The Promise Dennis confidently steered the car down the motorway, his friend Cyril sitting beside him as they returned from a business trip to a neighbouring city, sent by their boss for a two-day assignment. “Cyril, we handled everything brilliantly, and landed a massive contract—our boss will be thrilled,” Dennis beamed. “Definitely, mate, we got lucky,” Cyril agreed. They worked together in the same office. “It’s great coming home when someone’s waiting for you,” Dennis said. “My Aria’s pregnant and suffering morning sickness. I feel awful for her, but we really wanted a baby—she says she’ll endure anything for our child.” “Having a baby is wonderful. Marina and I haven’t had any luck—she can’t carry to term. We’re trying IVF again—the first go didn’t work out,” Cyril confided. He’d been married to Marina for seven years and longed for a child. Dennis had married late, at thirty-two, after a few relationships that hadn’t meant much—until he met Aria and fell head over heels. For him, there was no one else. When Dennis introduced Cyril to Aria, and Cyril stood as best man at their wedding, he’d felt a twinge of envy. Aria was beautiful and gentle—the sort you fall for instantly. Light autumn rain speckled the windscreen, the wipers clearing it now and then while the friends chatted. Dennis’s phone rang; he picked up. “Hi, Aria, yes, we’re on our way—should be home in a couple of hours. How are you feeling? Still sick? Take it easy, don’t lift anything; I’ll do it all when I get home. Love you, see you soon.” Cyril listened, picturing Aria waiting anxiously for Dennis, and thought about Marina—how she never called, never worried about him, convinced he was devoted to her. She was nothing like Aria; everything in her life was organised—work, home. Suddenly Dennis swerved; a van hurtled towards them. The crash was unavoidable, but at the last second they hit a post on Dennis’s side, spinning off the road. Cyril came to with blood on his arm and a throbbing head. The car was upright, his door open. He saw Dennis—motionless. People rushed over, cars stopped. Cyril lay on the wet grass, aching and disoriented, waiting for an ambulance. Dennis was stretchered away, and as Cyril leaned over, Dennis whispered: “Take care of Aria…” They were taken to hospital. Cyril’s arm was broken, with a severe concussion, but he was conscious, constantly asking the doctors: “How’s Dennis? My friend, is he alright?” Eventually a nurse told him: “Dennis didn’t make it…” Cyril was devastated. He couldn’t attend the funeral, but Marina did, telling him how Aria wept, unable to believe her husband was gone, barely able to stand by his coffin. After his discharge, Cyril and Marina visited Dennis’s grave. Standing in silence, Cyril promised: “Don’t worry, my friend. I’ll look after your wife, as you asked…” Two days later, Cyril called at Aria’s door. Seeing him, she broke down. “How do I live without him? I can’t accept he’s gone.” “Aria, I promised Dennis I’d help you. We’ll get through this together. Call me whenever you need anything—I’ll visit you.” Time passed. Aria recovered a little, terrified her pregnancy might end from grief, as the doctor warned. Cyril visited twice a week—bringing groceries, vitamins, driving her to appointments. Aria never took advantage; only asked if truly necessary. “Cyril, I hate taking up so much of your time.” “It’s no trouble—I promised Dennis.” Cyril felt conflicted—Aria was his dream woman, yet the situation unsettled him. While Aria battled illness, Cyril and Marina faced yet another round of tests and disappointment—childlessness their constant heartache. Marina didn’t know Cyril helped Aria—he’d saved her number in his phone as “Charity,” just in case. After their second unsuccessful attempt, tension built between Cyril and Marina. She blamed Cyril, while he grew