Irina Stepped Quietly into Her Flat, Careful Not to Wake Mum, Her Feet Sore from the Wedding Where S…

Sarah tiptoed into the flat, quietly taking off her coat and shoes, not wanting to wake her mum. She winced, trying not to let out a groan as she eased off her new heels that had absolutely ruined her feet.

What brings you home so early? Did you run away? Didnt care for the wedding then? Mums head peered round the hallway door.

And why arent you in bed? Lurking about to catch me? Sarah snapped, more sharply than she meant.

Mum pursed her lips and left for the living room. Guilt washed over Sarah. Her mum had been waiting up, keen to hear how the evening went, and shed been rude. Sighing, Sarah followed her in, dropped down beside her on the sofa, and gave her a little hug.

No need to butter me up. Dont want to talk, then dont bother. Ill hear everything from Lucys mum anyway.

Mum, Im sorry. Im just so tired, and my feet are killing me. The restaurant was posh, over fifty guests, all a bit of a racketgood fun, though. Lucy looked incredible in her white dress, proper fairy tale. And the groom total charmer Sarah reeled off.

So whyve you left before the cakes even cut? Mum interrupted.

Mum, honestly, it was all a bit much. Everyone seemed so important, all puffed up like peacocks. Not at all my sort of crowd. And Ive got to get up early tomorrow.

Early? Its Sunday, love, Mum looked at her, puzzled.

Ill tell you in the morning, promise. I need a shower. Sarah kissed her on the cheek and went to her room to change.

She couldnt help but feel deflated as she peeled off her rather plain dress. Compared to everyone elses expensive outfits, hers looked like something from the high street.

She stood under the hot water, scrubbing her back with extra attention, desperately trying to wash away the memory of that sweaty bloke whod forced her into a dance. Honestly, he hadnt taken no for an answer, just dragged her onto the dance floor and held her too close against his stomach.

She could still feel his clammy hands on her back, and those shoes had practically sliced into her heels. She only just made it through the dance without hobbling away.

Afterwards, he sat down next to her, kept refilling her glass, while no one seemed to notice or care. Her only real mate there, Lucy, was completely wrapped up with her new husband and their guests.

A couple of blokes glanced her way, but nobody did anything to help, just left her to fend off the unwanted attention alone.

Shed made up an excuse about needing the ladies room and slipped out. Called a cab by the restaurant and went home.

No, thought Sarah, she definitely didnt want a wedding like that for herself. It felt more like acting in a play, everyone with their part to perform. She was just another extra.

Sleep didnt come easy that night. Music, clinking glasses, laughter and long toasts kept spinning around her head. She couldnt shake the image of the man at the wedding. Wouldve been better if hed asked me for a dance, not that tubby bore, Sarah told herself, snuggling deeper under the duvet before finally drifting off.

October rolled in bitter and wet, leaving Septembers warmth behind. Lucy came back from her honeymoon and asked Sarah over to share all her stories.

Sarah was curious to see how well-off people lived, but didnt want to turn up empty-handed. After her classes, she popped into a bakery and picked up Lucys favourite pastries. As she walked out, she nearly collided with a man coming in. He stepped back, holding the door.

Its you, isnt it? he said suddenly.

Sarah looked upand recognised the mystery man from Lucys wedding. For a split second, she froze in the doorway, stunned.

Go on, lets get out of the way or well block everyone, he laughed, gently guiding her to one side.

You disappeared from the wedding like Cinderella. I didnt even get a chance to introduce myself, he grinned, flashing perfect white teeth.

Well, I didnt leave a shoe behind, Sarah smiled, feeling unusually at ease.

Heading home? Let me give you a lift, he offered.

No, Im going to see Lucythe bride. Given up on your bakery run? Sarah raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

Im honestly just so happy to bump into you, Id give up all the pastries in the world, he said, noticing the box in Sarahs hands. Come on, Ill walk you to my car. He took her arm and led her to a big Range Rover.

