of pain and compromise. Yet that rhythm—“every Tuesday”—was a universal language: “I’m here. You matter. This moment is just for you.” A language Liana once spoke fluently, now almost lost. The train jerked into motion. Liana stood tall, gazing at her reflection in the sooty window. At her stop, she stepped out into the brisk, lamp-lit street, already planning to order two matching telescopes—affordable, but good. One for Maisie. One for Mark, posted to Brighton. As soon as it arrived, she’d text: “Markie, so we can look at the same stars no matter where we are. Next Tuesday, 6 p.m., if it’s clear, shall we both find the Big Dipper? Let’s compare notes. Love, Auntie Liana.” She rode the escalator up into the chilly night, heart lighter. Next Tuesday no longer lay empty—it had been claimed. Not as a duty, but as a quiet contract: a moment set aside for wonder, for memory that warms instead of hurting, for love that travels calmly across the miles, and grows stronger for it. Life carried on. And in her calendar, there still remained days that were not just survived, but chosen. Chosen for the small miracle of syncing stargazing across the cities. For memories that heal. For a bond that quietly, stubbornly, endures.

— And You Needn’t Sit at the Table—You Ought to Serve Us! My Mother-in-Law Declared. I stood by the stove in the quiet morning kitchen—rumpled pyjamas, hair hastily pinned up. The smell of toasted bread and strong coffee filled the air. On the stool by the table sat my seven-year-old daughter, nose buried in her scrapbook, carefully drawing colourful swirls with felt pens. “Are you making those diet toasts again?” came a voice behind me. I jumped. At the door stood my mother-in-law—a woman with a stone face and a voice that allowed no debate. She wore a dressing gown, hair pulled into a bun, lips pressed tight. “Just so you know, yesterday I had whatever I found for lunch! No soup, no proper food. Can you make eggs? Like a decent person, not those… modern fads of yours!” I switched off the stove and opened the fridge. Tight anger twisted in my chest, but I swallowed it. Not in front of my child. Not in a place where every inch seemed to repeat to me: “You’re only here temporarily.” “It’ll be ready in a moment,” I replied, forcing myself to turn away so she couldn’t see my trembling voice. My daughter didn’t lift her eyes from the felt pens, but at the corner of her gaze, she watched Grandma—quiet, wary, alert. “We’ll Stay with My Mum” When my husband suggested moving in with his mother, it sounded logical at first. “We’ll stay with her—just for a little while. Two months maximum. It’s close to work and our mortgage will be approved soon. She’s not opposed.” I hesitated. Not because I was in conflict with my mother-in-law. We’d always been polite to one another. But I knew the truth: two adult women sharing a kitchen is a minefield. And my mother-in-law had an obsessive need for order, control, and moral judgement. But there was almost no choice. We’d sold our old flat quickly and the new one wasn’t ready yet. So the three of us moved into my mother-in-law’s two-bedroom flat. “Just temporarily.” Control Became a Daily Routine The first few days were calm. My mother-in-law was pointedly polite, even added an extra chair for the child and treated us to pie. But on the third day, the “rules” began. “In my home, things are done properly,” she announced at breakfast. “Up at eight. Shoes only on the rack. Groceries must be agreed upon. Keep the TV quiet—I’m sensitive to noise.” My husband smiled and brushed it off: “Mum, we’re only here for a little while. We’ll cope.” I nodded silently. But “we’ll cope” soon started to sound like a sentence. I Began to Disappear One week passed. Then another. The regime got stricter. My mother-in-law removed my child’s drawings from the table—”They’re in the way.” She took off my gingham tablecloth—”It’s impractical.” My cornflakes vanished from the shelf—”They’ve been there forever, must be off.” She “moved” my shampoo—”Don’t want it cluttering up the