indifferent. Marina noticed his behaviour shift—he was distracted, irritable, often out for mysterious errands. Infidelity seemed unlikely; their marriage was untroubled physically. Cyril knew things weren’t right at home, though work flourished. He returned to a project initiated with Dennis, successfully completed and landed another big contract. As Aria’s pregnancy progressed, she grew more helpless. Her parents lived far away in northern Britain; she was alone in the city, plagued by headaches and swollen feet, but rarely complained to Cyril. Once, arriving with groceries, Cyril found her on a stepladder, hanging new curtains. “I’ve just cleaned the window—putting up curtains,” she said cheerily. “Get down, now,” Cyril barked, eyeing her pregnant belly, “If you fall, it’s no joke.” He helped her down, feeling a shudder run through him as they stood close. “Thanks, Cyril,” she said, dashing off as nausea struck. Cyril wiped sweat from his brow, thinking, “Can Dennis see me from wherever he is? This is what he asked.” Later, Aria suggested, “Dennis, would you help me set up the nursery? I found the perfect wallpaper.” Cyril couldn’t let pregnant Aria tackle it alone—so they decorated together (with Aria mostly supporting and providing moral support). Meanwhile, Cyril was torn—between his despondent wife, always talking about infertility, and Aria, now nearing her due date. Marina sensed she needed to stay busy to preserve the marriage and dove into her work, writing for magazines. When she was invited to write a regular column for a prestigious publication, she gladly accepted—her fee was substantial. She returned home delighted, loaded with treats and a couple bottles of wine. “Wow, what’s all this? Are we celebrating?” Cyril asked, arriving home. “Yes, I landed a great contract—let’s celebrate! I’ve waited ages for this.” She laid out snacks; they watched their favourite film and sipped wine. Suddenly Cyril’s phone rang. Peeking over his shoulder, Marina read “Charity” on the screen. Cyril hurried to the kitchen. “What’s happened?” he asked quietly. “Cyril, sorry, but I think I’m in labour… The ambulance is on the way.” “But it’s too early.” “Seven months is possible,” she said, voice tight with pain. “I’ll come to the hospital,” Cyril said. He dressed quickly, Marina watching him anxiously. “You’re leaving?” “Yes,” he fumbled for an excuse, “The boss called about charity—needs me urgently. I’ll explain later. Please believe me…” But Marina was suspicious. “Charity? Bosses don’t call about charity at this hour. Cyril’s lying.” Cyril raced to the hospital, found Aria already admitted. He waited two hours before the nurse told him Aria had delivered a baby boy. Relieved, he returned home, drained and worried. Marina was awake, scrutinising Cyril’s exhausted face. “Your ‘charity work’ has worn you out,” she remarked caustically. Cyril slumped onto the sofa, still in his coat. “Yes, Marina. Yes… Aria had her son tonight. I promised Dennis I’d help her. She’s completely alone,” he confessed. “I see… It all makes sense now,” Marina sighed. “So now you’ll be helping Aria with her newborn too, right?” “Yes,” Cyril replied sincerely. “Well then… you know me, Cyril. I won’t put up with you spending your time on someone else’s child—especially when we can’t have one of our own and likely never will. I’m filing for divorce, and you can do as you like. Maybe I’ll meet someone else and get pregnant.” Cyril met her gaze in surprise—she still blamed him for their infertility. “Your choice, Marina. I won’t argue. I must help Aria and the baby.” Time passed. Marina filed for divorce. Cyril moved in with Aria to support her and baby Danny. In time, they married, and two years later a daughter was born. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and for your support. Wishing you all the best in life!

