Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! the wife said with a grin to the unfamiliar lady who had just appeared at her front door.
Hold on a sec, Emily! Someones at the door. Ill call back once I know who it is and what they want, Catherine said reluctantly, ending a phone chat with her old friend. Emily had just been recounting, in vivid detail, her motherinlaws birthday bash, full of jokes, which had left Catherine laughing nonstop as if she were watching a sitcom on the telly.
Catherine padded over to the door, peered through the peephole and was rather taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour next door, because strangers rarely manage to get into their secure block of flats. Instead, a strange young woman shed never seen before stood there.
She decided not to open after all, its wiser to steer clear of unknowns, especially nowadays with scams everywhere. Catherine lived by a strict rule: no chatting with strangers. Con artists prey on naïveté, but she wasnt one of their marks.
She reached for her phone to continue the conversation with Emily, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get a reply.
Catherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone to a mates garden to help with some planting. She went back to the door, looked through the peephole once more, this time studying the stranger more closely.
There was something odd, even pitiful, about the woman, but Catherine sensed no immediate danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to go away? Then I can finish my weekend in peace, she thought. Maybe shes lost or just trying to sell something.
Resolving to act, she cracked the door open. The lady in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Catherine? she asked, fiddling with a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why would I ask?
Catherine thought, How clever scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
What do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or get out! Catherine replied firmly.
Is James home? the stranger inquired, catching Catherine off guard.
Ah, now were getting somewhere! Catherine mused, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name definitely a prepared con.
Are you here for James? Catherine asked, though shed planned to say something else.
No, I came to speak with you. But if James is in, itll be trickier for me, the woman replied casually.
Trickier for you? Whats the story? Catherine wondered, curiosity spiking.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Catherine finally asked.
Perhaps we should go inside. Its hard 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 home. State your business, and make it quick, Catherine shot back.
Do you really expect 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? Catherine shouted, her voice louder than intended.
Just then, Mrs. Clarke, the neighbour, stepped out of the lift.
Catherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? Mrs. Clarke asked.
Oh, hi Mrs. Clarke! All good. Hows the weather outside? Catherine tried to steer the conversation away.
It looks like rains on the way, Mrs. Clarke replied, pausing at her own door, clearly curious about the commotion.
Come in, Catherine said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, the woman began eyeing the flat with interest, her gaze lingering on various objects.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Catherine said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Margaret, the woman began, removing her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Ah, how original! Couldnt you think of something less cliché? Catherine snapped with a sarcastic grin.
Whats cliché about it? People fall in love that happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband runs off, Margaret retorted confidently, trying to move past Catherine.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Catherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If that werent true, I wouldnt be here, Margaret replied boldly.
My husband doesnt know love. Hes clueless about that, so youre badly mistaken, dear, Catherine said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr James Whitaker cant take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declared.
Really? Thats odd. That doesnt sound like him at all. So what do you want, Margaret? Catherine asked, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Margaret announced, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband leave, even though he never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Catherine laughed, now genuinely amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, bewildered to see an unfamiliar woman in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, confused.
No, Im here for you, Catherine said, delighted by the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happen at work? James repeated, still puzzled.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Catherine said with a grin.
Margaret, flushed, hurriedly slipped back into her coat and backed toward the door.
Youre leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Catherine joked.
Margaret was already at the exit.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, utterly baffled.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and claiming youll live with her? Catherine asked, hands on her hips.
Seriously?! James replied, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She acted oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to all this nonsense.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women nowadays will do anything to sort out their chaotic lives, Catherine said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then sighed. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all very strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Exactly, Catherine said with a faint smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, moving to hug her. Thanks for standing by me. You know I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Catherine returned the embrace, feeling that despite the odd episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Well get through anything together.
In that moment they both sensed that, no matter the unexpected hurdles, their relationship was unshakable. Nothing that day could tear them apart.
