Turning Up the Heat on a Marriage: When Victor Suggested an Open Relationship, Elena Surprised Him by Embracing Her Own Freedom – Three Years, Heartbreak, and a New Beginning Later, She Finally Discovers Herself

Author Walton MerrittReading 11 minViews 1

Warming Up the Marriage

Listen, Liz… What if we tried an open marriage? Henry asked her gently.

What? Elizabeth blinked, uncertain if shed heard him right. Are you actually serious?

Whats wrong with it? Its perfectly normal, her husband replied, struggling to keep a composed face as he shrugged. Look at people across Europethey do it all the time. They say it even brings a spark to a marriage. Remember how you once said a little bit of chocolate on a diet doesnt hurt, actually helps you stick with it? Bit of variety is good for everything.

Elizabeth blinked slowly, trying to process his absurd suggestion. Comparing a mistress to a chocolate bara spectacularly foolish or brazen analogy.

Henry… she began, her tone measured. If you want to leave, then leave properly. Ill give you your freedom, but dont drag me into this nonsense.

Come on, Liz, why are you being so prickly? I do love you. Its just that… things have lost their spark. We hardly even talk, apart from shopping lists and the energy bill. We sleep back to back… It all feels so bland now, and we both need a shake-up. Im not putting limits on you, either! You could meet someone yourself, get out a bit. What harm would it do?

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. Suddenly, she could see clearly; her husband was lying. That dodgy glance, the restless fingers drumming on the table… He wanted his freedom, just not tomorrowhed wanted it yesterday.

Henry, tell me honestly. Have you already met someone? Is that what this is all about? Youre suggesting all this so you wont feel guilty?

Oh, for heavens sake! Henry huffed, waving a hand. Would I really ask you this if that were the case? Honestly, I regret bringing it up at all. Youre such an old-fashioned girl. Never mind, forget I said anything…

With the self-righteous air of a misunderstood saint, he stood and left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone with her thoughts.

Twenty-five years. Shed given him her best years, weathered his ups and downs, the tight months, his constant late nights at the officethose late nights now seeming suspicious in a new light. Now here he was, well-fed and comfortable, inviting her to join him in this betrayal of their family. Get out a bit… An all-too-convenient phrase.

That night they slept in separate roomsor, tried to. Elizabeth lay in bed, staring from ceiling to window, wondering how theyd reached this point. Once, Henry had brought home armfuls of lilac, worked hard to give her a beautiful wedding, rejoiced at their daughters birth. Now? She almost wished hed just walked out.

Was there a point of no return? Maybe when she stopped wearing makeup around the house, not caring if she looked pretty for him? Or when he first forgot their anniversary, blaming an emergency at work? Maybe, but it hardly mattered anymore.

She wanted to file for divorce and forget everything. But how do you throw half your life away so easily?

They had no passion left, perhaps, but they had habit, shared possessions, and a life built together. Henry had always seemed a stable presence, after all. Their daughter was grown and gone, the future meant old ageand more than once, theyd nursed each other through sickness, or scraped together the money when emergencies struck. Once, hed even taken out a loan to help her mother. Few men would do that.

A swirl of emotions roiled inside Elizabeth: pain, fear, anger. Maybe he thinks Ill never find anyone else, she caught herself wondering. He thinks Im some frumpy housewife, destined to knit socks for the grandchildren and dutifully wait for him to return. No chance.

Alright then, she told Henry the next morning. Lets do it your way.

What do you mean? he frowned.

I agree to your open relationship.

Henry nearly choked on his tea. Hed braced for a row, not calm acceptance.

Well… Good. You might actually enjoy it, he managed, Oh, and Ill be late home tonight.

Her heart twisted with fresh hurt. That quickly?

The evening dragged on: grey, quiet, empty. Elizabeth felt discarded, evaluated and found wantinglike last years model of mobile phone.

She approached the mirror. Yes, her eyes were a bit tired, faint smile lines at the corners, skin no longer flawlessbut her figure had held up well, hair still thick. Maybe she was still attractive. Maybe the problem was Henry, not her.

Other men had certainly found her desirable. Like Andrew from the next departmenttransferred from another branch a month ago. He was charming, with distinguished grey at his temples, a husky laugh, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. From the start, hed noticed Elizabethkind words, holding doors, bringing her coffee. Hed even asked her out for lunch a few times, then dinner last week.

Sorry, Andrew, Im on a special dietits called marriage, Elizabeth had joked, brushing him off.

Lizzy, marriage is a bit of ink in a registry, not a lockdown, hed grinned. But I wont push it, of course.

If Henry wanted open relationships, if he wanted her to get out a bitwhy not? Why shouldnt she?

Good evening, Andrew. Does your dinner invitation still stand? Seems Ive suddenly got both time and reason to break my diet, she messaged him.

It wasnt revenge. Elizabeth simply wanted to feel like a woman againto find herself, after being trampled on by Henrys carelessness.

Andrew was the perfect gentleman all eveningpulling out her chair, topping up her wine glass, really listening. The way he looked at her made her feel like the only woman in the place.

Elizabeth felt a trace of guilt, but also the thrill of new attentiona reminder of life outside Henrys leftovers and lost socks.

Come back to mine? Andrew asked as she finished her dessert. We can pick up a bottle of wine, watch something… keep the evening going.

She nodded, excitement and nerves jostling inside her. A tiny voice whispered, Stopbut she remembered Henry urging her to get out a bit.

As they arrived at Andrews flat, her phone buzzed insistently. Henry. She declined the callonce, twice. Persistent.