Author Wanda MirandaReading 8 minViews 1

The Promise

Dennis was driving with the calmness of a man whod just pulled off a business miracle, steering his car confidently along the A1. His mate Cyril was in the passenger seat, both returning home to London after a two-day work trip, dispatched by their boss to land a lucrative contract in Birmingham.

You know, Cyril, we absolutely smashed it. Contract signed for a ridiculous sumold Mr. Harris will be chuffed to bits, Dennis grinned, visions of his boss doing a happy jig in his head.

Cant argue with that! Lucky for us, mate, nodded Cyril, both veterans of the same open-plan office.

Its brilliant going home when someones actually waiting for you, Dennis mused. My Annies pregnant, awful morning sicknessproper sympathy required. But we always wanted kids, and shes determined; keeps saying shell survive anything for our little one.

Kidstheyre magic. Marina and I, though, no luck. She just cant carry. Second round of IVF coming up, the last was a write-off, Cyril shared quietly. Seven years married, still waiting, but hope is a stubborn thing.

Dennis was something of a late starter in love, tying the knot at thirty-two. Plenty of flings, none that knocked his socks off. But Anniehe fell head over heels. After Cyril met her, then dutifully served as best man, he felt a twinge of jealousy. Annie was beautiful and gentle, the sort you fall for in a heartbeat.

A fine autumn drizzle decorated the windscreen, wipers flapping now and then as the friends chatted away. Denniss mobile rangit was Annie.

Hi, love! Yes, just passing Hitchin. Two hours tops and Ill be home. How are you feeling? Still the same? Now dont even think of lifting anything heavy. Ill do it when Im back. Love yousee you soon!

Cyril listened, picturing Annie awaiting Dennis, worried and expectant. His own wife, Marina, never called to check; she fancied him stubbornly attached to her. Not like Denniss AnnieMarina was a schedule-and-spreadsheet sort of woman.

Suddenly, Dennis swerved hardan oncoming white van missed them by inches, sending their car careening into a lamppost, Denniss side taking the brunt, off into the verge. Cyril came round with a throbbing head and a bleeding hand, car upright but battered, his door hanging open. Dennis lay motionless.

Bystanders crowded around, cars pulling up to help. Cyril groggily found himself lying in wet grass, paramedics summoned. Dennis was pulled from the car and gently placed on a stretcher. Cyril bent closea whisper reached him:

Look after Annie

They were bundled off to hospital. Cyril had a fractured arm and a whopping concussion, but stayed conscious, endlessly pestering the nurses.

Hows Dennis? Is my mate okay?

At last, a nurse discreetly told him.

Dennis passed away

Cyril was devastated, too battered to attend the funeral. Marina relayed how Annie wept uncontrollably, barely able to stand by her husband’s coffin.

After hospital, Cyril and Marina paid respects at Denniss grave. Cyril silently vowed:

Dont worry, mate. Ill look after your wife, like you asked

A few days later, Cyril visited Annie. She burst into tears at the sight of him.

I cant bear it. How do I go on when Dennis is gone?

Annie, I promised him Id help. You’re not alone; call whenever you need, Ill be here.

Time ticked by. Annie slowly recovered, terrified her grief might affect the pregnancy; the doctor warned her to take extra care. Cyril visited twice a week, hauling groceries from Sainsburys, picking up vitamins, sometimes driving her to the clinic. Annie never took advantage, phoning only when truly needed.

Cyril, I hate bothering you, you should be with Marina.

Its not a problemI swore to Dennis.

Cyrils feelings for Annie were confusinga mix of admiration and guilt. She was the woman hed always dreamed of, but circumstances were awkward.

While Annie battled her nausea, Cyril and Marina made more rounds of appointments, tests, and letdownschildlessness was their constant ache. Marina had no clue Cyril was helping Annie; she wasnt even listed under her real name on his mobile, instead entered as Charity Case, lest his wife spot any suspicious calls.

Their second IVF attempt failed, and strains simmered. Marina blamed Cyril, while he gave up debating.

Marina noticed his odd behaviourabsent-minded, irritable, forever dashing off for errands. She dismissed infidelity; their marriage was solid, at least physically.

Despite personal chaos, Cyril thrived at work. He closed out the project hed started with Dennis, netting another superb contract.

Annie grew more helpless as her due date approached. Her family lived in the wilds of Northumberland, no close friends nearby. She suffered headaches and swollen feet, but rarely complained to Cyril.

One day, Cyril arrived with bags of shopping and found Annie perched on a stepladder, wrestling with new curtains.

I just cleaned the windows, thought Id put these up!

Down you get! Cyril barked, eyeing her substantial bump. Last thing we need is you falling and hurting the baby. Not kidding!

He guided her gently to the floor, the closeness sending a tremor right through him.

Thanks, Cyril. She dashed off to the bathroomthe nausea was never far.

