Daisy walks out of the parentteacher meeting, still feeling the sting of the teachers remarks about Victor. Hes once again skipping homework, snapping at his teachers, and Daisy cant figure out why hes become so absentminded lately. She decides she needs to talk to his father after all, hes still a dad.
She spots Ians car parked by the curb and thinks, Could he have come to pick her up? She quickens her pace, stops suddenly as Ian steps out with a bouquet, greeting a stranger. The woman embraces him, takes the flowers, and they both climb into the car and drive off.
Who is she? Tall, with long black hair and a short skirt, the complete opposite of Daisys shortcropped blonde look.
Ian had mentioned staying late at work for a new project, discussing strategy with colleagues. Is she a new client? Daisy wonders. After thirteen years of marriage she never doubted his fidelity they married right after university, Ians wealthy parents gave them a flat in a leafy suburb, and they were always on good terms with the inlaws.
When Ians father retired for health reasons, Ian took over the family business. It was hard at first, but he earned respect and a solid salary. They bought a modest cottage outside town, spent weekends there with friends and family, and took occasional trips abroad. Ian suggested Daisy quit her job to raise their son, but she loved her work as a cardiologist and didnt want to become a fulltime housewife.
Now she feels the ground shifting under her feet. If Ian is having an affair, has he fallen out of love? Tears hotly stream down her face as she wonders how someone who was always a friend could betray her so quickly.
She gets home and scolds Victor.
Come on, Mum, stop the lecture! Victor shouts.
What do you mean stop? Im just starting! Miss Clarke is upset with you. The school year has only begun, and youre already slacking.
Ill do as I please! Just like dad! No wonder hes got another woman. Youve been brainwashing him, apparently.
What other woman? What are you talking about? Daisys voice cracks with surprise.
I saw dad in a café with a gorgeous girl. He didnt even notice me walk by. What do you think?
Daisy collapses onto the sofa, covers her face, and sobs.
Dont cry, love
Victor has always been frightened by his mothers tears.
Its just life happens. I still love dad, but if he treats you that way, let him go. Im twelve now, not a child.
She feels everything slipping through her fingers and sighs, Thats why I havent been doing my lessons.
Victor hands her a tissue. She wipes her eyes and hugs him. Ill talk to him. He should be straight with us.
Two hours later Ian walks in, looking weary and pensive.
Im not having dinner; I ate with the team, now Im taking a shower and heading to bed. Im exhausted.
I saw you, Ian you gave her flowers and then left. I was walking past the school, Daisy says.
Ian freezes. You saw? Ive been trying to find the words. Ive started an affair with my new secretary, Angel. I cant explain how it happened.
It sounds like a nightmare. What will you do? Leave the family?
I dont want to leave, Daisy, but Im drawn to her like a spell. I love you too, oddly enough. Im changed, caught in a whirl of new feelings, feeling fifteen again. She was the first to make a move; I didnt need anyone else. I helped her move boxes, met her mother, ate dinner with them, even visited again. I cant explain why I fell for her. We started meeting at our cottage Im sorry.
God, how could you on our bed, at our cottage? Ian, there are no words.
Im sorry. Its best we part. Ill stay on the money, support Victor, leave you the flat, keep the car and the cottage.
Everythings already planned, then. Shell play you and dump you. You should have thought with your head, not your heart. Youve ruined the family.
The next day Ian packs and leaves while Daisy and Victor are out. He leaves a note for Victor, trying to justify his actions.
Daisy watches the empty coat rack where Ians jackets once hung, feeling the ache of betrayal. She never put money above family; the loss cuts deeper because she always loved him.
She wont be the one to file for divorce first. Let him sort it out, she tells herself. Well get through this.
Her motherinlaw, Olivia, calls. Ian told me everything. How could this happen? A midlife crisis? What does that girl want? Hes a good husband, a great dad. Were all upset, drinking tea that does nothing.
Im shocked too, Olivia. Ians a grown man; maybe he knows what hes doing. Victor accepts his dads choice but is hurt. He says he wont see him now.
