While His Wife Worked, He Cared for His Sick Mother—Until She Caught Him Buying Flowers for Another Woman

Margaret couldnt recall the last time shed felt so rested. Her business trip had been delayed by a few hours, and without offering any explanation, she switched off her phone and stretched out on the bed. Just that morning, shed returned from the countryside, where shed spent two days without a moments restscrubbing, cleaning, cookingall under the constant criticism of her mother-in-law and husband.

According to her mother-in-law, Margaret had trapped her husband, didnt earn enough, and somehow, despite her wages, her husband and his mother were supposedly starving. Her husband, Edward, only echoed his mothers words, insisting Margaret could easily find more work since she returned early from her job and didnt even have to cook.

Look how she mops the floor, the older woman tutted to her son. Takes her forever. She could be doing the laundry instead.

Unable to bear it, Margaret retorted that if they bothered to mop even once a week, it wouldnt be so filthy. She should have held her tonguethe barrage of complaints only worsened. Closing her eyes, she calmly suggested, Ive said it beforeyou could move to the city. Edward and I could care for you there, and he wouldnt have to quit his job.

Edward exploded. So you want me to work myself to the bone and then tend to my mother on top of it? You must have a heart of stone.

Margaret didnt wait for more. She simply opened the door and stepped outside, sitting on the bench by the gate.

Margaret, love, whats happened? Her neighbor, Emily, stood before her. It took a moment for Margaret to recognize her through her tears. Theyd met before the wedding, and Margaret had always liked her.

Hello, Em, she sighed.

Family troubles again? Emily asked knowingly.

Dont even start.

None of my business, but I dont see why you put up with it. Your husbands always here, yet youre not really living together. Whats the point?

We didnt choose this, Em. We cant abandon his mother in her state. Once shes better, Edward can return to the city.

Emily smirked. Shell outlive us all, mark my words. I think shes exaggerating her illness. You used to be so different. What happened? Have they worn you down completely?

Margaret shrugged. I dont know. Its just Drop by if you like.

When her phone rang, she saw it was her boss. He informed her of a last-minute assignment the next day around noon. Relief washed over herextra earnings, since business trips paid well. It was also the perfect excuse to avoid Edward and his mothers incessant calls, which frayed her nerves.

When she told them about the trip, the atmosphere lightened. The evening passed quietly, though she and Edward slept in separate bedshe didnt want to upset his mother. Margaret didnt argue. She was too exhausted from cleaning and fell asleep instantly.

At two in the morning, her mother-in-law shook her awake.

Are you deaf? Ive been calling you!

Margaret blinked, still half-asleep. I must have been out cold. What is it?

Fetch me my tablets.

Margaret glanced at the distance between the womans sofa and the medicine cabinetfar shorter than the walk to her sons room. But she got up. She barely managed to sleep again before her alarm at half past six. By the time she reached the city, she was as worn out as if shed already worked a full day. When she learned her meeting had been postponed, she nearly jumped for joy. Switching off her phone, she collapsed onto the bedand now, she felt refreshed.

She even had time to freshen up before heading to the station. She didnt care that her destination had changedwhat mattered was that shed rested.

An hour earlier, her travel funds had been deposited, but for the first time, she decided not to send the money to Edward. She wasnt sure what had changed. Shed already given most of her last paycheck, and now, she wanted to keep something for herself.

With twenty minutes until her train, she ducked into a café for bottled water. Hurrying past a flower stall, she spotted Edward. Disbelief seized herwasnt he supposed to be caring for his sick mother? Hed claimed she was too frail to leave alone! Yet here he was, buying a bouquet.

Margaret froze, watching as he handed the flowers to a woman. A thought struck her: what if they werent for his mother? The idea sickened her, but the seed of doubt had taken root. With nine minutes to spare, she clenched her ticket and hurried after him, flagging down a taxi.

Follow that car. Ill pay double.

The driver, intrigued, frowned but agreed. Through the window, Margaret saw Edward embrace and kiss the woman before she got into a car. Her stomach twisted. The driver glanced at her sympathetically.

Might not be what you think.

Only then did she really look at himtoo well-dressed for a cabbie.

Shed never ridden in such a luxurious car. Maybe hed fallen on hard times, she mused. As they turned into her neighborhood, the car stopped outside her building. Edward and the stranger disappeared inside. Tears welled in her eyes.

So while she was away, and his ailing mother was in the countryside, he was bringing women into her flat?

Going in? the driver asked gently.

No point, she muttered.

Youve missed your train anyway. Where were you headed?

She named a town two hundred miles away.

Ridiculous. Lets get coffee. Calm down, then Ill drive you.

I cant afford a taxi that far.

Who said anything about a taxi? I just dropped my father at the station. He visits my aunt every summer. Then you jumped in.

Sorry. Shame flooded her, and she wept.

The man sighed. Better stop, or youll drown my upholstery.

Half an hour later, Margaret stood by the riverbank, a hot coffee in hand, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sight was so breathtaking, her troubles faded.

Like it? asked the driverSimon.

Its beautiful. Lived here years and never knew this place.

I come often. Found it after my wifes affair.

Margaret stared. He laughed.

Exactly. Thought the samehow could she betray me?

She flushed, realizing shed been about to say just that. Studying him, she noticed he was around her age, handsome, with an air of quiet confidence.

Two days later, Edward called as she prepared to leave her temporary flat.

Margaret, whats this? You were supposed to transfer the money!

Its for my trip expenses.

So youre not sending it?

Thats right, Edward. Not the travel funds, not my wages. And while were at it, collect your things from my flat. Remember, its minefrom my parents.

Silence. Then a sigh.

Are you mad? How am I supposed to live?

Simple. Get a job, like any decent man.

How? My mothers ill!

Not ill enough, clearly. You leave her alone long enough to buy flowers for other womenwith my moneyand bring them to my home.

She hung up, realizing how naïve shed been.

She and Simon had exchanged numbers, messaging goodnights and little nothings.

On the day of her next trip, Edward intercepted her at the door.

What are you doing here?

Without shame, he grabbed her arm.

We need to talk.

No, Edward. We dont.

Youre wrong, he hissed. If you think you can walk away, youre mistaken. And what if I stepped out a few times? Im a manI have needs.

Do you really think I care?

He ignored her, yanking her closer.

Youre being ridiculous. Whod want you? Come home and apologize. Youve upset me enough.

She wrenched free.

Im not going anywhere with you.

He seized her again, tearing her sleeve.

You are. Youll see its nothing. All men do itwomen should be patient.

She struggled, his fingers burning her skin.

Let goyoure hurting me!

Suddenly, she was free. Edward was gone. Simon stood before her, breathless.

Margaret, are you all right?

Dazed, she nodded. How are you here?

Didnt want you on that train alone, letting some stranger chat you up.

Oh! Edwards voice cut in. Found yourself a fancy man! Im filing for divorce!

Margaret straightened. Perfect.

Edward faltered, realizing his blunder. She smiled.

Thank you, Edward. Im busy with work, so you filing