Cyril wiped his brow, thinking, Is Dennis watching from wherever he is? He did ask me, cant blame me for helping.

On his next visit, Annie asked, Cyril, could you help sort the nursery? Once the babys here Ill be all over the place. Found some lovely wallpaper for it in John Lewis.

He ended up handling the nursery makeoverthere was no way Annie should do it alone. Together, sort of; Annie mostly supervised with morale boosts. Job done, Cyril felt squeezed between two worries: a wife growing more despondent about childlessness and Annie inching closer to her due date.

Marinas instincts told her she needed to focus on herself and save the marriage. She started writing columns for magazines and landed a gig with a well-known title. The fee was generous. She came home buzzing, swinging a carrier of gourmet groceries and a pair of wine bottles.

Whats this, thencelebration? Cyril asked, dropping his laptop bag.

Absolutely! Got myself a decent payment at last, were celebrating. Ive waited ages for this contract.

Their favourite film played on telly. Marina tried to rekindle old warmtha home celebration effort. Nibbles and wine on the coffee table, laughter softening the mood.

Then Cyrils phone rang. Marina, glancing over his shoulder, saw Charity Case pop up. Cyril hurried into the kitchen.

What happened? he whispered.

Cyril Sorry, but I think Im going into labour Already called the ambulance.

But its too soon!

Well, seven months is possible She spoke through clear pain.

Ill meet you at the hospital!

Cyril threw on his jacket, Marina watched, worry in her eyes.

Youre going out? Now?

Boss calledlast minute, about the charity deal. Dont worry, Ill explain later, must dash

But Marina wasnt buying it.

Charity? Boss? Youre talking nonsense, Cyril.

He shot out the flat, jumped in his car, and tore off for the maternity unit. Annie was already there. After two tense hours, the nurse reported: Annie had delivered a son. Cyril slumped with relief, heading home drained and pensive.

Marina waited up, eyes sharpening as she spotted his miserable, exhausted face.

Charity work really finished you off, she said, dripping with sarcasm.

Cyril collapsed on the sofa, shoes still on.

Yes, Marina It was Annie. Shes had a baby boyI promised Dennis Id take care of them. Shes all alone, he explained, honestly this time.

Oh, I see. The pieces fit now, Marina sighed. So whats nexthelping Annie raise this boy, right?

Thats right, Cyril answered.

Well I cant have it. I wont sit by while you spend all your time on someone elses child, especially since we probably wont have our own. Ill file for divorceyou do you. Maybe Ill meet someone and have kids after all.

Cyril looked up, realising she really did blame him for their childlessness.

Its your call, Marina. I wont argue. I need to help Annie and her baby.

Time passed. Marina did file for divorce. Cyril moved in with Annie, doted on little Danny, and before long, the two married. And two years later, they had a daughter.

Thank you for reading, subscribing, and your support. Wishing you all the best, wherever life takes you!

