She stepped insideno husband, no trace of him left.
“What are you staring at me like that for?” scoffed Zoe. “Stan just wanted to prove hes still a catch. Thats all it was.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The honest truth, love,” drawled Stans ex-wife.
“I dont understand…” Alinas voice wavered.
“Oh! Theres Stan nowhell explain everything,” Zoe nodded toward the doorway.
Alinas mother, Evelyn, had raised her like a delicate flower.
Evelyn herself was a stern woman, running her own timber business with an iron will.
But with her daughter, she softenedher voice gentle, her eyes warm.
And so Alina grew tender, fragile, trusting.
She had known no hardship, attending regular school and music lessons, playing piano with joy.
She never became a great musician, but she was a wonderful teacher.
All she needed was a good marriageand soon, a charming man named Victor appeared.
He courted her with sweet words, spending his modest lorry drivers wage on her.
He looked into her eyes so tenderly
Yet Evelyn saw right through him.
“Lazy good-for-nothing!” she declared.
“But I love him, Mum,” Alinas blue eyes brimmed with tears.
“Fine,” Evelyn relented. “But youll live with me!”
Their spacious three-bedroom flat had room enough, and Victor didnt objecthe had nothing to his name anyway.
At first, he was caring, gentle.
Then, after the wedding, he showed his true selfdrinking, disappearing, snapping at Alina.
Around Evelyn, he barely kept up appearances.
Alina refused to see his flaws.
Nine months later, she gave birth to little Leo, believing they were a real family.
But Leo was sickly, demanding constant care, and Victors patience wore thin.
She endured, hoping for better.
Then Evelyn died suddenly, leaving Alina shattered.
The funeral was handled by Evelyns old friend, Geoffrey.
Victor vanished for daysand when he returned, his belongings were packed by the door.
He threatened lawsuits, property division.
Alina stood silent.
Thankfully, Geoffrey threw him out before he could argue further.
With his legal expertise, he ensured Victor got nothing.
Alina and Leo never saw him again.
She couldnt run the timber businessGeoffrey hired professionals to manage it.
They never wanted for money, but grief and loneliness weighed on her.
No friends, no familyjust Leo, who needed her.
Men were the last thing on her mind.
Then, one rainy afternoon, she and five-year-old Leo left the clinic, huddling under an umbrella.
No point waitingthe downpour wouldnt stop, taxis were booked, and she didnt drive.
They took the risk.
“Get in quick!” A car screeched beside them, the driver flinging the door open. “Hurryno stopping here!”
She recognised himtheyd crossed paths at the clinic, where he brought his own son.
“Thank you!” she gasped after the ride, as they introduced themselveshis name was Stan.
“Youre welcome!” He grinned. “Can I get your number?”
She stiffened.
“Sorry, I dont date married men.” She hurried off with Leo.
She didnt expect to see him againbut the next day, Stan waited outside her building.
“Im divorced,” he said, handing her the papers before she could speak.
It had been finalised a month ago.
Was she lonely? Was Stan too charming? Did Leo adore him instantly?
Somehow, she agreed to let him join their walk, then stay for dinner.
Soon, they saw each other every day.
She fell hard.
So hard, she wasnt surprised when, a month later, he proposed.
Of course. He loved her. He adored Leo.
Leos affection sealed ithe called Stan “Dad” before the wedding.
“Dad” didnt object.
After the marriage, Stan suggested adoption.
“Always wanted two sons,” he saidthen his face darkened.
She knew why. His ex-wife, now with a wealthy boyfriend, kept their son from him.
Three months after meeting, they were a family.
Only one secret remainedAlina never told Stan about her money.
The timber business, though small, brought steady income, split between partners.
She saved it all for Leofor his education, his future.
Geoffrey had warned her: *Never tell.*
Stan might have suspected, but he never let on.
The idyll lasted less than a year.
Stan grew distant, irritable.
“Works just stressful,” hed mutter.
“Cant you switch sites?” shed ask. “Youre a brilliant electrician.”
“Ill sort it.”
Then the excuses stopped. He snapped at her, ignored Leo.
She didnt know what to thinkuntil clarity came brutally.
They were in the park, waiting for Stan to join them for ice cream.
“You shouldnt have let him adopt,” a womans mocking voice cut in.
Alina turneda striking brunette in a bright orange coat sat beside her.
“Do I know you?”
“Not yet. Im Zoe. Stans ex-wife. *Temporarily* ex.”
Alina stared. Leo was safely playing out of earshot.
“Whats that look for?” Zoe smirked. “Stan just wanted to prove hes still got it. Simple as that.”
“What are you saying?”
“The truth, sweetheart. He married you to spite me.”
Stan approached, tense.
“Stan, explain it to her.” Zoe stood, ruffled his hair, and strolled off. “Were waiting!”
Alinas voice shook. “Why adopt Leo?”
“To make it real. New wife, new sonpicture perfect.”
“And now?”
Stan hesitated. “Dunno. I got used to you.”
He left that night.
By morning, his things were gone.
Alina exhaled, dialling Geoffreys number.
She needed a lawyeragain.