Sarah had never been in something so posh before, and even regular cabs were a luxury. He drove confidently, didnt even ask for Lucys address, which set her on edge.

I know where she lives. Her husband and I are business partnersand friends, he explained, noticing Sarahs unease.

On the way, he told her his name was Tom, that he was divorced, and had a Labrador called Archie.

Handsome, wealthy, successfuland genuinely nice. Everything Mums ever wished for, Sarah thought.

That evening, when Sarah came back home, her mum was waiting.

Youre late, I was starting to worry, Mum said.

Popped round to Lucys. You should see her new place Sarah went on enthusiastically, describing the house and how glowing Lucy looked, even in this stubbornly damp autumn.

Howd you even get there? Shes moved out to The Bank, hasnt she?

That was what everyone in their town jokingly called the posh new estate.

A friend gave me a lift, Sarah mumbled, instantly regretting shed just handed Mum another excuse for questioning.

Met him at the wedding? Is he one of them? Did you even give him your number?

Yes, Mum, practically shoved it in his hand, Sarah said, already exasperated.

Dont get shirty, love! Hes a successful bloke and he noticed you. I just know what youre like, quick to shoo people away, Mum tutted.

I didnt shoo him! I gave him my number, OK? Anything else, Detective? Sarah snapped.

Whats wrong with you lately? Youre all bristly.

Your constant grilling, Mum! Cant you wait to pack me off to someone? Sarahs frustration boiled over.

Oh, dont talk rubbish. I just want you to settle down well, like Lucy did. Not with some penniless lad. Or do you fancy struggling to make ends meet?

When have we ever been on the breadline, Mum? Sarah squinted at her.

Well, maybe not, I do exaggerate. But honestly, darling, dont you like him at all?

Mum, drop it. Im not in any rush to get married.

Just then, the phone in Sarahs room rang, and it was a blessing. It was Tom.

Didnt want to wait, thought Id call now. Any plans for Sunday?

Not much. Just getting ready for Mondays lectures.

All day? Weathers lovely. How about a hack through the countryside on horseback? Ever ridden before? No? Perfect, pick you up at eleven.

Sarah found herself saying yes without even thinking about when theyd started being on first-name terms.

The only horses shed ever seen were old nags in her Nans village, and shed always been a bit scared. But the ride was incredibleshe was buzzing from the experience for days.

Tom wooed her gently, slowly easing her into his world of nice things and big possibilities.

He had this way of talking, people just seemed to like him and doors would open wherever he went. Sarah couldnt deny how flattering his attention felt, especially since he was older and seemed so put together.

The next weekend, Tom turned up at their tiny flat, flowers in one hand and cake in the other.

Sarah was embarrassed by their small living room, the worn rug on the floor, the fading wallpaper. But Tom didnt bat an eye. He cracked jokes, listened to everything Mum said, and even mentioned how hed grown up in a place just as cosy. Soon enough, Mum was melting.

Hes a dream, love. If he proposes, youll say yes, wont you? Mum asked, her eyes shining with hope.

Oh, come on, Mum! Weve only seen each other a handful of times. Getting ahead of yourself! Sarah protested.

But right before New Year’s, Tom did proposecomplete with a diamond ring.

Oh, thank heavens. Now I can die happy, Mum gasped, hands on her chest. Sarah just shook her head.

The wedding was held out in the countryside at the start of March, when the sun was finally warming up and the first hints of spring were everywhere. Sarah insisted it was small, just close friendsno fuss. Tom was perfectly happy to oblige. After, she moved in with him.

At least now Ive got someone to chat to. The other wives just care about outfits, spas, and shopping holidays. Pretty sure not ones finished a book in her life! Lucy laughed. It was nice living close again, especially with Lucy already six months along.

But Tom hardly let Sarah out of his sight. Each morning, his driver dropped her at university, and in the afternoon, collected her. One day, when a lecture was cancelled, Sarah slipped off campus and walked home for once, relishing the fresh air and the budding trees.