place.” I felt less like a guest, more like someone without a voice or a right to exist. My food was “wrong.” My habits—”unnecessary.” My child—”too noisy.” And my husband kept repeating: “Just stick it out. It’s Mum’s place. She’s always been like this.” Day by day, I lost myself. Less and less remained of the calm, confident woman I used to be. Now, there was just endless adjusting and silent endurance. Life by Someone Else’s Rules Every morning, I woke up at six to get to the bathroom first, cook porridge, get my child ready… and avoid my mother-in-law’s wrath. Each evening, I made two dinners—one for us, one “to her standard”. No onions. Then with onions. Then only in her saucepan. Then only with her frying pan. “I don’t want much,” she’d say reproachfully. “Just decency. The proper way.” The Day My Humiliation Became Public One morning, just as I’d finished washing my face and switching on the kettle, my mother-in-law entered the kitchen—without any concern for privacy. “Today my friends are coming. Two o’clock. You’re at home, so you’ll set the table. Pickles, salad, something for tea—just the usual.” “Just the usual” meant a feast. “But—I didn’t know. Groceries…” “You’ll buy them. I’ve made you a shopping list. Nothing complicated.” I got dressed and headed to the shop. Brought back everything: chicken, potatoes, dill, apples for pie, biscuits. Returned home and started cooking non-stop. By two, everything was ready—table set, chicken roasted, salad crisp, pie golden. Three pensioners arrived—prim, curled hair, wearing perfume from another era. Within moments, I realised I wasn’t “part of the group.” I was “the help.” “Come, come… sit here, next to us,” mother-in-law smiled. “So you can serve us.” “Serve you?” I repeated. “What’s the problem? We’re getting on. It’s not hard for you.” So here I was again—tray in hand, spoons, bread. “Pass the tea, dear.” “I need more sugar.” “We’re out of salad.” “The chicken’s a bit dry,” one muttered. “You’ve overbaked the pie,” said another. I clenched my teeth. Smiled. Cleared plates. Poured tea. No one asked if I wanted to sit. Or just breathe for a moment. “Isn’t it wonderful, having a young housewife?” my mother-in-law said with feigned warmth. “Everything depends on her!” And suddenly… something broke inside me. That Evening, I Told the Truth When the guests finally left, I washed all the dishes, packed away leftovers, washed the tablecloth. Then I sat at the end of the sofa, empty cup in hand. Darkness crept in outside. My child slept, curled like a ball. My husband sat next to me—immersed in his phone. “Listen…” I said quietly, but firmly. “I can’t do this anymore.” He glanced up, surprised. “We live like strangers. I’m just someone who serves everyone. And you… do you notice?” He said nothing. “This isn’t home. It’s a life where I’m constantly adjusting and staying silent. It’s me and the child in this. I don’t want months more of this. I’m tired of being convenient and invisible.” He nodded… slowly. “I understand… Forgive me for not seeing it before. We’ll find somewhere else to rent. Anything—as long as it’s our own.” We began searching that same night. Our Own Home—Even If Small The flat was tiny. The landlord’s old furniture was left behind. The linoleum squeaked. But when I crossed the threshold… I felt lightness. As if I finally got my voice back. “Here we are,” my husband sighed, dropping the bags. My mother-in-law didn’t say a word. Didn’t try to stop us. I didn’t know if she was hurt, or just realised she’d gone too far. A week passed. Mornings started with music. My child drew on the floor. My husband brewed coffee. I watched—and smiled. No stress. No rushing. No “just cope.” “Thank you,” he said one morning, hugging me. “For not staying quiet.” I looked him in the eyes: “Thank you for hearing me.” Life wasn’t perfect now. But it was our home. Our rules. Our noise. Our lives. And it was real. ❓But what about you: if you were in her place, would you have stuck it out “just for a while,” or would you have left after the first week?

