Happy Women Always Look Their Best Lily struggled through her husband’s betrayal. At forty, she found herself alone; her daughter was studying at university in another city. Just two months earlier, Igor had come home and announced: “I’m leaving you, I’ve fallen in love.” Shocked, Lily asked, “With whom?” He replied flatly, “The way men always do… I’ve met someone else, I’m happier with her. Don’t try to persuade me—I’ve made up my mind.” He packed his things and left, all matter-of-fact, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. It was only later, after analysing things, that Lily realised he hadn’t made his decision overnight—he’d been quietly preparing to leave, only throwing his things in a suitcase at the last minute before slamming the door shut. Alone now, Lily cried and convinced herself that nothing good would ever happen to her again, that life had either ended or frozen. She withdrew from friends, ignored calls from her daughter and best friend, and even distanced herself from colleagues, some of whom pitied her while others looked on with schadenfreude. Lily even hoped: “Maybe Igor will tire of the woman who stole him from me, maybe he’ll come back and I’ll forgive him. After all, I still love him.” One morning, a phone call from an unknown number disrupted her despair: “Could it be Igor?” she wondered, hoping irrationally. But the call was from Ksenia, an old school friend, back in town after years away. Ksenia was radiant—well-groomed, stylish, and bursting with energy. She took charge, arriving with wine, cake, and oranges for a spontaneous celebration. After hearing Lily’s woes, Ksenia dismissed them: “Don’t make life so hard! You just need a change—a new look, some shopping, and maybe new love.” She whisked Lily to the mall and hairdresser, transforming her with a fresh haircut and stylish outfit. A week later at their school reunion, Lily’s transformation stunned everyone, especially Viktor, an old admirer who had also recently gone through a divorce. Viktor showered her with attention, and their easy happiness made Lily feel new and vibrant again. Two months later, strolling arm-in-arm with Viktor along the embankment after a theatre night, Lily spotted Igor—thinner now, and alone. He didn’t recognise her at first, but when he realised, he was shocked: “You look amazing!” Lily smiled and introduced him to Viktor as her “future husband.” As Igor gaped, Lily took Viktor’s hand and walked confidently away. For happy women always look their best.

Happy Women Always Look Stunning

Lily was having a hard time getting over her husbands betrayal. At forty, she found herself suddenly single, with her daughter off studying at university in another city. And two months ago, Ian had come home from work and declared quite matter-of-factly:

Im leaving you. Ive fallen in love.

What do you mean? With whom? Lily stammered, caught off guard.

Well, you know how men leave their wives. Ive fallen for someone else, feel good with her, and when Im with her, I forget you even exist. So dont bother begging, Ive made up my mind, Ian said, so casually it was as if he was announcing hed picked up a new hobby.

He packed his bags at record speed and left, slamming the door behind him. Later, Lily realised hed been planning this for some time, quietly moving his bits and bobs out, and that day just stuffed the rest into a suitcase and off he went.

Lily sobbed, brooded, and became convinced that nothing good was ever going to happen to her again. It felt like life had either ended or simply pressed pause. She didnt want to see or hear from anyone. The phone rang constantlyher daughter, her friendshed answer reluctantly and hang up as soon as possible. Even at work, Lily avoided her colleagues. Some would shoot her sympathetic glances, others watched her like she was on an episode of a particularly juicy soap.

Shed find herself hoping, Maybe Ian will get bored with the woman who stole him from me, hell come back, and Ill forgive himafter all, I love him.

On her day off, Lily woke up early, out of habit, but couldnt be bothered to get upit wasnt like there was anywhere important to rush to. Still, she eventually dragged herself out of bed. Around eleven, the phone started ringing.

Whos calling this early? I dont want to talk to anyone, she grumbled, refusing to pick up. She glanced at the screenan unknown number. Oh blimey, what if its Ian, maybe hes lost his phone or had it pinched and swapped his number. Maybe he wants to come back, I should’ve answered.

While she was dithering, the phone rang again.

Hello, hello? she said sharply.

Hi! came a cheerful, lively female voice.

Hello? Whos this? Lily replied, sounding every bit as enthusiastic as a cat at bath time.

Lily, is that you? Whats with your voice, its not nice forgetting old friends. Its meSophie!

Lilys heart sank; shed been hoping for Ians voice, not Sophies.

So what

Lily, are you okay? Whats going on?

Im not okay, she replied, hastily hanging up as tears streamed down her face.

She collapsed on the sofa, trying to calm herself. Not long after, someone rang the doorbell. Lily was instantly hopefula feeling she knew was irrational, but she couldnt help it.

What if Ians come to his senses? she thought, leaping up and opening the door.

Hello! chirped an impeccably dressed woman, whom Lily barely recognised as her former friend and schoolmate Sophie.

Sophie looked fabulousglossy hair, bold lipstick, stylish outfit, and perfume so posh Lily felt shed been whisked straight to John Lewis. After school, Sophie had gone off to university in London, and theyd only seen each other once in the past fifteen years. Back at school, theyd been inseparable: disco partners, boyfriend consultants, secret keepers.

Sophie, you look gorgeous, Lily blurted out.

