When I got home, there was no sign of my husband or his things.
Whats that look for? Zoe smirked. Stan just wanted to prove he was a real catch. Thats all.
What are you talking about?
The truth, love, drawled Stans ex-wife.
I dont understand Emily faltered.
Ah! Heres Stan nowhell explain, Zoe nodded toward the door.
Emilys mother, Margaret, had raised her like a delicate flower.
Margaret herself was a stern woman, running her own timber yard with an iron fist.
But with her only daughter, she softenedher voice grew gentle, her eyes warm with affection.
So Emily grew up tender, fragile, trusting.
Shed known no hardship, attended regular school and music lessons, happily learning the piano.
She never became a great musician, but she made a fine teacher.
All she needed was a good marriage, and soon enough, along came charming David.
He courted her so beautifully, spending his modest lorry drivers wages on her.
Such sweet words, such tender looks
But her mother took an instant dislike to him.
A layabout and a fool! Margaret declared.
Mum, but I love him, Emilys blue eyes filled with tears.
Fine, fine, her mother relented. But youll live with me!
Their spacious three-bed flat had room for all, and David didnt mind sharing with his mother-in-law, who spent most of her time at work.
He had nothing to his name anyway.
The caring, gentle David soon showed his true coloursdrinking, disappearing, snapping at Emily.
Around Margaret, he kept up appearances, but barely.
Emily refused to see his flaws.
Nine months after the wedding, she gave birth to little Leo, thrilled they were now a proper family.
The boy was sickly, needing constant attention, and David grew even worse.
She endured, hoping for better.
Her patience ran out when her mother died suddenly, having only known her grandson a year.
The funeral was handled by Margarets old friend, Geoffrey.
David didnt show up until it was overand found his bags packed in the hallway.
He ranted about court and splitting assets.
Emily stayed silent.
Thank God for Geoffreyhe practically threw the near-ex-husband out.
A seasoned solicitor, he made sure David got nothing.
Emily and Leo never saw him again.
Of course, Emily couldnt run the timber yardGeoffrey hired professionals for that.
So their shrunken family wanted for nothing.
Losing her mother and divorcing was hardEmily had no friends, no relatives.
But she had Leo, who needed herso she poured herself into him.
Men? Out of the question. (Geoffrey didnt count.)
One rainy day, she and five-year-old Leo left the clinic, huddled under an umbrella.
Waiting inside was pointlessthe downpour wouldnt stopso they risked the walk.
Hop in quick! A car screeched to a halt beside them, the driver flinging the door open. No parking herehurry!
It never crossed Emilys mind this could be dangerous. She recognised himtheyd crossed paths at the clinic, where he brought his son, around Leos age.
Thank you! she said warmly after the ride (theyd exchanged namesStan).
Any time! He grinned. Give us your number?
She stiffened.
Sorry, I dont date married men. Ignoring his protests, she hurried Leo inside.
She didnt expect to see him so soon, but the next day, Stan waited in the courtyard.
Im not married, he blurted, thrusting divorce papers at her. Finalised a month ago.
Was she lonely? Was Stan too charming? Did Leo take to him instantly?
Later, she couldnt say why she let him join their walk, then stay for dinner.
After that, they met almost daily, and she fell hard.
So hard, she wasnt surprised when he proposed a month later.
Of course. He loved her. Adored Leo.
Leos love for Stan decided itthe boy called him Dad before the wedding.
Dad didnt mind. She was just happy.
After the registry office, Stan suggested adopting Leo.
Always wanted two sons, he said, then darkened.
Emily squeezed his shoulder. She knew his ex-wifenow with some wealthy blokekept Stan from his son. It ate at him.
So within three months of meeting, they were a family.
The one thing Emily kept from Stan? Her finances.
The timber yard, though small, brought in decent money (split three ways with new partners).
She saved itfor Leos education, his future flat. All for him.
No need for Stan to know.
Geoffrey had taught her that, before retiring to the coast.
If Stan suspected, he never let on.
The idyll lasted less than a year.
Stan grew colder, more irritable. Often, he came home scowling.
Just work stress, hed say at first.
Cant you transfer? shed ask. Youre a brilliant electrician.
Ill sort it.
Soon, he stopped explainingjust sulked or snapped.
He ignored Leo, but the boy clearly grated on him.
Emily was lostuntil the truth dropped in her lap.
That day, she and Leo walked in the park, waiting for Stan to join them for ice cream.
Shouldnt have let him adopt, a womans mocking voice cut in. Poor kid.
Emily turned. A striking brunette in a bright orange coat perched beside her.
Do I know you?
No. But we can fix that. The woman smirked. Im Zoe. Stans ex-wife. Temporarily ex
Emily stared. Thank God Leo was playing nearby.
Whats that look for? Zoe chuckled. Stan just wanted to prove hes a catch. Thats all.
What are you saying?
The truth, love.
Zoe was five years older but looked down on Emily like a child.
I dont understand
Ah! Heres Stanhell explain. Zoe nodded behind her.
Stan approached, eyeing them warily.
Go on, Stan. Tell her. Zoe stood, ruffled his hair, and strolled off. Were waiting! she called over her shoulder.
Whats that look for? Stan echoed, seeing Emilys shock. Whatever Zoe saidyes, I married you to spite her.
He sighed.
She kept at meWhod want you? Only I put up with you. Then flaunted her rich bloke, Mark. So I divorced her.
Why adopt Leo? Emily choked out.
To sell it. New wife, new sonpicture perfect! Stan shrugged. I spotted you at the clinicknew youd do.
As his fool? She laughed bitterly.
He said nothing.
What now?
Dunno. Stan scowled. Guess I got used to you.
He got used to it fast. Didnt come home. Next morning, after dropping Leo at nursery, Emily returned to an empty flatno Stan, no trace of him.
She sighed and dialled Geoffrey. Time for a solicitor again.
