Would you like my husband? Hes all yours! my wife said with a smile directed at the unfamiliar woman who had just turned up at our door.
Hold on a sec, Emily! Someones knocking. Ill call you back once Ive found out who it is and what they want, Charlotte said with a hint of reluctance, ending her call with her childhood friend. Emily had just been regaling her with hilarious stories about her mother-in-laws birthday party, and Charlotte had been laughing so much you’d swear she was watching a comedy on the telly.
Charlotte walked toward the door, had a peek through the spyhole, and blinked in surprise. Shed expected to see the next-door neighbour, as strangers rarely made it past the security downstairs. But standing on the other side was a young woman Charlotte had never laid eyes ondressed oddly and looking somewhat out of place.
She decided against opening the doorbest to avoid dealing with strangers, especially these days, what with all the scammers about. Charlotte was firm in her ways: never engage with unknown folk at the door. She knew con artists could spot an easy target, but she was nothing of the sort.
Just as she reached for the phone to resume her chat with Emily, the bell rang again, sharper this time. The woman outside was clearly determined, convinced someone was in and not about to give up.
Charlotte was home alone; her husband, William, had popped out to help a mate with some bits in the garden. Heading back to the door, she peered out again, this time observing the stranger more carefully.
There was something both odd and a little pitiful about her, but Charlotte didnt sense any immediate danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and send her packing? Then I can get on with my weekend in peace, she thought. Shes probably lost, or trying to flog me some nonsense.
With that, Charlotte unlocked the door. The woman in the corridor straightened up at once, fiddling nervously with her hair as she prepared to speak.
Good afternoon! Are you Charlotte? she asked, twisting the scarf around her neck. Well of course you arewhy am I even asking?
Now this is interesting, Charlotte thought. The scammers are getting clevershe even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been at my door long enough. I didnt invite you. Say your bit and be on your way, Charlotte said, firm as ever.
Is William in? the stranger asked, catching Charlotte off-guard.
Well, blow me down! thought Charlotte, growing wary. She even knows my husbands name. Shes come prepared.
So, youre after William? Charlotte inquiredshe had other words in mind, but thought better of it.
No, I came to see you. But if Williams home, itll be awkward for me, the woman answered, with a peculiar frankness.
Awkward for you? Whats going on? Charlottes curiosity only sharpened.
Hes not in. What do you want?
Perhaps we should go inside. Its a bit odd discussing these matters in the corridor, suggested the woman, growing bolder.
Absolutely not! I dont know you, and I dont let strangers into my home. Say what you have to say, and make it quick, Charlotte snapped.
Do you really want to air the intimate details of my relationship with William out here, in full view of the neighbours? said the woman, with a mocking little smile.
What? What relationship? Charlottes voice came out louder than she intended.
Charlotte, everything alright? Why are you raising your voice? asked Mrs. Green, their neighbour, whod just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hello, Mrs. Green! Everythings just fine. Hows the weather out there? tried Charlotte, hoping to distract her nosey neighbour.
Looks as though its about to rain, Mrs. Green replied, not in any rush to go inside, her eyes flicking between them with obvious curiosity.
Come in, then, Charlotte said, with no enthusiasm, grudgingly letting the young woman into her flat.
Inside, the woman looked around with great interest, her gaze lingering on the family photos and assorted knick-knacks.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Charlotte said, blocking her from venturing any further into the sitting room. This isnt a museum.
My names Jessica, she began, pulling off her scarf and coat. William and I are in love.
Oh, how original! Couldnt you come up with something a bit less cliché? Charlotte broke in, with a sarcastic grin.
Whats so clichéd about it? People fall in loveit happens. Youre hardly the first wife whose husbands run off, Jessica shot back, confidence shining through as she tried to sidestep Charlotte.
And youre sure he doesnt love me anymore, only you? Charlotte replied, the faintest smile lingering.
Absolutely! Otherwise, I wouldnt be here, Jessica answered, bold as brass.
Well, you see, the thing is my husband doesnt really love anyonenot properly. He wouldnt know how. So, Im afraid youre mistaken, love, Charlotte replied, calm as ever.
Jessica opened her mouth to protest just as the door swung open and in walked William
William arrived home, looking quite stunned to find a complete stranger standing in his hallway.
Jessica? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Something wrong at work? he stammered, baffled.
No, shes here for you, Charlotte said, relishing the scene.
For me? What do you mean? Has something happened at the office? William asked, even more confused.
No, darling. Shes come to take you off my hands. Entirely, Charlotte replied, the irony thick in her voice.
Jessica, now flustered, threw her coat on and quickly backed out the door.
Leaving so soon? But what about William? Werent you here for him? Honestly, Id be more than delighted to let you have him, Charlotte teased, but Jessica made a swift exit without another word.
What on earth was all that about? William asked, utterly bewildered.
You tell me! Why would this bold woman turn up, asking for a divorce and acting like you’d already agreed to move in with her? Charlotte demanded, arms folded.
Are you serious? William looked genuinely shocked. Ive not the faintest idea whats going on. Shes been acting odd at work, but Ive given her no reason to think anything. Im getting sick of this nonsense. I promised you, remember?
Good. Because you know me, WilliamI dont put up with this sort of thing. Still, honestly, women these days will go to any lengths to sort out their messy lives, Charlotte said, shaking her head.
William slipped off his shoes and wandered to the kitchen, while Charlotte stood, lost in thought for a moment. She resolved never to let random people like Jessica unsettle the calm of her home. Despite herself, she smiled at how poorly orchestrated Jessicas plan had been.
It was plain as day that, whatever others might attempt, their marriage was stronger than anyone could ever have guessed.
