Natasha, Please Forgive Me! Can I Come Back Into Your Life?

My husband James and I had been together for over two decades, living a quiet and steady life. Every weekend, wed escape to our little cottage in the Cotswolds. James took care of tidying up the flat, while I busied myself in the kitchen. I truly believed we would carry on this way well into old age. But then, out of nowhere, James dropped a bombshell:

Emily, Im sorry. Im leaving you. Ive met someone else, and Ive completely fallen for her.

Of course, at 38, I wasnt naïve. Id noticed the signs for monthsJames seemed distracted, often away. Even our so-called kind friends went so far as to pass along photos of James and the other woman. Still, I brushed it off. I never thought he would actually leave. So when he finally said those words, I was genuinely caught off guard.

Luckily, our daughter was away with friends in Brighton at the time, enjoying her holiday by the sea. To make myself feel a bit better, I confided in a few close friends that James had walked out on me.

We called a girls meeting for advice. One mate suggested I slim down and find another man; another swore by seeing a psychic to win James back. The third simply told me to get back out there and start dating again.

But Charlotte said, Just carry on living as you always have! It does get easier, trust me. I cant keep going like this! It just hurts too much. But you must! The pain will fade eventually, I promise. Ive gone through three divorces myself. Clean the flat, cook, go to work, watch a good film, read a book. But who will I cook for? she laughed. For us, obviously! Well be round every night and eat whatever you cook!

I was grateful, but for ages, I couldnt settle on which advice to follow.

In the end, I thought Id try the psychic. I brought along a photo of James and his new fling. The fortune-teller read her cards, did a little ritual, and told me James would be back in a fortnight.

Well, two weeks went bynothing. A month went bystill nothing. Meanwhile, Id handed over half my monthly wages for that. James was nowhere to be seen, and I felt more alone than ever. So I found comfort in the bakery, buying far too many cakes and pastries. In two weeks, I stepped on the scale and realised Id gained a stone. It had to stop.

So I took a new approach. I did a full spring clean, scrubbed everything until it gleamed, watered the plants, and rearranged all the furniture. Suddenly, my flat looked warm and inviting. I also signed up for dance classes to try and shed the weight from all the cakes. Every day, I cooked homemade soupsJamess favouritesand my friends would come by in the evenings and polish off the lot. After they left, Id put on Game of Thrones.

James and I had always meant to watch the series, but we never found the time. I really got into it, and my evenings felt a bit brighter. Then, one night, I heard the front door open unexpectedly. James walked in. He paused, looking around at how spotless and cosy the flat was. The smell of his favourite leek and potato soup filled the air, and there I was, curled up on the sofa.

Evening, Emily. Ive come to pick up the last of my things.
Of course! Ive already packed them up for you. Have you got a bag?
No, I havent.
No worries, Ive got one here.

I handed James his things.

Is that your leek and potato soup?
Yes, it is. Are you hungry? Would you like some?
He hesitated, then nodded.

I served him two bowls. When hed finished, he said, Thank you, Emily. I should be off now. Go on, then! I want to finish this episode. What are you watching? Game of Thrones. Remember, we always talked about watching it together? James said, his voice a bit sad. I remember, I replied.

He left soon after. I did have a little cry, then finished the episode and went to bed. Two weeks later, James turned up at my flat with all his belongings.

I stared at him, confused.

Emily, Im sorry! I love you so much. I miss your soup and the welcoming flateverything. Im sorry, forgive me, forgive me for leaving for someone younger.
So it was the soup you missed?
Not just the soup… I missed you, most of all!
All right, come in, then.
Im so ashamed, especially with our daughter. Will you keep this between us?
Its fine, I wont say a word. Hungry?
Absolutely. Thank you.