“It’s so nice to hear your voice again, Alice,” Mrs. Bellingham sings. “I tried ringing last week, and again Monday and Tuesday, but they said you were off. I hope everything is okay.”

My eye still looks bad, but not as bad as it was. I received stares when I got to work this morning, but at least I haven’t had to deal with twenty questions.

“I’m fine, thank you. I just needed a few days off to rest. How are you?”

“Well,” she responded with a happy breath. I can tell she’s excited to speak to someone. At times, I wonder if it’s because she’s lonely. “The house is coming along nicely now—thanks to you. I actually spoke with your boss yesterday and told him how dedicated you were. He seemed happy.”

“That’s very kind of you.” This was the first I had heard of it, but I haven’t seen Roger yet today.

“No trouble at all. If someone does well at a job, they should get credit for it. Speaking of which, I like to bake cakes from time to time. It keeps my mind occupied and helps with my kitchen workout.” Kitchen workout? I had to chuckle at that. “Anyway, I want to bake you a cake and was wondering what you would prefer? I could drop it by your office tomorrow.”

“Really, Mrs. Bellingham. There’s no need.”

“Oh, I insist. Besides, it gives me an excuse to bake today. I get a bit achy and need to get out of the house to stretch my muscles a bit. These are the fruits of getting old,” she laughs. “I need to go to the shops today to buy some more vitamin C. If I don’t take it during the winter, I get terrible colds. Goodness me. Sometimes they’re so bad, I can’t get out of the house for a week. My friend, Grace, almost died when she caught the flu last year. Terrible business. It does worry me a little. That’s why I joined a senior’s yoga and swim class each week. It helps keep me healthy and fit.”

She pauses a moment, sighing. I smile. I’m actually starting to enjoy these little conversations.

“Anyway, where was I? I’d forget my head if it weren’t screwed on. I sometimes wonder if I have Alzheimer’s, but I do remember things eventually. Oh yes, cake. Which kind did you say?”

I start laughing. “There’s really no need, but thank you. I think maybe you should bake a cake for Grace instead.”

“Oh, she’s dead,” she states matter-of-factly. “After almost dying of the flu, she decided to go on one of those Segway things and ran it off a cliff into Harlyn Bay! I told her those things were dangerous, but she wouldn’t listen to me.”

I gasp. “Oh, my god. That’s terrible.”

“I know, but she thought she was invincible. She was trying to find her youth or some crazy notion like that. I think I’ll stick to my yoga classes and baking. Which reminds me, you haven’t told me what kind of cake you want. I’ll just end up deciding on one and bring it in, so you may as well tell me what your favourite is.”

Sighing on a smile, I thought it best to give in and tell her. I know she can be pretty insistent. “I am partial to carrot cake.”

“Carrot cake it is then,” she answers, a smile in her voice. “I’ll get my recipe book out and make a shopping list.”

“Don’t forget the vitamin C.”

“Oh yes!” she gasps. “Thank you for reminding me.”

“Don’t mention it. Thank you for making me a cake. That’s very kind of you.”

“You’re welcome, my dear. I’m only too happy to do it. I best let you get back to work. I must be keeping you.”

“It’s fine, but yes, I must go.” I lean forward, ready to hang up.

“Okay, dear. Speak tomorrow?”

I smirk, already knowing that will happen. “Definitely. Take care on the roads.”

“Will do, dear.” She hangs up.

Immediately, my phone rings again. I pick up without looking. “ITF Insurance. This is Alice speaking. How may I help you?”

“Alice, it’s Roger. Can you come into my office for a moment?”

Feeling nervous, I bite my lip. “Yes, of course. I’ll be right there.”

Placing my phone down, I head toward my boss’ office. I feel anxious, wondering what it could be about. Is it because I had to take time off? Is it because I’ve been on the phone longer than I should? A million things run through my head. All of them bad.

As I get to his door, I knock tentatively.

“Come in!” he bellows.

Opening it, Roger motions to a chair in front of his desk. Once I sit down, I cross my legs and clasp my hands together. We stare at each other for a moment, but I can’t figure out what he’s thinking. When he smiles, I feel my shoulders relax a little.