Long time no see, my dear! Ive always been like this. It’s you who, Sophie eyed Lily up and down like a fashion judge, Well, are you going to let me in, or?

Reluctantly, Lily stepped aside and allowed Sophie in.

Sophie hadnt come empty-handed. She breezed into the kitchen and pulled from her bag a bottle of Spanish wine, a cake, and some oranges.

Lets get the glasses out, darling, lets toast to a reunionI can hardly remember the last time we chatted! Its been ages Sophie rattled on. Lily, not bothering to interrupt, fetched two glasses and sliced up the cake.

Without further ceremony, Sophie popped the wine, poured generously, and declared:

To friendship! She knocked back her glass; Lily followed suit, taking a much-needed sip.

For the second round, Sophie toasted to us. After that, Lily suddenly felt like opening upshe needed to get it all off her chest. Sophie listened silently, and when Lily finished, she shrugged.

Oh Lily, I thought youd had a proper tragedy.

Isnt it a tragedy? You wouldnt understandyour husband never left you, Lily said, sounding mournful.

Come off it! My husband didn’t leave me; I binned him. Found out he was seeing some young lass on the side, so I filed for divorce before he even had a chance to blink. He probably thought he could have a little fun and Id be none the wiser

Maybe you didnt really love him.

Loved him to bits! Sophie insisted. But I cant stand being treated like a doormat. When someone cheats, thats not love. There are better cures for heartbreak than hanging round waiting for miracles.

My word, Sophie, for you it all seems so simple.

Thats because you overthink everything, Lily. You always have. Wheres your daughter?

Shes at uni, studying in Sheffield. Lives with my aunt.

Figured as much. So that rascal ditched both you and his own daughter, and youre still hung up on him.

But I love him

Oh, enough is enough. You need some serious treatment, my dear. Youve come down with a severe case of the blues.

Whats the treatment? Pills arent going to help.

Pills? Rubbish. The only proper cure is a change of wardrobe, a shopping spree, and a brand new romance.

Oh Sophie Lily groaned.

Come on, get your shoes onwere off to the shopping centre, and well pop by the hairdresser. No excuses! By the way, have you got any money tucked away?

A bit We were saving for Ians new car.

Hell surviveat least hes got the old one. You should file for divorce and stop waiting for him to come crawling back. And dont even think about forgiving him. Actually, we should get half of that old wreck in the settlement!

Let him choke on it, Lily said suddenly, waving her hand. Sophie, are you back from London for good? You havent said.

For good. I missed home. Now, change out of those pjs and lets treat ourselves to some retail therapy! Oh, and I almost forgotRachel Perkins called. Our class reunion is next week and you, my dear, are coming with me. Lots of people are coming, and a few of our old lads are single again. Remember Victor? He fancied you since Year Seven.

Goodness gracious, Sophie, whod want mean old nag?

Thats enough of that, Lily! You should love yourself at least as much as you loved that feckless husband. Well have you looking like a young filly in no time! Sophie cackled as they headed out. Oh, and remember my Aunt Kathy, the one who lives near your mum? Shes getting married for the fifth time, but cant decide between two suitors.

After some time, Lily barely recognised herself in the mirror.

I cant believe this transformation, she marvelled. New hair colour, ultra-short cut. I never imagined Id suit this look. Young, beautiful Well, Sophie, hats off to you. If not for you, Id still be sitting here stewing in my misery.

The class reunion was held at a cosy café. Nearly everyone came, except for a handful living far away. Some people didnt even recognise Lily, and Victora sharp, confident gentcouldnt take his eyes off her.

Lily, I didnt recognise you at first. Youre stunningmore beautiful now than ever. Ive always fancied you, but you picked Ian from the other class. Where is he, by the way?

Hes goneleft me, Lily said, smiling easily.

He left? Surely not. Whod leave a woman like you? Victor was genuinely baffled.

Well, apparently some do. But honestly, its for the best.

I knew it, Lily. By the way, Im divorced tootwo years now. Didnt end badly, Ive got my business, a grown-up son. Two years ago things in business got rockymy wife labelled me a loser and ran off with some young, supposedly successful chap. But I rebuilt my business and its booming now.

A few months later, Lily was strolling arm in arm with Victor along the riverside after the theatre, enjoying the evening city. Suddenly, coming towards them, she spotted Ianconsiderably thinner, wandering alone. He didn’t seem to recognise her at first.

Looks like shes not feeding him well she thought wryly.

When Ian passed by, he caught Lily’s eye, uncertainty flickering in his gaze. As they walked on, she suddenly heard behind her:

Lily?

She turned slowly, smiled, and said:

Oh, hello, its you Victor, meet Ian, my former husbanddidnt you recognise him?

Hello, no, I didnt, Victor replied. Im Lilys fiancé.

Ians jaw dropped; Lily herself was a little startledVictor hadnt actually proposed.

Hows life? Lily asked Ian cheerfully.

Oh, you know alright, Ian replied, You lookdifferent! You look wonderful.

Lily grinned, took Victors hand, and replied, Happy women always look wonderful.

So youre doing well then? Ian muttered.

Absolutely. And things are only getting better, she said, turning away to stroll off with Victor, back straight and stride buoyant, feeling Ians incredulous stare burn into her back.