Emily hurried home from the parentteacher meeting, her mind still buzzing with Mrs. Carters scolding of Tommy. He never does his homework, and hes become so sullen, the teacher had said. Lately James seemed distracted, his thoughts always elsewhere, and he never opened up. She needed James to speak with himafter all, he was the father.
Just as she turned the corner, she spotted Jamess black sedan parked by the kerb. Could he have come to meet her? A surge of hope rose in her chest. She quickened her pace, then halted as the car door opened. James stepped out, a bouquet of roses in hand, and walked toward a strikingly stylish woman shed never seen before. The woman threw her arms around him, snatched the flowers, and they slipped into the car and drove off.
Who was she? Tall, with glossy black hair and a short skirt, the polar opposite of Emilys own shortcropped blond bob. James had told her hed be late after work because of a new project that needed strategy meetings. Was this the colleague hed been working with? Thirteen years of marriage and shed never once doubted his fidelity. Theyd married straight out of university, their families providing a comfortable flat in Kensington. Jamess parents were wealthy, and his father, illtime, had passed his senior position at the firm to James. Hed grown into the role, earned a decent salary, bought a modest country cottage in Surrey, and spent weekends there with friends and family.
Theyd travelled abroad occasionally, and James had suggested Emily quit her job to raise their son, but she loved her work as a cardiologistsaving lives was her calling. Now, faced with the betrayal, she felt the world collapse. If hes got a lover, he must have fallen out of love with me and will soon leave, she thought, tears hot on her cheeks.
Back at home, she tried to scold Tommy.
Enough, Mum! Im sick of your lectures, he shouted, slamming his fist on the kitchen table.
Ive only just started! Miss Patel is very disappointed in you. The school year has just begun and youre already slipping, Emily snapped, voice cracking.
You do as you please! Just like Dad! No wonder he has another woman; youve been driving him crazy, Tommy retorted, eyes wide with hurt.
Emilys throat went dry. What woman? What are you talking about? she managed, her voice hoarse.
I saw Dad in the café with a gorgeous girl. He didnt even notice me walking past. What do you think that means?
Emily sank onto the sofa, covering her face, sobbing. Tommy, who had always recoiled from his mothers tears, whispered, Mum, dont cry
Tommy, love. Its all right. I love your father, but if he behaves like this, he can go. Im not a child any more; Im twelve, after all, she choked out. Ive let everything slip through my fingers.
Is that why you havent been doing your lessons? he asked, voice trembling.
Yes Its hard not to feel angry. Fathers actions hurt us both, she said, wiping her eyes. Tommy passed her a tissue. Ill talk to him. He should say it straight.
Two hours later James staggered through the front door, looking weary and distant.
Emily, I wont be having dinner. I ate with the team, now Im off to the shower and bed. Im exhausted, he muttered.
I saw you You gave her flowers and then left. I was walking past the school Emilys voice trembled.
James froze, his face flushing. You saw that? I I havent had the courage to say anything. Ive started an affair with my new secretary, Angela. I still dont know how it happened.
Emilys anger boiled. And now? Are you going to walk out on us?
I dont want to leave, Emily, but Im drawn to her. It feels like a spell. I love you, strangely enough. Its not you; its me changing. I feel fifteen again. I was the one who asked to drop by her house, help her carry a box of documents, met her mother, ate dinner She baked a plum cake, we drank tea. I never realised I was falling. We even met at our cottage Im sorry.
Emilys fists clenched. On our cottage, on our bed James I have no words!
Jamess eyes filled with tears. Im sorry. Its better we part. Ill keep paying child support, leave you the flat, keep the car and the cottage for myself.
Emily stared at the empty coat rack where his jackets once hung. Hed walked out on the love of his life, and the pain was a knife in her chest. Money had never mattered to her; family, health, and love were everything. She would not be the one to file for divorce; he could do that if he wanted.
Later that evening, her motherinlaw called. Emily, James told me everything. How could this happen? A midlife crisis? What does that girl want? Hes a good husband, a good father. Were devastated; the calming tablets arent helping.
