Urgently Seeking a Husband

Urgently in Need of a Husband

Mum, you absolutely must find yourself a new husband! Honestlystraight away!

Emma nearly dropped her mug of coffee, sending a splash over the tablecloth. Setting it down, she cleared her throat and looked intently at her daughter.

Explain, she said, trying to keep her voice steady. Why the sudden ultimatum?

Her daughter shuffled her feet and stared down at the pattern on the rug. Sophie felt awkward, but she was convinced she was doing the right thing.

I told Dad today that youve got a boyfriend now, Sophie said with a sigh. He absolutely grilled me about it! Constantly asks if youve found anyone. Every time I always said no and then hed launch into a speech about the giant mistake you made leaving him, that you have no idea what youre doing with your life for letting such a fantastic man slip away.

Sophie looked up at her mum, her eyes a mixture of frustration, confusion, and a touch of anger toward her father.

And he keeps saying youll soon realise how wrong you were and come crawling back. Apparently youll never find anyone better. So, I snapped and said youd met someone.

Emma ran her hand through her hair, familiar echoes of her ex-husbands voice ringing in her earsthe forced confidence, the way hed twist any conversation back to praise himself.

I can just imagine the flowery language he uses, she said, a touch of irony in her tone. Still cant get over that I left someone so perfect. Sometimes I think Mark only has you over on weekends so he can give himself a monologue. Hes not interested in time with you, just updates for his own ego.

Sophie let out a heavy breath and flopped onto the sofa, tucking her legs underneath her. She absentmindedly ran her hand over the soft fabric, gathering her thoughts.

Yeah, I know, she muttered, staring off. I have to sit through an hour and a half about how amazing he is. The rest of the time, Im on my ownhe never actually asks how I am. He doesnt even check if Im alright at school or if I need anything

She spoke so matter-of-factly it sounded like she was describing a schedule: wake up, breakfast, school, homework. For Sophie, it had simply become routine, so normal now that it barely registered.

Reclining back, she stared at the ceiling, replaying her recent chat with her father. As always, it began with his latest triumphthis time, a detailed account of smashing a work negotiation. Then came his future plans, the problems at his job, and how no one appreciates his contribution. Ninety minutes of monologueSophie mentally checked the clock, so she could tell her mum later.

When she tried to share about her maths competition at school, her dad merely nodded absently and immediately turned the talk back to himself. Well done, but you know, when I was your age And off he went again.

She shrugged, brushing away her memories. Shed long got used to this arrangement. For as long as she could remember, Mark always revolved around himself. The rest of the family hovered at the edges of his awarenessimportant, but never the primary focus.

Any conversation inevitably circled back to his problems. If mum mentioned feeling tired, hed jump in about his difficult day at work. If Sophie talked about a falling out with friends, hed recall his own school daysof course, much more colourful. Other peoples worries simply didnt register.

Sophie still couldnt quite comprehend how mum coped for fifteen years with that kind of man. He was absolutely obsessed with himself! Maybe she stayed only for her daughters sake, not wanting her to grow up without a dad. As a child, Sophie truly believed that one day hed notice them, care about their lives but nothing ever changed. Only after the divorce did she realise how much calmer everything could be without him. No one demanded centre stage or dismissed everyone else as irrelevant.

So, why exactly must I immediately find myself a partner? Emmas tone was a touch sharper than she intended. So what? You said itwhats done is done.

Mum, when Dad heard, he went mental! Sophie winced, hugging a cushion to her chest. At first he went pale, then red, then started yelling so much the neighbour came round! I was honestly scared.

She paused, replaying the scene in her head. Her dads voice, unusually high and cracking, clenched fists, darting eyes. For a moment, it looked like he might actually explode with rage.

He demanded the name, a full descriptionhe wouldnt let up. I refused, said you told me not to tell him Hell probably start phoning you and kicking off soon.

Emma turned slowly towards her daughter, propping herself on the windowsill and watching Sophie carefully. This is going to be fun, she thought, already bracing herself for Marks upcoming outburst. Thanks so much, darling.

Sitting beside Sophie on the sofa, she hugged her tightly, sighing. Whats done is done. Words are out and cant be taken back.

Why did you make it up? she asked quietly, rocking Sophie in her arms. We were getting along fine. Now Ill have to endure his tantrums and whining again. I feel like switching my phone off already.

Sophie gently wriggled free, sat upright, and looked Emma dead in the eye. There was a blazing conviction in her gaze.

Because you deserve it! Sophie replied firmly. Youre gorgeous, clever, loads of friendsand men notice you! Dont think I havent seen. Meanwhile Dads always saying horrible things about you. Im sick of it!