Antonia Peterson walked through the rain in tears, her sobs hidden by the downpour—at least the rain keeps my sorrow private, she thought. She blamed herself for arriving at the wrong moment, an unwelcome guest; she cried and then burst out laughing, remembering that joke where a son-in-law asks, “So, Mum, you won’t even stay for a cup of tea?” Now, she found herself living out that “mum’s” predicament—laughing and crying all at once. Returning home, she stripped off her wet clothes and curled under a blanket, finally allowed to weep openly, with only her goldfish in the round aquarium to hear her pain. Once, Antonia was admired by many men, yet things never worked out with Nikita’s father. His drinking worsened—first tolerable, then jealous and violent, even beating her in front of their child. Little Nikita described it all vividly to his grandparents; Antonia’s mother sobbed, while her father calmly sent the now ex-son-in-law flying down the stairs (with a broken arm as souvenir), vowing to protect his daughter no matter the cost. Her husband vanished, and Antonia devoted herself to raising her son, wary of new relationships despite many suitors. She built a comfortable life as a catering manager, gradually saving for a flat, and when Nikita decided to marry lovely Anastasia, Antonia gave the newlyweds the new apartment and even paid for their wedding. She continued saving for a car, reasoning that a growing family needed better than their old banger. Today, Antonia hadn’t planned to visit her son, but caught in a rainstorm near their home, she popped by hoping to wait out the weather and share a cup of tea with Anastasia. However, her daughter-in-law, surprised by the visit, coldly asked, “Is there something you want, Mrs Peterson?” Unwelcome, Antonia left tearfully. That night, she dreamt of her goldfish, grown huge and speaking: “Cry all you want, but they couldn’t even offer you tea in the rain! Why keep saving for their car? Why live only for them? You’re clever, beautiful, and independent—go live for yourself, head for the seaside!” Awakening, she understood: don’t sacrifice yourself for the ungrateful. She took her savings and booked a seaside holiday, returning rejuvenated, tanned, and transformed. Her son and daughter-in-law were none the wiser, only contacting her when they needed money or childcare. Antonia stopped avoiding men, and soon caught the eye of her restaurant’s charming manager; life sweetened, and their relationship blossomed. One day, Anastasia dropped by, hinting about a new car and asking why Antonia hadn’t called or visited. Hands crossed, Antonia replied, “Was there something you wanted, Anastasia?”—just as her new suitor appeared, inviting Antonia to tea and suggesting they welcome their guest. “No, Anastasia’s just leaving. She doesn’t drink tea, do you, Anastasia?” With a laugh, Antonia shut the door and winked at her goldfish. That’s how things are now!

