Claim Your Husband Back!

Emma hurried home from the schools parents evening, where Mrs. Clarke had once again scolded Tom for not doing his homework and snapping at his classmates. Something had changed in him latelyhe was distracted, vague, and kept his thoughts to himself. She knew she had to get James, his father, to talk to him; after all, a fathers words still carried weight.

As she turned the corner, she spotted Jamess black sedan parked by the curb. Could he have come to pick her up? A hopeful smile tugged at her lips. She quickened her pace, stopped dead in her tracks, and watched as James stepped out of the car, a bouquet of roses in hand, heading toward an unfamiliar young woman. The girl wrapped her arms around him, took the flowers, and slipped into the passenger seat. They drove off together.

Emmas mind raced. Who was that tall, darkhaired stranger in the short skirt, so unlike her own short, blond, bobcut? James had mentioned a late meeting about a new project that required strategy sessions with colleagues. Was this new colleague? Thirteen years of marriage had never once made her doubt his fidelity. They had wed straight out of university, and Jamess welltodo parents had gifted them a flat in a leafy suburb of Surrey. The inlaws had always been warm, doting on Emma as if she were their own daughter.

When Jamess father retired due to ill health, James took over the family firm. At first the pressure was intense, but he soon earned the respect of his staff and a comfortable salary. The couple bought a modest cottage on the edge of the Cotswolds, where they spent many weekends entertaining friends and parents. They also enjoyed occasional trips abroad. James often suggested that Emma quit her job to be a fulltime mother, but she loved her work as a cardiologist and wasnt ready to give up her calling.

Now, faced with the possibility that James had found someone else, Emma felt the world tilt. Tears hotly streamed down her cheeks as she wondered what she had missed. Had he ever been more than a friend to her? He had never ogled other women, despite being a handsome man.

Back home, she tried to discipline Tom.

Enough, Mum, Im fed up with your lectures! Tom shouted.

Ive only just started, Tom. Miss Parker is already disappointed in you. The term has just begun, and youre already acting up, Emma replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Do what I want, thats how Ill behavejust like Dad! Now I get why hes with another aunt. Youve been brainwashing him, havent you? Tom blurted, his tone sharp.

What aunt? What are you on about? Emmas voice cracked.

I saw Dad in the café with a gorgeous girl. He didnt even notice me walking past. What do you say to that? Tom said, his eyes wide.

Emma sank onto the sofa, covering her face with her hands, and began to sob.

Dont cry, Mum Tom whispered, his own childhood fear of her tears surfacing.

Look, son, things happen. I still love your father, but if hes treating you like this, let him go. Im not a child myself; Im twelve now. He sniffed, Everythings falling apart for me, too. Im upset, Mom. My dads acting like this

Tom handed her a tissue. She wiped her eyes and wrapped her arms around him. Ill speak to your father. He needs to be honest.

Two hours later James arrived home looking tired and preoccupied. Emma, I wont be having dinner. I ate with the team, need a quick shower, then to bed. Im exhausted, he muttered.

I saw you, James, Emma said, voice trembling. You gave her flowers and left. I was passing the school.

James froze. You saw? I I didnt know how to say it. Ive started an affair with my new secretary, Angela. I still dont understand how it happened.

What now? Leaving the family? Emma asked, hurt.

I dont want to leave, but Im drawn to her like a magnet. It feels like Im fifteen again. I never meant for this to happen. She asked me to pick up some documents at her place, introduced me to her mother, ate dinner with them. I even went to her house for tea and a cake. I fell for her, and now Im a mess, James confessed, his voice cracking.

James on our own cottage, on our bed? Emma gasped. No words.

Im sorry. I think we should part. I wont abandon Tom; Ill keep paying child support. Ill leave the house to you, take the car and the cottage for myself, he said, already planning the division.

Emma stared at the empty coat rack where Jamess jackets once hung. He had walked out, but she had never let money become her priority. Wealth was fine, but family, health, and love mattered far more.

The next day James packed his things and left while Emma and Tom were away. He left a note for his son, attempting to justify his actions.

Two weeks later, Emmas motherinlaw, Margaret, called. James told me everything. How could this happen? A midlife crisis? Who is this girl? Were devastated, taking calming pills, but they do nothing, she sobbed.

