Claim Your Husband

13May Im still reeling from the parentteacher evening at StJohns Primary. MrsPatel called Tom in for a chat about his maths homework, scolding him for not turning it in and for being sullen. Ive noticed hes been drifting lately, quiet and distant, never spilling the beans about whats on his mind. I told Emily that Id have a word with his father, but thats Toms dad, not me.

As I was leaving, I spotted my own car parked by the roadside. Could it be that Id driven out to meet her? I quickened my pace and halted sharply. James stepped out with a bouquet, his eyes fixed on a stranger. She wrapped her arms around him, snatched the flowers, and they climbed into the car and drove off.

Who was she? Tall, jetblack hair, a short skirt the complete opposite of Emily, who is petite with short, sandyblonde curls. Id heard James mention that hed be staying late at work on a new project, ironing out strategy with colleagues. Was this the colleague? Thirteen years of marriage and Id never once doubted his fidelity. Wed married straight out of university, his parents had gifted us a flat in Kensington; they were welloff and always doted on Emily, even spoiling their grandson, little Tom.

When Jamess fathers health failed, James took over the family firm. It was rough at first, but he settled in, earned respect and a comfortable salary. We bought a modest cottage in the Cotswolds for weekend getaways, often hosting friends and family. We travelled abroad now and then. Hed suggested I quit my cardiology post to stay home with Tom, but I loved my work; helping patients was my calling.

Now, with his affair out in the open, Im left wondering if hes fallen out of love and is about to walk away. Tears burned down my cheeks how could he, whod always been my confidant, turn his gaze elsewhere? Hed never ogled other women, despite his good looks.

I got home and tried to scold Tom.

Mate, stop whining, Ive had enough of your lectures! he shouted.

What do you mean enough? I was just getting started! Miss Parker is furious with you. The term has just begun and youre already causing trouble.

Ill do as I like, just like Dad! No wonder hes found another aunt; youve driven him mad, havent you?

What aunt? What are you on about? I was left speechless.

I saw Dad in a café with a beauty, didnt even notice me passing by. What do you think?

I slumped onto the sofa, hid my face in my hands and broke down.

Dont cry, love, Tom said, his voice soft. Hed never liked seeing me weep.

Things happen, love. I still love Dad, but if he treats you like this, let him go. Im twelve now, after all.

My world felt like it was slipping through my fingers. Toms complaints about my missed lessons only added to the sting.

Because you dont do your homework? he sneered. Maybe thats why hes turned to someone else.

Dont make a scene, Tom. Its just our lives have gotten tangled.

He handed me a tissue. I wiped my eyes, pulled him close and said, Ill talk to James. Hell have to be straight with you.

Two hours later James trudged in, looking exhausted, eyes hollow.

Im not having dinner, I ate with the team, Im off to the shower and then to bed, he muttered.

I saw you, James you handed her flowers and then left. I was walking past the school.

He froze. You saw that? I I havent been able to say it. Ive started seeing my new secretary, Blythe. I dont know how it happened.

Its like a nightmare. What now? Are you leaving us?

I dont want to leave, Emily. Theres something about her that pulls me like a tide. I love you too, its baffling. I never meant to hurt you. It started when she asked me to drop some paperwork at her flat, I met her mother, they fed me dinner, invited me over for tea. I didnt realise I was falling.

On our cottage, on our bed James, how could you?

Im sorry. Ill stay, Ill keep supporting Tom, Ill leave the house to you, take the car and the cottage for myself. Shes young, shell play and then dump me. Ive ruined the family.

The next morning he packed his things and left while Emily and Tom were out. He left a letter for Tom, trying to explain his departure.

Emily stood before his empty coat rack, heart heavy. Hed left the man shed loved forever. Money has never mattered to her; family, health and love are what count. She vowed she wouldnt be the one to file for divorce first.

Later, my motherinlaw called.

Emily, James told me everything. Was it a midlife crisis? What does that Blythe want? Hes a good husband, a decent son. Were devastated, drinking calming teas, nothing helps.

Im shocked too, Margaret. James is a grown man; he knows what hes doing. Tom has accepted his choice but is hurt. He says he wont see us any more.

Hold on, love. Were here for you.

Two weeks later James returned, but Tom wasnt home.

Emily, I need to collect something. May I?

Sure, come in.

He looked gaunt, dark circles under his eyes, weight loss evident.

Tom isnt answering. Hes probably angry, maybe hell come around.

Looking like youve been draining the life out of every young thing? I teased.

Its not that. I feel weak, apathetic, I dont want to live

I thought men thrive with younger companions, not old wives.

Your sarcasm is noted, but Im genuinely ill, both body and mind. Blythes presence makes me sick. I dont love her, yet I cant break away.

Take your things and go. What about the divorce?

I dont want a divorce. I want nothing.

He sat, head in his hands, tears spilling. I whispered, Youve caused enough pain.

He grabbed his bag and left. I could see his anguish was real.

At work I confided in my nurse friend, Tamara. She suggested visiting her neighbour, an old herbalist, to see if there was any sorcery at play.

I dont believe in that mumbojumbo, I laughed, I have a medical degree, not a crystalball.

Just for curiosity, bring a photo of James, she said.

That evening we drove to the cottage of the herbalist, Grandma Lena, a modest woman in a cardigan and a floppy hat. After some tea, Lena took the photograph, lit a candle and whispered over it.

Your husbands been bewitched, love. Its a lovespell through food. Theyre after money, not your heart.

I burst out laughing.

Really? A lovespell? He just had hormonal upswing, thats all.

Lena insisted it was real and offered to lift the spell, but only if I kept James away from Blythes influence. She gave me a prayer to say before the icon of the Virgin Mary in the local church and promised to work on the spell at home.

I was skeptical, but with Toms wellbeing at stake I agreed. I called James repeatedly, no answer, so I hired a taxi and drove to the cottage. The place was still as it had been when we first bought it: a cosy garden, the smell of barbecued sausages, laughter echoing from the past.

I knocked; the door opened to Blythe.

Emily? I didnt expect you, she said, smiling thinly.

I need to speak to James, I replied.

She nodded and led me up. James lay on a sofa, face pale, stubble on his chin.

Emily? What are you doing here?

My sons in trouble, I need you, I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He sat up, looking worse.

Im not feeling well, everything hurts he muttered.

Looks like the younger crowd is sapping your strength, I snapped, recalling Lenas words.

He tried to get dressed, but his hands trembled. I left, and Blythe watched me go, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.

James shouted after me, You think Im a puppet of some spell? Im sick, Emily, I cant even drive!

I told him to pack his things and leave. He hesitated, then slumped back onto the sofa, mumbling about divorce, about nothing. He finally rose, took his bag and walked out, leaving the cottage empty once more.

The next two weeks I attended church daily, praying before the Virgins icon. Lena kept her promise; the oppressive weight that seemed to cling to James began to lift. He started calling, his voice steadier, and we slowly rebuilt a tentative peace. Toms smile returned when he saw his parents laughing together again.

Blythe disappeared, changing jobs and moving away. Whether a spell existed or not, the turmoil faded, and we found a new rhythm. I learned that pride and secrecy can erode the strongest of bonds, and that honesty, however painful, is the only foundation a family can stand on.

Lesson: never let silence and pride hide the cracks in a marriage; face the truth headon, or watch the whole house crumble.