Almost a year had passed since Emily returned to her hometown in the village after divorcing her husband. As she made her way back, she braced herself for the inevitable questions:
*”Why are you back for good? Wheres your husband?”*
And just as she expected, every familiar face she met asked the same thing.
Emily and Alex had left for London straight after schoolshe enrolled in medical school while he studied engineering. Both got in, and the joy was overwhelming. Theyd been together since Year 11, and everyone said they were made for each other. They understood one another without words. Even studying in different universities, their relationship held strong, and they married in their final year. They rented a flat, and Alex worked odd jobs to make ends meet.
Three years after graduation, Emily brought up having a child.
*”Alex, I think its time. Were both settled in our careers, earning decent wages.”*
*”Too soon. We dont even own a place. Dragging a kid from rental to rental?”*
*”Buying in London takes years. By then, it might be too late.”*
*”I said no. I cant stand kidsthe screaming, the mess. Never wanted them.”*
Emily was stunned. *How could he say that? He grew up in a big familyfour siblings!*
From that day, tension festered. Emily refused to accept his stance, but Alex wouldnt budge. Five years into their marriage, the final argument came.
*”If you want a child, have one. But youll raise it alone,”* he snapped.
That was when she knewtheir love was gone.
*”I understand. Our paths have split,”* she said calmly.
The next day, she resigned and left for her parents village. The divorce was quick, and soon she was a free womana pediatrician at the local clinic. It felt right being home, surrounded by familiar faces.
But her old classmate, Jessica, couldnt resist a jab. *”Couldnt cut it in the big city, could you? Alex couldnt keep you. I always knew hed have been happier with me.”*
Emily ignored her.
Her parents house was spaciousher father had added a second floor with a view of the river. Each morning, shed gaze out and think, *”This is beauty. No smog, no towering flats blocking the sky.”*
One morning at breakfast, she mentioned staying late after work.
*”Where are you off to?”* her mother asked.
*”Dinner with James Whitmore.”*
Her father frowned. *”That local councillor? Three divorces, barely worksand youre entertaining him?”*
*”Im not a child, Dad. I gave my word.”*
That evening, James greeted her outside the clinic with an extravagant bouquet, playing the gentleman.
Dinner was brief before he invited her to his home, eager to show off his wealth. The place was tastefully lavishmarble floors, crystal chandeliers, elegant furniture.
*”Beautiful,”* Emily admitted.
*”Hired a designer from Edinburgh,”* he boasted.
Over wine by the fireplace, conversation turned personal.
*”I worked at a London hospital. My husband didnt want children. So I came back.”*
James chuckled. *”People love gossiping about me. Three ex-wivesfirst two got nothing. The third? A flat in the countryside.”*
His gaze turned intenseshe knew what he wanted. But just then, her phone rang. A neighbours son had a high fever; the ambulance was delayed.
*”I have to go.”*
James, slightly drunk, grumbled but called a taxi.
Relieved, Emily left. *”Never again,”* she decided.
Back home, her mother eyed her. *”Early return. Good.”*
James called a few times, but Emily brushed him off. Eventually, he gave up.
Then one day, a man walked into her clinic with a three-year-old boy.
*”Hello,”* he saida voice she knew.
It was Anthony, from her school days. Once, hed fancied her, but Alex had been in the way.
*”Olivers fever wont break,”* he explained. *”His mum left two years ago.”*
She examined the boy, prescribed treatment, and handed Anthony a sick note.
*”Call me if you need anything.”*
They reconnected. Anthonys wife had abandoned them; hed filed for divorce. Soon, they were inseparable.
Now, Emily smiles as her mother dotes on their sonsOliver and Noah.
*”Was leaving for London worth it?”* her mum teases.
*”Absolutely. I found my happiness herethree wonderful men in my life.”*
