Rachel slipped quietly into the flat, trying not to wake Mum as she eased off her coat and shoes. She could hardly stifle a groan as she tugged off her new heels, her feet raw and aching.
Back early, arent you? Couldnt take the wedding? Was it not up to scratch? Mum called from the hallway.
Why arent you asleep? Waiting up for me? Rachel shot back, her voice a tad sharp.
Mum pursed her lips and went back to her room. Guilt pricked at RachelMum had been waiting up, hoping to hear all about the evening, and here was Rachel being snappy.
She padded into the lounge, sat beside Mum on the sofa and gave her a hug.
Dont try to butter me up, Mum said, though her tone softened. If you dont want to tell me, Ill hear it from Claires mother anyway.
Im sorry, Mum, Rachel sighed. Im just shattered, and my feet are killing me. The reception was grandposh restaurant, fifty guests at least. It was loud, lots of fun.
And how did Claire look?
Absolutely stunning in white. And the groomwell, proper dashing! Rachel grinned.
Then why slip off before midnight? Mum interrupted.
Everyone there was so full of themselveswhole place was thick with snooty types. And Ive got to be up early, Rachel muttered.
Up for what? Its Sunday tomorrow, Mum said, eyeing her.
Ill tell you in the morning. I need a shower. Rachel pecked her mum on the cheek and headed for her room.
She stripped off her dress in disgustit looked plain and cheap compared to the other guests. Under the hot water, Rachel thoroughly scrubbed her back, feeling the sweaty hands of the portly bloke whod dragged her into a dance, still lingering on her skin.
Hed pulled her into a slow dance despite her protests, holding her tight against his belly, his hands clammy and hot. The heels cut into her feet; she bore the ordeal until the song ended.
Later, he joined her at the table, pouring her more drinks. No one else seemed to notice. Claire was busy playing hostess with her new husband, and Rachel caught only a couple of curious glancesno one bothered to rescue her.
Excusing herself to the loo, Rachel seized her chance, slipped outside, flagged a black cab, and headed home.
She thought, no, this performance wasnt what she wanted for herself. Everything staged, everyone playing their partshe only felt like an extra.
Sleep was elusive. The echo of music, clinking glasses and laughs played in her mind, along with a passing thoughtWouldve been better to have danced with that mysterious chap instead of the portly pig. But no use thinking of him now. Eventually she drifted off.
October soon swept in, cold and rainy. Claire returned from her honeymoon and invited Rachel round to debrief. Rachel fancied a glimpse into upscale living, but she refused to arrive empty-handed.
After her classes, she popped into the patisserie for Claires favourite pastries. She collided with a man at the doorhe stepped aside and smiled.
Its you, he said.
Rachel looked up and froze; it was the mysterious man from Claire’s wedding. She lingered, lost for words.
Come on, move through, youre blocking up the place, he laughed, gently taking her arm to usher her clear.
You vanished at the weddingproper Cinderella act. I never got to introduce myself, he beamed, flashing perfect teeth.
Well, I didnt lose a shoe, Rachel smiled back.
Heading home? Let me give you a lift, he offered.
No, actually, Im off to Clairesshes just back from her honeymoon. Werent you shopping? Rachel arched a brow.
Well, he chuckled, glancing at the bakery box in her hands, This chance meeting trumps all treats. Come on. He led her to a shining Range Rover.
Shed never been in such a high-end car; truth be told, she rarely rode in any car. He drove unhurriedly, not asking for directions.
I know where Claire lives. Her husband and I are business partners and old mates, he explained, noticing Rachels unease.
As they drove, he shared bits about himselfhis name was David, divorced, owned a Labrador.
Rich, good-looking, successful, and kindjust what Mum always wished for me, Rachel mused.
*
Why are you just getting in? I was starting to worry! Mum exclaimed as Rachel returned late that evening.
I was at Claires. You should see her new house Rachel gushed, describing the palace and Claires glowing tan, earned in Mallorca while here autumn rain battered down.
Howd you get all the way out there? Claires up in Millionaires Lane now.
Thats what Megatons residents called the posh gated community.
A friend gave me a lift, Rachel said, wary of opening the floodgates to more questioning.
Someone you met at the wedding? Is he one of them? Did you give him your number?
Yes, Mum, I handed it right over, Rachel replied, irritation leaking through.
No need to snap. You have a catch on your handsdont go all prickly now, I know what youre like, Mum pressed.
I did. I gave him my number. Happy now? Can I get some peace? Rachel snapped.
Whats got into you lately? Are you annoyed with me?
Im just tired of these interrogations. Are you that keen to toss me out the door? Rachels voice shook.
Dont talk nonsense. I only want your future safea good husband with prospects, not living hand-to-mouth Mum pleaded.
Mum, since when have we ever struggled to make ends meet? Rachel squinted.
Well, all right, maybe I exaggerate, Mum admitted. But honestly, love, do you like him at all?
Let it rest, Mum. Im not ready for marriage.
The mobile buzzed from Rachels room, saving her from another round of Mums planning. David was calling.
I thought Id ring instead of waiting. Doing anything on Sunday?
Nothing much, just prepping for lectures on Monday.
All day? Weathers lovely. How about a ride on horseback? Ever tried before? No? Ill fetch you at eleven then.
Rachel agreed, almost forgetting to ask when theyd switched to first names.
The last time shed met a horse was a retired carthorse at Grans village. Shed always been nervous of them. The hack with David was exhilarating, a flood of new sights and feelings.
David wooed her without pressure, opening doors into his world of money and opportunity. He had a way with people; wherever he went, space cleared for him.
Rachel found herself charmed by his attention.
