“If you bring another woman to my bed, I’ll throw you out!” — Sarah thought, and instantly woke up.
The hospital ward was dark. The stifling, sickly silence was broken only by the snoring and soft breathing of her roommates.
— Good Lord… — she ran a hand across her forehead. — Why would I even think that?
Sure, things had been rocky with her husband, James, lately, and it even seemed like divorce might be on the horizon, but this? No. He wasn’t foolish enough to bring someone into their home, not with three little kids there! Sarah shifted on the hospital bed, trying to get comfortable. Sleep wouldn’t come.
She’d been admitted ten days ago. More accurately, she’d been rushed in on a stretcher by ambulance. She remembered little: just feverish hallucinations and annoying voices. She kept begging to go home, repeating that she had three young children, the eldest only three years old. An elderly doctor had reassured her, saying:
— How can you care for kids in this condition? You’ve got pneumonia, your fever’s through the roof! Be sensible, get better, and then you’ll go back to your children. You need to stay in the hospital, dear, you need to.
She was recovering quickly. They promised to discharge her tomorrow, provided she swore to keep taking her medications at home.
Her children… the youngest, Lily, was five months old, and Sarah was terrified that her daughter might forget her.
— Nonsense! — she scolded herself. — Instead of thinking up this rubbish, just sleep! Tomorrow morning, Emily will pick you up, and you’ll go home.
Sarah had asked her friend Emily in advance. There was no one else to pick her up from the hospital. James couldn’t leave the kids alone at home to bring her clothes. Emily had happily agreed.
— Have you told Jack you’re getting discharged? — Emily asked.
— No, — Sarah admitted reluctantly. — I’ll call him after we’re done talking.
— Oh! — Emily’s tone suggested a sudden idea. — Why don’t we make it a surprise? Don’t worry about clothes; I’ll bring you something of mine.
— Sure, let’s do it.
Sarah didn’t want to admit that she wasn’t eager to talk to her husband. Just before Lily was born, she’d found out Jack was cheating on her with some young girl. He swore it meant nothing, but Sarah, steeling herself, decided her priority was to safely deliver her baby. Family drama could wait. After giving birth, she chose to give their marriage a second chance.
After all, she thought, I’m partly to blame too—I’ve been completely consumed by the kids…
She still loved him, and she knew it. The kids needed their father. Jack, seemingly relieved by her decision, settled down. But Sarah noticed how quickly he’d close his Skype window whenever she entered the room. She saw how cold and distant her once affectionate, caring husband had become.
Getting out of the hospital was a joy in itself, especially with the spring sun warming the air outside. Sarah paused on the steps, breathing in the fresh air with delight. Her lungs weren’t fully recovered, but the breeze felt heavenly after the hospital’s stuffiness.
Emily honked briefly from her car.
— I’ll get home and head straight for a bath! — Sarah said cheerfully, buckling her seatbelt. — I reek of medicine.
— Nonsense, — Emily smiled. — You’ll scrub up and smell like perfume again. The important thing is you’re healed.
— True. Emily, thank you for checking on my kids. And for picking me up.
— Oh, stop it with that nonsense! Tell me, what’s the plan with your husband? You mentioned divorce…
— I don’t know, — Sarah sighed. — Honestly, I don’t, and I’m too drained to decide. For now, I’ll let things run their course.
— Fair enough, — Emily agreed, pulling into the familiar courtyard.
— Yeah? — Jack’s voice crackled through the intercom. Emily winked at Sarah and pressed a finger to her lips. — It’s Emily.
— I’m not letting you in.
Sarah stared at her friend in shock. What’s going on? she mouthed. Emily waved her off.
— Sarah asked me to bring her a book or something.
— Fine, — Jack replied grumpily. — I’ll bring it down.
He came down a minute later. The heavy building door creaked open, and Jack froze when he saw his wife standing next to Emily.
— Hey, — he said flatly.
— What are you doing here?
— I got discharged, — Sarah shrugged.
— Huh… Well, come on up. He grabbed her heavy hospital bag and quickly climbed the stairs. Sarah, after a quick goodbye to Emily, followed. They ascended in silence.
— I’m not alone, — Jack broke the tense quiet. — Olivia stopped by to help.
— Olivia?
Sarah flinched. She knew exactly who Olivia was—the young girl her husband had been involved with! He’d said it was over, that they didn’t even talk anymore…
So, he’d lied. Somehow, this didn’t surprise or even upset her. On the contrary, now that the deception was out in the open, she felt like she could breathe easier. But what now?
They entered the apartment. A stranger’s bag sat in the hallway, along with unfamiliar shoes. The kids weren’t audible.
— So, — Jack began coldly, — why did you sneak out of the hospital? Or, I don’t know, get discharged early?
— I was worried about you all, — Sarah mumbled, caught off guard. — I thought you’d struggle, not even able to run to the store…
— Well, — Jack nodded, continuing in the same icy, cutting tone, — there’s fresh food in the house. And as you can see, the place is tidy. I hope it stays that way, because the kids need a clean home.
