Black Widow Charming and sharp-witted Lily meets Vlad, a well-known and much older local songwriter…

The Black Widow

Attractive and clever, Lily was nearing the end of her journalism degree when she met Vlad, a man considerably older than her. It was naturally Vlad – full name Vladislav Roman – who first took notice of her. Vlad was a well-known personality in London, writing songs that were quite popular locally.

Vlad was at home with everyone; on regional TV, he had friends and contacts everywhere. So it was no trouble for him to get Lily a job as a presenter on his show not long after she finished university. A little later, her first programme aired, titled Heart to Heart. She invited a renowned psychologist and a couple of local notables. The show ran in Q&A format, with plenty of real-life examples.

Well done, Lily, Vlad commended after watching the show. This deserves a proper celebration.

Vladislav Roman, forty-five, had been married three times before. His boundless energy and legion of mates and acquaintances simply didnt suit a quiet family life. He was a creative soul, fancied himself a gifted composer, and spent his evenings lounging in restaurants, pubs, and spas; he was everyones mate and drank far too much.

Time went by; Lily became popular in town, married Vlad, and her show was followed widely. She looked fantastic, dressed with taste, always polite and welcoming. There wasnt even a hint of the femme fatale about her everyone called her the local TV beauty. But as for marrying Vlad, she realised soon enough shed made a mistake, especially with her husband almost permanently tipsy.

Vlad, dont push it, his friend Simon said once, when Vlad tried to belittle Lily in a drunken stupor. Shell have you eating out of her hand before long.

No, Simon, I never go for clever wives, Vlad retorted, pinching Lilys cheek lightly. He always considered himself the smart one.

While wooing her, Vlad had acted the perfect gentleman: flowers, gifts, dedicated two songs to her, and listened to her attentively. But the moment she became his wife, the attention evaporated. He treated her with about as much care as the family cat, and snapped at her often.

I foolishly thought Id become a star with his help, Lily mused to herself.

But reality was different. At university, shed learned French not the most practical travel language. Vlad nagged her endlessly:

Learn English. You look like a country bumpkin wandering abroad. Waste your time at the gym, but cant spare any for English lessons.

After constant sniping, Lily stubbornly refused to learn English just to spite him. But when Simon, Vlads knowledgeable mate, remarked at dinner, A sharp woman like you needs English the way she needs high heels, she signed up for evening classes the very next day with an excellent tutor.

Youve done a number on my wife, Simon, Vlad laughed, shes loaded up on textbooks, studies till late, and now theres only English playing in the car, no music.

Lily and Vlad lived in a spacious flat that came to him from his grandfather an eminent physician. They had a housekeeper, Vera, a forty-three-year-old single woman, sneaky and spiteful but with a careful mask of affability. She saw everything; it was impossible to keep secrets from Vera, who spent her days in their flat, privy to all household affairs.

One morning, Lily woke to find her husband absent once again, asleep on the sofa in his study after returning late, drunk. Heading to the kitchen, she spotted Vera clutching an empty brandy bottle.

It was full last night. What on earth is he having for breakfast?

Brine, Lily replied, before heading to the shower.

After seven years of marriage, Lily hadnt had children. Vlad didnt want any; he already had a son from his first marriage. She herself wasnt terribly keen, preferring to advance her career. Over breakfast she sent Vera into Vlads study. He was lying on his stomach, a crimson stain marking his pillow.

Lily! Vera yelled. Call an ambulance!

Whats happened? Lily demanded.

No idea.

Fifteen minutes later, Lily was speeding to the hospital in the ambulance with Vlad. He was rushed to intensive care. The doctors were blunt:

Its complicated. We cant promise anything.

By evening, she received the dreaded phone call:

Im afraid your husband has passed away.

I cant I just cant believe it, she stammered. He wasnt that old. The funeral was a grand affair, thanks to Simon, and the citys turnout was large Vlad had been famous. Even at the memorial, Simon gave a speech:

Lets not mourn. Vlad lived an eventful, fascinating life and earned a peaceful rest. Hes free and content.

He had everything, Lily overheard someone whisper.