Emma stroked her daughters hair, twirling the soft strands between her fingers, her eyes glowing with affection mixed with bewilderment.

I understand, love, she answered softly. To be honest, I didnt think youd want me to start something serious just yet. Especiallyits only been six months since your dad and I split.

She hesitated, part of her afraid her daughter might see a new relationship as betrayal, or an attempt to replace Mark. Emma studied Sophies face closely for any hint of resentment.

Nonsense! scoffed Sophie, her voice full of fearless conviction which made Emma break into an involuntary smile. The main thing is for you to be happy!

Arms folded, grinning at her mum, Sophie suddenly seemed startlingly adultwise and fiercely protective of her own perspective.

Emma kept watching her daughter and gradually her fears melted away. Sophie spoke with such surety that Emmas doubts slowly faded. Maybe she really had spent too long worrying about the past, too anxious about what might come.

Youre so clever, Emma murmured, pulling her into another cuddle. Thank you for looking out for me.

Sophie pressed in close, nestling against her side. Right then, both felt the warm, reassuring bond between them strengthentheir little family, despite everything, growing closer with each day.

***************************

Emma sat at her desk, forcing herself to focus on a staff report. The words shifted and blurred in front of her, a dull throb pulsing at her temples, a headache which had started as a whisper that morning and grown unbearable by lunchtime. Wearily, she massaged her temples, hoping for a hint of relief, her hands moving on autopilot after so many tries.

After some hesitation, she asked a colleague to nip out to the chemistjust down the road from the office. When the colleague returned with painkillers, Emma swallowed them with a glass of water and tried to concentrate on paperwork. Useless. Her head felt full of lead, every noisethe tapping of keys, the whirr of the air-con, muffled conversations in the corridormade it worse.

Just then, the security guard knocked and peeked in, his face polite but wary.

Miss Carter, theres someone here for you, he said, opening the door a crack. Your ex-husband insists on seeing you. Will you come down or would you like us to help him leave?

Emma froze, a wave of irritation mixing with her exhaustion. She drew a deep breath, determined to keep her composure.

Ill come down now. Sorry for the trouble, she said, getting to her feet.

She cursed to herself. Of all times! The days already awful, her heads splitting, and now Mark shows up unannounced. Why didnt he just call? Did he think it was appropriate to barge in at work, scene and all?

She made her way slowly to the stairwellthe less sudden the movements, the better. The corridors buzzed with colleagues, some hurrying, some laughing by the coffee machine, others deep in discussion by a noticeboard. Emma felt her shoulders stiffen with tension.

She stepped into the foyer and there was Mark, pacing restlessly from the reception desk to the lift and back, his movements jerky and agitated, waving his arms and arguing with security. The guards expressions were growing strained; they were doing their best to remain civil, but looked ready to intervene if things escalated.

What are you doing here? Emma asked sharply, skipping any pleasantries. Though outwardly steady, irritation simmered inside. What sort of performance is this? Do you want to meet the local police? I can arrange it.

Mark spun on her, face red, eyes wildout of anger, nerves, or both. He lunged towards her, jabbing his finger as if shed been caught doing something monstrous.

You! he raged. You! Sophie told me everything! Its been six months since our divorce and youve already got yourself a new man?

His voice crackled with disbelief, hurt, unmistakable jealousy. For a moment he looked as if hed hoped his daughter was lying or playing a trick. But seeing Emma so calm, he realised it was no joke.

Emma raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. Her posture stayed relaxed, but her eyes flashed.

You expect me to stay loyal to you forever? Her voice was calm and even. Even after were divorced? Thats wishful thinking. Especially since, even while we were married, you didnt consider loyalty all that important yourself.

For a second, Mark froze as if thrown off his script, his outstretched hand lowering, confusion flickering across his featureshe clearly hadnt expected such a cool, self-assured answer.

People bustled past: staff, visitors, postmen Some glanced their way with curiosity, others avoided eye contact. But for Mark and Emma, the world shrank to the space between them, thick with unspoken resentments and a new reality he just couldnt accept.

You you just he spluttered, but Emma didnt let him finish.

Lets not make a scene, Mark, she said, her tone firmer but less harsh. If you have something to discuss, we can talk. But not like this, not here.

A scene? Ill show you a scene!

Mark was almost shouting now, his words echoing through the foyer. His face was blotched, veins standing out on his neck, fists opening and closing as he battled with himself. He inched forwards and back, torn on how best to produce his threat.