“You look nervous. Don’t be. I didn’t call you in here to berate you about anything. Unless, of course, I have a reason to...?” He lifts one eyebrow.

“No,” I say, smiling. “I didn’t know whether it was because of the time off I took.”

He shakes his head. “Alice, you’re one of the most loyal employees here. I can’t think of a time you’ve turned up late or have been off sick. I merely called you in here because one, Mrs. Bellingham threatened to cut my balls off if I didn’t call you in and praise you…” I chuckle, “and two, I just wanted to know if everything was okay.”

I notice him staring at my eye. As if in embarrassment, I reach for it. “This looks worse than it actually is. I’m sure people are jumping to conclusions, but I can explain...”

“You don’t have to.”

“No, it’s okay. I want to. There are personal things happening at home, and you have a right to know why I suddenly had to take time off.” I take a deep breath. “Last week, I discovered my husband was cheating on me.”

He tuts, shaking his head. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

I smile. “Thank you. To be honest, he was never a great husband anyway. I lived in a bubble for a while. I think I thought our marriage was normal, but it wasn’t. Anyway, I visited a solicitor to draw up divorce papers. The reason this happened,” I say, pointing to my eye, “was because a male friend visited my home to see if I was okay. When my ex-husband turned up out of the blue, he accused him of trying to take me away from him.” I shake my head. “And then he punched my friend. I tried to intervene, but this happened.” I point to my eye again. “In hindsight, I probably should have just stayed out of it. I was trying to pull my husband off my friend when he pushed me away, his elbow hitting my eye. He didn’t mean to, but I’m not going to make excuses for him. He shouldn’t have lashed out in the first place. Anyway, that’s about it in a nutshell.”

I’m not going to tell him I’m pregnant yet. Not only will it open up a whole new can of worms, but it just seems wrong. The person who should know is Ethan, but I want to give him time before I tell him. I also think a big part of me is scared. What if he wants to get back with Sarah and take the baby away from me? What if he doesn’t get back with her, but still wants to take the baby away from me? From the moment I had the scan and saw the little tiny blob on the screen, I felt a dire need to protect my unborn child. This baby is no longer Sarah and Ethan’s. This baby is mine. There’s no way I can give him or her up now, especially after everything that’s happened.

Roger, looking perplexed, sits back in his chair and sighs. It’s almost as if he’s trying to figure out what to say next. “Can I be personal?”

Shrugging, I nod. “Sure.”

“I don’t know your husband, but what I’ve heard in the last few minutes makes me very happy you’re divorcing him. You’re a great person, Alice. Everyone here speaks highly of you. You deserve better.”

I can tell he’s being genuine. Roger is always a firm, but fair boss; however, I’ve never seen this kind side of him. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“If you ever need time off, just let me know. You’ve dealt with a lot, what with the floods a couple months ago. Thankfully, things are dying down a little, and some new employees will be joining soon to take some of the load off. If there’s ever a time to take a holiday, it would be now.”

I nod. “I appreciate that, too. I will think about your kind offer and get back to you. When do the new employees start?”

“The week after next.”

I nod. “Okay. Maybe then would be a good time, but I’ll see. Can you give me a couple days?”

He leans forward, waving his hand. “Sure. Take as much time as you need. You don’t have to come to me straight away with an answer. It would be great to have you here to help with the training of the newcomers, but it won’t be a big issue if you’re not.”

I think about that for a moment. I know I had a couple days off last week, but I do feel like I need more. I could train the new employees, then take my leave.

I look at Roger. “Okay, I’ll take that into consideration. Thanks.” I bite my lip. “Was there anything else?”

He shakes his head. “No, that will be all. Oh, well done for all your hard work. Please tell Mrs. Bellingham I said that next time she calls.” I see him almost shudder, which makes me chuckle.

“Okay. I will definitely be sure to tell her.”

“Thanks.” He looks at some paperwork. “Take care of yourself, Alice, and if there is anything you need...”

