Ive decided that my mistress will be living here with usand you can sleep in the kitchen, my husband declared, but he had no idea Id already called her husband to this address.
The front door swung open unexpectedly. My husband, Oliver, wasnt in the habit of using his own key when I was home; he would always ring so I could let him in. But today, he just walked straight through.
I could feel the air in the hallway thicken, as if someone elses breath had squeezed all the oxygen away.
Beside Oliver stood a woman I recognised from the photos he forgot to shut on his work computerAmanda.
She was younger, with carefully styled blonde hair and a nervous darting gaze.
Amanda wore a summer dress entirely unsuitable for the chilly evening and hugged her handbag close, as though it could shield her from the world.
Eleanor, Oliver began, his voice rehearsed and yet unable to find the right words, we need to talk.
I stepped aside, wordlessly inviting them into the living room. My calm seemed to unsettle them far more than if I had started screaming and throwing things like they expected. Oliver had anticipated tears, hysterics, broken dishes. Maybe Amanda had too.
Oliver flung himself onto the sofa, arms stretched along the back, like he owned everything. Amanda remained standinghesitant, uncertain whether she was allowed to sit.
Were going to be living here, Oliver blurted at last, shattering the sticky silence.
I slowly glanced around our flat, remembering how Id chosen every single item: the painting above the sofa, the colour of the curtains, even that silly rug Oliver always tripped over. This place was my world.
Alright, I replied evenly, not a hint of emotion cracking my tone.
Oliver blinked, genuinely perplexed.
What do you mean, alright? Did you hear me? Amandas moving in with us.
I heard you, I said. Shell need a room. The guest rooms full of things for my project. I can clear it by tomorrow evening.
Amanda flinched and looked at Oliver with frightened confusion. Shed braced herself for a fight, and instead, I was offering surrender.
Oliver, on the other hand, seemed energised. He mistook my composure for weakness, for complete and unconditional defeat. A smug little smile played across his lips.
No, you didnt understand, he said, standing up and stepping towards me. Amanda will be staying with me. In our bedroom.
He sounded determined, certain this was the moment when I would finally break. But I just looked at him, and for the first time he seemed to glimpse something in me that made him falterif only for a second.
Ive brought my mistress to live with us, and you can sleep in the kitchen if you like, he insisted, still believing he had won. But he hadnt the faintest clue Id already contacted Amandas husband with this address.
I kept my silence and stared at him, the words thumping in my head: Just five more minutes. Hold on for five more minutes.
Oliver read my quiet in his own way. He assumed Id surrenderedthat hed won outright. Turning to Amanda with a victorious grin, he said, See? Easy.
Right at that moment, the doorbell rangsharp and jarring, cutting through the thick tension in the flat.
Oliver frowned. Were you expecting someone?
I allowed myself the smallest of smiles. Yes, and I do believe hes here now.
The bell rang again, this time more insistently. Oliver glared at me. Who is it? he demanded.
Ill get the door, I said, brushing past him. I think our guests have arrived.
I opened the door. Standing on the threshold was a tall, broad-shouldered man in a dark overcoat. His face was hard as granite, steely blue eyes looking straight through me.
Eleanor, he nodded; his deep, gravelly voice filled the air.
David, I answered evenly. Come in. Weve been expecting you.
As he stepped inside, Amanda let out a strangled squeak, shrivelling like a wilted flower and turning the colour of a sheet.
Oliver froze, his jaw slack and every ounce of confidence evaporating. Dave? What are you doing here?
David ignored him, fixing his gaze on his wife. Slowly, he unbuttoned his coat.
Amanda? His voice was gentle, but icy. Have you lost something?
Amanda shook her head miserably, not daring to meet his eyes, trembling from head to foot.
Then David turned to my husband. And you, Oliver, found anything that doesnt belong to you?
I dont know what youre talking about Oliver tried to stand his ground, but his voice quivered.
Dont you? David stepped forward. You owe me a substantial sumten thousand pounds, as of yesterday. Instead of paying your debts, you steal my wife and play house?
Oliver glanced nervously between the three of us, eyes flickering in panic and powerlessness.
Expecting a scene from me? David gave a cold smile. I dont care about her. Shes nothing. But the money, Oliver, thats another matter.