— What are you getting at? — Sarah asked, confused.
— I’m leaving. Now that you’re home, you don’t need my help anymore…
— Jack, I’m not fully recovered yet! They discharged me early!
— You’ll manage, — he scoffed.
— I love you… — Sarah whispered.
He turned over his shoulder and, enunciating each word, replied: — And I don’t love you.
Without another word, Sarah went to the bathroom. She needed to wash her face. She lingered longer than necessary—she didn’t want to face Olivia. And she didn’t have to. Jack and his young girlfriend left quickly. Sarah opened the door to the kids’ room and stepped inside quietly. Her daughters, Emma and Ava, didn’t stir at first.
They weren’t expecting me, Sarah thought, reaching out to them.
— Mommy’s back!
The girls rushed to her:
— Mommy!
Holding her children close, breathing in their sweet scent, Sarah felt truly happy. Lily was still asleep, but when she opened her eyes and saw her mother, she beamed with a joyful smile. The soup Jack had made, Sarah poured down the toilet without a second thought. She couldn’t bring herself to feed it to herself or the kids. In the fridge, she found a pack of eggs and some sausage. A feast! Asking a neighbor to watch the kids for half an hour, Sarah went grocery shopping. She still had a bit of cash from her hospital days, enough for one supermarket trip. That evening, Emily stopped by.
— You knew, didn’t you? — Sarah looked her friend in the eyes.
— I dropped by… a few days ago, — Emily said, clearly uncomfortable. — And I saw… her. What was I supposed to do, Sarah? Tell you, and risk you not believing me? Stay quiet… that didn’t feel right either. So, I figured we’d show up unannounced and let whatever happens, happen.
— It’s fine, — Sarah waved it off. — You did the right thing. Maybe it’s for the best…
The next morning brought shocking news: her emergency savings were gone. Sarah checked the wallet where she kept her cash, just to be sure. Empty.
— The kids got sick, I had to spend it on medicine, — Jack explained over the phone.
— But we have no money left… — Sarah could barely speak from the shock. — When the groceries run out, what am I supposed to buy more with?
— Sorry, I can’t help, — he replied curtly. — Payday’s not for a while.
That evening, after putting the kids to bed, Sarah sat at the computer and typed “freelance” into the search bar. The work wasn’t easy, but it paid. Every day, she submitted a story to a client. Romance and detective stories were in high demand. Writing them wasn’t hard, but it took time. She barely slept. Days were spent on household chores and the kids, and after 10 p.m., her second shift began, lasting until 4 or 5 a.m.
— You’re working yourself to death! — Emily kept saying, looking at her exhausted friend.
— But, — Sarah smiled, — I’ve got money to live on. Just wait, I’ll learn scriptwriting too!
— Does Jack pay child support?
— Oh, sure, — Sarah laughed. — A whole seventy dollars. The king is generous! I can live like royalty.
— Jerk, — Emily grimaced.
They didn’t talk about it again. Jack showed up occasionally, taking the kids out for a couple of hours once a week. The pitiful amount he sent for their support didn’t seem to bother him. Sarah didn’t want to discuss it with him. Her love for this man had turned into a crushing disappointment, and she avoided unnecessary contact. Rumor had it he was already living with a new woman—not Olivia, someone else. It was baffling how he could fall in love and start a new family without even finalizing their divorce. They divorced a year and a half later. Jack remarried and told the kids he’d soon be moving south permanently with his new family. Sarah felt relieved. The kids were often upset after seeing him. Jack would send them to playrooms while he went to cafés, and the girls said they barely got to talk to him. Still, his departure felt like a betrayal to them.
— They’re not wrong, — Sarah told Emily. — It is a betrayal. At least they saw him occasionally… But on the other hand, good riddance. He won’t upset them with his neglect anymore.
— And you? — Emily asked sadly. — Don’t you feel any regret?
Sarah paused for a moment.
— I don’t think so, — she admitted. — I’m finally done with him.
Work was going well. Since Sarah started combining writing with scriptwriting, her income had grown. And recently, something extraordinary happened. That morning, her agent called.
— Sarah, suuuuurpriiiiise!
— Mike, — she groaned sleepily, — it’s six in the morning. For God’s sake, make it quick and clear.
— Alright, — Mike was in an unbelievably good mood. — Guess who bought your latest script?
— Who? — She was losing patience.
— The BBC, Sarah! And, just so you know, you’re a genius, and they want to sign a contract with you!
— What did you say? — Sarah sat up sharply, nearly waking Lily, who was snuggled beside her. — They bought my script? And they want more?
— Finally, it sinks in! — Mike laughed. — And yes, my dear, you’re flying out in a week, so figure out what to do with the kids.
— Flying where?
— To London, of course! For the contract signing. I’ve already booked your ticket, so rest up and get ready. Let’s show the Brits we’re not small-time!
— What are you implying? — Sarah tried to sound stern, but her smile betrayed her.
