**The Vengeance of a Scorned Woman**
Physics teacher Anthony Williams, forty-one, married for the second time. His beloved wife, Emily, is only thirtyyoung, beautiful, gentle, and kind, everything he had ever wanted.
His first marriage to Elizabeth ended after nine years. They had a daughter, Victoria, whom Anthony adored. But after the divorce, Elizabeth moved back to her hometown, cutting all contact and refusing to let him see their child.
“Anthony, you divorced that drama queennow move on and remarry,” his close friend Stephen, the local constable, often advised.
“I should, but I havent met anyone who truly captures my heart. Besides, Im afraid of making another mistake,” Anthony admitted.
Then a new nurse, Anna, arrived in their village. Anthony spotted her on his way home from school.
“Whos the new face?” he wondered, passing her with a polite nod as she greeted him first. Later, he asked Stephen, “Whos that blonde woman in town? She seemed serious, elegant.”
Stephen chuckled. “Oh, thats Nurse Anna. Just started at the clinic. Old Mrs. Wilkins retired last week. Shes lovelydont waste time!”
Anthony didnt. Two days later, he “accidentally” ran into her after her shift.
“Hello, Im Anthony, the physics teacher. Unmarried, by the way,” he grinned. “And you? Single, I hope?”
She raised an eyebrow. “Does my relationship status matter to you?”
“Absolutely. More than you know.”
Soon, they were dating, and before long, a small wedding took place at the village pub.
Anna had been married once beforebrieflyand was grateful she hadnt gotten pregnant. Her ex-husband was a drunk who pestered her for money, so she quietly fled to the village for a fresh start.
On the first of September, after the school assembly, the staff gathered to celebrate the new term.
“Emily, Ill be late tonightyou know how it is,” Anthony said.
“Fine. Just dont come home smelling of another womans perfume again.”
He laughed nervously. “That was just Miss Thompsons cardigan hanging over mine!” He realized thenhis wife was jealous.
The evening was lively, filled with toasts and laughter. Only Miss Thompson, the unmarried history teacher, watched Anthony gloomily. Shed hoped to win him overuntil Anna came along.
Tipsy, Anthony stumbled home late. The house was dark.
“Emily?” he called, hanging his jacket. “Im back in one piece!”
He found her in the bedroom, legs tucked under her, reading by lamplight. Her gaze, however, was icy.
“Whats wrong?” he asked. “Youre usually smiling when I come home. It was just a few drinksstaff tradition!”
She nodded toward the living room. “Theres a letter on the table. Read it.”
Puzzled, he unfolded the neatly handwritten note:
*”Anthony, I had to write. You know who I amyour one true love. I wouldnt bother you, but Im carrying your child. What you do next is your choice. Youre married now”*
Anthonys blood ran cold. He couldnt recall betraying Emilyhe was a devoted husband!
“Emily, you cant believe this!” he pleaded. “Its a cruel joke!”
She turned away, silent. She wanted to trust him, but the letter had shattered her.
He spent the night arguing, swearing his lovebut she sent him to the sofa.
The next day, he showed Stephen the letter.
“Youre joking, right?” Stephen scoffed. “No crime herejust a spiteful note.”
“My marriage is falling apart! Anna wont listen!”
“You want me to interrogate the whole village? The writer might not even be local.”
At school, Anthony grew suspicious of Miss Thompson. Her handwriting in the register, however, was messynothing like the letters elegant script.
At home, Emily was packing.
“Tell me, Anthonywhat did I do wrong?” she whispered, tears in her eyes.
“Youre perfect. Id never betray you.”
“No. If you cheated, Im not enough. Im leaving.”
Heartbroken, he let her go.
Two days later, at the post office, he spotted an envelope with the same handwritingaddressed to someone in Manchester. The return address: Oakfield Cottage, Lydia Hughes.
He sped to the neighboring village. Outside the cottage, a heavily pregnant woman stepped out.
“Lydia?!” he gasped.
She froze. “Anthony?!”
“I see youre expectingbut its not mine. Why send that letter? You nearly destroyed my marriage!”
Her lips curled. “You broke my heart years ago. Now you suffer too.”
Anthonys jaw clenched. “Then Ill show your husband this letter.”
“NO!” she begged. “PleaseIll confess to Emily! Just dont tell him!”
The next evening, their front door creaked open.
“Anthony?” Emily smiled softly. “Help me with my bag? The neighbor carried it this far, but”
He pulled her into his arms, relief flooding him. Outside, rain pouredbut inside, warmth and joy returned. They were happy again, especially with their own little one on the way.