My Husband Was Supporting His Ex with Our Money – So I Gave Him an Ultimatum From the beginning, I knew about his ex-wife: he never hid that he’d been married, had a daughter, and paid child support. I actually admired his sense of responsibility. But slowly, I realised what I’d thought was duty was really a crushing sense of guilt, one that his ex expertly used. Child support was regular and generous, but then there was an endless stream of “extra costs”—a new laptop for their daughter, a pricey language camp, luxury gifts for every occasion. My husband always caved with a sigh: “She needs this. I can’t say no.” His ex-wife knew exactly how to pull his strings. Her calls came with just the right tone of suffering: “She’ll be so upset… I can’t do this alone.” And he’d believe her, until he could no longer see our reality—our money and plans disappearing into his past. When I tried to gently suggest he was doing too much, he’d look guilty: “It’s a child. I can’t refuse. I need to support her.” But what about supporting me—and our life together? We lived in constant crisis mode, funding never-ending “emergencies.” Our washing machine was on its last legs, but every time I managed to save for a new one, the money would vanish for things like a private dental appointment—except it turned out to be a cosmetic whitening, not an emergency at all. After that, our house was filled with icy silence. I finally understood the battle wasn’t against his ex; it was against his guilt and the ghost of his old marriage, always hungry for more financial, emotional, and mental sacrifice. On his daughter’s birthday, I bought her a lovely book—something she’d mentioned wanting. Her “real” flashy presents were from “mum and dad”—the phone all the posh kids had. His ex, dressed for a magazine shoot, played hostess and when the gifts were handed out, announced with a smile, “Only those who truly love you get you what you dream of…” and gestured to the expensive gift, dismissing my book as “just something from an auntie.” My husband said nothing. The silence was louder than any argument. After the party, I packed his clothes calmly in his old suitcase and helped him to the door. He pleaded, but I told him: “This isn’t about her—it’s you. You live in the past, every penny and every thought. I live in the present, where there’s no money for the essentials because it’s spent on whims. Where I’m humiliated publicly and my husband says nothing.” I left the suitcase at the door. He picked it up and left. For the first time in ages, I felt like my home was truly mine, and my soul finally had space to breathe. Two months later, our marriage was officially over.

Even Thirty Years of Marriage Isn’t a Reason to Tolerate Infidelity Helen turned the small jewellery box over in her hands – its velvet worn, golden letters faded. Inside, three tiny gemstones sparkled. Beautiful, she had to admit. “Five hundred quid,” said Oliver, scrolling through news on his tablet. “Got it at Goldsmiths, with a loyalty discount.” “Thank you, darling.” Something clenched inside her—not because of the price (who could quibble at their age?) but the way he said it. So casually. As if announcing he’d bought a pint of milk. Thirty years together. A Pearl Anniversary – rare these days. Helen got up early, laid out the fancy lace tablecloth—her mother-in-law’s wedding gift. She started baking a vanilla cloud cake—the one Oliver once called “a slice of heaven.” Now he sat absorbed in his iPad, grunting vague responses to her questions. “Ollie, do you remember how you promised to whisk me off to Italy for our thirtieth?” “Yeah,” not looking up. “I thought… perhaps at least a weekend by the seaside? We haven’t had a holiday together in ages.” “Helen, I’ve got a project on the go. No time at the moment.” There was always a project, especially these past eighteen months, since Oliver had become ‘smitten’ with youth. Joined a gym, bought pricey trainers, revamped his wardrobe; even his haircut now featured a side-swept fringe and shaved temples. “Midlife crisis,” said her friend Sarah. “It’ll pass—all men go through it.” But it hadn’t passed. In fact, it had grown. Helen tried on the ring—perfect fit. So, at least after all these years, he remembered her size. The stones sparkled with a cold light. “Beautiful,” she repeated, studying the gift. “Yes. Trendy setting. Young people’s style.” That evening, over their special dinner, they sat almost in silence. The cake was as lovely as ever—light, airy. Oliver praised it without thinking. Helen looked at him, wondering: When did her husband become a stranger? “And who’s the girl?” she suddenly asked. “What girl?” Oliver looked up from his plate. “The one who picked out this trendy ring.” “What’s she got to do with it?” “Oliver,” she said calmly, “I’m not stupid. A woman chose this ring. No man says ‘young people’s style.’” A long, awkward pause. “Helen, don’t be ridiculous.” “Her name’s Amelia, isn’t it?” Oliver paled. He didn’t ask how she knew—so she’d hit the mark. “I saw your messages by accident. A month ago, when you asked me to find your insurance number on your phone. ‘Sweetheart, can’t wait to see you’—ring any bells?” He said nothing. “Twenty-eight, works in your office. Yesterday she posted a photo from that restaurant—the window table where you sat. I recognised the tablecloth.” “How do you know about the restaurant?” “Sarah saw you. By chance. You don’t think people notice in a small town?” Oliver sighed: “All