Yes? she answered coolly, finally picking up.

Where the hell are you? Henry exploded. Its ten at night! Fridge is bare, nothing to eat, and youre not home! Have you lost your senses?

Elizabeth froze. Andrew, hearing the commotion, politely retreated. The moment crumbled.

Im out, Henry, she replied, her voice even. On a date, actually.

What? A date? Are you mad?

Do you need me to explain like Im speaking to a child? You suggested open marriage, remember? Told me to see other people, get out a bit. So thats exactly what Im doing. Bit odd when the shoes on the other foot, isnt it?

A heavy silence thudded between them. Then Henrys frustration burst.

You… Youve really gone to someones place? I was joking! It was a test! Understand? A test! And you couldnt wait, could you? Played at being upset for a day then ran off to someone else?

Elizabeth felt adrift.

So, Henry, who did you see tonight?

No one! I was at work, thats all! Henry snapped. Right, thats it… I dont want any nastiness from you. Either pack your things or Im leaving. Your choice. Were getting divorced.

The line disconnected. Elizabeth stared at the wall, feeling spat on and worthless.

Everything alright? Andrew called through.

Yes… its nothing, she faltered, half-heartedly trying to smile.

Liz… its not the right time now. I think you should probably go and deal with things at home, he said gently, glancing at the clock.

Cinderellas coach had turned into a pumpkin. The debonair gent had no desire to get stained by someone elses family drama. He could hardly be blamedhe was ready for a light, pleasant evening and had received a tangled mess instead.

Shouldve just filed for divorce. But hindsight, as always, showed up too late.

That night, Elizabeth checked into a hotel. She wasnt going home to a furious Henry, and needed time to admit to herself: things would never be the same.

Three years later…

Life had carved away the unnecessaryalbeit rather painfully.

Henry found a new lady suspiciously quickly. Before the divorce papers were dry, in fact. She left him, oddly enough, just as they sold the family home, and helped herself to his share of the money on the way out.

Things with Andrew led nowhere. They still crossed paths in the office, but only traded polite words now. Elizabeth realised something important: those men who love playing the charmer vanish like mist at the first whiff of responsibilitylet alone if even a hint of partner for life” appears.

But Elizabeth didnt look for anyone else. Living alone in her new flat, she realised she suddenly had time and energy she never knew she had. Once swallowed up by Henrys demands, she now used it for herselffor her own sake, not someone elses.

Swimming every morning eased her back, and English lessons kept her mind sharp. She cropped her hair and updated her wardrobe completely.

Most importantlyshe became a grandmother.

Her daughter, Mary, had a baby girl six months before. When the divorce drama was at its peak, Mary had taken her fathers side at first. Henry cast himself as a victim and spun stories about how her mother had destroyed the family for another man.

But the truth wins out in the end. Mary visited her mother to confront her, to look her in the eye. Instead, she met an honest, if worn, womannot the wayward wife her father described.

Elizabeth told her everything. How Henry had been the one to suggest it all. How hed been coming home later and later. How shed felt lonely for years. Mary, married herself now, understood. When Henry shacked up with another woman so soon, she fully sided with her mother.

Now Elizabeth sat in Marys kitchen, cuddling her granddaughter. Little Sophie tried enthusiastically to grip her grandmothers finger.

Dad called again today… Mary said, wrinkling her nose. Wants to pop in, see Sophie.

And what did you say? Elizabeth asked softly.

I told him wed be out of town, Mary replied, sighing. I just dont want him around. He slags you off one minute, then tries to get us to reconcile the next. Every time he shows up, I stress. Besides, I wont have him poisoning Sophie against you. Let him enjoy his precious freedom…

Elizabeth said nothing, hugging her grandchild a little closer.

So, Henry got what he wanted: absolute freedom. No wife waiting up for him, no one nagging him to come home, no obstacle to watching television all night. Onlyhe discovered freedom has the aftertaste of loneliness. But it was far too late to start over.

Sometimes, the search for excitement leads not to new love, but only reinforces the importance of loyalty, respect, and honesty. Elizabeth learned, in the end, that self-respect and peace of mind are worth more than a thousand fleeting sparks.

