Happy Women Always Look Fabulous Lily was struggling to cope with her husband’s betrayal. At forty, she found herself alone—her daughter studying at university in another city. Two months ago, Igor had come home from work and announced: “I’m leaving you. I’ve fallen in love.” “What? With whom?” Lily stammered. “Well, you know how men leave their wives—I’ve fallen for someone else, I feel great with her, I forget all about you when we’re together. So don’t try and convince me. My mind’s made up,” Igor replied with a casualness that made it seem like nothing important had happened. He packed quickly and left. Later, after reflecting, Lily realised he hadn’t decided to leave all at once. He’d been gradually gathering his things, but that day he dumped the rest into a suitcase and slammed the door. Lily cried, grieved, convinced nothing good would ever happen to her again. It felt as though life had ended, or simply stopped. She didn’t want to see or hear anyone. She avoided conversation, answering calls from her daughter and best friend with reluctance before quickly hanging up. At work, she dodged her colleagues. Some pitied her, others seemed almost gleeful. Lily even hoped, “Maybe Igor will tire of the woman who took him from me, maybe he’ll come back, and I’ll forgive him, accept him. I still love him.” One weekend Lily woke up early, as usual, but lingered in bed—no reason to get up. Eventually, she did. Around eleven, her phone rang. “Who’s calling so early? I don’t want to talk to anyone,” she thought, not answering, but glanced at the screen—it was a strange number. “Wait—what if it’s Igor? Maybe he lost his phone, had to get a new SIM. Maybe he’s coming back…” As she wondered, the phone rang again. “Hello, hello?” she said loudly. “Hi!” It was a woman’s voice, cheerful and lively. “Hello, who is this?” Lily replied, voice dull. “Lily, is that you? I hardly recognised your voice! It’s me—Katie!” Lily’s disappointment was sharp—she’d been hoping it was Igor. “What do you want?” “Lily, are you okay? You don’t sound like yourself.” “No, I’m not,” Lily replied, switching off, tears streaming down her face. She sat down on the sofa to calm herself. Soon, someone rang the doorbell. Lily perked up—hope revived. “Maybe Igor’s come to his senses,” she thought, opening the door. “Hey there!” beamed a stylish, radiant woman—Lily barely recognised her old school friend Katie. Katie looked immaculate: bright lipstick, chic outfit, a wave of luxurious perfume. They’d last seen each other fifteen years ago, after Katie had left for university in London. At school, they were inseparable—dancing at parties, meeting boys, swapping secrets. “Katie, you’re gorgeous!” Lily blurted out. “Hiya, mate! I’ve always been like this—that’s you …” Katie cast a critical eye over Lily, “Are you going to let me in or what?” “Come in,” Lily said with reluctant warmth. Katie didn’t come empty-handed; she strode into the kitchen and unpacked a bottle of Spanish wine, cake, and oranges. “Get your glasses out, let’s celebrate! I can’t remember the last time we caught up—must’ve been donkey’s years…” Katie rattled on while Lily set the glasses and sliced the cake. Without further fuss, Katie poured two glasses and proposed, “A toast to us!” They drank. On the second glass, Lily finally poured out her heart—all the pain, the tears. Katie listened in silence, then shrugged: “Oh, Lily, I thought you’d had some real catastrophe.” “It’s not a catastrophe? You wouldn’t understand—your husband never dumped you,” Lily replied glumly. “Oh, come on! My husband didn’t leave me—I left him. Knocked the wind out of his sails when I caught him with a younger woman. Filed for divorce straight away; he was stunned, thought he’d get away with it, I’d never find out…” “Maybe you didn’t love him.” “I did, loads,” said Katie, “but I won’t be mistreated. If they cheat, it’s not love.” “Oh, Katie, you make it sound so easy.” “It is easy, Lil! You complicate things—as always. Where’s your daughter?” “She’s at uni, living with her aunt.” “So your bloke left both of you, and you’re still pining for him?” “But I love him…” “Right—enough’s enough, Lily, I’m going to cure you. You’ve got a classic case of the blues.” “How are you going to cure me? Pills aren’t going to help.” “Pills? No way! You need tried-and-tested medicine: new style, retail therapy, and a new romance.” “Oh, Katie…” Lily groaned. “Come on, get ready. We’re going shopping, and then straight to the hairdresser!” Katie declared, “And no excuses. By the way, got any savings?” “Savings? Actually, yes—we were saving up for a new car for Igor.” “He’ll be fine—let him enjoy the old car. You need to file for divorce and forget about him. And don’t you dare forgive him… If you want, we’ll even claim half the value of the car!” “Nah, he can keep it,” Lily waved her off. “Katie, are you back from London for good?” “For good—couldn’t stand it there. Now come on, get out of that dressing gown, we’re doing a shopping marathon. Oh, nearly forgot—Rita Parker called, reunion’s next week. We’re going, loads of people coming, and some of the boys are single. Remember how Victor chased after you from Year Seven?” “Oh, Katie, who’d want me now, all old and washed up.” “Don’t be daft, Lily! You’ve got to love and pamper yourself. We’ll turn you into a spring chicken in no time!” Katie laughed, heading out. “By the way—remember my Aunt Cathy, near your mum’s? She’s getting married for the fifth time, but can’t choose between two suitors!” A little later, Lily barely recognised herself in the mirror. “What a transformation!” she marvelled—a new hair colour, ultra-short cut. “I’d never have guessed it suits me so much. Young and beautiful. Well done, Katie, you really rescued me.” The reunion took place at a local bistro with almost everyone there. Most didn’t recognise Lily; Victor, the once awkward boy now a confident gentleman, couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Lily, I nearly didn’t recognise you! You’re stunning—more beautiful than you were at school. I always liked you, but you preferred Igor. By the way, where is he?” “He’s gone—left me,” Lily replied with an easy smile. “Left? You’re joking—how could anyone leave a woman like you?” Victor was genuinely shocked. “They do sometimes—but it’s all for the best.” “I’ve no doubt. I’m divorced too, two years now. Had a business wobble, wife wrote me off as a loser, moved on to a younger bloke. I rebuilt everything, and business is better than ever.” Two months later, Lily was strolling arm-in-arm with Victor along the river, fresh from the theatre, soaking up the city lights. Suddenly … Igor appeared, thinner, walking by himself. He glanced at Lily, uncertain—was it really her? “Maybe she doesn’t look after him?” she wondered. Igor passed, glanced, then called out, “Lily?” She turned slowly, flashed him a confident smile, and said, “Oh hello, yes—Meet Victor, my future husband. Didn’t you recognise him?” “Hi—no, I didn’t,” Victor said, “I’m Lily’s fiancé.” Igor’s jaw dropped. Lily was surprised, too—Victor hadn’t actually proposed yet. “How are you?” Lily asked cheerfully. “Oh, you know, alright… You’ve changed so much! You look fantastic.” Lily smiled again, took Victor’s hand, and said: “Happy women always look fabulous.” “So, things are going well?” Igor murmured. “Of course. And they only get better,” she replied, turning away, walking with Victor confidently, as she felt the burning gaze of her former husband on her back.

