A Husband Needed, Urgently
Mum, you absolutely need to find yourself a new husband! Its really, really urgent!
Judith almost dropped her cup of tea, sloshing a little onto the tablecloth. She managed to set it down, cleared her throat, and looked intently at her daughter.
Explain, she said, keeping her tone even. Whats prompted this sudden demand?
The girl shifted uncomfortably, eyes downcast, tracing the pattern of the carpet with her toe. Grace looked embarrassed, but her determination was unmistakable.
You see today I told Dad youd met someone, she confessed, giving a long sigh. He just wouldnt let it go! Hes always asking if youve found anyone yet, and every time I say no he launches into a whole lecture about how big a mistake it was for you to leave him. That you dont understand a thing about life if you could let such a wonderful man go!
She glanced at her mother, a blend of irritation, confusion, and even a little anger toward her father flickering in her eyes.
And he keeps going on that youll come to your senses, that youll realise you were wrong and take him back. He says youll never find anyone better. I just snapped and told him youve met someone new.
Judith ran a hand through her hair. The familiar ring of her ex-husbands voice echoed in her memoryso sure of himself, his way of turning every exchange into a sermon on his own brilliance.
I can just imagine the colourful words he used, she said wryly. Still cant accept that I left such a ‘perfect man. Sometimes I think Tom only insists on your weekend visits so he can have a fresh audience for his monologues. Hes not interested in catching up with you but just wants the latest tittle-tattle. Thats how he feeds his ego.
Grace flopped down on the sofa, tucking her legs beneath her. She leant against a cushion, absentmindedly running her fingers over the fabric as she gathered her thoughts.
Yes, I think the same, she agreed, staring off to the side. I have to listen for over an hour about how wonderful he is. The rest of the time, Im completely ignoredhe doesnt even enquire how I am. Not a word about school or if I need anything…
She spoke of it in such a matter-of-fact way as if describing her daily routine: wake up, breakfast, school, homework. For Grace, it had long become so normal that it hardly sparked an emotion.
She leaned back, staring at the ceiling, her mind replaying that latest conversation with her father. As usual, it had begun with his most recent accomplishmentnarrating in detail how cleverly hed negotiated a business deal. Then, he moved on to his plans for the future, the challenges he faces at work, and how everyone around him underestimates his brilliance. An hour and a half of pure self-praiseGrace even watched the clock so she could tell her mum about it later.
When she tried to share news about her maths competition, her father only nodded distractedly before steering the conversation straight back to himself. Well done, of course, but you know, at your age Id already…and off he went again about his own shimmering school days.
Grace shrugged slightly, banishing the memory. She was used to it. For as long as she could remember, her father was mesmerised by his own image. The rest of the family hovered somewhere on the peripheryimportant, but never enough to distract from the real star: himself.
He managed to twist any chat back to his problems. If Mum complained about being tired, straight away hed begin a story about how tough he had it at work. If Grace tried talking about her friends, hed reroute the discussion to his own school daysnaturally, his being far superior. Other peoples worries hardly registered with him.
Grace honestly couldnt figure out how her mum had lasted fifteen years with a man like thatso caught up in his own reflection. Perhaps Judith endured just for Grace, not wishing her daughter to grow up without a dad. When she was younger, Grace genuinely believed hed change one day, start noticing them, taking an interest in their lives But the years rolled by, and nothing changed. It was only after the divorce that Grace realised how much more peaceful life was without himno one there to command all attention, dismissing anything else as trivial.
So, why, exactly, do I need to urgently find myself a partner? Judiths voice was sharper than she intended. So you said itwhats the big deal?
When Dad heard, Grace grimaced, hugging a cushion to her chest, he went mad! First he went pale, then flushed bright red, then shouted loud enough for the neighbour to come over! Honestly, he scared me a bit.
She paused, remembering the scene: her fathers unusually high, cracking voice, his clenched fists, his darting eyeshe looked ready to explode.
He demanded I tell him the mans name and every detail about him. I refused, said youd asked me to keep quietespecially from him I wouldnt be surprised if he starts ringing and hounding you soon.
Judith slowly turned towards her daughter, leaning on the windowsill as she watched her closely. What a day she was in for! She could easily picture Toms level of hysterics now… Well done, Grace, she thought with a half-smile.
Sitting next to Grace on the sofa, Judith sighed hard and put an arm around her daughter. Well, what could she do? What was said, was said.