My Husband Suggested a Trial Separation to Test Our Feelings, So I Changed the Locks “You know, Helen, it feels like we’re strangers now. The daily grind has swallowed us up. I’ve been thinking… maybe we should live apart for a while.” Mark said it as casually as if suggesting we buy brown instead of white bread for dinner. He didn’t even look up from his bowl of soup, dunking a piece of bread absently. I froze mid-stir, feeling boiling broth trickle down my wrist—but barely noticed the burn. My ears rushed, like someone had suddenly turned on a vacuum at full blast. “What do you mean—apart?” I managed, forcing my voice to stay steady as I set the ladle into the pot, afraid it might slip from my suddenly weak fingers. “Are you going away for work?” “No, nothing like that,” Mark finally looked up, eyes tired and slightly annoyed, like a teacher explaining the obvious to a clueless pupil. “I mean a pause. A test of our feelings. You know, the spark is gone. I come home, and… it’s stifling. Always the same: work, dinner, telly, sleep. I want to see if I really miss you, or if this is just habit.” I slowly sat down opposite him. Twenty years of marriage. Two children—both at uni, living in other cities. A mortgage paid off three years ago. DIY home improvements, weekends spent ripping off old wallpaper together. And now—“stifling”? “So, where exactly are you going to stay during this… test?” I asked quietly. “I’ve rented a flat. Just a studio, for a couple of months, close to work—so I don’t get stuck in traffic,” he replied a touch too quickly, as if rehearsed. “I’ve started packing, the bags are in the bedroom.” So he’d planned it for ages. While I’d been thinking about rose bushes for the garden or picking out a jumper for him at the spring sales, he’d been flat-hunting. Signed a lease. Paid a deposit. Not a word. “Don’t I get a say?” I looked at him, searching for any hint of the young man I’d married. But sitting across from me was a stranger: heavier, fidgeting, eyes darting down. “Helen, don’t make a scene,” Mark set his spoon down, apparently finally losing his appetite. “I’m not asking for a divorce—yet. Just a time out. It’s normal, loads of people do it. Psychologists recommend it. Maybe we’ll realise we can’t live without each other and get a second honeymoon. Or, if not… at least we’ll know.” He stood up, tossed his napkin down and headed to the bedroom. I heard wardrobe doors opening, the rustling of shopping bags. I stayed in the kitchen, staring at his favourite soup—made just how he liked it—feeling a cold, vast emptiness swallowing up my insides. The rest of the evening passed in a fog. Mark bustled around, ferrying suitcases to the hall. He took his laptop, the coffee maker I’d gotten from my colleagues (which he nearly monopolised), his warm jumpers. “Well, I’m off,” he said at the door, looking a mix of smug and faintly guilty. “Don’t ring me. Let’s do a month of no contact—for the experiment, you know, keep it pure.” “What if there’s a plumbing disaster?” I blurted. “Get a plumber. You’re a grown woman, you’ll cope. I’ll keep my set of keys just in case I urgently need to grab something. Right, that’s all. Bye. Don’t pine for me.” The door slammed. The lock clicked. I was left in a flat that suddenly seemed cavernous and eerily silent. For three days, I barely moved—just enough to drink water or use the loo. Life, I thought, was over. I replayed the past months, searching for where I’d gone wrong. Too much nagging about the socks? Had I put on weight? Was I boring? On the fourth day, my sister Kate crashed in like a tornado, arms full of groceries and wine. Seeing my puffy, bathrobe-clad, unwashed self, she just shook her head. “Right, enough of this. Shower. Now,” she commanded. An hour later, sipping wine in the kitchen, I told her everything. She listened and narrowed her eyes. “Hm, ‘testing his feelings’? He’s ‘stifled’?” Kate scoffed. “Helen, you’re the cleverest person I know—add numbers in your head all day, but you can’t add this up? He’s got another woman.” “Oh come off it,” I waved her off. “Who’d want him? He’s fifty-two, got a dodgy back and constant indigestion!” “Oh please. Love isn’t put off by a few aches—and at fifty, loads of blokes get second-wind mischief. ‘Studio flat’? ‘No phone calls for a month’? That’s classic. He wants to shack up with her—but keep his options open in case she doesn’t cook or do laundry. You’re his safety net in case new girlfriend doesn’t work out. If it does—he’ll divorce you.” Her words hit me like stones. I tried to argue, to defend Mark, but I knew Kate was right. The new phone password a month ago. The overtime at work. The new shirt he bought himself, when he hated shopping. “So what do I do?” I muttered, feeling anger throb where tears had been. “What do you do? Live! Get your hair done. Go shopping. And stop waiting by the phone. Whose name is on the deeds?” “Mine. Mum’s old flat—I inherited it. He never bothered sorting paperwork, he’s registered at his mum’s.” “Well then! You’ve got the legal high ground. Don’t mope. Surprise him.” When she left, I couldn’t sleep. I drifted through the flat, lights blazing. In the bathroom, I spotted his forgotten shaving foam, picked it up, and chucked it in the bin. The thud sounded like the first shot in a new war. The next fortnight passed strangely. I forced myself back to work—colleagues assumed my weight loss was spring blues. I started noticing things I’d missed before. The flat was tidier—no bread crumbs, no jeans on chairs. The fridge stayed stocked; I didn’t need to cook every night—a salad sufficed. My evenings were my own again. I remembered loving knitting, found my old needles and started making a scarf, TV on in the background. Silence wasn’t scary anymore. It was soothing. No droning about politics, no channel-switching during films. But still, a doubt gnawed—what if Kate was