right. Yes, there’s Amelia. But it’s not what you think.” “And what exactly is it?” “She understands me. With her, I feel alive, it’s fun. We talk about books, films…” “And with me, there’s nothing to talk about?” “Helen, just look at yourself! You only talk about the kids, health things, the shopping bill. With Amelia, I feel young again.” “Alive,” repeated Helen. “I see.” “I didn’t want to hurt you.” Oliver dropped his head. “Does she know you’re married?” “She knows.” “And she’s okay with that? Happy to date a married man?” “Helen, she’s a modern girl. No illusions.” “Modern,” Helen gave a short laugh. “So thirty years with you—an illusion?” She cleared the table, hands shaking but trying not to show it. “Let’s just talk, Helen.” “There’s nothing left to say. You made your choice.” “I haven’t chosen anyone!” “You have. Every night you come home late. Lie about your trips. Buy her gifts—with my money.” “Our money!” “My money too. I work, remember?” Helen washed up, stacked dishes in the rack, put away the fancy tablecloth. Everything as usual—only her hands trembled. “What do you want, Helen?” asked Oliver, standing in the kitchen doorway. “I want to be alone tonight. Need to think.” “And tomorrow?” “I don’t know.” For two days, she hardly spoke. Oliver tried to reach her, but got only polite monosyllables. On the third day, he cracked: “How long is this going to go on?” “Isn’t it enough for you?” asked Helen, as she ironed his shirt. “I’m doing everything as always—cooking, cleaning, washing.” “But you won’t talk!” “What’s the point? You have Amelia to talk with.” “Helen!” “What, Helen? You said I’m boring. Nothing to discuss. Why force it?” That evening he left, saying, “I’ll be with friends.” She knew he meant Amelia. Helen sat at her computer, opened Amelia’s social media page. Pretty. Young. Photos from expensive resorts, trendy clothes, holding champagne. One post, from yesterday: “Life’s wonderful when someone truly values you.” The hashtags—love, happiness, matureman. Mature man. Helen chuckled. Like a product listing. Her friends commented: “Amelia, when’s the wedding?”, “Lucky you!”, “What does his wife think?” Down the list, Amelia replied, “Their marriage is only on paper. They live as flatmates.” Thirty years—as flatmates. Next morning, Helen saw a solicitor. A young man in glasses listened to her story. “I see. All jointly owned assets are split fifty-fifty: house, cottage, car. If we prove adultery, you may get a larger share.” “I don’t want more,” said Helen. “Just fair.” At home, she wrote out the split: House—sell, divide the money. Cottage—for him. I won’t go there anymore. Car—for me. He can buy a new one. Bank accounts—split. Oliver returned late, saw the list on the table. “What’s this?” “Divorce.” “You’re mad!” “No. I’ve finally come to my senses.” “Helen, I explained! It’s a passing crush. It’ll end!” “And if it doesn’t? Should I wait another thirty years for you to ‘get over it’?” Oliver slumped on the sofa, hands over his face. “I never meant to hurt you.” “But you did.” “What should I do now?” “Choose,” said Helen. “Either your family, or Amelia. There’s no third option.” Three months they lived like neighbours—literally. Oliver moved into the guest room. They spoke only when necessary. Helen signed up for English classes, swimming, read books she’d never had time for. Amelia kept calling, crying into the phone. Oliver went to the balcony, explaining in whispers. One night, he came home early, sat opposite Helen: “I’ve ended things with her.” “Why tell me?” “Helen, please… I see now. I’ve been a fool. Made a dreadful mistake.” “I agree.” “Can we try again? I’ve changed.” Helen put down her book: “Oliver, you didn’t break up with her because you realised my worth. You broke up because you were bored. And the next ‘Amelia’ will come along in a year or two.” “No she won’t!” “Oh, she will. It’s not me you’ve lost—it’s your youth. And I can’t bring that back.” “Helen…” “The divorce papers are ready. Please sign.” He signed. No fights, no asset wrangling. Helen took only what she’d put on her list. Six months later, she met Rowan—her age, a widower, English teacher. They met at class. He invited her to the theatre. “You know, Helen,” Rowan said over coffee afterwards, “I enjoy talking with you. You’re a brilliant conversationalist.” “Really? My ex-husband thought I was dull.” “Then he never learned to listen.” Rowan listened. Valued her opinions and laughed at her jokes, and shared his life stories—never pretending to be younger than he was. “What do you admire in a woman?” Helen asked him once. “Intelligence. Kindness. Honesty. What about you in a man?” “Integrity. And someone who isn’t afraid of his age.” They laughed. Oliver sometimes called, sent holiday greetings, asked after her health. Like former good acquaintances. “Are you happy?” he asked once. “Yes,” Helen replied softly. “And you?” “I don’t know. Probably not.” “Well, we all make our own choices.” She still keeps that five-hundred-pound ring—not to wear, just tucked away in its box. A reminder of how easily thirty years together can be made to feel worthless. And Rowan gave her, for her birthday, a vintage brooch from a flea market—modest, but chosen with love. “Beauty isn’t about the price,” he said. “It’s about the heart behind the gift.” And Helen realised—life doesn’t end after fifty. It’s only just beginning again. What do you think? Is it possible to start fresh again in midlife? Share your thoughts in the comments.