Her classmate Alex caught up with her, and they ducked into a café for a cup of coffee. For the first time in ages, Sarah felt half-human, just having a normal chat, not worrying about appearances or money.

What are you lost in thought about? Alex asked.

I should get going, Sarah said instead.

Is he really that controlling? Alexs tone was concerned.

No, justhonestly, I should head off, and with that, Sarah left.

When she got home, Tom was waiting for her.

Whereve you been? he asked coldly.

At uni.

Dont lie to me. Class was cancelled, and you didnt call the driver. Why? Planning to meet your lover?

Hes not my lover, we study together! Sarah stammered.

Tom had never spoken to her like this before. His eyes were cold and hard.

We just had a coffeewhats so wrong with that? Sarah tried to stay calm, but she heard herself sounding defensive.

Youre my wife now. Ive got rivalsenemiesjust waiting for an excuse to get at me. You cant make me look like a fool.

You think I embarrassed you by drinking coffee with a classmate? Sarah was furious.

Dont you get it? Tom leapt up and stood right in front of her.

Dont talk to me like that, Sarah snapped, taking a step back.

I never gave you permission to leave the house, Tom hissed through his teeth, grabbing her arm and yanking her toward him. If you wont obey

Or what? Youll lock me up? When Im a doctor, will you see every patient as a threat? Sarah tried to wrench free.

She didnt see it coming. Didnt even feel pain at first, just a ringing in her ears so loud her world went quiet.

Toms mouth kept moving, but Sarah couldnt hear a word over the noise. She could taste blood from her split lip and her face felt alien, numb. He came closer.

Understand me? His words finally cut through.

I… I understand, she managed, barely forming the words.

Tom slapped her so fast this time she didnt get a hand up in time. She flew back, pain exploding through her face, and blacked out.

When Sarah woke, Tom was gone. Her whole body shook as she sobbed. Somehow she dragged herself up the stairs to the bedroom, threw herself onto the bed and wept until she had nothing left.

She needed ice for her face, but when she tried to leave, she found the door locked. She hadnt even noticed Tom locking her in.

By morning, her face was swollen, lips throbbing. Tom never came to check on her. Hed even taken her mobile so she couldnt call anyone.

Sarah paced the room like a trapped bird, frantic for escape. Then, midday, their cleaner arrived. Sarah begged her to open the doorthe key was still in the lock.

The woman gasped at Sarahs face. Hell do something terrible if I let you out, she whispered, shaking.

Tell him I fooled yousaid I needed water, then slipped out, Sarah pleaded, already leaving.

At least put on your hood, love, try to cover your face, the woman advised as Sarah thanked her and hurried out.

She took back ways home, holding her face down, people shying away at the sight of her injuries. Mum was horrified.

How has it come to this? He seemed such a proper man. Im sorry, loveI just wanted the best. What if he comes here? These doors are useless, he could boot them in.

Dont talk nonsense, Mum.

But Sarah was numb. She rang Alex and asked him to come.

Alex, who was working on ambulances for experience, cleaned up her wounds and got a GP to come and record her bruises. Then he took photos of her face, sent them to Tom with a message: If you come near her again or ever touch her, these go straight online.

Tom never showed up again. Only when the swelling and bruises had faded after a fortnight did Sarah return to her studies.

She and Tom divorced easily. After graduation that summer, Sarah and Alex went to a different city. Alex became a surgeon and Sarah a cardiologist.

They had a son. Mum never tried to run Sarahs life again.

One day, while getting her hair done, Sarah flicked through an old magazine and spotted a shocking headline.

Businessman Tom Harrison found guilty in wifes death, it read.

Through the salon window, Sarah saw Alex strolling past with their sons buggy. She thought, Thank goodness Ive got him. That Ive got Jack, and Mums well. Moneys just money. All you really need is enough to live decently.

Alright, love, youre up, her hairdresser called, and Sarah smiled as she went to her seat.