wrong? What if Mark was really missing me? Friday night solved it. On my way to grab more wool, I spotted them. Mark, standing outside a jeweller’s. A young woman—no more than thirty, bold coat—hooked on his arm. Mark was smiling at her—his old smile, the smile I’d fallen for twenty years ago. He pointed out a bracelet; she laughed, tossing her head. They looked utterly happy. I backed out of sight, heart pounding in my ears, as I watched my “sparkless,” “needing space” husband cuddle another woman and lead her away. Something snapped inside. But instead of fire, just cool, calm determination. No scene, no confrontation. I went home. There, I found the title deeds: my name, mum’s gift contract, my and the kids’ names in the passport. Mark wasn’t listed. I googled a locksmith. “I need my locks changed—urgent. Yes, paperwork is in order. How soon? An hour? Perfect.” A burly locksmith arrived—a pro, no questions. “Best quality, please,” I said. “Something he definitely can’t open with the old keys.” He grinned. “We’ll fit a British Standard 5-lever mortice. Not even your husband with a duplicate key will get through that.” The drill’s roar was music. As the old lock clattered to the mat, it felt like the old pain was tumbling out too. When he left, handing me shiny new keys, I locked up—four turns. Click-click-click-click. Four walls to my fortress. I bagged up Mark’s leftover things—coats, shoes, fishing gear, tools—into five black bin sacks. Left them by the shared hallway door. Another week passed. No word. Clearly, the “test” with his new muse was dragging on. I was fine. Applied for divorce online—it was surprisingly simple. The doorbell rang early Saturday. I looked through the peephole—Mark, a little dishevelled, but confident, clutching groceries and carnations. I didn’t open. I leaned my forehead against the door, waiting. He tried the old key. Metal scraped. He huffed, tried again. No luck. “Helen! Are you in there? What’s up with the lock?” I stayed silent. “Helen, open up! Your car’s outside! Don’t mess about—we agreed one month but I came early! I missed you!” I drew a breath and called out steadily, “Your things are in the black bags to the left. Take them and go.” Silence. Then the sound of shuffling—he’d seen the bags. “Are you mad?” his voice rose, shrill. “Open the door! I’m your husband! I have a right!” “This isn’t your home, Mark,” I said, calm. “It’s mine. You wanted to live separately? Be my guest—live separately. For good.” “You…you changed the locks?” It finally sank in. “How dare you? I’ll call the police! They’ll break down this door!” “Go ahead,” I said. “Show them your passport. And tell them how you left for a ‘test’—with your girlfriend. The local bobby will have a good chuckle.” “What girlfriend? You’re imagining things! I lived alone!” “I saw you. At the shopping centre. Jeweller’s, red coat. Stop lying. Experiment’s over. Results: failure.” Swearing erupted outside. He kicked the door. “You’ll regret this! No one will want you in your forties—you’ll be left all alone, daft cow! I came back to you out of pity! But you… I’ll take you to the cleaners! Half the car, half the holiday place!” “We’ll split the house and car in court, as the law says,” I answered. “But this flat? It’s not yours. Go away, Mark. Or I’ll call the police—a strange, aggressive man is trying to force entry.” He ranted for a bit, banged the bags. I heard the bouquet hit the floor. Then he gathered his stuff, obviously wondering how to carry it all at once. “Cow!” he shrieked before stomping off. I slumped to the floor, legs shaking, tears streaming down—but not for grief. Just the tension, sluicing out salty and hot. Ten minutes. Then I washed my face in cold water. In the mirror, a tired, older woman stared back—head held high. Text: From Kate—“So, how’s Casanova? I saw his car outside.” Me: “Gone. With his stuff. Locks work perfectly.” Kate: “Brilliant! So proud of you! Be round with cake later—new beginnings!” I went to the kitchen, put the kettle on. I could see the carnations outside—he never remembered, I loathe carnations, always preferred tulips. A month later, the divorce went through—quick, since our kids are adults. The house was sold, proceeds divided; Mark took the car, paid me my half (which funded a lovely solo holiday). Turned out his “muse” dumped him as soon as he lost the cushy flat and his prospects dimmed. He couldn’t afford the studio, ended up at his mum’s little council flat. I heard it from mutual friends. Didn’t care. I’d just got back from Turkey—first solo trip in years, bronzed, in a bright new dress, possibly even started a holiday romance with a charming German. Nothing serious—just enough to remind me I was still desirable. One evening, outside my block, Mark called out: “Helen?” He looked thinner, beaten down, in a creased old jacket. “Hi,” I said, not stopping, but slowing down. “Look, Helen… can we talk? I was a fool. It was a mistake. I miss our place. Your soup. Can we try again? You can’t just throw away twenty years…” I studied his face, surprised to feel—nothing. No anger, no pain, just emptiness, as if a stranger was begging for loose change. “Twenty years can’t be erased,” I replied. “But the past should stay in the past. I have a new life, Mark. There’s no room for old mistakes—or for you.” “But I’ve changed! I know now!” “So have I,” I smiled. “I know it’s not stifling alone. It’s freeing.” I took out my set of shiny new keys and stepped inside. The intercom buzzed, the door shut behind me—leaving Mark and his regrets at the threshold. As the lift carried me up, I thought—I should redo the hallway, maybe peach wallpaper this time. And buy a new armchair, perfect for knitting. My life was only just beginning, and the keys to it—all mine. Like the story? Subscribe and hit like for more real-life tales. Let me know in the comments—did Helen do the right thing?