Emma replied, James is an adult; he knows what hes doing. Tom has accepted his decision, though hes hurt. Well manage.

A fortnight after that, James returned unexpectedly. Tom wasnt home.

Emma, I need to collect a few things. May I come in? he asked.

Of course, she replied, surprised by his pallor and dark circles.

Tom isnt answering my calls. Hes probably angry, James said. Are you feeling alright? Is that young woman draining you? Emma replied dryly, You look like youve been run over by a truck.

Im sick, Emma. I feel weak, apathetic, like I dont want to live, he admitted.

Usually men bloom with a younger partner, Emma remarked sarcastically.

I get your sarcasm, but Im genuinely illphysically and mentally. Angelas presence makes me nauseous. I know I dont love her, yet I cant break away, James said.

Take your things and go. What about the divorce? Emma asked.

I dont want a divorce. I want nothing, he muttered, slumping into a chair and clutching his head. The scene felt like a melodramatic tragedy.

Emma left, and James fled with his bag, still looking ill.

At work, Emma confided in her colleague and friend, nurse Tara. I think theres something more to this. My neighbour, Mrs. Green, claims she can see a spell, Tara suggested.

Emma laughed. Im a doctor, not a believer in witchcraft.

Just come with me. Take a photo of James, just in case, Tara urged.

That evening, they drove to Mrs. Greens modest cottage. She was a gentlelooking woman in a floral dress, not the stereotypical witch. After a cup of tea, Mrs. Green took the photograph, closed her eyes, and whispered over it.

Its a love charm, she said. Shes used food to bind him.

Emma felt a surge of disbelief, then a nervous chuckle. A love charm? That sounds like a storybook.

Mrs. Green insisted it was real, explaining that the girls mother had hired her to secure a quick marriage for profit. If he stays, hell crumble, fall into depression, maybe even harm himself. Karma will catch up with them both, she warned.

Can you undo it? Emma asked, halfhopeful.

The spell must be lifted from him. Bring him home, keep him away from her, and Ill say a prayer at the church. It costs nothing, just his safety, Mrs. Green replied.

Emma agreed, though part of her doubted the plan. She called James, got no answer, and decided to drive to the cottage herself, despite never having learned to drive. She took a taxi to the Cotswolds, remembering happier days when theyd barbecued and danced on this very lawn.

At the gate, Angela opened the door.

Emma? I wasnt expecting you, she said coolly.

Hello, Angela. I need to speak with James, Emma replied.

Angela hesitated, then led Emma to the bedroom where James lay on the floor, propped against the wall, looking gaunt.

James, youre ill. Whats happened? Emma asked.

He turned slowly, his face drawn, a thin beard shadowing his cheeks. Toms not answering. Im feeling terrible I cant drive, Im weak.

Emma glanced at Angela, who twisted her hands nervously. Whats going on here? Where is James heading? she asked.

Back to his family, James muttered, struggling to his feet. Youre a mistake, Angela. I never wanted this.

Angela snapped, You think Im a witch? No spell, just a fling. Ill find someone better, richer. Youre worthless! She hurled the insult, then fled with her bag.

James stared at her departing figure, then at Emma. They placed a charm on me. I dont believe it, but maybe its true. Im sorry, Emma, he sobbed.

Emma brushed his hair back, feeling the weight of everything collapse into a single moment. Well get through this, she whispered.

Over the next two weeks, Emma attended church, lighting a candle before the statue of the Virgin Mary, reciting the prayers Tara gave her. Mrs. Green performed her rituals at home. Slowly, Jamess health improved. He regained his appetite, his mood brightened, and the dark cloud over his mind lifted.

Did you ever think magic was real? James asked one evening as they walked hand in hand through their garden.

Maybe theres something to it, Tara replied, smiling. Sometimes belief gives us the strength to change.

James and Emmas relationship grew more tender than before. Tom, seeing his parents reconciled, smiled again. Angela vanished from their lives, never to be seen again. Whether she faced a karmic reckoning or simply moved on, no one could say.

Emmas heart, once bruised, now beat with a quiet certainty. She learned that wealth and fleeting attractions could crumble, but love rooted in honesty, compassion, and shared hardship endures. True prosperity is measured not in pounds or property, but in the bonds we nurture with those we cherish.