I wont let my daughter live under a roof with some stranger! he bellowed, ignoring the gathering audience. Ill take Sophie away from you! Youll never see her again! You

His words cracked with hysteria but Emma only raised an eyebrow, her face impassive. Take Sophie? Shed like to see him try! No court would grant him that.

Have you finished? Honestly, you belong in a circus, she said, dryly. Absolute performance.

Whats going on here?

Mark faltered mid-rant, spinning round to the new voice. By the doors stood a man in a sharp navy suit, relaxed but self-assured, his look both calm and assessing. The security guards, whod been trying to contain Mark, snapped to attentionthis was clearly someone important in the company.

Keep your nose out! Mark snapped, flaming with anger and suffused annoyance. This is privatenothing to do with you.

The man didnt reply at once. He strolled closer, stopping at a slight distance, so he could see them both. He wore a faint smile, which only nettled Mark further.

Its private if you discuss things at home, he remarked at last. But as soon as you start shouting in public, it becomes everyones concern.

Emma said nothing, quietly watching, feeling the tension almost hum in the air. She hadnt expected her managing director, Richard Hughes, to step in, but his interventionhowever unexpectedseemed oddly fitting, jarring Mark out of his cycle of threats and shouts.

Mark edged towards Richard, evidently ready to snap back, but was met with an unblinking, almost impassive stare.

And who are you, to tell me what to do? Mark spat, clinging to the shreds of composure. Stay out of my business!

Richard stepped closer, and turned calmly to Emma, who still stood uncertainly, half-stunned. He put an arm, quite deliberately, around her waistleaving no room for doubt.

Who am I? his voice was cool, almost businesslike, but with a hard, resolute edge that made Mark step back. Im the one making Emma happy. You think you can shout at my partner? Think again. You wont get away with just a chat with the policeIll make sure you have more trouble than you can manage. And if you try to use your daughter as leverage Well, I trust you understand me.

Mark was stunned. His face lost its angry flush, replaced by pallor. He flicked his gaze between Richard and Emma, only now realising he was beaten. There was confusion, even fear in his eyesthe realisation that his old tricks wouldnt work anymore.

He stood silent for a few moments, fists clenched, blustering for something sharp to say. But the words wouldnt come: whether because of Richards authority or the awareness that his methods had hit a brick wall.

Finally, with a grimace and a muttered curse, Mark swung on his heel. His gaitrecently so forcefulnow looked stiff, as if he was desperately clinging to the last shreds of his dignity. Just before leaving, he tossed over his shoulder:

Dont expect a penny in maintenance!

I dont need it, Emma shot back as the door closed behind him, with a tone almost light, even amused, though gratitude infused her voice. At least Sophie wont have to make those visits anymore.

It was only then Emma noticed Richards warm, reassuring hand was still around her waist. She flushed faintly, lowering her eyes, and gently eased out of his hold, trying to appear as natural as possible.

Smiling slightly, a little flustered, she turned to her unexpected rescuer.

Thank you so much, Richard. You have no idea how much youve helped me.

Her voice was wholehearted, utterly genuine. Never mind the embarrassmentEmma genuinely appreciated both his intervention and the calm, solid way hed handled everything.

Richard offered a small, reassuring smile, his eyes warming.

Would you care to discuss it over lunch? he asked, holding out his hand invitingly.

Emma hesitated a second, weighing the offer. All the usual doubtstoo soon, is it appropriate?flickered in her mind but almost instantly, she swept them aside. Richard had behaved impeccably, and she genuinely wanted a relaxed conversation with him.

Besides, curiosity fluttered within her: who really was he? What drew him to step in so assertively?

Id like that, she replied, taking his hand.

His touch was unexpectedly gentlefirm, steady, but unintrusive. Emma felt her tension dissolve, replaced by nervous excitement and anticipation.

Later, seated at a cosy table in a little bistro near the office, conversation came easily. Soft lighting, gentle music and the scent of fresh pastries made the atmosphere inviting.

As they chatted, Emma learned that Richard had been quietly fond of her for ages. He spoke about it simply, straightforwardly, never forced or cornymore as if it was just a fact, natural and obvious, but never pushed.

I never felt quite brave enough to say anything, he admitted as he stirred his coffee. You always struck me as so focused, so determined I knew you were going through a tough time after your divorce, and the last thing I wanted was to intrude or rush you.

Emma listened, saying nothing. There was not a hint of arrogance or self-importancejust sincerity and respect for her space.

And today, when I saw him shouting at you Richard frowned, displeased. Well, I simply couldnt walk away.

