The right bus never turned up. Emily, having lost all hope, left the bus stop and decided to try her luck with a car. Yet none of them stopped for her.
She was just about to ring a taxi when a sleek black car, clearly expensive, pulled up right beside her. The window rolled down and behind the wheel was a man wearing spectacles. Without much hesitation, Emily agreed to his offer of a lift. She looked carefully at the man and then said, You know, you look so much like my first husband. Like two peas in a pod…
The driver smiled and removed his glasses. Emily started, taken aback. Well, hello there, Emily. How are you these days? her ex-husband said, putting his glasses back on. How are you? Emily echoed, flummoxed. Although I suppose I neednt ask. Its clear enough: youre leading the high life. No doubt you found yourself a well-off lady.
You’d be surprised, replied James. What, you married someone less fortunate? Emily pressed on. Wrong again, he answered simply. Perhaps an orphan? Emily joked. Emily, Im not married. Ive been living alone since we parted ways.
All those ten years? On your own? she asked incredulously.
Yes.
I dont believe it. Maybe youve got some sort of secret partner?
No.
So you just do as you like with nobody to answer to?
Youve got it all wrong. But Im not looking to get married just yet.
Why not? Are you really content without a woman by your side? Do you even remember the nights we spent together…
Ive left all that behind. I dont care to remember. In fact, I felt relief almost as soon as we split.
So youre saying I was holding you back from happiness?
Let me explain, and dont take offence because I know you. Do you remember my old habits?
Go on then, I wont be upset. Its all water under the bridge now. But why could you never afford a fancy car while we were together? Was I just spending too much?
On the contrary. You were too thrifty. Now, Im finally doing what you could never standI plan weddings for a living.
So you gave up your old job and made enough from weddings to buy this?
I organise lavish weddings for celebrities and make a tidy sum from it.
Really? I find that hard to believe.
Well, believe it.
When we were together you werent making all this money. Why?
Lets not start this, Emily. Dont pretend you didnt know.
I didnt.
You never let me grow in that direction. Every time I went to a wedding, you were jealous. Youd be rummaging through my phone, sure I was seeing someone else.
You never explained that you were writing wedding programmes!
You were jealous even of the brides. As if you didnt notice the glances youd get. Anyway, I feel youre making this all up just to rile me up, Emily huffed and turned away.
Im not forcing you to believe me, James responded, pulling over. Still living on the second floor?
Yes, Emily replied. But tell me one thingwhy are you still single? You left me for another woman.
He removed his glasses and looked right at her. When we parted, there was no one else. I left because I needed to. And I have to sayit was the best choice. Theres really no point staying with someone who doesnt value or encourage you.
Emily stepped out, slamming the door harder than she meant. Standing still for a moment, she realised that in every relationship, the things that matter most are understanding, support, and the freedom to grow. Without them, even love can weigh you down.