Why did you make it up? she asked quietly, gently rocking Grace in her arms. We were getting on just fine! Now hell be at it again with the tantrums. I feel like switching my phone off.
Grace wriggled out of the embrace and sat upright, looking earnestly at her mother, her eyes shining with conviction.
Because you deserve it! she declared confidently. Youre beautiful, clever, you have so many friends, and youre popular with men tooI know, you know! And Dad only ever says nasty things about you. Im sick of it!
Judith fondly stroked her daughters hair, running her fingers gently through the soft strands. Her gaze was tender but touched with bemusement.
I get it, honey, I really do, she said softly. Truthfully, I thought you might not want me starting a serious relationship again. Its only been six months since your dad and I split.
Those words werent easy for her to say. Deep down, shed worried Grace might see any new romance as betrayal or an attempt to substitute her real father. Judith studied her daughters face for any sign of disapproval.
Nonsense! Grace snorted, so wholeheartedly that Judith couldnt help but smile. I just want you to be happy!
She folded her arms, beaming. At that moment, she looked so grown-upthoughtful beyond her years, ready to defend her stance.
Judith gazed at her, and her apprehension gradually melted. Grace spoke with such clarity it pushed doubts aside. Maybe she did dwell too much on the past, and fear the future?
Youre my smart girl, Judith whispered, pulling her daughter back in. Thank you, darling, for looking after your mum.
Grace snuggled in, settling beneath Judiths arm, and in that warm silence, they both felt it: a small family, stronger now, whatever else the world might throw at them.
******************************
Judith sat at her desk, trying to focus on the figures before her. The lines swam in front of her eyes, a steady throb building in her templeswhat had started as a faint pressure at breakfast now roared into a blinding ache by lunchtime. Wearily, Judith massaged her temples, hoping for the slightest relief, her movements listless and repetitive after so many attempts that morning.
At last, she caved and asked a colleague to pop out to Bootsthe pharmacy was only steps from the office. When they returned with some painkillers, she washed them down with water from the jug and tried again to focus on her paperwork. Pointless. Her head felt heavy as lead, every sounda colleague typing nearby, the drone of the air conditioning, the distant chatter in the corridorsent fresh waves through her skull.
At that moment, the security guard poked his head into her office, polite but wary.
Mrs. Parker, someones here to see you, he said, holding the door. Your ex-husband is insisting. Shall I help him out, or will you come downstairs?
Judith froze, irritation bubbling up through her exhaustion. She drew a deep breath, fighting to keep her expression calm.
Ill be down, thank you, she replied, rising stiffly from her desk.
She cursed silently. Brilliant timing! The day had been bad enough already, and now Tom had decided to show up, unannounced and in publicwhy on earth couldnt he call? What was he playing at, turning up at her workplace for all to see? Was he thinking of making a scene right here?
She moved slowly, not daring to hurrythe pain behind her eyes flared with any abrupt movement. The corridor was bustling: colleagues in a rush, laughter by the coffee machine, a group exchanging updates by the whiteboard. Judith passed them all, feeling the tension coil in her shoulders.
Reaching the lobby, Judith spotted Tom immediately. He strode anxiously back and forth, approaching the reception then pacing away again, gesticulating forcefully, raising his voice as he explained himself to the security staff. Their faces wore the polite mask of professionals running out of patience, ready if needed to step in more forcefully.
What do you want? Judith said bluntly as she drew near. Her voice was level, but her nerves stretched thin. What kind of spectacle are you putting on? Fancy chatting with the police? I could arrange that.
Tom spun round, flushed and wild-eyed, jabbing his finger in her direction as if shed committed some cardinal sin.
You! he bellowed. You! Grace told me everything! Six months after our divorce and youve already found yourself another man?
Pain, disbelief, and raw jealousy jostled in his voice. For a fleeting second, it was as if he hoped Grace must be joking or winding him up. But staring at Judiths composed face, he knew it was for real.
Judith lifted an eyebrow, tilting her head. She kept her stance easy, but her gaze was edged with ice.
Am I supposed to be in mourning for you forever? Even after the divorce? Thats asking too much, darling. Especially considering that fidelity was hardly your strong suit when we were together.
Tom stopped short, his outstretched finger dropping, a flicker of confusion in his expressionhe hadnt expected such calm, confident pushback.