Davids gaze softened a little when he turned to me. Eleanor, forgive this dramayou married a complete imbecile.
I know, I replied calmly. Thats why I called you. I thought you might want to see where hes hiding your property.
I looked deliberately at Amanda, who recoiled.
Oliver glowered, furious. You called him here?
What choice did I have? I shrugged. You bring another woman to my home, evict me to the kitchenI made one decision for you, and helped your business partner.
Suddenly the mood in the room shifted. Not so long ago, Oliver had lorded over all of usnow he looked pitiful and useless. Amanda was too shocked even to weep audibly. David was the force in the room, and I had arranged all the pieces.
Well then, Oliver, David said, cold and businesslike, Two options: repay me in full right now, or he let the silence settle. you really wont like the other one. Neither will she.
Oliver swallowed hard. I havent got the money I put it into investments
David snorted. What investments? A new car for your mistress? That expensive bracelet shes wearing? Thought I wouldnt notice?
Amanda clutched her arm behind her back.
Thats not it! Oliver shouted. Ill get it back, I just need more time!
Youve had plenty, David said curtly. He strode to the coffee table and picked up the folder Id placed there earlier.
Your wife has proved rather cleverer than youshe kept every document from our deal. Photocopies too.
Oliver glared at me with hate. Youve been snooping in my papers?
You left everything on my deskI was tidying up. I found a lot of interesting bits. Like how this flat was bought with my inheritance. Youre named only as husband.
Olivers face drained of all colour.
David closed the folder. I wont trouble the police. Sign over your share of the business to meall of it. That covers half. Ill let you work off the rest.
Never! Oliver surged forward.
David didnt flinch, just gave him a look so cold Oliver stopped dead.
Youll sign, David said softly. Right nowget out. Both of you.
He turned to Amanda: Come on. Were not finished.
Amanda ran to me, sobbing: Eleanor, please! Help me! Hes terrifying!
I looked at her and felt absolutely nothingjust an emptiness.
Youve made your choice, Amanda. You got into another mans car and came to another womans home. Now live with it.
I opened the door wider. Both of youout.
David took his wife by the arm and led her away. Amanda didnt resist. She left in silence.
Oliver lingered, crushed and lost. Eleanor I
Go, Oliver, I said without anger or painjust exhaustion.
Your thingspack them up. You can fetch them tomorrow. Better still, Ill arrange to have them delivered. Leave your keys on the table.
He looked at me as though hed finally realised what hed lost. But it was too late. He placed the keys down and left wordlessly.
I locked the door, one bolt and then the next and the next.
I walked into the living room. The air still held traces of their presence.
I opened the window wide and let the night wind rush in, sweeping away the leftover turmoil.
For the first time in years, I took a deep breath. My home was truly mine again.
Ten years. Not forever, but not just a moment, either. Just part of my life, like the rings in an old oak.
In the mornings my flat smells of coffee and sunlight. Evenings carry the scents of paint and wood. This is where my freedom lives.
I had turned the guest room into a studio long agocanvases, brushes, and easels, conjuring my own world.
I dont bother with heavy curtains. I prefer watching the seasons shift: blossoms bursting in spring, children playing in summer, golden leaves swirling in autumn.
Its my calendar, reminding me that life goes on.
A few years later, Marcus appearedan architect. He wandered into my gallery to escape the rain and never quite left.
He never tried to alter mehe simply saw me. Hed sit in an armchair with a book, sometimes glance up and smile at me.
Through Marcus I learned that relationships arent battles, but safe harbours.
And theres a dog now. A funny little terrier named Pixel, rescued from the shelter. He sleeps by my feet, snuffling away, the perfect soundtrack for inspiration.
His simple joy reminds me to find delight in the everyday.
I dont dwell on the past. Its lost all its powerjust an old cinema ticket never to be used again.
My scars have healed. Theyre visible, if you look closely. But Im not ashamedtheyre part of my journey.
That night taught me the greatest lesson: true strength isnt about fighting, but being at peace with yourself. Dignity lies within, not in meeting others expectations.
This morning I woke to Pixels nose against my cheek and the buttery scent of Marcuss pancakes drifting from the kitchen.
I smiled. I am home. And that is my greatest victory.
