The Shadow of the Past: A Drama in Marina’s Heart
Marina sat at home, wrapped in the familiar quiet of the small town of Pinewood. Maternity leave had become a monotonous routine—days blending into a dull cycle of lullabies and household chores. Yet every evening, she eagerly awaited her husband, Simon’s return, longing for a glimpse of life beyond their cosy flat. Tonight, he arrived later than usual, his tired eyes clouded with an odd pensiveness.
“How was work?” Marina asked with her usual gentle smile, hoping for some news to break the tedium.
Simon hesitated, as if weighing his words. His silence hung heavy in the air, like a storm about to break.
“You’ll never believe the coincidence,” he finally muttered, forcing a nervous chuckle. “They don’t call this town one big village for nothing.”
“What do you mean?” Marina stiffened, a chill creeping down her spine.
“There’s a new girl at work. When I saw her, I was stunned. It’s Emma—Emma Whitmore!”
The blood drained from Marina’s face. That name, like an echo from the past, struck her heart, dredging up memories she’d buried deep. Seven years ago, when she first met Simon, he had been different—cheerful, open, but untouchable. His heart had belonged to someone else—Emma, the very woman whose name now stirred a storm in her soul.
Back then, Marina had never dared interfere. She respected his feelings, afraid to shatter someone else’s happiness. Their paths had crossed through a mutual friend, and she’d often caught herself stealing glances at Simon. He had seemed perfect—kind, charismatic, with a warm smile. She’d envied his girlfriend, wishing she could find someone like him. But then Simon appeared alone one day, his eyes dimmed. He and Emma had broken up—on her terms.
Marina had felt for him, though deep down, she couldn’t suppress a flicker of hope. This was her chance. She waited, making sure their split was final. Months later, she invited Simon to dinner. That was how their story began. They got along effortlessly, and soon, love bloomed. Two years later, they married, and three years after that, their daughter was born—the very reason Marina was now on leave.
But Emma… Emma was the one Simon had once pined for. The woman whose place Marina had taken. All these years, she’d feared their love was just a way for Simon to move on. She’d hoped his feelings had become genuine, yet now, with Emma’s name resurfacing, those old fears roared back to life.
“Blimey,” was all Marina managed, masking the tremor in her voice. “How is she?”
Simon shrugged, avoiding her gaze.
“We barely spoke. Just hello, that’s it.”
“Is she married?” Marina asked, throat tight.
“Dunno,” Simon snapped, irritation flickering. “And I couldn’t care less. We smiled, said hi, end of story. Why would it matter?”
But Marina saw through him. His words sounded like excuses—for her, and for himself. Jealousy, thick and venomous, spread through her veins. What if Emma took him back? What if old feelings flared anew? She remembered how deeply Simon had loved her. That had been real.
Simon, of course, wasn’t being truthful. He was curious about his ex. And yes, he’d been glad to see her. Something had shifted when their eyes met. Not that he didn’t love Marina and their daughter—he wouldn’t do anything to hurt them. But he found himself looking forward to work tomorrow, just to talk to Emma again. Harmless, surely?
Seeing Marina’s distress, Simon tried to reassure her before leaving for work.
“I’ll try to get back early today—should be done with most of it. Fancy cooking something nice?”
“Of course,” she forced a smile.
“I love you.”
“Love you too,” Marina replied, her voice wavering.
The moment the door shut behind him, her smile vanished. He never said “I love you” before leaving. Was that a bad sign? Or a good one? They said men grew attentive when guilt gnawed at them. The thought gnawed at her.
She tried to focus on her daughter, who had just woken, but unease clung to her.
At work, Simon saw Emma again.
“Hi there, looking sharp,” she grinned, her eyes sparkling.
“You too,” he replied, something twisting inside him.
“Fancy lunch? Catch up a bit.”
“Go on, then.”
Simon knew this was wrong. He should set boundaries. But what harm was there in lunch with a colleague? They lingered over their meal, chatting like the years apart meant nothing. He learned Emma wasn’t married—never found “the one.”
“You know, I regretted breaking up with you after a couple of years,” she admitted. “But by then, you were taken.”
“You dumped me,” Simon corrected, half-joking.
“I was daft,” Emma laughed. “Wouldn’t let you slip away now.”
The air grew thick. Simon felt a rush of emotions. His love with Marina was solid, but routine had dulled the spark. Now, he was reminded of the thrill he’d forgotten.
They switched back to work chat. Emma asked for help with new office software. Simon agreed. They stayed late, texting Marina he’d be delayed. Guilt prickled, but the pull to stay was stronger.
An hour in, Emma turned, her face inches from his. One wrong move, and he’d cross a line.
Simon abruptly stood.
“Should head home. They’re waiting.”
Emma nodded, disappointment in her eyes.
The drive home was heavy. He hadn’t betrayed Marina—not in action. But faithfulness wasn’t just about deeds. It was thoughts, feelings. And those, he no longer trusted.
Marina sat with his reheated dinner—his favourite, shepherd’s pie. For the first time in ages, she didn’t ask about his day. Too afraid of the answer.
But Simon saw her pain in her silence. And in that moment, he knew—no fleeting emotion was worth her tears. His guilt. Their family.
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” he suddenly said. “Remember Dan offered me a job at his firm? Better pay. Maybe I should take it.”
“You said you didn’t want to work for a mate,” Marina frowned.
“Changed my mind. No room to grow at my place. Might work out with Dan—just keep it professional.”
“You sure?” Her voice trembled with hope.
“Dead sure. Want us happy. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
She didn’t press him. But his willingness to change jobs for her peace meant everything. Whatever had happened, he loved her. He’d fight for them.
Simon knew he’d skirted the edge. He could’ve regretted giving in. Maybe those feelings for Emma would’ve fizzled. But he wouldn’t risk it. Wouldn’t let Marina dread him leaving for work.
Maybe he should’ve felt nothing for his ex. But life didn’t work that way. What mattered was his choice. For his family, he’d change.
Sometimes, choice outweighs passion. Sometimes—it’s the truest love of all.
