“Honey, I’m Home! Prepare for a Surprise Reunion — But Leon Wasn’t Expecting to Find His Wife with H…

Jenny, Im home, come and greet me!

N-Nick?! What are you doing back so early? Werent you supposed to return in three days

A woman, around thirty, stepped into the hallway, quickly wrapping herself in a silk dressing gown and looking at her husband standing on the threshold with surprise.

Wanted to surprise you, Jen. Looks like I succeeded! Or am I unwelcome? The tall, broad-shouldered man grinned from ear to ear, obviously proud of the effect hed created.

Oh, Im really very happy! Go straight through to the kitchen Ill get you something to eat.

Content, Nicholas nodded and strolled towards the kitchen. There, a sumptuous spread awaited: strawberries, chocolate, a hot meal fresh out of the oven All, it seemed, just for him.

Well, Jenny, you outdid yourself! Look at this feast. How did you know I was coming back? Youre a wizard!

He piled his plate high, as usual, and began to tuck in. His wife didnt appear, but he thought perhaps she was getting changed for him, trying to look her best for her loving husband.

Nick, I we

Jenny, this roast is simply marvellous! And the salad, the pancakes absolutely scrumptious Andy?!

Turning around, Nick saw his wife, Jenny, arm-in-arm with his own younger brother, Andrew. Jenny looked a little guilty, eyes on the floor, while Andrew, in shorts and a vest, rubbed his eyes as if hed only just woken up.

Yes, Nick, its me. Hello, brother

Afternoon. Right, would someone care to explain whats going on here? Though I suppose I already know

Nick, I Ive wanted to tell you for ages. I love your brother Andrew. I only want to be with him. Im sorry. Jenny blurted in a quiet rush, glancing at her now very much former husband from beneath her lashes.

Nicks plate slipped from his hands, the remains of his supper clattering loudly on the floor.

And you two, if Im not mistaken, were just

Yes. We were just together. Now.

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful, Jenny! And you, Andy, too smashing work! My dearest ones! Now I see why you went to such efforts for dinner Not for me at all, clearly!

Jenny could not lift her eyes to face him. She felt, should her gaze rise, her courage would desert her entirely.

And Sarah? What about our daughter? Does she know?

No, she She doesnt know.

Where is she now?

Next door, watching television with Mrs Watts.

And is that a regular thing, sending her to the neighbours?

For about half a year now

Nicholas ran out of questions and emotion. He was weary from the journey and saw little point in making a scene. By nature, he wasnt one to stay angry, possessed of an even and gentle temperament.

But, as the saying goes, heaven help you if you push him too far though such moments were the exception, not the rule.

This business with the two people dearest to him quite unnerved Nicholas, though only briefly.

I want you out of here within ten minutes. The clocks ticking. Nicholas spoke, sipping his tea, not sparing his brother a glance.

What did she see in Andy, I wonder? Looks just like me, even has the same birthmark Cant stand work, barely uses his head Shell only lose out with him. Still, her choice! he mused, drinking his tea.

Im not going anywhere until we settle things, Andrew finally said.

And what do you want from me, exactly?

For the divorce Let Jenny go. She doesnt love you.

I can see well enough whom my wife loves, Nicholas smiled. You want a divorce? Youll have it, but through court. Lets see how you fancy paying lawyers from your measly savings.

Nick Jenny placed a gentle hand on his wrist. Nicholas, please, cant we just end things peacefully? Youre not like this, youre kind, I know you

Nicholas shook his head.

Very well. So be it. But youre no brother of mine anymore, Andrew Jameson!

Theres one more thing wed like to ask.

Well? Out with it.

Leave me the flat after the divorce, Nick! Jenny flashed her most winning smile, stroking his wrist more insistently.

Sarahs so attached to it here, and all her school friends live close by. If we split the place, we couldnt afford another in London wed have to go back to the village in Dorset

Nicholas rested his chin on his locked fingers, deep in thought. Sensing hesitation, Jenny tried harder:

Nick, dear Be a darling for your daughters sake. Look at how hard you work, youll earn plenty more! Please, shes your only child! Im only thinking of her

Calm down, Jenny, he said sharply. I have a better idea.

Whats that? Jenny blinked hopefully. Are you giving us the car as well? Sarah would love that

Sarah will be living with me.

What?! Are you out of your mind? You dont even know how to look after children! Youre always travelling for work She barely remembers your name!

Well see, he replied, heading for the door.

A few minutes later, Nicholas returned, hand-in-hand with his ten-year-old daughter, just finishing her second year at the local junior school. She clung to his hand and beamed up at him.

Why have you brought her in? So she can take sides in all this? Jenny snapped.

Nicholas said nothing. He sat in the kitchen, pulled Sarah onto his lap, and quietly began:

Sarah, sweetheart, may I ask you a few questions?

Of course! the childs face lit up at her fathers attention.

Promise me youll answer honestly! This is a grown-up conversation now.

Like you talk to the men in your office?

Exactly.

She nodded, delighted to be taken so seriously.

Tell me, does your mum ever hurt you? Has she smacked you at all this past week?

Sarah grew shy, avoiding his gaze and fiddling with the hem of her dress.

How dare you?! Jenny screeched. Are you completely mad? Leave the child alone!

Hush, Jenny. Im talking to my daughter, Nicholas cut in abruptly, stroking Sarahs hair. Dont be scared, darling. Remember, you promised to be truthful.

Sarah nodded, eyes filling with tears, and hugged her fathers neck, murmuring into his shirt:

Yes, she hit me three times! Once for a bad mark, once for spilling milk, and then for shouting at Uncle Andrew. She was kissing him while you were away.

Its alright, dont cry, poppet, Nicholas held her close. Im here now, youll be safe.

Shes making it all up! Jenny protested. I never laid a finger on her!

Want the house and the car for her sake, do you? Nicholas smiled knowingly. One more question, Sarah. Can you answer that?

All right

If you could choose whom to live with me, or mummy who would you pick?

The girl went quiet, looking from father to mother. Jenny made every effort to coax her: even held out her hands.

Will you promise not to go away again?

I promise! Nicholas said instantly.

Then I want to live with you, Daddy.

You little! Jenny shrieked, raising a hand, but Nicholas shielded his daughter with his back. Andrew, standing awkwardly behind, never once looked up or intervened.

Well, Jenny, thats settled. You wont be seeing her any more, Nicholas told her calmly, and carried his daughter to her room.

Soon, Nicholas helped Sarah pack. Luckily, his travel bag was ready. The two of them went to a hotel Nicholas often used whilst working in town.

The months passed. The court hearing arrived. As Jenny and her new partner had neither steady work nor a home of their own, the judge decided Sarah would remain with her father.

All the more so, as the girl herself wished to stay with him, and him alone.

Nicholas settled the property matter, selling his share, and found a new flat where he and Sarah could live together. Jenny was allowed weekend visits, but Sarahs home was now with her dad.

Nicholas changed his routine entirely, making time for his daughter. There were no more three-month business trips either. And Sarah finally began to smile again which, in the end, was worth more than any job or all the pounds in the bank.

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