Next weekend, he arrived at their flat bearing flowers and a large cake. Rachel felt a twinge of shame for their tiny flat, the battered rug, the yellowing wallpaper. But David didnt flinch. He smiled, joked, listened patiently and told stories of growing up in a place just like this. Mum was utterly won over.
Hes a dream, Rachel. If he proposes, youll say yes, wont you? she whispered later.
Mum, weve barely started dating! What are you on about? Rachel protested.
But on New Years Eve, David proposed with a sparkling ring.
Thank goodness. Now I can rest easy, Mum sighed, hands pressed to her chest. Rachel shook her head, half-laughing.
The wedding was in early March just outside the city, warming sun melting the last frost, the scent of spring in the air, hope fluttering all around.
Rachel had insisted on a small, dignified ceremony. David agreed. After moving into his smart house, she found Claire living conveniently nearby, expecting her first child.
But David never let Rachel go anywhere alone. His driver took her to university, collected her after. One afternoon, lectures were cancelled; she walked home, relishing the spring air. Buds burst on the treesthe city felt alive.
An old course mate, Tom, caught up with her. They stopped in a café, chatting over coffee. Rachel longed for such simple company.
True, she wanted for nothing now, but she missed connection. Since the marriage, old friends kept their distance.
Whats on your mind? Tom asked gently.
Id better run, Rachel said, deflecting.
Does he keep tabs on you? Tom asked, brows drawn.
No, its just late, she said, and hurried off.
At home, David was waiting.
Whereve you been? he asked, his voice cold.
University.
Dont lie. Lecture was cancelled. Why didnt you call the driver? Off for a tryst with a lover?
Dont be absurdit was Tom, were in the same class! Rachel stammered.
David glowered, his eyes hard as steel.
We just grabbed a coffeethats all. Nothing wrong with that, Rachel protested, but even she heard the plaintive note creeping in.
Youre my wife now. I have rivals, enemies, plenty of people waiting for a slip-up. I cant have you putting me at risk.
How am I doing that by having coffee with a friend? Rachel shot back.
Do you have any idea? David got up, looming over her.
Dont speak to me like that, Rachel replied in a clipped tone, stepping back.
I never said you could leave, David hissed, yanking her to him. If you dont start behaving
Or what? Will you chain me up? When Im a doctor one day, will you see a lover in every patient? Rachel tried wrenching her arm free.
She didnt even register the blow at firsther ears ringing, his words muted. The copper tang of blood filled her mouth, and Davids face looked utterly alien.
Understood? he demanded.
I yes, she mumbled, her lips numb.
He struck again, fast as lightning, knocking her onto the bed. The pain stole her senses.
When Rachel came round, David was gone. She sobbed, every nerve screaming. Dragging herself to the bedroom, she collapsed onto the duvet, howling. At some point, she tried to get ice from the kitchen, only to find the door locked. She hadnt even noticed David lock it.
By morning, her face was swollen, her lip splitting further. David kept her locked away, snatching her phone.
Rachel paced, frantic. She was trapped, a caged bird. The lock clicked.
Well, have you learned your lesson? David asked, framed in the doorway.
I hate you! Let me go! she screamed.
Blood in her mouth, she felt his hand land again. Pain exploded, and he left, locking her in once more.
That day, the cleaning lady came by as usual. Rachel begged her for help. The key was still in the doorshe opened it and gasped at Rachels face.
Hell kill me if he knows I let you out, she whispered.
Just say I tricked youasked for water, then ran. Rachel rushed downstairs.
At least put your hood up, cover your face, the woman pleaded.
Rachel thanked her and slipped into the street, hiding her face from shocked strangers. At last, home, she burst in. Mum threw her hands up in horror.
He seemed such a good man. Im sorry, love, I really tried for the best. What if he comes here? These doors wouldnt stop a rugby player
Dont be daft, Mum.
Rachel hardly caredshe felt numb. But she still rang Tom, begging him to come.
Tom, now working with the ambulance service, treated Rachels wounds. He called a doctor to record the injuries for evidence. Then, he snapped photos on his phone and messaged them to David with a warningtry it again, these go online.
David never came back. Two weeks later, the bruises faded, and Rachel braved university again.
Their divorce sailed through. That summer, after finals, Rachel and Tom ducked into a café to celebrate. Vaguely aware, she saw David pass by outside, arm in arm with a new partner. He didnt spot Rachel.
When David stepped out for the loo, Rachel took a seat next to his companion.
Listen, love, get away from him if you can. Hes dangerous. If you do anything wrong, hell do to you what he did to me.
And you are? the woman asked, wary.
His ex-wife. Pleasedont tell him youve seen me. Just run. Rachel slipped out before David returned.
Through the cafés glass she saw him reappear and question his new partnershe only shrugged. She didnt tell, Rachel breathed out.
Why warn her? What if he finds out? Tom asked as they left.
I wish someone had warned meI never would have married him if Id been told the truth. Everyone claimed not to know, even Claire, Rachel replied.
Rachel and Tom moved to another town. Tom went on to specialise as a surgeon; Rachel, as a cardiologist. They had a son. Mum never again meddled in her daughters affairs.
One day, sat in the hairdressers chair, Rachel leafed through an old magazine. An article caught her eye: Businessman David Langley sends his wife to the grave. She shuddered.
Outside, Tom ambled by, pushing a pram. Rachel thought, Thank heavens Tom is here, that our sons happy, Mums welland money? Well, you only need enough to live right and be decent.
Next, please, called the hairdresser, and Rachel stood, feeling lighter.
What I learned from all of this is that love tainted by control isnt love at all. True happiness lies in simple human kindnessnot titles, not money, not appearances, but the freedom to breathe, to laugh, and to be yourself.