My Husband Suggested a Break to “Test Our Feelings,” So I Changed the Locks “You know, Emily, I feel like we’ve become strangers,” Tom said, dipping his bread in tomato soup like it was just any Tuesday night, not looking up from his plate. “All this routine is suffocating. I’ve been thinking… maybe we should try living apart for a bit.” Emily froze, ladle in hand, feeling hot soup burn her wrist but barely noticing. Twenty years of marriage. Two grown children now studying in other cities. The mortgage paid off. DIY weekends spent painting and wallpapering. And now… “suffocating”? She sat across from Tom, her heart thundering as she asked, “So where will you be staying for this… break?” “I’ve already rented a flat near work. I’ve started packing. My things are in the bedroom.” His answer was too quick—clearly planned days ago. While she’d been picking out new plants for the garden and buying him jumpers on sale, he was putting down a deposit on another home. Emily swallowed her hurt. “Do I get a say in this?” “Please, Em, let’s not turn this into a drama. I’m not talking divorce. Just a time-out. Loads of people do it. It’s what psychologists recommend—see if the spark is still there.” He left her with a half-eaten dinner and disappeared into the bedroom. The next evenings blurred together: Tom shuttling suitcases down the hallway, collecting his laptop and his precious coffee machine—her colleagues’ gift, but one he’d claimed for himself. “Don’t call me—not for a month. It’s important for the experiment,” he said at the door. “Oh, and I’ll keep my keys. You never know when I might need something.” When Tom left, the silence felt cavernous. Emily barely moved for days. She berated herself: Had she nagged too much? Let herself go? Become boring? It was her sister, Kate, who snapped her out of it by marching in with groceries and wine. As Emily described Tom’s “test of feelings,” Kate only snorted. “He’s probably got someone else. ‘Studio flat,’ ‘don’t call for a month’—classic. Don’t sit here moping. This is your place. Surprise him.” That night, Emily threw out his shaving cream. Then she realized: it was cleaner without him. Quieter, too—no more political rants, no channel flipping. Loneliness slowly changed into comfort. But then, on a Friday, she saw Tom at a jeweller’s in town—arm in arm with a much younger woman, beaming, buying her a bracelet. The “spark” was never lost—it had just been found elsewhere. Emily went home. She dug out her paperwork: the flat in her name, the gift deed from her parents, the registration stamp. She called a locksmith. “Best lock you’ve got,” she told the man. “In case someone tries to get in with the old key.” That was the night her old life unlocked itself. She packed the last of Tom’s things—his parkas, fishing rods, tools—into five black bin bags left by the door. When he returned, triumphant with cheap carnations, Emily answered through the new steel barrier: “Your things are outside. Please leave, Tom. It’s not your home anymore. You wanted time apart—now you’ve got it. For good.” He threatened. He belittled. He said he’d call the police. Emily stayed calm: “Go ahead—show them your ID. And tell them how you left your wife for your girlfriend’s ‘experiment.’” A week later, divorce proceedings were underway. Tom’s new romance soured as quickly as his finances did. He was soon back with his mother, reminiscing about Emily’s Sunday roasts. She was tanning in Turkey, practicing her rusty German on an attractive tourist, and buying herself a summer dress. The next time they crossed paths, Tom pleaded for a second chance. Emily surprised herself. She felt… nothing. “We can’t erase twenty years,” Tom said. “No. But the past belongs in the past. I have a new life, Tom. And there’s no space in it for old mistakes—or you.” She jingled her new, shiny keys all the way up to her flat, planning fresh peach wallpaper and a comfy chair for her knitting. Her life was just beginning—and this time, she held the only keys. Did you enjoy this story? Subscribe for more real-life tales, and tell us in the comments: did Emily do the right thing?

