“Would You Like My Husband? He’s All Yours!” said the wife with a smile to the strange woman who appeared at her door.

Would you like my husband? He’s all yours! said the wife with a smile, looking directly at the unfamiliar woman who had appeared at her front door.

Hang on, Emily! Someones at the door. Ill ring you back once I see who it is and what they want, said Alice reluctantly, ending the call with her childhood friend. Emily had been regaling her with hilarious details about her mother-in-laws birthday gathering, and Alice had been laughing non-stop, as though she were watching a stand-up show.

Alice walked to the door, peered through the peephole, and was taken aback. Shed expected to see a neighbourafter all, strangers didnt easily slip past the security measures in their block of flats. But standing outside was a young woman with an odd air about her, someone Alice had never seen before.

She decided not to open the doorbest to avoid unnecessary interactions with strangers, especially nowadays with scammers working every angle. Alice lived by a simple rule: dont engage with people you dont know. Scammers preyed on the gullible, but she wasnt one of them.

She picked up her phone again, planning to resume her chat with Emily, but the doorbell rang once more. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was in and determined to get a response.

Alice was home alone; her husband, Matthew, had gone to help a mate with some garden work. She returned to the door, taking a closer look through the peephole at the stranger.

Something about her seemed both odd and pitiful, but Alice didnt sense any real danger.

Whats the worst that could happen if I open up? Ill tell her to leave and get on with my weekend, Alice thought. Shes probably lost or wants to sell me something ridiculous.

Making up her mind, Alice opened the door. The woman immediately straightened up, nervously fixing her hair before she spoke.

Good afternoon! Are you Alice? she asked, fidgeting with the scarf around her neck. Well, of course you arewhy do I even ask?

Interesting, Alice mused. Frauds are getting cleverer these days. She even knows my name.

Who are you, and what do you want? Youve been here five minutes already. I didnt ask you over, so get to the point, or please leave! Alice said sharply.

Is Matthew at home? the stranger replied, catching Alice off guard.

Well, this is something else! Alice thought, now suspicious. She knows my husbands name as well. Shes done her homework.

Youre here for Matthew? Alice asked, though what she really wanted to say was something rather less polite.

No, I actually came to speak with you. But if Matthew is at home, it would make things a bit tougher for me, the woman answered, with blunt honesty.

Tougher for you? Whys that? Alice wondered aloud, her curiosity growing.

Hes not here. What do you want, then?

Maybe we could come inside. Its a bit odd to discuss these things out in the corridor, the woman suggested, growing bolder.

Absolutely not! I dont know you, and I dont let strangers into my home. Say what youve got to say, and quickly, snapped Alice.

Do you really want to discuss the intimate details of my relationship with Matthew out here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said, with a wry smile.

What? What relationship? Alice replied, louder than she intended.

Alice, is everything all right? Why are you raising your voice? called Mrs. Hastings, the neighbour, just stepping out of the lift.

Oh, hello Mrs. Hastings! All fine herehows the weather out? Alice tried to deflect.

Looks like its about to rain again, Mrs. Hastings replied, clearly in no rush to return to her own flat and visibly curious about the scene.

Oh, come in then, Alice said, none too pleased, motioning the woman inside to avoid causing a spectacle in the corridor.

Once indoors, the woman looked around Alices flat with keen interest, her gaze settling on various objects.

Youve got five minutes. Speak, Alice said, firmly blocking her from moving further into the living room. This isnt a museum.

My names Phoebe, the woman began, undoing her scarf and removing her coat. Matthew and I are in love.

Oh, how original! Couldnt you come up with something more inventive? Alice interrupted, her tone dry and sarcastic.

Whats so unoriginal? People fall in loveit happens. Youre not the first wife to be left by her husband, Phoebe replied confidently, boldly taking a step towards Alice.

And youre sure he doesnt love me anymore but loves you? asked Alice, still with a half-smile.

Completely certain! Otherwise, I wouldnt be here, Phoebe said, undaunted.

Well, the truth is my husband doesnt love anyone. Never learnt how, so youre mistaken, dear, Alice replied calmly.

Phoebe tried to retort, but just then the door opened and Matthew walked in

and Matthew stepped into the hallway, clearly startled to find an unfamiliar woman in his home.

Phoebe? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Something to do with work? he asked, wholly bewildered.

No, shes here for you, Alice said, enjoying the moment.

For me? What do you mean? Has something happened at the office? Matthew pressed, growing more confused.

No, darling. Shes here to take you away from me. Entirely, Alice replied with a wry grin.

Phoebe, now visibly discomforted, quickly put her coat back on and started backing towards the door.

Leaving so soon? What about Matthew? Arent you here for him? Honestly, Id be more than happy to hand him over, Alice teased.

But Phoebe had already swept out the door, silent.

What was all that about? Matthew asked, utterly perplexed.

Thats what I want to know! Why did this bold woman turn up demanding a divorce and claiming youre going to move in with her? Alice said, folding her arms.

Youre not serious, are you? Matthew replied, genuinely shocked. I honestly have no idea what this is about. Shes been acting oddly at work, but Ive not given her any cause. Ive had enough of this nonsense. You remember what I promised you, dont you?

Good. Because you know me, MatthewI dont stand for this sort of thing. But honestly, women these days will try anything to fix their messy lives, said Alice, shaking her head.

Matthew took off his shoes and headed off to the kitchen, while Alice paused for a moment, lost in thought. She promised herself she wouldnt let things like this unsettle her home life. The thought of how shoddily Phoebes plan had been executed made her grin despite herself.

It was plain as day: whatever others tried, their marriage was far sturdier than anyone would have guessed.

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“Would You Like My Husband? He’s All Yours!” said the wife with a smile to the strange woman who appeared at her door.