“Your Wife Is Getting Too Full of Herself. Teach Her How to Behave,” Demanded Max’s Mother-in-Law – Marina, my housewarming party’s tomorrow! I’ve invited so many people, and you know, the new flat is still completely unfurnished. Can you help me out? “Of course, Mrs. Newton,” replied Marina, though she’d planned her own relaxing weekend. And so it began: canapés for thirty guests, Caesar salad, mixed meats, a fruit arrangement, decorating the lounge, arranging the furniture. Just imagine: on Friday evening, instead of a romantic dinner with her husband, Marina made a trip to Tesco. Saturday from six in the morning meant prepping food… in someone else’s home. “Max, at least help me set out the chairs!” Marina pleaded with her husband. “But you know better what looks nice,” he shrugged, scrolling through his phone. By three o’clock, Mrs. Newton’s flat was transformed: a lavish buffet in the lounge, everything beautifully arranged, flowers set out just so. Marina looked at her work and felt utterly drained. The first guests arrived promptly at four: Mrs. Newton’s colleagues, neighbours from her old house, girlfriends. Everyone embraced the hostess, admired the flat, and handed over glittery housewarming gifts. Marina hovered in the kitchen, slicing lemons. “Where’s your daughter-in-law?” one guest asked. “She’s busy in the kitchen, of course,” Mrs. Newton waved dismissively. “Marina! Come in and say hello!” Marina came out, smiled, greeted everyone. “Oh, your daughter-in-law is so caring!” cooed a woman in an elegant suit. “You can see she’s got golden hands!” “Yes, I’ve brought up Marina well,” Mrs. Newton laughed smugly. “Now I have a dependable helper.” And then… things got even more interesting. There wasn’t a chair for Marina. “Sorry, dear Marina – you won’t have time to sit anyway,” Mrs. Newton said apologetically. “Better keep an eye on the food, serve the plates.” Marina nodded. What else could she do? So there she was, standing off to the side, almost like a waitress. Serving snacks, pouring champagne, clearing away empty napkins. Meanwhile, at the table: lively stories, laughter, toasts. “Remember, Mrs. Newton, that time at your old job—” began a colleague. Marina listened silently to their memories of a life she wasn’t really a part of. “Marina, could you refresh the fruit?” Mrs. Newton called loudly. Marina retreated to the kitchen, washed grapes, set them out on a platter. “How lovely!” the guests all cheered. “Mrs. Newton, you’ve got a real artist helping out!” “Max was so clever to choose such a homely wife!” added the woman in the suit. “I bet dinner is always ready, and the house is perfect!” Everyone laughed. Max smiled proudly too. Proud of what, exactly? Having free help around the house? But the evening wasn’t over. The table talk got freer, the guests more relaxed, voices louder. “Nina, do tell us about how Max charmed all the girls at university!” giggled one of Mrs. Newton’s old friends. “Oh, let’s not reminisce!” Mrs. Newton brushed it aside coquettishly, but she loved the attention. Everyone laughed. Max turned pink, though he was used to his mum’s boasting. Marina stood by the side table, polishing glasses. No one cared about her presence – she was part of the furniture. Useful, but invisible. “And at university, girls queued up for Max!” Mrs. Newton gushed on. “The Dean even joked, ‘Max will end up a Casanova!’ He turned out just as predicted! Before Marina, there were so many romances!” “Alright, Mum,” Max tried half-heartedly to stop her. “What’s wrong with that? Marina knows she’s not the only one,” laughed Mrs. Newton. “A man should know life! Otherwise, how will he build a family?” The woman in the suit nodded: “Exactly, Nina. It’s good for women too – a husband with experience is a blessing.” “Precisely!” Mrs. Newton agreed. “And Marina’s so calm. Not at all jealous!” All eyes turned to Marina, waiting for her to confirm she really was “calm.” Marina nodded. What alternative was there? “Marina, how did you and Max meet?” the neighbour asked cheerily. Marina opened her mouth but Mrs. Newton answered first: “At the bank! He’d just become a manager, she was a consultant. You could see straight away – a very serious and responsible girl.” Responsible. As if recommending her for a