She struggled to get used to the emptiness at home. The silence was crushing; Vera eyed her expectantly, wondering if she would be dismissed. Colleagues were blunt:

Lily, theres no reason for you to be grieving. Youre young, free, and most importantly well-off. There were two tidy bank accounts left behind, split between Vlads son and herself, and she was earning well too. She sought friends and social gatherings, if only to avoid sitting home alone; occasionally she popped into a café.

Time passed; one evening after shooting her latest programme, she stopped at a nearby café. Lost in thought, she sipped Spanish wine. A broad-shouldered gentleman approached and politely asked to join her.

May I? She nodded. Call me Kenneth, he introduced himself. She introduced herself too. You seem glum. A woman as lovely as you shouldnt be sad.

Just feeling down, she admitted.

Kenneth was about forty, a solid bloke, brown-haired, rough features, and he instantly reminded Lily of a teddy bear, which amused her.

Let me treat you. Wine, cocktail, pastry what you fancy?

Just a pastry, thanks, she replied, not being much of a sweet tooth.

Despite his plain looks, Kenneth was irresistibly charming, with countless funny stories and quick wit. He had her laughing all night, then walked her home, and they planned a date.

Next morning Lily told Vera:

I wont be needing your help anymore, Vera. I can manage my own housekeeping.

But Lily love, Ive been loyal for years and now youre throwing me out? Where will I go?

Somewhere else, a new family, or as a caretaker maybe.

Vera burst into tears. Youre tossing me out Ive grown so used to you both.

Well, its not a fortune to keep you on, and it means I dont have to wash windows and the loo myself, Lily mused.

Watching Vera sob, she relented.

Alright, Vera, if you insist, you can stay, and Vera cheered up, kissing Lilys cheek.

You and Vlad felt like family. I lost him overnight, and now you were sending me off too.

So life carried on, only now Kenneth whom Lily affectionately called Kenny started coming around often. He adored Lily. Within three months, they married. Lily insisted on a modest ceremony, but for the honeymoon Kenny swept her off to the Maldives. As a businessman, he could afford it.

Lily expected the honeymoon to be much like the one shed had with Vlad: direct flight, decent hotel, standard tourist fare. But Kennys ideas were far grander. They flew first class, were met by a private escort, whisked away on a personal boat, and welcomed on the island with fireworks, cocktails, and traditional dancing.

Their villa was stunning: four bedrooms, two baths, garden pool, private beach.

Cant imagine what my teddy bear spent on all this, Lily wondered.

Shed never asked about Kennys wealth; just knew money wasnt a worry. Above all, Kenny was an affectionate soul, caring and gentle, tucking her in at night and always making sure she had breakfast before work rather than just a coffee.

Vlad was sharp-tongued and forever putting me down, claiming he was dragging me up to his level. Kenny, though, isnt handsome, but he lives to care for me and truly listens I love that, she thought.

Vera also praised Kenny to the skies, happy to be living with them now in his massive country home. Only one unsettling moment occurred when Lily discovered Kenny giving himself a jab with a thin syringe.

Whats that? she gasped.

Just insulin Im diabetic, but its no big deal, I live a full life.

Lounging on the Maldives, Lily mused,

Have I finally picked a winning ticket?

She loved the luxury, but couldnt help wishing shed brought a dashing tennis coach or a surf instructor instead of her pudgy, awkward husband.

I ought to put my teddy bear on a diet and drag him to the gym, she decided.

When she broached the subject, though, Kenny looked sad.

If you really want, Ill try, but my metabolisms shot, love. Ill never look like Adonis. Im insulin-dependent.

I see. Well, dont worry about it, Lily said.

After the holiday, she threw herself into work but was haunted by restlessness.

I wonder if true love will ever find me? Theres no passion with Kenny, she reflected often. I want to know what real desire feels like. I want a muscular, gorgeous man beside me at night, not a teddy bear.

Colleagues teased her at work:

So, you never step out on your bear? Youre so virtuous!

She wasnt exactly a role model just didnt want to hurt her gentle husband. That New Year at work, Lily had a bit too much champagne, and her mate Chris called his friend Arthur to give her a lift home.

