**Diary Entry**
After training, I hurried homeId promised my husband Id make fish pie. Stepping into the flat, I found Leo sitting at the kitchen table with a glass of wine.
Well, drinking alone, are we? Couldnt wait for me, Leo? Should I at least get some nibbles?
No, sit down. We need to talk.
Id never seen him so defeated. God, what had happened?
Dont know where to start Ill just say it. My secretary, Katie, is expecting my child. Im leaving to be with her.
Straight out of a soap opera. How long has this been going on?
About a year. She showed interest when she started, and I gave in. Young, beautiful, cheerfulreminded me of you when we first met. I fell for her like a schoolboy. Wanted to confess sooner, but I didnt have the guts. Felt sorry for you, really.
Im not disappearing, though. Were having a baby soon. Always wanted my own childI love your Edward like my own, but hes not blood. I want to pass on my business someday. With Katie, I feel alive again. Maybe its a midlife crisisyouve heard of those?
Leo, I get it. Hard to resist someone like Katie, and youve always been a proper man. Wont abandon the childthats decent of you. And thanks for the financial support. I wont say no. Fancy travelling, living for myself now.
When are you moving out? Need help packing?
He stared, baffled. No hysterics. Just calm.
Right, then. Cheers for the years we had, Leo. Lifes got its own plans. Maybe Ill find someone new too. Off you goKaties probably waiting.
He grabbed his suitcases, gave an awkward smile, and left.
I shut the door, went to the kitchen, and poured myself a full glass of champagne. My husband had left me. How strange it sounded.
Never imagined it could happen. Wed had a quiet lifenot madly in love, but there was comfort, habit, respect.
No point wallowing. New life, new rules! Plenty to keep busy with, and at least hed pay. Stupid to refuse the money. But adjusting to being alone would take time.
I threw myself into thingsdance classes, gym, museums, cinema. Luckily, I had company. My neighbour, Irene, a cheerful singleton, was always up for outings.
Edward was away at university, rarely home. I cooked what I liked, did what I pleased. No compromises. Didnt even think about another manbeing alone suited me.
The divorce was smooth. Once, I saw Katie in courtpretty girl, Ill give him that. Good taste.
Leo sent money monthly as promised. Grateful for that. His business thrived; supporting us wasnt a strain. Katie likely didnt knowdoubt shed have approved.
A year passed. Nothing changed. Dance classes, gym, a few trips abroad. Then the payments stopped. Didnt ask whyfigured Katie put her foot down. No matter. Edward earned enough to cover his studies. My salary covered my needs.
One lazy Sunday, I made fish piethen realised we were out of bread. Popped to the shop and ran into Leo.
Leo! What are you doing here?
Vicky. I live nearby now. Bought a flat.
News to me. Hows Katie? The baby?
A girl. But heres the thingKatie was planted by a rival. Won my trust, I fell hardyou know how it goes. After the birth, she pressured me to sign over the business. Afraid Id leave her with nothing.
I did itemotions got the better of me. Left some money aside, hidden from her. Then she kicked me out. The baby isnt even mine. The business belongs to my rival now. Pathetic, isnt it? Like a bad telly drama.
Bought a flat, got a jobcant complain. But Ill never have my old life back. And I cant help you anymore. Im sorry. Doubt youll want anything to do with me now.
I almost pitied him. Looked rough. That scheming Katie! All those years hed poured into his businessgone.
You daft sod, Leo. Come overIve just made fish pie, your favourite.
We talked warmly in the kitchen where wed shared so many meals. But now, we werent husband and wife.
We called occasionally. No talk of reuniting. Both had separate lives. At dance class, I met someone, remarried, and was happy.
I invited Leo to the weddinghe came, even seemed pleased for me. There, he met my new husbands sister. Six months later, I was at *his* wedding.
Lifes unpredictable. Never give up, no matter what. You never know whats nextjust live and enjoy each day.