Sunday Dad. A Story. “Where’s my daughter?” repeated Olga, her teeth chattering with a mixture of fear and cold. She had left Zoe at the birthday party, in the children’s playroom of the shopping centre. She barely knew the birthday girl’s parents, but she’d left her daughter there before—it was routine for these kinds of kids’ parties, nothing unusual. Only this time, Olga was late—the bus hadn’t come for ages. The shopping centre was in an awkward spot, everyone drove but Olga didn’t have a car. So she took Zoe by bus, then went home for work—teaching lessons she couldn’t miss—then came back for her. Only a quarter of an hour late—she’d raced across the icy car park, breathless. And now, the birthday girl’s mum, a short woman with big blue eyes, was watching Olga with surprise and repeating: “But her dad picked her up.” But Zoe had no dad. Well—there was one, technically. He’d never even met his daughter. Olga met Andrew by chance—walking the Embankment with a friend who’d twisted her ankle, the lads stopped to help. Like in a film, they bragged they were at Oxford, one’s dad a general, the other’s a professor. Why lie? Youth and stupidity. And when Olga got pregnant, and Andrew found out she was at teacher college, her dad a bus driver, he shoved money at her for an abortion and vanished. Olga didn’t have the abortion—and never regretted it. Zoe was her little partner, wise beyond her years and endlessly reliable. They always had fun together; while Olga taught, Zoe played quietly, and afterwards they cooked up milk soup or poached eggs, tea with biscuits and butter. Money was tight, everything went on rent, but they didn’t complain. “How could you give my daughter to a stranger?” Olga’s voice shook, tears stinging her eyes. “Don’t be silly—he’s her father!” the blue-eyed woman snapped. Olga could have told her no father existed, but what for? She had to run to security, demand the CCTV footage and— “When was this?” “About ten minutes ago…” Olga turned and ran. How many times had she warned Zoe—never go off with a stranger! Her feet refused to cooperate, vision blurred, crashing into people as she ran, apologizing to no one. By instinct she screamed: “Zoe! Zoe—!” The food court was packed, her cries mostly ignored, though a few looked up. Gulping air, Olga tried to decide where to go first—maybe he hadn’t taken her yet, maybe— “Mummy!” She couldn’t believe her eyes. Her daughter—with an open coat, ice cream smeared face—raced towards her. Olga clutched Zoe as if letting go would make her collapse (which, maybe, it would), and fixed her gaze on the man. Respectable, short hair, stupid jumper with a snowman, ice cream in hand. He seemed to read Olga’s face and started babbling: “Sorry, this is my fault! Should have waited right here, but—wanted to show up those little monsters! You know, they were teasing her, saying she had no dad and he’d never come, that she’s ugly! So I thought—I’d teach them. Said, ‘Come on, sweetheart, while mum’s not here, let’s go buy ice cream.’ I didn’t mean to scare you…” Olga trembled. She wasn’t about to trust a stranger. But were those kids really teasing Zoe? She caught Zoe’s eye—the girl instantly understood, sniffed, lifted her chin. “So what? I’ve got a dad now too!” The man shrugged awkwardly; Olga couldn’t find her voice. “Come on,” she finally managed. “We’ll miss the bus.” “Wait!” the man jumped forward, hesitated, waved. “Maybe I can drive you home? After all this… I swear I’m not a creep! My name’s Arthur, I’m harmless! There’s my mum—she’ll vouch for me!” He pointed to a woman with purple curls at a table, absorbed in a book. “If you’d like, I’ll introduce you—she’ll give me glowing reviews!” “I’m sure,” Olga muttered, still ready to whack him over the head. “Thanks, but we’ll walk.” “Mum…” Zoe tugged at her coat. “Let them see—my dad’s giving us a lift!” The birthday girl and her mum still stood by the playroom with another girl whose name Olga couldn’t remember. Zoe’s eyes pleaded; walking on ice in this state would be tough. Olga relented. “Fine.” “Brilliant! I’ll just tell my mum!” “Mummy’s boy,” Olga thought acidly. At that moment, the woman waved at her, and Olga quickly looked away. What a stupid situation… On the way she dodged Arthur’s gaze, but couldn’t help noting his gentle chatter with Zoe. The girl chattered away—Olga had never seen her so lively. But when they pulled up outside their block, Zoe’s face fell. “Will we see you again?” she whispered, watching her mum. Arthur glanced at Olga—asking permission. She wanted to say no, Zoe, that’s rude, but seeing the girl’s disappointment, couldn’t. She nodded. “Well, if your mum says yes, I can take you to the cinema next weekend—see a cartoon movie. Have you ever been?” “Really? No! Mum, can I go with dad?” Olga felt awkward—now she babbled. “Okay, Zoe, but two conditions. First—you understand calling a stranger ‘dad’ isn’t polite; call him Uncle Arthur, all right? And second—I’m coming too—what did I tell you? Never go anywhere with strangers, even nice ones!” “I told her that too,” Arthur added. “About not going off with strangers.” “So can I go?” “I said yes.” “Hooray!!!” Olga knew she should nip this nonsense in the bud, but couldn’t. She and Zoe—against the world. If only she had someone to talk to! Like her own mum… Olga barely remembered her—her mother died when Olga was five, same age as Zoe now. A boy fell through the ice, nobody dared help, but she did—saved him, but caught pneumonia and died in a week. She’d been diabetic, always frail. Now Zoe had diabetes too—Olga blamed herself for passing it on. By next weekend, Olga had worried over everything, but her fears were unfounded—Arthur showed up at the cinema with his mum. “So you won’t think I’m dodgy, let mum give me a reference,” he joked. “Oh, you are dodgy!” his mother grinned, clearly adoring her son. When Arthur took Zoe for popcorn, his mum “advertised” him. “You see—may I call you Olga? He grew up without