Lily, we can drop you off, her tipsy colleague suggested, and she agreed.

Arthur settled her into his plush car next to him.

Chris, how come youve never introduced me to Lily? he joked, and Lily, breathless, couldnt take her eyes off him.

Handsome and confident, driving an expensive car, Arthur never stopped looking at her. After dropping Chris off, he took Lily home, asking for her number on the way. Helping her out of the car, he pressed her against his jeep and delivered a fiery kiss; she didnt protest she liked this rough, well-built Arthur.

He was the perfect lover: at home Lily played the devoted wife to Kenny, but with Arthur, there was no romance, just raw passion in his bachelor flat. He was rough, strong, and afterwards hed simply say, Youre wonderful.

It suited her Kenny was distracted by business and never noticed a thing. One evening Lily arrived at Arthurs, already in bed, when someone hammered relentlessly at the doorbell.

Ill finish this, Arthur grumbled, heading for the door.

Lily heard both men talking and panicked, scrambling to dress. Kenny stood at the bedroom door, silent it wouldve been easier if hed shouted.

Kenny its not what it looks like

Arthur said nothing he couldve barred Kenny entry.

Who betrayed me? Lily asked.

What does it matter now? I didnt believe it, but had to see for myself.

Kennys face was ghostly pale, sweating as he collapsed. Lily rushed over, noticing his laboured breathing.

Call an ambulance now! she ordered.

Arthur dialled. Lily found Kennys insulin pen in his pocket and gave him a shot she knew he always carried it.

That should help, he ought to come round. But he didnt. Paramedics arrived, and a doctor confirmed,

Hes passed away.

Lily finally regained her bearings. Arthur drove her home. Vera met them.

Lily, whats wrong? You look dreadful.

A thought crossed Lilys mind:

Could Vera have betrayed me? She hated Arthur, always asking about him. But she kept quiet; Vera would never admit it.

It took Lily a long time to recover after the funeral cause of death was heart failure, the documents said. Soon after, Kennys daughter from his first marriage turned up with her lawyer husband and threw Lily out of Kennys house, warning her that if she tried to contest the estate, shed win nothing. She slapped a wad of cash on the table and gave her three days to leave, taking Vera with her.

Lily refused to fight for the inheritance and walked away from everything. She and Vera moved back into the spacious flat that had once belonged to Vladislav Roman.

Time moved on; Lily eventually recovered, thanks in part to Arthur, though he never proposed. She knew hed never make a proper husband, but kept seeing him anyway. But one day, Chris called with terrible news.

Lily, sit down… Arthurs dead. Car crash. Instant.

Now she was truly shaken.

Why do all my men die? Im like the black widow. People will call me that soon. I must have some dark aura.

Some time later, a young man named Max came on as a guest for her show. She saw immediately that he was taken with her, and after the recording, he invited her for coffee.

Why not? Lily accepted. Time to move on.

Max captured her heart, and Lily was swept away by happiness.

So this is love, she thought. I cant breathe without him, let alone live. Im a little scared for him, though.

Max loved her back, and their time together was joyful she never paused to wonder about his background. He had no siblings, they didnt talk about family, only that there was a father, somewhere.

He lived with Lily, and one day, while he was at work, she got curious. She Googled his name, and the very first link floored her. Her beloved Max was listed among the top thousand wealthiest men in the UK. She burst out laughing hysterically, then panicked.

What if something happens to him too?

She calmed herself, went to work. Later that afternoon she called Maxs mobile, but got no answer; she rang his office.

Good afternoon, could you put Max on, please?

Whos calling? asked the secretary.

This is Lily

Hes just been taken to hospital, she replied and told her where.

Lily rushed to the hospital.

Whats wrong with him? she cried on seeing the doctor.

Dont worry, nothing life-threatening, the doctor reassured her. Hell be fine its just his heart. All under control.

Can I see him? Just for ten minutes?

Yes, go ahead.

Lily entered quietly; he was waiting, smiling up at her. She sat down, and he took her hands.

Itll be alright. I love you as soon as Im out of here, were getting married. I hope you agree?

Of course! she replied, kissing him. Weve got all of life and happiness ahead. Proper happiness.

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