Became the Housemaid When Alice decided to remarry, her son and daughter-in-law were shocked by the news and struggled with how to respond. — Are you sure you want such a drastic change at your age? — asked Kate, glancing at her husband. — Mum, why are you making such a rash decision? — fretted Russell. — You’ve spent most of your life raising me, but marrying now just seems foolish. — You’re young, that’s why you think this way, — replied Alice calmly. — I’m sixty-three, and no one knows how much time we have left. I have every right to spend my remaining years with someone I love. — Then don’t rush into signing the papers, — Russell tried to reason with his mother. — You hardly know this George, and you’re already preparing to change your life. — At our age, there’s no sense in waiting and wasting time, — Alice reasoned. — What more do I need to know? He’s two years older, lives with his daughter and her family in a three-bedroom, gets a good pension, and owns a garden allotment. — Where are you going to live? — Russell didn’t understand. — We’re living together, and there just isn’t room for another person here. — Don’t worry, George isn’t after our square footage, so I’ll move in with him, — Alice explained. — The flat is spacious, I’ve got on well with his daughter, everyone’s an adult, so there should be no reason for arguments or drama. Russell worried, Kate tried to help him see his mother’s side. — Maybe we’re just selfish? — she wondered. — Of course, it’s convenient having your mum help out and look after Kira, but she has every right to live her own life. Now that she has this chance, we shouldn’t stand in her way. — It would be fine if they just lived together, but why get married? — Russell didn’t get it. — The thought of a bride in white and cheesy games at the wedding is just too much. — They’re old-school, maybe marriage makes them feel more secure, — Kate tried to rationalize. And so Alice married George, whom she’d met by chance in the street, and soon moved into his apartment. At first, everything seemed fine—the family accepted her, her husband was kind, and Alice believed she’d finally earned happiness and could simply enjoy every day. But soon enough, the reality of living with her new family began to show. — Would you mind cooking a roast for dinner? — asked Ina. — I’d do it myself, but work’s been manic and I don’t have time, but you’ve got plenty of free hours. Alice picked up on the hint and took over not just cooking, but the shopping, cleaning, laundry, and even trips out to the allotment. — Now we’re married, the garden is our shared responsibility, — said George. — My daughter and her husband are too busy, the granddaughter’s still young, so we’ll have to take care of everything ourselves. Alice didn’t argue—she actually liked being a part of a big, supportive family built on helping each other. With her first husband, she’d never known such happiness—he was lazy and sly, and eventually ran off when Russell was ten. Twenty years had passed since and she never heard from him again. Now, everything felt right, so the chores weren’t a burden and any tiredness brought no resentment. — Mum, you’re not exactly up for garden work, are you? — Russell tried to have his say. — After every trip, your blood pressure must be shot—do you really need that? — Of course I do, I enjoy it, — Alice reasoned as a pensioner. — George and I will grow plenty of veg to share around—there’ll be enough for everyone. But Russell wasn’t convinced. For months, they hadn’t even been invited round for a cup of tea to meet the family. Russell and Kate had invited George to their home, but he always found excuses—a lack of time or energy—and eventually, they stopped asking, accepting the fact that this new extended family wasn’t interested in building ties. The only thing Russell and Kate wanted was for Alice to be happy and well. At first, she was, so the chores and errands seemed joyful. Only their number kept growing, and it became a bit much. On arrival at the allotment, George would complain of a bad back or of chest pain. His considerate wife would tuck him up to rest while she hauled branches, raked leaves, and emptied the rubbish. — Soup again? — George’s son-in-law, Anthony, grimaced. — We had it yesterday too; I thought you’d make something different today. — I didn’t have time to cook, or get to the shops, — Alice apologised. — I spent all day washing curtains and rehanging them; I was so worn out I had to have a lie down. — I get it, but I can’t stand soup, — Anthony pushed his plate aside. — Tomorrow Alice will make us a proper feast, — George pitched in straight away. And the next day, Alice spent all day in the kitchen, and everything was eaten in half an hour. Then, she cleaned up, and so it went on. Soon, the daughter and son-in-law found fault with every little thing, and George would take their side, painting his wife as the one to blame. — But I’m not a girl anymore, I get tired, and I don’t see why I should do everything on my own! — Alice protested after another round of complaints. — You’re my wife, so it’s your job to keep this house in order, — George reminded her. — As your wife, I should have rights, not just obligations, — Alice cried. Later, she calmed down and returned to her usual cheery self, trying to please everyone and keep the mood up at home. But one day, she snapped. That day, Ina and her husband were off to visit friends, and planned to leave their daughter with Alice. — Let the little one stay with her grandad or go out with you, because I’m visiting my own granddaughter today, — Alice said. — Why should we fit around you?! — snapped Ina. — You don’t have to, but I don’t owe you, either, — Alice reminded her. — My granddaughter’s birthday is today; I told you on Tuesday. Not only was this ignored, but you now want to keep me at home as well. — This isn’t right, honestly, — George blushed with irritation. — Ina’s plans will fall apart, and your granddaughter is so young, nothing will happen if you wish her happy birthday tomorrow. — Nothing will happen if the three of us visit my family now, or if you stay with your granddaughter while I’m out, — Alice stood her ground. — I knew marrying you would come to no good, — Ina said with spite. — She’s mediocre at cooking, slack with cleaning, and only ever thinks of herself. — After all I’ve done here these past months, you really think that? — Alice asked George. — Be honest, did you want a wife or just live-in help for every whim? — You’re being unfair, and trying to put me in the wrong, — George stuttered. — Don’t start a row out of nowhere. — I asked a simple question and I’m entitled to an answer, — Alice insisted. — If that’s how you’re going to talk, do as you please, but in my house, that attitude towards your duties just won’t do, — George pronounced proudly. — In that case, I quit, — said Alice, and went to pack her things. — Will you take your hopeless old gran back? — she lugged her bag and her granddaughter’s present. — Gave marriage a go, came back home, don’t ask me about it for now, just tell me: will you have me or not? — Of course, — her son and daughter-in-law rushed to greet her. — Your room’s ready and we’re happy you’re back. — You’re happy just like that? — she tried to hear those cherished words. — Why else do people rejoice when family comes home? — Kate wondered. At that moment, Alice was sure she was not the maid. She helped about the house and looked after her granddaughter, but her son and daughter-in-law had never taken advantage or treated her as a servant. Here, she was truly just a mum, a grandmother, a mother-in-law, and a beloved member of the family—not the help. Alice moved home for good, filed for divorce herself, and tried her best to put the whole experience behind her.