Emma couldnt stifle a gentle smile. So thats how he felt! Shed noticed glances from management before, but misread them; shed liked him herself, only the difference in their professional status put her off making any moves.

*******************

Three months after that dramatic office showdown, Emma and Richard were officially married. The wedding itself was beautiful, with Richard doing everything he could to fulfill Emmas every wish.

Sophie couldnt have been happier for her mum. On the day, she helped Emma get ready, making sure everything was perfectfrom the hair to the last button on the dress. When the couple exchanged rings, Sophie grinned and pulled them into a tight hug.

Im so happy for you both! she whispered, and her joy shone plain in her eyes.

She was honest, too, from the start that the dad title wasnt on the cards.

I like you a lot, Richard, she said one evening, shortly after theyd all moved in together. And Im glad mum isnt alone anymore. But Dad is still my dad, whatever hes like.

Richard nodded without a hint of disappointment.

Of course, Sophie. Thats exactly right. The important thing is, were together as a family.

Mark received a wedding invitationmore out of irony than expectation. Emma debated sending it, but in the end, decided he should know life moves on without him. She posted it with no note attachedjust a simple card with the details.

As expected, Mark didnt show. He never even considered itjust the thought made him simmer with indignation and resentment. Instead, he took to ringing old friends and acquaintances.

The first call was the day after getting the invite. Marks tone was artificially calm but tight with barely-supressed emotion.

Get thisshe invited me to her wedding! he blurted before the other person could even greet him. After everything weve been through!

A friend from university politely asked what exactly made Mark so appalled. He just waved it off.

How could she? How could she humiliate me like that?

For days, this scene played out time and again. Mark rang one friend after another, every call starting with that line about the invitation, outrage uncontained. It was as if he desperately needed someone to confirm hed been wronged, to declare, Yes, thats disgraceful.

Most friends, though, met him with restraint. A few murmured polite sympathy, some trotted out platitudes like We all move on, others simply fell silent, not sure what to say. And the more Mark repeated his speech, the more he sensed no one truly agreed.

So then he changed tack, saying Emma was moving on too quickly.

Only six months! How could she possibly know this guy? Shes running away from reality. She just wants to forget me, see?

Or else hed switch to another grumble.

She never even gave me a chance to fix things! If wed just talked I could have

Hed never finish that sentenceI could have made it right, changed, started afreshthe options hovered, unspoken.

Sometimes it was something else entirely:

After all I did for her, she just walked out. Didnt even say thank you. And took Sophie with her!

The idea of her ingratitude rang especially hollow. Friends looked on, shrugged, some even gently asked:

What exactly do you want thanks for, Mark? You were marriedwasnt it all meant to be normal?

Mark would fall silent, a growing frustration gnawing at him. He realised his words werent having their desired effect. No one sided with him, no one called Emma immoral or irresponsible. In fact, most seemed to think she had every right to move onand that incensed him more.

Eventually, worn out by these fruitless discussions, Mark stopped phoning people. He sat alone in his flat, staring at bits and pieces Emma had left behinda forgotten hairclip on a shelf, an old photo album in the bookcase, a pile of outgrown dressesand realised that life goes on, like it or not. Only, for now, he couldnt quite work out how to find his place in this new world.

And so, while Mark fell silent, the life of Emma, Richard, and Sophie ticked bycalm and steady, full of little joys: dinners together, Sunday walks, cheerful debates over which film to watch in the eveningMeanwhile, in Emmas new home, laughter danced in the kitchen as Sophie twirled around, singing along with the radio. Emma sliced apples for pie, Richard beside her kneading dough, sleeves rolled up. There were no grand declarations, no need for performancejust small acts of togetherness, kindness, and light.

Sometimes, late in the evening, Emma caught Sophie thoughtfully watching Richardmeasuring, testing, as all children do with new adults in their world. But after one such pause, Sophie finally spoke, voice as quiet as snowfall.

Mum, she said, your smile is different now. It goes all the way to your eyes.

Emma looked at her daughter, startled by the insight, then wrapped her arms around her, drawing her close. Richard draped a gentle arm over both of them, forming a bright little circle in their kitchens warm glow.

And there, with cinnamon in the air, three plates set on the old oak table, and the future stretching wide and unknown ahead of them, Emma realised: happiness didnt shout or demand. It was built quietlyevery daya pie baked together, a daughters laughter, a partners steadfast hand in hers. The ache of old wounds faded, replaced by the slow, certain bloom of something steadfast, and true.

Outside, night pressed up against the windows, but within, the lights of love and renewal shone on. Emmano longer urgently in need of a husband, but simply at peacefinally knew she was home.