Home Again – No Sign of My Husband or His Belongings

She came back home to find neither husband nor his belongings.

What are you looking at me like that? Zoe teased, her smile wide. Stanley just wanted to prove to me that hes a proper blokenothing more.

Is that really what you think? the other woman asked.

Just the plain truth, love, the exwife of Stanley replied, handing the young woman a cup of tea.

I dont get it at all, Evelyn blurted, feeling lost.

Oh, Stanley will explain everything to you, Zoe said, nodding toward the park path.

Evelyns mother, Margaret Whitaker, had raised her as if she were a delicate, priceless blossom. Margaret herself was a hardnosed woman who ran her own timber mill with an iron fist. Yet when she was alone with her only daughter, her voice softened, becoming gentle and soothing, and her eyes shone with affection.

Thus Evelyn grew up tender, fragile, and trusting. She never knew hardship; she attended a regular school and a music academy, eagerly learning piano. She never became a worldfamous virtuoso, but she turned into an excellent teacher.

All that remained was to find a good husband, and soon a charming suitor appeared: Victor, a handsome driver with a modest salary. He courted her beautifully, whispering sweet words and gazing into her bright blue eyes.

Her mother, however, disliked him immediately.

Lazy and foolish! Margaret declared.

Mum, I love him, Evelyns eyes welled with tears.

Alright, dear, Margaret sighed, just promise youll live with me!

Their spacious threebedroom flat in Manchester had room for everyone, and Victor had no objections to sharing a home with a motherinlaw who spent most of her days at the mill. He had nothing else in his past to hide.

Victor was caring and gentle at first, but after the wedding his true colours emerged: he began drinking, loitering, and shouting at his young wife. In his motherinlaws presence he pretended to be respectable, though the façade was thin. Evelyn refused to acknowledge his flaws.

Nine months after the ceremony she gave birth to a son, whom they named Leo. She rejoiced, believing they finally had a real family. The baby was demanding, needing constant attention, and Victor grew more irritable. She endured, hoping things would improve.

Her patience finally snapped when, after barely a year of seeing her grandson, Margaret suddenly died. The funeral was arranged by Margarets longtime friend, Edward Clarke, a solicitor with vast experience.

During those days Victor never returned home; when he did, a bag of his belongings waited for him in the hallway. He threatened lawsuits and a division of assets, but Evelyn remained unmoved. Edward saw to it that Victor was thrown out of the house and that no property was split.

Evelyn could no longer run the mill; the business was taken over by specialists hired by Edward. The oncelarger household now needed nothing more than the basic necessities.

Losing her mother and the divorce hit Evelyn hardshe had no friends or relatives to lean on. Her son, however, needed her care, so she focused all her energy on him, refusing to think about any other men, Edward excluded.

One rainy afternoon, after a visit to the childrens clinic, Evelyn and fiveyearold Leo tried to shelter under a large umbrella, waiting for the downpour to ease. The taxi shed called never arrived due to high demand, and she didnt drive. They decided to take a chance.

Jump in quickly! someone shouted. Before they could walk twenty metres, a car screeched to a halt, the driver leaning over the seat and flinging the back door open. Come on, the parking here is forbidden!

Evelyn didnt think it was dangerous, especially since she recognised the driverStanley, who often lingered in the clinic corridors, bringing his own son of Leos age.

Thanks! she said warmly to Stanley after the ride.

Youre welcome! Mind if I have your number? he grinned.

She tensed.

Sorry, I dont date married men, she replied, turning away with Leo.

She never expected to see Stanley again so soon, but the next day he was waiting in the courtyard.

Im not married, he said, handing her a recent divorce decree. That happened a month ago.

Was she tired of loneliness? Was Stanleys cheerful, caring nature simply too appealing? Did Leo like him instantly?

Evelyn couldnt understand why she agreed to let a new acquaintance walk with them, then invited him for dinner. From that day they met almost daily, and she fell deeper in love. After a month he proposed.

It feels right, he said. I love you, and Leo means the world to me.

Leos attachment to his new stepfather was decisive; the boy called Stanley Dad even before the wedding.

When they finally married, Stanley suggested adopting Leo.

Ive always dreamed of having two sons, he declared, his eyes softening.

Evelyn patted his shoulder sympathetically, knowing that Stanleys exwife, now with a wealthy new partner, had barred him from seeing his own child, causing him great pain.

Within three months of meeting, they became a true family. The only secret Evelyn kept from Stanley was her true financial situation. The timber mill, though modest, still turned a decent profit, which she split with her business partners. She saved the earnings for Leos education, a future home, and everything else she could think ofpurely for him. She didnt want anyone else to know. Edward had taught her that secrecy was safer, especially after he retired to a seaside cottage.

If Stanley suspected anything about her money, he never confronted her.

That blissful period lasted less than a year. Over time, Stanley grew less caring and kinder. He often returned from work scowling, irritated.

Dont worry, its just the boss, he would say at first.

Cant you transfer to another site? Youre a brilliant electrician, Evelyn asked anxiously.

Ill sort it out, he muttered.

Soon he stopped apologising, becoming sullen or, worse, shouting at her. Leo was left untouched, but it was evident the boy annoyed him. Evelyn was at a loss for what to think, until everything fell into place on their own.

One afternoon they were strolling in the park with LeoStanley was delayed at work but promised to join them later for icecream.

Too bad you agreed to adopt him, a unfamiliar, slightly mocking female voice said, hovering near Evelyns ear.

She turned sharply. A striking brunette in a bright orange coat sat down beside her.

Do we know each other? Evelyn asked, startled.

No, but that can change, the woman replied with a sly smile. Im Zoe. Stanleys exwife. Formerly temporarily former.

Evelyn stared, bewildered, while Leo played further away, unaware of the tension.

What are you looking at? Zoe asked, smirking. Stanley just wanted to prove hes a proper mannothing more.

Is that really what youre saying? Evelyn wondered.

The plain truth, love, Zoe said, leaning back on the bench.

She was five years older than Evelyn, looking down with a condescending air.

I dont understand Evelyn stammered.

Oh, Stanley will explain everything, Zoe nodded toward the path.

Stanley indeed approached, glancing anxiously between the two women.

Stanley, tell the girl whats what, Zoe said, getting up, patting Stanley on the head, and heading toward the park exit. Were waiting for you! she called over her shoulder.

Later, as Stanley stood before Evelyn, he asked, Whats your problem with me?

I dont know what Zoe told you, but yes, I married you just to spite her.

He fell silent, gathering his thoughts.

She drove me mad! Who do you need? shed say. I thought she was the only one tolerating me, and Leo was my only child.

And then you started flirting with that rich guy Max?

I couldnt take it any longerI filed for divorce.

Why adopt Leo? Evelyn managed to ask.

To keep everything tidy. New wife, new son, everything in order! Stanley replied. I saw you at the clinic and thought youd fit perfectly.

Fit as what? Evelyn sneered.

Stanley said nothing.

What now? Evelyn asked, unsure why she was asking, though everything was clear.

I dont know, Stanley muttered. I think Im getting used to you both.

He realised quickly that he hadnt slept over at Evelyns flat; the next morning, after taking Leo to the garden, she returned to an empty apartmentno signs of his belongings, no husband.

She let out a heavy sigh and dialed Edward Clarkes number. She needed a lawyer again.

Through all the twists and betrayals, Evelyn learned that trust is fragile, pride can ruin lives, and the only thing that truly endures is the love you give to those who depend on you. In the end, she understood that honesty with yourself and those you cherish is the only foundation a family can stand on.