LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS Once, Paul married for mutual consent and a transcendent love. Over the years, …

ENDLESS LOVE

Philip once married for mutual agreement and an otherworldly love. However, as time passed, love began trickling out of Philips homeat first a mere seep, later a steady stream. Even the birth of a daughter didnt dam the flow. If anything, it swelled into a river in full spate. Philips love began to fracture into fleeting affairs, brief passions, and frequent infatuations.

Philip neither could nor wished to devote himself solely to his wife. He charmed women with his self-assuredness, bold approach, and some indefinable magic.

He showered his inexhaustible love on everyone: slender or curvy, fair-haired or dark, bubbly or thoughtfulmarried, single, or simply searching. And the women always seemed to reciprocate.

His wife, Emily, managed to remain obliviousor at least never confronted him. There were no accusations, no shouting matches. Besides, Philip never neglected his attention towards Emily.

But one day, the flow of Philips relentless love was brought to an abrupt halt by a certain Frances. She bewitched him with her beauty and wit! With herand her alone (apart from his wife)Philip spent every spare minute. Frances had her own husband, with whom she was on and off. Philip was like a breath of fresh air to her, a universe unto himself. Their affair lasted three years.

Meanwhile, Philips daughter, Charlotte, was growing up. After finishing school, she left for America on a student exchange program. She never moved back to England. Instead, she settled in Los Angeles, married an American named Joseph, and had three children. Life was busy, so she called on her parents for help. Josephs only family was his father, Michael; his mother had passed away.

Philip and Emily flew over to Los Angeles to help care for their grandchildren. For two years, they were hands-on grandparents. Then, Philip announced he was heading back to England. Emily was bewilderedwhy bother?but Philip left without explanation. The moment he touched down, he went straight to Frances.

Here I am, take me! Life has no meaning without you! Just say the word and Ill stay. Frances, youve bewitched me!

Philip, have you forgotten? Im married, remember. Im happy to see you, but thats as far as it goes

Philip was not prepared for rejection. Defeated, he returned to his family in Los Angeles, only to find that Emily had prepared her own surprise.

Dearest Philip, Michael and I have decided to start a life together. I dont imagine you have grounds to reproach me, do you? Im letting you go your own way. Well look after the grandchildren without you. What could you possibly teach them? Emily was almost triumphant.

So youve always known about me? Philip was wary.

Oh, of course! You know how word always gets around Emily replied, her eyes narrowing with satisfaction.

Philip returned home to England. Once again, he headed for Frances.

Have you changed your mind, Frances? Perhaps its time for us to finally be together? he asked, hope flickering.

No, Philip. You plan on dashing back to America, and Im supposed to sit here waiting? You ran off once before. Go on, guess who pulled me out of my depression? Let me help: my husband. Philip, its over, Frances said firmly.

Rejected as both husband and lover, Philip trudged back home. He shut himself away indoors for three days.

Then came a knock at the door. On the doorstep stood a young woman.

Hello, Uncle Philip! Do you remember me? Im your daughters old friend. The young woman blushed and beamed. Hows Charlotte?

Shes well. Are you Rebecca? Yes, I remember Philip replied, indifferent, stifling a yawn.

Uncle Philip, have you got any salt? You know, you are my neighbour now, the young woman said, gaining a bit more confidence.

Philip studied hera sweet, charming face.

Come in, Rebecca. Lets have a cuppa, shall we? Philip bustled about.

Oh, Uncle Philip! Ive been in love with you since I was a teenager. Youve always been my ideal! I did get married, but you always seemed to be with someone else. Still, Im persistentI waited!

Philip was now 56, while Rebecca was 33.

The young couple are now expecting a child.