Emily sighed, Olivia, Im shocked too. James is an adult, he knows what hes doing. Tommy has accepted his choice but is hurt. Well get through this.
Two weeks later James returned, finding the house empty of Tommy. Emily, I need to collect something. Can I come in?
Emily opened the door, noticing the dark circles under his eyes, his gaunt look.
Tommy isnt answering my calls. I get it; hes angry. Hell come around, she said.
Are you feeling okay? Draining yourself for a young girl? she asked, sarcasm biting.
Its not the girl, its something wrong inside me. I feel weak, apathetic, I dont want to live, James admitted.
Emily blinked. Strange. Men usually thrive with a young partner, not wilt.
I understand your sarcasm, but Im truly illphysically and mentally. Angelas presence makes me nauseous. I dont love her, yet I cant shake her, he confessed.
Take your things and leave. What about the divorce? she asked.
I dont want a divorce. I want nothing, he whispered, collapsing into a chair, head in his hands.
James rose, gathered his suitcase, and left. Emily watched him go, seeing the truth in his trembling shoulders.
At work, Emily confided in her nurse friend, Tara. Emily, I think theres more to this. My neighbour, Aunt Liza, is a folk healer. Lets go see her. She can see everything.
Emily scoffed, Im a doctor, not a believer in witchcraft.
Just for curiosity. Take a picture of James, just in case.
That night they drove to Aunt Lizas modest cottage in a quiet suburb. Liza, a plain woman in a simple robe, welcomed them. Emily placed the photo on the table.
Liza lit a candle, hovered it over the picture, eyes closed. He didnt leave of his own accord. Someone loves him.
Emily tried not to laugh. Right, love him so much they cast a lovespell.
Lizas voice lowered, A lovecharm was placed on him, through food. Money is the motive. The girls mother arranged it. Hes a puppet.
Emilys skepticism wavered. What now?
The spell must be broken. Bring him home, keep him away from them, and Ill give you a prayer. Read it before the icon of the Virgin. Ill do the rest. No charge, just act quickly.
Emily exhaled heavily, agreeing. She called James, got no answer, so she took a taxi to the Surrey cottage, her heart pounding as memories of happier days there resurfaced.
She knocked on the door; Angela answered.
Emily? I wasnt expecting you, she said, forcing a smile.
I need to speak to James, Emily replied.
Angela led her to the bedroom where James lay curled up against the wall, his face gaunt.
James, youve been ill, havent you? Emily asked, trying to keep her voice even.
He turned slowly, eyes hollow. Emily? Whats happened?
Tommys in trouble, we need you. Youve ignored my calls, she said, stepping closer.
He struggled to sit up, his voice weak, I feel everything hurts. I cant drive.
Emily glanced at Angela, who crossed her arms, eyes darting.
Something happened here? Emily asked, the tension thick.
Angela snapped, You think Ive enchanted him? I didnt. Hes a weak man, a leech. Hell never be yours. Ill find someone better, richer.
Emilys anger flared. Take your husband and go! Hes useless, a wretched excuse for a man.
James, stunned, rose and fled with his suitcase, leaving Angela fuming in the empty cottage. Emily watched him disappear into the night, tears mixing with the cold wind.
Back at the house, she held Jamess trembling hand, James, they put a charm on you. I dont know if I believe it, but I want to forgive you. Maybe you werent in control.
He sobbed, like a child, while Emily stroked his hair, both of them broken.
Two weeks later, Emily attended church, praying before the Virgins icon. Aunt Liza performed her rites, and Jamess health began to improve each day.
Tara visited, beaming, See? I told you something was off. Miracles do happen.
Emily smiled faintly, Im not sure what to believe any longer, but Im grateful.
James and Emilys relationship grew softer, more tender than before. Tommy, seeing his parents smiling again, felt hope return. Angela vanished from their lives, taking a new job and disappearing into the unknown. Whether karma had caught up with her remained a mystery.