a dad too. I was married four times—the last was perfect! Arthur’s just like him, but fate… He died before he could hold his son. Heart attack. I gave birth early, no idea how I survived. The other husbands helped, mind you—why the look? We’re all still friends: the first still loves me, second wasn’t interested in women, third liked women far too much. They tried to be there for Arthur, but a dad’s a dad. So he connects with Zoe—he was teased too, you know. Poor boy, I was forever talking to teachers, no use! He did all sorts of dares to prove himself, nearly got himself killed once…” What a character—short, wiry, violet hair, Chanel suit and a mystery novel in hand. Olga found herself liking her. “Don’t worry, Arthur has no hidden agendas, he just has a golden heart,” she winked. “And I think he’s quite taken with you.” Olga blushed. Just what she needed! She knew she shouldn’t start anything, but felt so bad for Zoe… After the film, she offered Arthur ticket money; he refused. “If I ask a girl out, I pay!” That annoyed Olga too—she was used to paying her own way. As for his interest—nonsense, that doesn’t happen. When Arthur dropped them off, Zoe asked: “Dad, where shall we go next?” “Zoe!” Olga scolded. She clapped her hands over her mouth. “I think we should visit the Natural History Museum,” Arthur replied, ignoring the slip. “What do you think?” “Great! Mum, let’s go?” “You go without me,” Olga snapped. “Take Catherine with you—she loves butterflies.” She was first out of the car, desperate to end this. She heard Arthur whisper: “When mum’s not listening, you can call me dad.” So Zoe gained a Sunday dad. Sometimes Olga joined them; sometimes Zoe went along if Catherine came too—Olga still considered Arthur a stranger, suspicious, though Zoe gushed every time about how fun and kind he was. Olga found herself catching her daughter’s mood, but didn’t let it grow—life isn’t a fairytale; men don’t appear on white horses. And his mum always raved about him—why? What was wrong with him? Would someone like her really want her son with a nobody? But gradually Olga’s heart thawed. Arthur was so respectful—he’d leave a chocolate on her shelf, always check with her before inviting Zoe, and sought her gaze in the car. Mostly, she cherished Catherine—such good company! If Arthur wasn’t her son, Olga could have confided in her. One day he called to ask about a film. Zoe piped up—whispered: “Is that Arthur?” And plopped herself down beside her mum. “Of course, Zoe will love it,” Olga answered absently. “Wait…I’m inviting you, too. I mean, just us two. Together.” Catherine’s voice piped up in the background. “At last!” “Mum, stop listening in! Oh, Olga, sorry… She’s always eavesdropping.” Zoe whispered: “Is he asking you out?” Olga laughed. “I’ve got big ears too. Listen, Arthur…I…” “Just—please don’t say no! Just one date, I promise I’ll be a proper gentleman!” “Mum, tell her what you told me—about her mum’s eyes!” Like being doused with ice water. Olga was stunned—her mum? Arthur argued with Catherine, then said: “Olga, I’ll come over and explain. May I?” She could do with some explanations. Olga paced until he arrived, Zoe quietly drawing. “I should’ve confessed straight away,” Arthur began. “Meant to, but I liked you so much… Didn’t want you to think it was because of your mum. I was scared you’d hate me. She died because of me…” He rambled, jumping from point to point, begging with his eyes. Olga shook, just like when she thought Zoe was gone. “Will you forgive me?” Olga managed just one sentence: “I need to think.” “Mum, come on, forgive dad…” Arthur gave Zoe a warning look, reminded her of their deal. Then looked at Olga. She repeated: “I need time, do you understand?” She wanted to ask a million questions—but no words came. When Catherine called, it was different—she shared everything. “He had no idea she died—I protected him, he was just a boy. I let it slip; Arthur wanted to find you. That night, he wanted to offer help, but then everything got jumbled—then you…He fell for you at first sight! He was afraid you’d misunderstand. He was just trying to prove himself to those boys—that he was a real man, even with no dad. Nobody else would cross the ice, but he did…” Catherine never pushed, just defended her son. Zoe pushed, hard! “Mum, he’s good! And he LOVES you, he told me! He can be my real dad, understand?” Olga understood. But…it didn’t feel right? Almost a month passed. She couldn’t bring herself to talk to him. Didn’t answer calls, ignored his messages. The longer she waited, the more she wanted to call—but it got harder. Zoe woke her in the night—crying, stomach pain. She’d complained last night, blame it on sour milk. Now she was burning up—no thermometer needed. Shaking, Olga called emergency services, then—no idea why—Arthur. He arrived with the ambulance—sleepy, in pyjama bottoms, hair sticking up. He came to hospital, calming Olga, voice shaking as he promised all would be fine. “Peritonitis isn’t so bad—she’ll be fine, really!” Olga took his hand—maybe comforting him, maybe herself. The waiting room was freezing; they sat as close together as possible, sharing warmth. Arthur pounced on the doctor first, demanding updates. Olga sat, terrified to breathe. If anything happened to Zoe, she’d never survive. But everything was fine. Doctors did well, Zoe was a fighter—the situation, they said, critical. “It’s like she’s watched over by a guardian angel,” the doctor said. Olga whispered, Thank you, mum! Arthur thanked the doctors, who told them both to go home—no visitors yet, get some rest. He drove Olga home, and she waited for him to ask up—but he just sat. So she said: “It’s nearly sunrise. Come in—let me make you coffee.” And realised she meant it, wanted him to stay. For good. Zoe recovered surprisingly fast—nurses remarked on it. “Because I have a mum and a dad,” she bragged. And no-one, except Olga and Arthur, understood why that made a little girl so happy…

