Want my husband? Hes all yours! my wife declared with a grin, directing her words at the unfamiliar woman who had suddenly turned up at our front door.
Hold on a sec, Emily! Someones at the door. Ill call you back after I find out who it is and what they want, said Alice hesitantly, ending her phone call with her childhood friend. Emily had been regaling her with funny stories about her mother-in-laws birthday party, making Alice laugh as if she were at a stand-up comedy night.
Alice made her way to the door, peered through the peephole, and was pleasantly surprised. She expected to see one of the neighbours; after all, strangers couldnt just walk into their secure block of flats. But standing there was a young woman Alice had never set eyes on, with a peculiar look about her.
She decided against opening the doorbetter to avoid engaging with strangers, especially nowadays, with con artists everywhere. Alice lived by a simple rule: never entertain unknown people. Scammers thrived on the gullible, but Alice wasnt one of them.
She picked up her phone again to resume her chat with Emily, but the bell rang again. Whoever was outside was determined, convinced someone was home and intent on getting a response.
Alice was alone in the flat; her husband, Richard, had gone round to help a friend with some gardening. Glancing through the peephole again, she studied the stranger more carefully.
There was something odd, almost pitiful about this woman, but Alice felt no real threat.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to get lost? Then I can get on with my weekend, Alice thought. Shes probably lost or trying to flog me something pointless.
Resolute, Alice opened the door. The woman on the landing straightened up immediately, brushing her hair back nervously.
Good afternoon! Are you Alice? she asked, fiddling with the scarf round her neck. Well, obviously you arewhy am I even asking?
Now thats interesting, thought Alice. The scammers are getting bettershe even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been standing out here for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so say your piece or be on your way! Alice said sharply.
Is Richard in? the stranger asked, taking Alice aback.
Well, this just gets better, doesnt it? Alice thought, her suspicions growing. She even knows my husbands name. Shes definitely done her homework.
So, youre looking for Richard? Alice asked, though shed meant to say something quite different.
No, Ive come to speak to you. But if Richards here, itll make things trickier, replied the woman, her tone casual but honest.
Trickier? What on earth is going on here? Alice wondered, increasingly intrigued.
Hes not in. What do you want?
Maybe we could go inside? Standing out here on the landing isnt exactly ideal for this sort of conversation, the woman suggested, a little bolder now.
No chance! I dont know you and I dont let strangers in. Just spit it out and make it quick, Alice snapped.
You really want to discuss the intimate bits of my relationship with Richard out here, in front of the neighbours? teased the woman, a sly smile on her lips.
What? What relationship? Alice gasped, louder than she meant.
Alice, are you all right? Why are you shouting? called Mrs. Foster, the lady next door, who had just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, morning Mrs. Foster! Everythings fine. Whats the weather doing out there? Alice tried to change the subject.
Looks like its about to rain, said Mrs. Foster, lingering nosily, clearly eager for a bit of entertainment.
Come in, then, said Alice grudgingly, motioning the woman into the flat.
Once inside, the visitors eyes darted over the furnishings, her gaze pausing on various objects with curiosity.
You have five minutes. Talk, Alice said, blocking her from heading any further into the sitting room. This isnt a museum.
My names Jessica, the woman began, shrugging off her scarf and coat. Richard and I are in love.
Oh, thats original! Couldnt you come up with something fresher? Alice interrupted with a smirk.
Whats so unoriginal about it? People fall for each otherit happens. Youre not the first wife whose husbands moved on, Jessica retorted, confidence growing as she edged towards the living room.
And youre certain he doesnt love me anymore and has fallen for you? Alice asked, smiling icily.
Absolutely! Otherwise, I wouldnt be standing here, Jessica replied with conviction.
Well, the trouble is my husband doesnt really love anyone. He simply doesnt know how. So Im afraid youre barking up the wrong tree, Alice said with calm assurance.
Jessica tried to argue, but right then the door opened and Richard walked in
and was startled to find a strange woman standing in their hallway.
Jessica? What are you doing here, on a Saturday of all days? Is this about work? he asked, baffled.
No, shes here for you, Alice replied, relishing the awkwardness.
For me? Whats going on? Something happened at the office? Richard pressed, more confused than ever.
No, love. Shes popped by to collect youforever, apparently, said Alice, a lopsided grin on her lips.
Jessica, visibly put out, grabbed her coat and began shuffling towards the door.
Heading off so soon? But what about Richard? Isnt this what you came for? Honestly, Im more than happy for you to take him, Alice teased, enjoying herself.
But Jessica was already out the door, too flustered to say another word.
What on earth was all that about? asked Richard, utterly perplexed.
Thats what you tell me! Why did this bold woman just turn up, demanding a divorce and claiming youre moving in with her? Alice said, arms folded.
Youre joking, right? Richard was genuinely taken aback. I havent the faintest idea whats going on. Shes been acting oddly at work lately, but I havent led her on at all. Im fed up with this nonsense. I promised you, didnt I?
Fine. Because you know me, RichardI wont put up with any of that. Honestly, these days some women will do anything to fix their tangled lives, Alice remarked, shaking her head.
Richard slipped off his shoes and made for the kitchen, while Alice paused for a moment, thoughtful. She swore she wouldnt let incidents like this disturb their peaceful home. She couldnt help but grin at how terribly orchestrated Jessicas whole plan had been.
One thing was certainin spite of others attempts, their relationship was far stronger than anyone could have imagined.
