A Lesson for the Wife
Ive had enough! Edward threw his spoon aside, his glare fixed on his wife. How could anyone consider this edible? The pasta was so overcooked it resembled porridge, and the two meatballs were barely browned. What have you been doing all day? Staring at your mobile per usual?
Edward, how can you say that? Charlotte sniffed dramatically, hurriedly slipping her phone out of sight. Ive been keeping an eye on Harry, actually! Hes terribly naughty, takes after his father, obviously. She added that last bit pointedly, watching as Edwards temper began to simmer. Its exhausting, dont you see? Nothing goes right! Having a baby was incredibly hard for me
Harrys nearly three, Edward replied, his voice controlled but tight. Its high time he started nursery, and you went back to work. Things would be much easier then.
And why should I send my son to that breeding ground for germs? Charlotte demanded indignantly. You want us registered at the hospital all year?
A child needs stimulation and development, if you didnt know!
We do plenty! Charlotte bristled. Harrys ahead for his age, the paediatrician even said so! she insisted, clutching at the same argument theyd had time and time again. She dreaded the thought of Edward actually sending Harry off to nursery. Truth be told, shed grown attached to whiling away half the day online during her maternity and wasnt about to give that up.
And who do you suppose deserves the credit for that? Edward slammed his fist on the table, hard enough that his plate jumped. My mother! Shes the one who comes round and actually does things with Harry! Meanwhile, youre either asleep or glued to your phone! Why cant you at least tidy the house or make a proper dinner? Why should I come home from work to this? He shot a look of utter disgust at her culinary masterpiece.
Im not your cook! Nor your cleaner! Im your wife. You, as my husband, ought to provide me with a decent standard of living!
Charlotte genuinely believed every word she said. After countless hours watching talk shows and reading womens forums, shed completely redefined what being a wife meant to her. Shed once naively thought she was meant to care for her husband, manage the house, and raise the children. Now she was certain those duties belonged to staff, not any self-respecting wifeshe valued herself far too highly to lump herself in with domestic help.
Oh, is that right? Edward growled, having listened through her impassioned speech. So, I work all day providing for the family while you lounge about on the sofa? Is that it?
Ill be working on my self-development, Charlotte replied with pride. Youll boast to your friends about your intelligent wife, able to keep up with any conversation.
Oh really? What was the last book you read, then? Whats something new youve learnt? Edward stood and loomed over her. Well? No answer? Social media doesnt count as highbrow content. And those inane talk shows you watch where everyones just shouting insults arent going to teach you anything either. Be honest with mewill you look after the house and Harry like a normal wife or not?
No! I told you, Im not a servant
Charlotte, now in full flight, hurled a barrage of complaints at her husband. He didnt earn enough, acted like a bully at home, and was never even around Edward just listened in silence until she finished, and then said curtly:
Divorce.
What? Charlotte gaped, mouth open and ready with fresh grievances.
Divorce, Edward repeated, cold as stone. Ill find a decent woman wholl be a good wife and mother to my son. You spend barely two hours a day with Harry; the rest of the time, hes with the grandmothers. Youre not a mother, you dont deserve such a title. And youre certainly no wife.
At first, Charlotte was worried, but then she shrugged it off. Edward was surely just trying to scare her. No chance hed actually go through with a divorce, and as for Harrythe courts always side with the mother, right? She was sure of it!
But Edward changed. He barely acknowledged his wife, passing her in the flat without a word. Harry and his grandmother went off to the seaside for a fortnight, and Charlotte had happily agreedat last some peace and no child underfoot to distract her from her phone. However, after a few days, she started missing her boy and rang her mother-in-law more often for updates.
Two weeks after their argument, a letter from the court arrived. Edward had kept his word and filed for divorce. At the first hearing, another bombshell droppedCharlottes own mother stood up firmly for her son-in-law.
Im convinced Harry is better off with his father, her mother said stoutly, her stare cold. The truth is, Charlotte never showed the faintest bit of maternal instinct. She left Harry to me and Edwards mum, Catherine. Edward works long hours, yes, but somehow manages to give Harry the attention he needs.
The magistrate nodded, and cast a slight, knowing smile at the anxious Charlotte. And why wouldnt she be anxious? She had nothingno house, no job, no real relationship with her son. The father clearly stood a better chance of getting custody.
Im asking for a chance! Please, dont end it. Give me an opportunity! Charlotte sobbed. Edward, I swear, Ill change. Ill forget all that nonsense about housemaids and be the wife you deserve! Just give me a chance!
All right then
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One month earlier.
My daughters absolutely spoilt and Im ashamed of her, Nina said, shaking her head. Edward, I understandwhy would you stay married to her? She sits at home all day, and cant even tidy up or look after her own child If you want to divorce her, I wont judge. Just let me see Harry, thats all I ask.
I love Charlotte, despite everything, Edward sighed. But this is turning into a right mess. Still, I want to give her one last shot to change.
And why not? Nina replied. Actually, I have an idea exactly how to do it. File for divorce. Charlottes bound to be dead against it, so youll have three months reconciliation built in. That should sort her out.
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Charlotte learnt her lesson. The flat gleams once more, the air is filled with delicious aromas, and she herself is noticeably warmer and more attentive. Most importantly, she finally focuses on her child, for which Harry couldnt be happier. Hes always loved his scatter-brained mum.