Happy women always look amazing

Sophie was having a really hard time dealing with her husbands betrayal. Shed found herself alone at forty, with her daughter away at university in another city. And two months ago, James had come home from work and said, as casual as you like:

Im leaving you. Ive fallen in love.

What? With who? Sophie was taken aback.

Well, the usual way blokes leave their wives. Im in love with someone else, I feel good with her. I forget all about you when Im with her. So dont try and talk me roundIve made up my mind, he replied, as if he was talking about what they’d have for dinner, not ending a marriage.

He packed up and left swiftly. Thinking back later, Sophie realised hed been quietly gathering his things little by little, but that day he just chucked it all in a suitcase and slammed the door behind him.

Sophie sobbed, feeling completely lost, sure nothing good would ever happen to her again. It felt as if life had simply stopped. She didnt want to see or speak to anyone. Calls came inher daughter, her friendbut she barely gave curt answers before hanging up. At work, she avoided her colleagues. Some looked at her with pity, some with thinly veiled smugness.

She found herself wishing, against all sense:

Maybe Jamesll get bored of the woman he left me for. Maybe hell come back, I’ll forgive him, and take him back. I do still love him.

One Saturday, Sophie woke up early as usual, but stayed in bed. She couldnt be bothered to get upwhat was the hurry? But eventually, she dragged herself out of bed. Around eleven, her phone rang.

Whos calling so early? I dont want to talk to anyone, she muttered, ignoring it, even though she glanced at the screena number she didnt recognise. Could it be James? Maybe hes lost his phone or had it nicked and got a new SIM, she thought hopefully. Maybe hes decided to come back. Shouldve answered

As she was pondering, the phone rang again.

Hello? she said, a bit too loudly.

Hi there! came a cheerful, bright female voice.

Hello, who is this? Sophie asked, voice flat with irritation.

Sophie! Is it you? Come on, dont tell me you cant recognise your old mate. Its meEmma!

Disappointment hit Sophie. Shed been hopingridiculouslythat it was James.

So?

Sophie, are you alright? Is something wrong?

No, Im not alright, she managed, before ending the call, tears streaming down her face.

She sat on the sofa, trying to calm herself. Not long after, the doorbell rang. Sophie perked up, heart pounding with yet another foolish hope.

What if its James, changed his mind She went to the door.

Hello! said a stunning woman brightlyher old friend and schoolmate, Emma, barely recognisable.

Emma was impeccably put together, bold lipstick, stylish outfit, and her perfume smelled expensive. After school, Emma had gone off to university in London, and theyd only seen each other once, about fifteen years ago. Back in school, theyd been inseparablegossiping about boys, sneaking onto the dancefloor, keeping each others secrets.

Emma, you look amazing! Sophie blurted out.