People circled past: staff, visitors, couriers a few threw curious glances, others studiously ignored the brewing argument. But for Tom and Judith, the world had shrunk to this small patch between them, thick with old resentments and silent accusations, bristling with a new reality Tom could notor would notaccept.
You you just he spluttered, but Judith cut him off.
Lets not stage a scene, Tom. Her voice softened slightly, but lost none of its steel. If you want to talk, fine. But not here, and not like this.
A scene? You havent seen anything yet!
Tom all but shouted, his voice echoing across the expanse of the lobby. His face was mottled red, the tendons in his neck rigid, and his fists opening and crushing in tight rhythm. He was half-lunging forward, half falling back, unsure how best to press his threat.
I wont allow my daughter to live under the same roof as some stranger! he roared, oblivious now to the looks from staff. Ill take Grace away! Youll never see her again! You
His words grew shrill with desperation, but Judith merely arched an eyebrow, folding her arms in casual contempt. Take Grace from her? Shed like to see him tryany judge would laugh him out of court.
You done? Quite the performance, she replied with measured sarcasm. Youd be perfect for the circus.
Whats all this, then?
Tom froze, spinning around to face the unfamiliar voice. The man in the doorway to the lobby was sharply dressed in a navy suit, standing straight-backed and poised, his expression composed, his gaze attentive. The security staff, who had been holding Tom at bay, straightened at onceobviously, this was someone important in the company.
Keep out of this! Tom barked, shooting the stranger a baleful glare. He was still red-faced and fuming, his voice barely contained.
The man waited, utterly unbothered. Stepping forward, he took care to address both combatants, his lips hinting at a smilea gesture that only fuelled Toms frustration.
Matters between husband and wife are privateif discussed in private, he replied at last. But bellowing in public, disturbing the office, makes it everyones business.
Judith watched, tense, feeling the atmosphere grow crackling and thick. She hadnt expected Matthew Turner, the managing director, to get involved, but his calm presence provided a welcome counter to Toms fury.
Tom bristled, clearly hunting for a comebackthe man in the suit didnt so much as flinch. He fixed Tom with an even gaze, like a man used to silencing more volatile opponents.
And who exactly are you to tell me what to do? Tom spat, struggling to keep a grip. Butting into something that isnt your business!
Matthew strode forward a step or two, stopping at Judiths side, gently wrapping an arm around her waistthe gesture was deliberate, leaving nothing to speculation.
Who am I? he said evenly, a cold certainty in his voice that made Tom involuntarily step back. Im the man making Judith happy. I wont stand by while you scream at the woman I care about. If you keep this up, a chat with the police will be the least of your worries. And if you try using your daughter as some kind of pawntrust me, you dont want to go there. Understood?
For a few seconds, Tom stood rooted, his face blanching, glancing from Matthew to Judith, all bravado seeping away. He looked lost for words, stripped of his usual control.
He stood there for a moment, opening and closing his fists, grappling with an urge to hurl another insult. But he could find nothingwhether cowed by Matthews presence or the realisation that his intimidation was useless.
At last, he scowled, muttered something inaudible, and stormed away. Even his walk was differentless forceful, almost shrunken, as though desperately clinging to the last tatters of pride. At the door, he turned and tossed back:
Dont expect a penny in maintenance!
Didnt want it anyway, Judith called after him, her voice almost laughing with relief. At least Grace wont have to go to your place anymore!
Only then did Judith notice Matthews warm, protective hand still resting on her waist. The simple weight of it, so unassuming yet meaningful, left her suddenly shy. She dropped her gaze, feeling colour rising in her cheeks, and gently shifted aside, hoping it looked natural.
With a slightly embarrassed, grateful smile, she glanced up at him.
Thank you so much, Matthew. You really helped today.
Her voice was genuine, neither melodramatic nor forced. In that moment, she felt a deep sense of gratitudenot only for his intervention in an ugly scene, but for how assured yet gentle he had been throughout.
He gave her a brief, reassuring smile, and his eyes softened for a moment.
Shall we talk it over at lunch? he invited, extending his hand.
Judith hesitated a heartbeat, old uncertainties surfacingwas it too soon, would it look frivolous? But quickly, she dismissed the doubts. Matthew had acted with respect and courtesy, and she genuinely wanted to talk, free from stress and interruption.
