From the outside, Susan seemed the picture of happiness: a mother to three children, fluent in several languages, working as an analyst at a bank, earning a handsome salary, well put-together and possessing excellent taste. Her husband, Adam, on the other hand, had spent five years at home with no intention of seeking employment. After their children were born, Susan had gone back to work, bringing in enough money to not only support the family but also to hire a reliable nanny.
Their home was a flat inherited from Adams grandparents in Oxford, but Susan had also taken out a mortgage on a one-bedroom flat in Cambridge, which she let out to help manage their financial responsibilities.
Generous by nature, Susan tried her best to understand Adams situation, waiting with patience for him to find his way back to work. She eventually befriended another couple, Margaret and Jonathan, with whom she struck up a close friendship. They would often spend holidays together, delighting in each other’s company.
Then, tragedy struck when Jonathan fell seriously ill. During that dark time, Susan offered not just emotional comfort, but financial assistance as well. Even after Jonathans passing, Susan continued to support Margaret with money, hoping to help her cope with the overwhelming loss.
Quite unexpectedly, Adam one day announced he had found someone else and was leaving her. The shock nearly floored Susan; she simply couldnt comprehend the sudden change or the woman Adam had chosen. Disoriented and heartbroken, she sought refuge at Margarets house. There, to her dismay, she discovered Adam with Margaret, and in that painful moment, all the pieces fell into place, revealing the truth.
Drained, Susan returned to her own flat, only to receive a call from her mother-in-law. In a bitter, sharp voice, the woman blamed Susan for Adams departure and criticised her for his years of unemployment, accusing Susan of neglecting her family for the sake of her career. The admonishment weighed heavily on Susan, filling her with doubt about her choices and actions all those years ago.