— Well… — Mike hesitated. — Get a haircut. Buy a new dress. No offense, Sarah, but you’ve let yourself go a bit with all this work.
— Fine, you rascal, — she laughed. — I solemnly swear to spend today getting myself in order!
Two days later, Sarah was strolling along the Mediterranean coast.
She still had a few days before London, and the shock of the upcoming event was so overwhelming that she indulged in delightful whims.
Like taking a three-day trip to Italy. Emily took the kids, and Sarah spent her days wandering through chic boutiques, sipping fresh juices in countless cafés, and swimming in the sea. Suddenly, she started to really like herself: a beautiful, not-yet-old woman who had triumphed. Triumphed over what? Everything!
She’d survived her beloved husband’s betrayal, been left alone with three kids, but she hadn’t broken!
She’d found work that suited her, and now she was flying to London to sign a contract with one of the world’s leading networks! And right now, she was just a slender brunette in a flowing beach dress, walking barefoot along the shore as seagulls soared overhead. Beautiful!
— Excuse me, miss! — someone called out in English.
She hadn’t noticed a tall stranger catching up to her.
— Yes?
— I might be mistaken, but I think I know you. Are you Sarah Lenova?
She looked closer. The man’s face seemed familiar…
— Idiot, — she muttered under her breath in her native tongue. — The whole world knows him, and you’re the one slow on the uptake.
— Pardon?
— No, no, nothing. That’s me, — Sarah quickly switched to English.
— I was offered a role in a film based on your script, — the man said with a modest smile. — And you know, after reading it, I immediately said yes. You’re incredibly talented, Sarah. Truly talented!
— Coffee? — she offered, flustered by the unexpected praise.
— Wait, coffee? You just dragged him off for coffee, just like that? — Emily protested.
— Oh, Emily, I was completely thrown! He’s such a celebrity, so many people adore him, such a talented man, and suddenly he’s praising me! ME! You get it?!
Emily winked meaningfully:
— Atta girl! Show ‘em what we’ve got!
— And then, — Sarah rattled on, ignoring her friend’s remark, — we had dinner together.
— And? — Emily asked, all business.
— And that evening, I had a flight. But we met again in London. He said he regretted not exchanging numbers. I was busy all day…
— And? — Emily pressed, in the same tone.
— And I just got home. Emily, for the duration of my work with the network, I’ll have to move to London with the kids. For three years, for now, and then… who knows.
Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
— Sarah, it’s Jack. I’m in town, and I want to see the kids.
— How sweet of you to remember them, — she said through gritted teeth.
— Don’t be snarky, — he said softly.
— Oh, really? Why not? But fine, whatever. It’s good you’re here. I need you to sign permission for the kids to travel abroad. Meet me in half an hour at the café by my place.
— When are you leaving? Jack spun his coffee cup on its saucer, twisting it left and right by the handle.
The sound was grating.
— In two weeks.
— I see… so that’s how it is, — he said thoughtfully.
— Yes, that’s how it is, — Sarah replied impatiently, slipping the signed documents into her bag. — And you’ve got plenty of time to spend with the kids before then.
— And then I won’t see them for three whole years…
Her voice turned to steel:
— That didn’t bother you when you ran off to bask in the southern sun.
Jack looked at Sarah with longing, but she was unstoppable:
— How many times did you call them? Twice? Three times? How many times did you visit? You don’t care about the kids, Jack. You can play the part all you want, but please, not with me.
— Don’t be so harsh. He reached for her hand.
Sarah pulled it back.
— Alright. I… I treated you all badly. But back then, I was… it was a crisis, Sarah, understand! I wanted to change something, to run…
— And you did, — she smirked.
— I won’t argue. And then… check your texts.
A message in English popped up on her screen: “Counting the days until you arrive. Can’t wait to see you again and meet your kids. I found a cozy café here. We’ll definitely stop by together, okay?”
— And then, — Jack continued, looking defeated, — I started thinking about you all more and more. And only recently realized how much I need you. If you’d just let me…
— Arms dealer, — Sarah said suddenly, staring into her ex-husband’s face.
He’d aged: the once-sharp jawline had softened, and his beard was almost entirely gray.
— What?
— There was no crisis, Jack, — she explained. — You just got bored with routine, with responsibilities. It happens to everyone. But not everyone abandons their family to fend for themselves. You did.
— I already—
— Of course, — she stood, throwing on her coat to leave. — You apologized. But only because you found out that your new family comes with routine, responsibilities, and domesticity too. And now your ex-wife’s doing pretty well for herself, isn’t she? It won’t work, Jack, sorry.
He smiled sadly.
— You used to be kinder.
— Naïver, — she corrected. — And I paid for it. But you know, all my confidence and calm now? That’s the weapon you sold me in exchange for your freedom. You can see the kids tomorrow.
She walked down the street, smiling. Tonight, she and the kids would bake cookies, and before bed, she’d read to them. In two weeks, they’d dive into London: its smells, sounds, and traditions. A new, unfamiliar chapter of life would begin. But this one, like all the ones to come, would surely be happy!
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