The right bus never arrived today. I stood in the chilly air at the bus stop, hope slowly draining away with each minute. Eventually, I gave up waiting and wandered off, thinking I’d try hailing a car instead. But not a single one stopped for me.
Just as I was about to call a taxi, a sleek black luxury car pulled up next to the curb. The window rolled down and I saw a man wearing smart glasses behind the wheel. Without much hesitation, I accepted his offer for a lift. I studied him for a moment and said, half-joking, You look so much like my first husband. Like two peas in a pod.
He gave a wry smile and slipped off his glasses. My heart gave a jolt. Well, hello, Mary. How have you been? he said, sliding his glasses back on.
I blinked in surprise, trying to gather my thoughts. How are you, Adam? I managed, feeling thrown. Though I suppose I shouldnt ask, its clear enoughyoure obviously living a comfortable life. You must have met some wealthy woman along the way.
He just chuckled, Not quite what you think.
So you married a poor woman then? I persisted, unable to let it go.
Wrong again, Adam replied calmly.
An orphan girl, then?
Mary, I havent remarried. Ive lived alone since we parted ways.
For the last ten years? Really?
Adam nodded. Yes.
That cant be true! Maybe youre in a civil partnership?
No.
So youre just living as you please?
Its not as you imagine. Im not planning on marrying anytime soon.
But why not? Are you honestly happy without a partner? Do you ever think about our nights together
Ive put all that behind me, he replied gently. And honestly, I havent missed it. The moment we separated, I felt a sense of relief.
Are you saying I was holding you back from happiness?
Im trying to explain this without upsetting you, because I know you. Do you remember my old habits?
Go on, you wont offend me, I replied stiffly. It’s all in the past now. But explain thiswhy couldnt you afford such a posh car when we were together? Did I spend too much?
Quite the opposite, actually. You were always saving. Now, I do something you could never quite acceptIm a wedding planner.
So you quit your job to earn the money for this car from weddings?
I plan weddings for celebrities and make a tidy sum.
I find that hard to believe, honestly.
Picture it.
When you were with me, your paycheck was nowhere near enough for this. Why?
Lets not revisit that, Adam sighed. Cant you see?
No. Explain, please.
You wouldnt let me grow in that direction. Every time I went out for a wedding job, youd become jealous. Snooping through my phone, convinced I was seeing someone else.
Why couldnt you just tell me your scripts were for weddings? You were even jealous of the brides!
Well, you cant deny how they looked at you, I muttered, turning away, feeling foolish. But honestly, I think youre making all this up just to annoy me.
I dont need to convince you, Adam replied as he pulled the car to a stop. Still living on the second floor?
Yes. But answer me one thingwhy are you still alone? You left me for someone else, didnt you?
He took off his glasses again and looked at me intently. When we broke up, there was no one elseI simply left. And it was for the best. Theres no sense in staying with someone who doesnt appreciate or support you.
Without another word, I climbed out and slammed the door behind me as hard as I could. I couldn’t help but wonderwhat really matters most in a relationship?
