**The Revenge of a Scorned Woman**
Physics teacher Anthony Smith had married for the second time. He was forty-one, but his beloved wife, Emily, was just thirtyyoung, beautiful, gentle, and kind, striking him straight to the heart.
His first marriage to Patricia had ended after nine years. They had a daughter, Victoria, whom Anthony adored. But after the divorce, Patricia moved back to her hometown, cutting off all contact between father and daughter.
“Tony, youve left that drama behindtime to move on,” advised his close friend Stephen, the local constable in their village.
“I should, but I havent met anyone who truly speaks to me,” Anthony admitted. “There are plenty of women, but I dont want to make another mistake.”
Then a young nurse, Emily, arrived in the village. Anthony spotted her on his way home from school.
“Whos the new face?” he wondered, exchanging a glance with her before she greeted him first.
“Steve, whos the new girl in town?” he asked later, stopping by his friends office.
“Who? Ohyou mean Nurse Emily. She started at the clinic three days ago. Pretty, blonde, serious sort. Dont waste time, mate!” Stephen laughed
Meeting her was easy. Two days later, Anthony “accidentally” walked her home.
“Hello, Im Anthony. Physics teacher. Unmarried, by the way,” he grinned. “And youre the nursewhats your marital status?”
“Do you really need to know?” she asked coolly.
“Desperately.”
They began dating, and soon after, a small wedding was held at the local pub.
Emily had been married before, brieflyjust a yearand thanked God she hadnt gotten pregnant. Her ex was a drunkard who hounded her for money, so shed slipped away to this quiet village.
On the first of September, as tradition dictated, the teachers celebrated after the school assembly.
“Emily, Ill be late tonight. You know how it isstaff drinks.”
“Fine. Just dont come home smelling of another womans perfume again.”
“It was just Janets coat hanging over mine!” he protested, realizing then how jealous his wife could be.
The evening was lively. Colleagues toasted to careers, children, grandchildren. Only Janet, the unmarried history teacher, watched Anthony gloomily. Shed hoped to win him overuntil the young nurse showed up.
Tipsy, Anthony returned home to a dark house.
“Emily?” he called, hanging his jacket. “Home safe and sound!”
Inside, he found her reading in bed under the lamplight.
“Evening went well. Had a drink or twobut nothing mad!”
Emily looked up, her eyes cold and distant.
“Theres a letter for you on the table,” she said flatly.
The envelope bore neat handwritingno return address.
*”Hello, Anthony. I had to write. You know who I amyour one true love. I wouldnt have reached out, but Im carrying your child. What you do now is your choice. Youre marriedI know.”*
Anthony was stunned. He searched his memoryhad he been unfaithful? No. This had to be a cruel joke.
“Emily, you cant believe this!” he pleaded, sobering instantly. “Id never betray you!”
She turned away, silent. She wanted to trust him, but the letter had shaken her.
He spent hours reasoning, swearing his lovebut Emily remained unmoved. Finally, she said, “Sleep in the living room.”
The next day, Anthony showed Stephen the letter.
“Tony, youre having me on! How am I supposed to trace this?” Stephen scratched his head. “No crime herejust a bitter love note.”
“Steve, my marriage is falling apart. Emily wont speak to me.”
“You want me to interrogate the whole village?”
At home, Emily packed a bag. “Im staying at the clinic.”
Anthony couldnt stop her.
Two days later, at the post office, he spotted an envelope with the same handwriting. The return address: *Lydia Hughes, 7 Oak Lane, Elmwood.*
He sped to the neighbouring village. Parked outside No. 7, he waited.
At sunset, a heavily pregnant woman stepped out.
“Lydia?”
She startled. “Anthony?”
“Congratulations on the baby. But its not mine. Why send that letter? Youve wrecked my marriage!”
She smirked. “You rejected me years ago. Now youre happyso I made sure youre not.”
“Ill show your husband this letter.”
“Please, no!” she panicked. “Ill tell Emily the truth!”
“Good. Shed better believe you.”
The next evening, the door creaked open.
“Tony, help me with my bag?” Emily smiled softly.
Anthony pulled her into his arms. Outside, rain pouredbut inside, warmth and joy returned. They were happy again, with a new blessing soon to come.