Hey there, mate. Ive always looked this good. Its you whos Well, are you going to let me in or not?

Come in, Sophie said, reluctantly.

Emma hadnt come empty-handed. She marched into the kitchen, pulled a bottle of Spanish wine, a cake, and some oranges out of her bag.

Right, get out your wine glasses. Were going to celebratefeels like a hundred years since we last had a proper chat, Emma babbled on. Sophie kept quiet, set out two glasses, sliced the cake.

Emma, without another word, opened the wine, poured them each a glass. Cheersto old friends! She drank; Sophie mirrored her, draining the glass.

They had a second glassEmma toasted to both of them. After that, Sophie suddenly really wanted to talk. It all spilled outEmma listened quietly, without interrupting, and when Sophie was done, she shrugged.

Oh Sophie, I thought this was going to be some dramatic tragedy.

You dont get ityour husband didnt leave you, Sophie said miserably.

Nope. My husband never left meI left him. Soon as I found out hed started seeing a younger woman I filed for divorce. He was thrown. Probably thought hed play around on the side and Id be clueless

Maybe you didnt love him, though?

Oh, I loved himmadly, Emma replied. But I cant stand being treated badly. Thats not lovethats just torture when youre cheated on.

God, Emma, you make everything sound so easy.

It is, love! You just complicate things. You always did. Wheres your daughter?

Shes at university, living with her aunt in Leeds.

I see. Your James left both you and his own daughter, and youre still torn up over it.

But I still love him

No, Sophie. This is me prescribing a little therapy. Youre in major meltdown.

What, therapy? Pills wont help me.

Not pills, you silly sod! For stuff like this, the old tricks always workfresh start, new look, shopping trip, and, well, maybe a new romance

Oh, Emma

Come on, get your shoes on. Were heading to the shopping centre. Hairdressers, toono arguments. Got any cash squirrelled away?

A bit, we were saving for James new car.

Hell survive. Be glad he got the old one. You need to file for divorce and stop banking on his return. And definitely dont forgive him! Actually, we could probably get half the car in the settlement.

No thanks, let him choke on it, Sophie replied, waving it off. Emma, are you back from London for good? You haven’t said.

For good. Couldnt stand it there Anyway, get out of that old dressing gown, were going on a shopping blitz. Oh, and Rita Bennett rang methe school reunions next weekend. We’re going! Most of the old crowdll be there, and quite a few lads are single now. Remember Victorthe one who fancied you since Year 7?

Oh Emma, whod want me now? I’m just ancient and washed up.

Pure nonsense, Soph! Youve got to love yourselfstop tearing yourself down. Well have you looking like a right stunner in no time, Emma laughed, heading out the door. Oh, and you know my aunt Katieshe lives just round the corner from your mum? Shes lining up her fifth wedding! Mind you, she cant decide between two fellas

After a whirlwind, Sophie barely recognised herself in the mirror.

Blimey, what a transformation! she marvelled. Different hair colour, edgy bobnever thought Id suit this. I actually look fit and young. Emmas a legend, she really dragged me out of my slump.

The school reunion was held at a cosy café, packed with nearly everyone, apart from a few stuck out of town. Plenty did a double takeVictor, now a confident, dapper gent, couldnt take his eyes off Sophie.

Sophie, I didnt recognise you! You look gorgeouseven prettier than in school. I always fancied you, but you picked James from the other class. Where is he, anyway?

Hes gone. Left me, Sophie replied, smiling lightly.

Left you? No way, you must be jokingwhod walk away from a woman like you? Victor was genuinely shocked.

It happens, but you know what? Its all for the best.

I agree, Sophie. Im divorced myselfsplit two years back. Thought we were solidbusiness was troubled, our sons grown upand she branded me a loser and traded me in for someone younger, more successful. Funny, thoughI bounced back, business is thriving now.

Two months later, Sophie was walking arm-in-arm with Victor down by the river after a night at the theatre, ambling through the cool night air. And suddenly, she spotted James coming towards themhe looked thin, worn. Obviously walking alone. He didnt seem to recognise her at first.

Must not be eating well with whoever she is Sophie thought, not without a touch of satisfaction.

As James passed by, their eyes methis face flickered with uncertainty: was it Sophie, or not? They walked past, but then she heard him:

Sophie?

She turned slowly, gave him a warm, easy smile.

Oh hi, its you. Victor, meet Jamesmy ex-husband. Didnt you recognise him? she said to Victor.

Hello. No, I didnt, Victor replied. Im Sophies future husband, by the way.

Jamess mouth fell open. Sophie was a bit surprised tooVictor had never actually proposed!

How are you? Sophie asked cheerfully.

Oh, alright… nothing special, he answered. Youve changed! You look incredible.

Sophie smiled, taking Victors hand.

Well, happy women always look amazing.

So things are good for you? James mumbled.

Better than ever. And theyll only get better, she said, turning away, strolling off confidently with Victor, feeling Jamess stare burning into her back.