Reigniting the Marriage — “Listen, Liz… How about we try an open relationship?” Victor suggested cautiously. — “What?” Liz didn’t catch on at first. “Are you actually serious?” — “What’s so strange about it? It’s perfectly normal,” her husband shrugged, working hard to keep his tone casual. “People do it all the time in Britain—super modern. They say it even reignites the marriage. You always said a little chocolate on a diet doesn’t hurt, helps keep you on track. Same principle, a bit of variety and all that.” Liz blinked slowly, taking it in. Comparing a bit on the side to a chocolate bar was… impressively daft. Or just cheeky. — “Victor…” she started, “if you want to leave, just go. I’ll give you your ‘freedom’, but don’t drag me into your nonsense.” — “Lizzie, no need to get all prickly,” he protested. “I do love you! It’s just… the spark’s gone. Could do with a bit of excitement, you know? Otherwise it’s just shopping lists and the electric bill. Too dull. We both need a shake-up. I’m not putting you in a box here—you can have fun with someone else too! What’s the harm?” Liz narrowed her eyes. Suddenly it was plain as day: her husband was lying. The darting eyes, fingers drumming nervously on the table… Yeah, he wanted his freedom. But not today, not tomorrow,—he’d wanted it yesterday. — “Vic? Come on. Tell me straight. Have you already found someone? Is this just to ease your conscience?” — “Oh, here we go!” Victor waved a hand irritably. “Would I really bring it up if that were true? Regret even asking now. You haven’t changed a bit—still living in the Stone Age. Forget it.” He stalked off with the air of a wronged saint, leaving Liz alone with her thoughts. Twenty-five years. She’d given him the best part of her life, stood by him through thick and thin, through skint stretches, all those late nights at work that suddenly looked suspicious… And now he sat there, fat and happy, wanting her to become an accomplice in a crime against their marriage. “Reignite”… Please. How convenient. That night, they slept in different rooms. Well—slept was a stretch. Liz lay awake, staring sometimes at the ceiling, sometimes out the window, wondering how they’d got there. Once, Victor had run to buy her armfuls of bluebells, worked extra shifts for their dream wedding, cried with joy when their daughter was born. Now… She almost wished he’d just leave. Where was the point of no return? When she stopped putting on mascara at home? When he forgot their anniversary, blaming overtime? Not that it mattered anymore. Half of her wanted to file for divorce and erase it all. The other half rebelled—how can you just throw away half a life? Maybe there never really was passion, but habit, a shared mortgage, and a well-oiled routine made up for it. Victor still felt like a safe pair of hands. Their daughter had left home, old age was ahead, but they’d always looked out for each other. Once, he’d even taken out a loan to help Liz’s mother. Not every man would do that. Inside, Liz burned with hurt, fear, and anger. Maybe Victor thought she was past it—just some old housewife who’d boil up Bisto and knit for the grandkids, waiting like a faithful dog for him to roll home from his escapades. No chance. — “Alright,” she declared the next morning, “have it your way.” — “What do you mean?” — “Let’s do your open relationship.” Victor nearly choked on his tea. He expected a row—she just calmly agreed. — “Well… good. You might like it,” he threw over his shoulder. “By the way, I’ll be late tonight.” Her heart twisted. That fast? …The evening was grey and silent. Liz felt wrecked. Unwanted. Like she’d been weighed and found wanting—like an out-of-date iPhone model. She studied her reflection. Tired eyes, crow’s feet, skin not as smooth as it once was. But still a trim figure, thick hair. Maybe she was still attractive? Maybe it was Victor who’d lost the plot. Other men had noticed her—like Andy, the manager next door, only transferred in a month ago. A handsome man, silver at the temples, a rumble in his voice, always with a sly glint. He’d watched her from day one—opening doors, bringing coffee, offering compliments. Asked her to lunch, and just last week, dinner. — “Andrew, I’m on a diet. The ‘married’ kind,” she’d quipped. — “Lizzie, marriage is a stamp in a passport, not a life sentence,” Andy had grinned. “But I won’t push it.” Victor wanted her to “reignite”? Wanted her to get out more? Why not. — “Good evening, Andy. You still up for that dinner? I seem to have found both a free evening and an appetite for breaking diets,” she messaged. It wasn’t vengeance. Liz just wanted to feel like a woman again. To breathe some life back into herself, after two days of Victor trampling on her sense of self. …The rest of the night, she felt a strange mix of shame and giddy excitement. Andy was all a date should be—thoughtful, attentive, making her feel like the only woman in the room. She was embarrassed, but those long-lost sensations came rushing back: anticipation, being at the centre of attention. Finally, something in her life besides Victor’s dinners and dirty socks. — “Come back to mine?” Andy suggested as she finished her dessert. “We’ll pick up wine, watch something… keep the evening going?” She nodded. Part of her screamed “What are you doing?” But Victor’s face flashed up, the way he said she should “enjoy life”. They’d barely made it to Andy’s when her phone started shrieking. Husband. She declined, again and again. — “Yes?” she answered, steadying her voice. — “Where are you?! It’s ten o’clock! There’s nothing but a mouse in the fridge and you’re out gallivanting! Have you lost your mind?” Liz froze. Andy, sizing up the row, quietly left the room. Romance quickly faded. — “Actually… I’m on a date, Vic.” — “A what?!” — “Are you daft? You suggested open relationships. You literally said: enjoy yourself, meet other people. Well, here I am, meeting someone. Problem?” A silence thick as fog, broken only by Victor’s huffing. — “So you actually went off with someone?! I was JOKING! I wanted to check you, you understand? CHECK! And you—just waiting for an excuse, yeah? Played the part for a day then straight into someone else’s arms?” Liz was stunned. — “Who did you run off to tonight, then?” — “No one! Just work. That’s all. Here’s what: I don’t want any filth from you. Either you pack up, or I’m leaving. We’re getting divorced.” He hung up. Liz stared at the wall, feeling spat on, humiliated. — “You alright?” Andy called through. — “Yeah… just nothing.” Liz tried to smile, and failed. — “Liz…” Andy checked his watch. “I think, given the circumstances, you probably need to go sort things out at home.” The fairytale collapsed; the pumpkin replaced the carriage; the gallant date didn’t want to drown in someone else’s family mess. Fair enough. He’d wanted a pleasant evening, not a soap opera. Maybe she should’ve just gone for a divorce right off. But hindsight always gets the best lines. That night, Liz didn’t go home—she booked a hotel. No desire for a blazing row. She needed space to admit it would never be the same. Three years passed… And life, like a sculptor, carved away all the excess—though not without pain. Victor was quick to get a new girlfriend. Even before the divorce was through. She vanished the minute they sold the house—taking his share of the money on the way out. Nothing ever happened with Andy. They still bumped into each other at work, but no more banter—just a polite nod. Liz realized something: men happy to play “lover” backed away the moment “life partner” or even “shoulder to cry on” flickered onto the screen. So Liz didn’t look for anyone else. Alone in her new flat, she found time and energy she’d never dreamed of—energy that household chores and Victor’s demands had always drained. Now she used it for herself. Morning swims banished her back pain; English courses kept her mind sharp. She chopped her hair short, changed her wardrobe—everything for herself. And most importantly, she became a grandma. Her daughter, Mary, had a baby girl six months ago. When the divorce storm was at its peak, Mary turned on Liz—Victor played the victim brilliantly, spinning tales of a cheating wife who broke the family for a bit of fun. Time put everything right. Mary visited to confront her mum, but saw not a fallen woman, but an honest, tired one. Liz told the truth: Victor had wanted all this. He’d been absent for years. She’d been lonely for longer. Now Mary, married herself, finally understood. When Victor paraded his new “girlfriend”, Mary sided firmly with Liz. Now, Liz was in Mary’s kitchen with her granddaughter. Little Sophie was reaching enthusiastically for her finger. — “Dad called again…” Mary grimaced. “Wanted to visit, see Sophie.” — “And?” Liz asked. — “Told him we’d be out of town. I don’t want him around, Mum. One minute he slags you off, the next he expects me to get you back together. I just get stressed every time he shows up. And I’m not letting him twist Sophie against you. He can enjoy his so-called freedom on his own…” Liz said nothing, just hugged her granddaughter closer. Victor got exactly what he wanted—complete and utter freedom. No one left to ask for anything, no one to stop him watching TV all night. And only then did he taste the real flavour of his freedom—a sharp, lonely bitterness. But now, it was far too late.