“I demanded a divorce for another woman, and my wife silently agreed. Three months later, I understood why.”
“Today, I’ll finally ask my wife for a divorce, my darling,” pleaded Geoffrey to his lover, Alice. “Just stay calm, don’t worry—I won’t argue with you, I promise.”
Alice looked at him with sad eyes, her patience wearing thin.
“These endless promises have drained me, Geoffrey. Year after year—it’s time to decide. If you won’t leave her, just say so, and we’ll end this.”
“No, don’t say that! I’ve made up my mind—I want to spend the rest of my life with you. It’s just… circumstances got in the way.”
“Geoffrey, I’m not some naïve girl swayed by pretty words, no matter how sincere they sound. I’m walking away.” Tears welled in her eyes. It hurt to say it, but she saw no other choice.
“Don’t jump to conclusions! I promise, today I’ll settle everything.”
“Alice, you’re all I want—all I’ve ever wanted.” He held her tight. She was right—it was time to put an end to the indecision. He couldn’t keep balancing two lives.
That evening, he returned home late, as usual. His mother-in-law was likely asleep, while his wife, Emily, sat on the sofa sipping tea, watching a series. Everything was as it always had been.
“Good evening,” Emily greeted softly. “Late again? Work keeping you busy?”
“Emily, we need to talk. Right now, if we can.”
“Alright, but let me make you some tea first.”
“No, I’ve already eaten.”
Geoffrey sat beside her, hesitating before speaking.
“We’ve been together nearly thirty years. Two wonderful children, both grown and living abroad. We’ve been through so much, always supporting each other.”
Emily studied his face, as if searching for answers in his expression.
“The love is gone. There’s respect, but that’s not enough.” She asked calmly, almost conversationally, “Is there someone else?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “We’ve been together nearly two years. It’s real love. I never planned it, but—”
“Are you happy with her?”
“Yes.”
Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating.
“I love another woman. Let’s divorce.”
“Fine,” Emily replied simply. “You can’t force affection. I won’t pretend I didn’t see it coming, but every word still feels like a knife.”
“Emily, please—no arguments. I can’t explain how this happened…”
“I’ll sign the papers without protest—on one condition.”
“Which is?”
“My mother’s seventieth birthday is coming up. I’m asking you to wait until after the celebration. She doesn’t deserve our drama on her special day.”
“Of course. I respect her—no question.”
“But there’s more.”
Geoffrey raised an eyebrow.
“I want her to have happiness before the storm. Let her believe we’re still the perfect family.”
“How do you imagine that?”
“Flowers, breakfast together, laughter—just two months of pretending.”
Reluctantly, he agreed. She hadn’t screamed or blamed him—the least he could do was meet her halfway.
“Two months, then.”
The matter was settled. Now, he just had to break the news to Alice.
The next day, he invited her to lunch.
“You asked for a divorce? That’s the best news all year!” Alice beamed. “Finally! When are you moving in? This weekend?”
“I haven’t finished. Emily and I agreed to wait until after her mother’s birthday—two months from now.”
“What nonsense is this, Geoffrey? It’ll drag on forever!”
“First, lower your voice. Second, I respect Emily’s wishes. It’s her mother’s celebration.”
“Did you even ask me? Maybe I don’t agree! Am I just a backup plan?”
Alice was furious, a plan already forming in her mind.
“Fine. Do as you please. But my condition is this—we don’t see each other at all during this time. No calls, no meetings.”
“Darling, why?”
“You think I’m a fool? No, Geoffrey. Your double life ends now.”
He stood. “Fine. I accept your terms. But her mother deserves this celebration. I’ll see you in three months. I love you.”
He walked out. Alice didn’t chase him or scream. That was good. Soon, he’d be free.
Now, it was time to play the part of the perfect husband. Flowers, breakfasts, small gestures—he’d keep his word.
The following weeks passed like a dream. Geoffrey threw himself into the role.
“Son-in-law, I’d forgotten how lovely your toasts are! You used to fuss over me—‘Mum this, Mum that’—but look at you now!” His mother-in-law adored him more than ever.
“Let’s go to the countryside this weekend! A cabin, a bonfire—it’ll do us all good.”
“Brilliant idea!” his mother-in-law chimed in.
“Listen,” Geoffrey whispered to Emily, “don’t waste energy on these little games. Nothing will change. My decision’s final.”
Emily only smiled mysteriously, unsettling him.
“Fine, I’ll play along. Might even be fun.”
Before he realized it, Alice faded from his thoughts. Weeks passed without a call—strangely, he felt lighter. Like himself again.
“Geoffrey, put the soup in the fridge, will you? I need to lie down.”
“You’re pale… Are you alright?” he asked, concerned.
“I’m fine, don’t—”
She collapsed before finishing.
“Emily!” He rushed to her side, shaking her gently. She stirred.
“Just… dizzy. Probably my blood pressure.”
“You’re white as a sheet! We’re going to the hospital—now!”
“Don’t fuss,” she murmured weakly. “Just help me to bed.”
Without hesitation, he carried her upstairs.
“Rest. It’s probably stress.”
“Stress is our specialty,” she joked feebly.
“I don’t believe you.”
He turned off the light and left, troubled.
In the days that followed, Geoffrey’s concern grew genuine. No longer an act—he truly cared.
“You don’t look right. Let’s get you checked—please.”
“Geoffrey, focus on the birthday. Two weeks left, and we’ve done nothing.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve handled it.”
“Good. I’ll rest a bit then.”
He couldn’t shake his unease.
Then, Alice called.
“Seems you’re doing just fine without me. Two months of silence—not even a call. Is it over?”
“Alice, now’s not the time. I have more pressing matters.”
“‘Not the time’? Are you dumping me?”
“I’m not thinking about us right now. We’ll talk later.”
His mind was consumed by Emily. Something was wrong—he felt it. But first, the birthday. Then, he’d figure things out.
He hired the best event planners.
“Only the finest. She’s family.”
The preparations consumed him. The grandchildren arrived the day before. The celebration was flawless—everyone overjoyed.
“Son-in-law, I always said the best thing my Emily ever did was marry you. She’s lived a happy life.”
“Don’t say that! She has so much ahead!”
“Of course, of course.”
His mother-in-law grew thoughtful.
Emily’s phone rang.
“Tess! What a surprise! So lovely to hear from you!”
She stepped away, returning minutes later.
“Sorry, I need to visit a friend.”
“Absolutely not. We’re going for a full check-up. You look ghostly. After that, go wherever you like—but first, the doctor.”
His worry was real. And then it hit him—he didn’t want Alice anymore. He couldn’t even remember why he’d wanted her.
He’d loved Emily all along. He just hadn’t realized it.
“I’m booking your tests. Tomorrow.”
She smiled. “Alright.”
The next morning, she wasn’t in the kitchen.
“Mum, where’s Emily?”
“Gone to the shops.”
“No, love. She went to Tess’s.”
“I told her—tests first! She keeps fainting—she’s weak!”
That evening, Emily called.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine. I love you all so much. You’re the best part of my life.”
He couldn’t sleep that night.
“Son, things happen as they must, even if they shouldn’t,” his mother-in-law said, staring blankly.
At noon, a call came from the hospital.
“Geoffrey Simmons? This is Third Regional Hospital. Your wife underwent a scheduled