Hang in there, dear. We love you and wont abandon you.
Two weeks later Ian returns home. Victor isnt there.
Hey, Daisy, I need to pick something up. Can I? he asks.
Sure, come in, she replies, noticing his pale circles under his eyes, his gaunt look.
Victor isnt answering my calls. I get why hes angry. Maybe hell come around. Daisy jokes, Is the young lady draining you dry?
I feel awful, weak, apathetic. I dont want to live like this, Ian admits.
Strange. Men usually flourish with younger partners, not with older wives, Daisy quips.
Your sarcasms noted. Im genuinely ill, both physically and mentally. Im repulsed by Angel when shes near, yet something keeps me tied.
Take your things and go. What about the divorce? Ian asks.
I dont want a divorce. I want nothing, he mutters, sitting with his head in his hands, tears spilling.
Alright, Ill let you be, Daisy says, watching him leave, seeing the truth in his misery.
At work, Daisy confides in her nurse friend Tamara, whos become a close confidante over the years.
Daisy, this feels like more than coincidence. My neighbour is a folk healer; lets pay her a visit. She sees everything.
I dont believe in that sort of nonsense. Im a qualified doctor, not a believer in witchcraft, Daisy replies.
Just for curiosity. Bring a photo of Ian, just in case.
That evening, they take a photo of Ian and head to the neighbour, Grandma Lena, a kindly woman in a cardigan and a jaunty hat.
Lena greets Tamara first. Daisy sits in a chair, scrolling on her phone.
Daisy, may I see the picture? Lena asks.
Daisy hands it over and sits at the table. Lena lights a candle, waves it over the photo, and closes her eyes. Daisy fights back laughter, thinking its a circus act.
You didnt go to her on your own, Lena says. She loves you.
Daisy laughs out loud. Right, she loved you so much she spun you around with that girl!
Dont laugh. I see more than you. They used a love charm, slipped it into food. Thats why hes lost his mind.
Another love charm? Im skeptical. Hes just a man whose hormones went haywire.
Lena explains that the girls mother arranged the charm for money, not love, and that without it Ian would be fine. She offers to remove it, but warns it must be taken away from him quickly.
Ill do what I can, but I wont take his money. I just want to help, Lena says.
Daisy, terrified yet hopeful, agrees. She asks what she must do.
Bring him home, keep him away from them. Ill give you a prayer to say before the icon of the Virgin. Ill handle the rest. In a week the charm should break.
She sighs, deciding to try anything. She calls Ian, but he doesnt answer. She rents a taxi and drives to the cottage, remembering the happy days of barbecues and dancing.
She knocks on the door. Angel opens.
Daisy? I wasnt expecting you, she says.
I need to speak with Ian, Daisy replies.
Hes resting, Angel says, stepping aside.
Daisy enters the bedroom. Ian lies facedown, knees tucked. She kneels.
Ian, Victors in trouble, we need you, she says.
He turns slowly, his skin pale, stubble over his jaw.
Daisy? Whats happened?
Victors in a sticky situation. You havent answered his calls. I had to come.
Whats wrong with Victor? Ian jumps up, rubbing his eyes.
You look unwell, Daisy notes, Are you feeling okay?
Im sick, both body and mind. I cant stand being near Angel. I dont love her, but something drags me back.
Take your things and leave. What about the divorce? she asks.
I dont want a divorce. I want nothing, Ian mutters, collapsing into a chair, clutching his head.
He finally apologizes, tears spilling like a childs, as Daisy gently rubs his scalp. She wonders what will become of their lives.
Two weeks later Daisy attends church, praying before the Virgins icon. Lena keeps up her work, and Ians condition steadily improves.
Tamara smiles, I told you there was something to it. I wasnt sure at first, but now Im a believer.
Ian and Daisys relationship grows softer, more tender than before. Victor beams, seeing his parents happy again. Angel disappears, changing jobs and vanishing from their lives. Whether a boomerang of her deeds returns is unknown.
The story now lives in a quiet English suburb, where love, betrayal, and a touch of folk belief intertwine with everyday life.
