Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! I heard my wife say with a grin to the stranger who had just appeared at our front door.
Hold on a minute, Anne! Someones at the door. Ill call back when I find out who it is and what they want, Katherine said reluctantly, ending her phone chat with an old friend. Anne had just been regaling her with a hilarious account of her motherinlaws birthday party, which had Katherine laughing nonstop, as if she were watching a sitcom on TV.
Katherine walked to the door, peeked through the peephole and was taken aback. She had expected the neighbour, because strangers rarely manage to get into the secure blocks of flats in Kensington. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before stood there, looking oddly out of place.
She decided not to open the door after all, its safer to keep out unknowns, especially nowadays when scammers are everywhere. Katherine lived by a strict rule: no conversations with strangers. Con artists prey on peoples naivety, but she wasnt one of them.
She lifted the handset to finish her talk with Anne, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Katherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone to help a mate with some gardening. She returned to the door and, this time, examined the outsider more closely through the viewer. Something about the woman was both odd and pitiable, yet Katherine didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and ask her to leave? Then I can enjoy the rest of the weekend in peace, she thought. Maybe shes lost or selling something.
Resolving to act quickly, she opened the door. The woman standing in the hallway straightened up, smoothing her hair nervously before speaking.
Hello! Are you Katherine? she asked, fiddling with a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you ask?
Katherine raised an eyebrow. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or go! Katherine said firmly.
Is James at home? the stranger asked, catching Katherine off guard.
Thats something, Katherine thought, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Shes definitely a prepared fraud.
Youre here for James? Katherine asked, though she had meant to say something entirely different.
No, I came to talk to you. But if James is inside, that would make things harder for me, the woman replied casually.
Harder for you? Whats going on? Katherine wondered, curiosity growing with each second.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Katherine finally asked.
Perhaps we should go inside. Its difficult to discuss such matters in the hallway, the woman suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my flat. State why youre here, and make it quick, Katherine snapped.
You really want me to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Katherine exclaimed, her voice louder than intended.
Katherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? asked Mrs. Smith, the neighbour, as she stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hello Mrs. Smith! Im fine. Hows the weather outside? Katherine tried to steer the conversation away.
It looks like rain is on the way, Mrs. Smith replied, lingering near the doors, clearly interested in the commotion.
Come in, Katherine said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger further inside.
Inside, the woman began to eye the flat with interest, her gaze landing on various objects.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Katherine said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Margaret, the woman began, removing her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Thats as clichéd as it gets! Could you not think of something more original? Katherine retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats so clichéd about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband walks away, Margaret replied confidently, trying to pass Katherine.
And youre sure hes stopped loving me and has fallen for you? Katherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be standing here, Margaret answered boldly.
My husband doesnt know love. Hes clueless about it, so youre completely wrong, love, Katherine said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Carter couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret claimed.
Really? That sounds unlike him. So what do you want from me, Margaret? Katherine asked, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Margaret declared, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband leave, even though he hasnt mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got a proper man? Katherine asked, now genuinely amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, startled to see a stranger in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, bewildered.
No, Im here for you, Katherine said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happen at work? James asked, still puzzled.
No, darling. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Katherine replied with a grin.
Margaret, flushed, quickly slipped on her coat and backed toward the door.
Youre leaving now? And what about James? You didnt come for him? Ill gladly give him back to you, Katherine joked.
But Margaret was already at the exit.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, utterly confused.
Tell me! Why did that brazen woman show up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Katherine demanded, hands on her hips.
Seriously?! James shouted, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you it would end.
Fine. You know I dont mess about, James. Women today will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Katherine said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then let out a deep sigh. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all very strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need this kind of trouble.
Youre right, Katherine answered with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling her into an embrace. Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im with you and only you.
Katherine returned the hug, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Together well get through anything.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship was unshakable. Nothing that day could tear them apart.