Besides, she found herself unexpectedly curious about himwhat lay beneath that unflappable self-assurance, why he had chosen to step in?
Gladly, she said, placing her hand in his.
His touch was surprisingly comfortingfirm, secure, yet never intrusive. Judith felt the tension that had knotted her since Toms arrival begin to dissolve, replaced by a flutter of excitement and even hope.
Later, at a cosy table in a snug restaurant around the corner from the office, their conversation grew easy. Gentle lighting, soft background music, and the scent of baked bread created a comforting backdrop.
During that relaxed meal, Judith learned that Matthew had harboured feelings for her for some time. He told her this quietly, without flattery or dramajust as something that had grown naturally and waited unspoken.
I held back for ages, he admitted, stirring his coffee. You seemed so focused, so serious. I could see you were having a hard time after the divorce, and I didnt want to make things awkward or come across as pushy.
Judith listened without interrupting; there was no trace of arrogance in his voice, only honesty and respect.
And when I saw him shouting at you today he frowned, I just couldnt stand by and watch.
She couldnt help but smile, hearing it out loud. Shed noticed his glances in the past but always assumed she misunderstood their meaning. Shed found him attractive herself, but their difference in position at work meant shed never have dared to make a move
******
Three months after that fraught workplace scene, Judith and Matthew were married. The wedding was spectacularhe indulged Judiths every wish, and nothing was too much trouble.
Grace was genuinely thrilled for her mum. On the day itself, she helped Judith get ready, making sure everything was perfectfrom hair and makeup down to the last button. When the happy couple exchanged rings, Grace grinned broadly and hugged them both.
Im so happy for you! she whispered, her eyes bright with real joy.
She was honest right from the start, though: she wasnt ready to call Matthew Dad.
I like you, Matthew, she told him one of the first evenings he joined them at home. And Im glad Mums not on her own. But my dad well, hes still my dad, for better or worse.
Matthew nodded, without a hint of offense.
I understand, Grace. Thats exactly how it should be. The main thing is, were together.
Tom received an invite to the weddingmore a matter of principle than of any genuine hope hed attend. Judith hesitated about sending it but reasoned he ought to know her life was moving on. She posted it, with nothing extrajust the card, with the date, time, and address.
Unsurprisingly, Tom didnt show. He never even considered itjust the idea provoked a mix of resentment and wounded pride. Instead, he found another outlet for his frustrations: phoning round mutual friends.
His first call came the very next day. He triedunsuccessfullyto sound calm, but his tone was strained.
Can you believe it? he blurted to an old uni mate. She invited me to her wedding! After everything thats happened!
The friend politely asked exactly what Tom found so outrageous. Tom waved the question aside.
How could she do it? Humiliate me like this!
He would call one person after another, and each time the conversation started the same waywith his account of the invitation, spoken in an aggrieved rush. It was as if he hoped someone would agree: Yes, thats truly appalling.
But his friends mostly responded cautiouslyone might say well, everyone moves on, another might just murmur something noncommittal, some simply fell silent, unsure how to reply. The more Tom repeated his tale, the more he sensed that no one was really taking his side.
After a while, he tried a different tack.
Shes rushing into this new marriagesix months! Can you find real love in that time? Shes running from reality, just trying to forget about me, you know?
Then hed switch again:
She never gave me a chance to put things right! If only wed talked, I couldve
He never said what, exactlyget her back, change himself, start afresh?
Sometimes hed complain:
I did so much for her, and she never even said thank you. She just left. And took Grace, too!
These claims of ingratitude rang hollowhis friends exchanged glances. Someone once gingerly asked:
What should she thank you for, Tom? You were married, its just normal life.
Tom would clam up, aware that he wasnt getting the reaction he hoped for. No one called Judith improper or reckless. In fact, it seemed they all thought she had every right to carry on with her lifeand that stung him more than anything.
Eventually, tired of fruitless conversations, Tom fell silent. He sat in his flat, looking at what Judith had left behinda forgotten hair clip, an old photo album in the cupboard, a couple of dressesrealising that life, whether he liked it or not, goes on. Only he was still searching for his place in this new order.
And so, Tom disappeared into silence, while Judith, Matthew, and Grace settled into theirsa life of quiet routines and small joys: shared dinners, Sunday strolls, spirited rows about which film to watch in the evening. Their family, no longer divided, drew closer with every ordinary, happy day.
