From the mirror, Anna saw a beautiful, thirty-five-year-old woman with sorrowful eyes staring back at her. She truly cant work out what modern English men are after these days. She wishes theyd taught this sort of thing at university. What was the point of graduating with first-class honours if it cant help here?
Anna has always dreamed of having a familychildren, a caring husband, ideally three kids. Since childhood, shes looked up to her parents as the perfect example of a happy marriage. She rushed into marriage, convinced happiness might slip away if she hesitated.
She met her husband, Victor, while they were students at university. He was attractive, athletic, intelligentthe kind of man who drew both glances and laughter wherever he went. They met at a freshers’ party in Oxford, and instantly clicked. Victor had come from Manchester for his studies, while Anna lived at home with her parents.
Six months later, Victor got down on one knee and proposed. Anna said yes. They tied the knot right after graduation. Victor seemed the perfect husbandattentive, considerate, always ready to make her smile. He landed a job as an engineer at British Gas, while Anna started as a banking advisor.
Six months into married life, Anna discovered she was pregnant. Victor was far from pleased.
Anna, how on earth has this happened? You told me you had everything covered.
Vic, I honestly dont know, she stammered, shaken by his tone. But does it really matter? We always wanted children. If its happened now, maybe its meant to be.
Dont talk nonsense. Its not fate, its carelessness. Weve only just started our careers. Now is the time to focus on work, not changing nappies.
Anna barely managed to hold back tears. She hadnt expected Victor to react like this.
Annie, said Victor gently, pulling her close. Maybe we should you know put this off for now? Theres no rush, weve got time
She stared at him in disbelief.
Dont even think about it! If youre not happy, I wont force you. Its your choice.
Anna stormed out of the flat. She wandered the streets of Oxford for ages, trying to process what had happened. Her dream of a big, happy family was beginning to shatter before her eyes.
Days went by without a word between Anna and Victor. Eventually, Victor came and apologised, saying hed thought it over and was actually glad to become a father. Anna was over the moon. Eight months later, their son Anthony was born.
Anna adored motherhood. She relished taking care of Anthony, keeping the house tidy, and treating Victor to homemade British pies and cakes. When Anthony turned three, Anna returned to work and enrolled her son at the local nursery.
Anna felt as if she were floatingcertain she must be the happiest woman in England. Her friends seemed to agree. Anna and Victors home was always bustling with visits from old university mates and their families. Then, one evening, Anna overheard Victor chatting to his friends.
Vic, you really lucked out with Anna! Shes gorgeous, clever, has a good job, keeps the house spotless, and her roast dinners are legendary.
Too right, agreed another. All mine does is nag and spend my money.
Well, I do alright myself, which is probably why Annas so brilliant, Victor quipped.
His mates burst into laughter. But as Anna soon discovered, the wives didnt always share their husbands opinionsand they werent shy about telling her so.