job. “I told Max: pay attention to that one. Not flighty, homely. Good for a family!” Just imagine – being described like merchandise. “Good for a family.” “And you made the perfect choice!” the woman in the suit exclaimed. “She’s a real grafter! Organised this whole housewarming, cared for everyone.” “Goes without saying,” Mrs. Newton confirmed. “I could tell straight off she was fit for family life. Not like today’s selfish girls who only think of themselves!” And now for the worst part – Max stayed silent. He didn’t protest. Didn’t say “Mum, enough.” He just sat and listened as his wife was discussed like a pedigree horse at auction. “When are the babies planned?” inevitably, someone asked. “Nina, aren’t you dreaming of grandchildren?” Mrs. Newton sighed wistfully: “I’d love some! But young people keep putting it off – work and all that. Time’s ticking!” Marina felt her cheeks burn. This topic stung. She and Max had been trying for nearly two years. She’d been seeing doctors, taking vitamins. So far everything looked fine, but every month brought fresh disappointment. “Well, it’s their private business,” said the neighbour tactfully. “Of course!” Mrs. Newton agreed. “But I hint every week – it’s time! Years go by, I want grandbabies!” Marina pressed her lips together. Hinted? She asked every week: “Any good news yet?” And Marina always blushed and mumbled apologies. “And maybe they’re not ready?” suggested another guest carefully. “Not ready?!” Mrs. Newton scoffed. “We were already having kids at their age! This new idea of not being ready… maternal instinct hasn’t disappeared!” Marina drifted over to the window. “Marina, dear!” called Mrs. Newton. “Don’t mope – come here, we’re discussing important things!” Marina stood beside Max’s armchair. “Just look at Max’s docile wife,” Mrs. Newton went on. “You ask – she delivers. Not like some modern girls, always complaining.” “And what rights does a wife have?” the woman in the suit mused. “Main thing’s keeping your husband happy and the family thriving.” “That’s right!” another guest agreed. “Women’s happiness is in their family and children.” Marina heard their talk grow tighter inside her. They spoke about her, not to her. “Nina, remember Max’s first serious girlfriend?” one guest piped up. “I think her name was Jenny?” “Oh, don’t remind me!” laughed Mrs. Newton. “Pretty, but what a temper! Always had to have her say, always argued. Not a wife – a punishment! I said to Max back then: ‘Son, think carefully. Do you really need such a shrew?’” Max fidgeted awkwardly but didn’t speak. “And you did right!” said the woman in the suit. “A mother knows best about her son’s match. Otherwise he’d be miserable for life!” “Marina, could you bring more ice?” Mrs. Newton asked. Marina nodded and went to the kitchen. She stood, staring at the ice cubes. Suddenly she realised: she wasn’t a guest. She was the help. Marina stood in the kitchen, bucket in hand, staring out at the evening. Lights twinkled on other balconies – people living their own lives. From the lounge came a happy chorus, someone singing karaoke. All were joining in. “Marina!” Mrs. Newton called. “Where’s the ice? And could you start the coffee?” Marina flicked the machine, grabbed the ice bucket, went to the lounge. “Here’s our little worker-bee!” the woman in the suit announced. “Marina, why so serious? Lighten up and join in!” “She’s tired is all,” Mrs. Newton waved away. “Been on her feet all day. But it’s fine – a woman must do it all. That’s how it is!” “Of course!” the neighbour chipped in. “The man must earn!” “Don’t I earn money too?” Marina asked quietly. Everyone turned. The room fell silent. “Sorry, dear?” Mrs. Newton said, baffled. “I said – don’t I earn money too?” Marina repeated, louder. Max frowned: “Marina, what’s this about?” “About Aunt Gal’s words – ‘The man earns, he deserves a break.’ Well, what about me?” The guests exchanged glances. Nobody saw this coming. “Well, you do earn, of course…” the woman in the suit said gently. “But it’s different.” “How is it different?” “Well,” she hesitated. “You’re a consultant. Max is a project manager – more responsibility.” “I see. So my job isn’t really a job? And the housework’s still mine. So I work at the office and at home. Max just works in the office, but he’s the one who gets to rest.” A heavy silence settled. “Marina, what are you saying?” Max asked, annoyed. “I’m saying,” Marina put the bucket on the table, “I spent two days preparing for this party. Shopping, cooking, decorating. And today I’ve been working non-stop. Yet not even a seat at the table for me.” “We didn’t mean—” Mrs. Newton tried to explain. “We just miscalculated.” “Miscalculated,” Marina agreed. “Didn’t think about me. Because I’m just staff here.” “Marina!” Max snapped. “Stop it!” “Stop what? Speaking the truth?” “Calm down, Marina,” a guest urged. “Just nerves.” “Enough of this show!” Mrs. Newton scolded. “Distracting people with drama!” “But it’s fine to discuss my family life with everyone? Fine to mention I haven’t had kids, fine to talk about Max’s exes?” Mrs. Newton paled. “I didn’t mean to—” “You talked about Jenny. You said good thing she left because she had opinions. And everyone agreed – good thing Max’s wife is so convenient now.” Marina looked at each person. “You know what? Jenny was right! She shouldn’t have let herself become a free helper!” “What are you talking about?” Max got to his feet. “What helper?!” “Know what I wished for today?” Marina continued, quietly. “I wished you’d say, ‘Meet my wife. She works in a bank, she’s clever and talented.’ Instead everyone said, ‘So handy. So docile. Just right for family life.’” “Marina, come on now,” Max began. “Come on? What – because you were silent! Silent when your mum called me convenient, silent when Aunt Gal lectured about a wife’s place, silent while everyone poked into my life!” Her voice shook. Tears that she’d been fighting all evening finally came. “You know what? I’m tired of being convenient!” Marina wiped her eyes. “Sorry for ruining your party. But I’m done playing the ideal daughter-in-law.” She headed for the door. “Marina, wait!” Max shouted. “Where are you going?” “On the balcony. For fresh air,” she said plainly, not stopping. “You can keep celebrating. Just without your waitstaff.” The balcony door closed. Behind it, muffled voices and music continued. Here, under the English night sky, Marina could finally be herself. She cried. Marina stayed on the balcony for more than an hour. First crying – from hurt, shame, relief. Then she dried her tears and watched the lights of London. Inside, voices continued, quieter now: Max and Mrs. Newton. “I don’t understand what’s come over her!” Mrs. Newton exclaimed. “To do that in front of everyone!” “Mum, maybe she’s got a point,” Max replied, unsure. “A point?! She shouted at her elders! Ruined our party!” Marina listened. “She did work all day, though.” “So what? In my youth, I worked too! Didn’t complain! Family means work, Max. Women must know their place.” Marina smiled bitterly. Even after everything, Mrs. Newton hadn’t understood. “Still—” “No ‘still’! You need a firm talk. Explain to her how a wife must behave. Or she’ll really get out of hand.” Marina opened the door and entered. Max and Mrs. Newton were amid dirty dishes. “A firm talk is a good idea,” Marina said calmly. They jumped. “Marina, dear,” Mrs. Newton started in a cajoling tone. “Don’t take it so to heart, we didn’t mean—” “I know,” Marina nodded. “You’re just not used to me speaking up.” “Let’s talk about it at home,” Max pleaded. “No. What started here, ends here.” Marina sat in a guest’s chair. “Max, I’m going to my parents’ tomorrow. For a week. I need to think.” “What is there to think about?” Max sounded panicked. “Whether I want to live in a family where I’m not valued.” “Don’t be dramatic, Marina.” “It’s not drama,” she said quietly. “It’s a choice. Either things change, or I change my life.” Mrs. Newton scoffed: “Young people! Straight to ultimatums!” “Max, if you care about our marriage – think it over. Not about how to ‘put me in my place’ but about why your wife cried on the balcony while your mother received congratulations.” A week later, Max came to Marina’s parents’ kitchen, nervously twisting his wedding ring. “Marina, please come home. Things will change.” Marina looked at him for a long moment. “Alright. We’ll try.” She never cried at family parties again. Because she’d learned to stand up for her right to respect.

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