“I will be sure to tell you.” Getting up, I nod and head out the door.

Walking back to my desk, I realise it’s lunch. I quickly deal with a couple messages I received, then grab my bag to head out.

As I pass Sally’s desk, I see she’s on the phone. I mouth, Lunch?

Shaking her head, she places her hand over the receiver. “It’s okay. Thanks. I’ve got something in. I need to deal with this client. You go ahead.”

Nodding, I give her a little wave before catching the lift. Just as it opens on the ground floor, I see Kyle standing in the lobby, holding a big manila envelope. I swallow hard, seeing the venomous look in his eyes as he spots me. He strides over.

“What the fuck is this?” he whispers.

I notice the Bradshaw and Row logo on the envelope. I motion to the doors. “Not in here. This is my place of work. Outside.”

As we quickly walk out, he says, “Speaking of work, that’s where you sent it. How could you do that, Alice?”

As we get outside and away from prying ears, I turn to him. “I didn’t know where you were staying. I thought it was possibly your parents, but I felt you’d definitely get the papers at work. I’m sorry I did that, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that I want a divorce.”

Kyle inhales sharply before staring at me with his stern eyes. “You’re just doing this to get back at me. Look, I’ve received your message loud and clear. I fucked up, but can’t we just forget about this now...” He holds up the envelope, “and start getting back to normal?”

Now it was my turn to inhale sharply. “Kyle, you’re not listening to me—”

He grabs me by the arm, interrupting me. “Look, I know I shouldn’t have punched Ethan. I know you’re the faithful, loyal one. I’m ashamed of what I did to your eye. I never meant to, Alice.” He squeezes my arm and looks pleadingly into my eyes. “I can be a better man. I promise. I will be the husband you want me to be. Just forgive me already. I can’t live without you.”

Closing my eyes for a moment, I try to gather momentum. Kyle edges closer. When he leans in to kiss me, I push him away.

“Kyle, no. I would never go to a solicitor just to get back at you. Only an adolescent would do something like that. I did it because I don’t want to be married to you anymore.”

His grip tightens, panic showing in his eyes. “You don’t mean that.”

“Kyle, you’re hurting me,” I complain, getting scared. He looks crazed.

Suddenly, his face calms, his grip loosening. He steps back, takes a deep breath, and pushes his hands through his hair. “I’m sorry. I just can’t help it. We were so good, and now...now this. I have to admit, I wanted to get back at you for abandoning me—”

Abandoning him?! Why did I never see through this guy ages ago?

“—but I realise that was the wrong way to go about it.”

Taking a deep breath, I try again. “You had sex with my best friend. There’s just no way of getting back from that. No matter who my husband is, I would never stand beside someone who has cheated on me.” I point to the envelope. “Those papers are the real deal. I want a divorce. I don’t love you anymore...”

“You don’t mean that.” He gets closer again.

Placing my hands in front of me, I step back. “Yes. I do.” I look down at the envelope again. “I want us to be adult about this. Please, just take a look. I want everything to be fair. It’s happening, Kyle. You have to accept that this is what I want and move on.” I start moving away. I want out of here.

“If you think you’re taking the house from me, you have another thing coming!”

Turning, I see a much nastier Kyle than the one begging me a moment ago. “If you want half the house, you’re going to have to sell the car. The majority of the money that went into the house and your car was from my inheritance, and you know it. I’m trying to be fair by giving you half the savings and letting you keep the car. All I want is the other half of the savings account and the house. Nothing more.”

Kyle steps forward, holding up the envelope. “Well, do you know what I think of this divorce and your fucking conditions?” He starts ripping it up into little pieces, and it’s then I see we’ve gathered quite an audience. He drops them at my feet and steps closer until he’s inches away from my face. “If you think I’m going to divorce you, you have another thing coming. You…are…my…wife. You’ll have to realise that sooner or later.” He moves away. “I’m giving you until a week from Friday, then I’m coming home. I don’t care if I have to break the door down to get in. I’ve had enough of this shit.”

He storms off, leaving me shaken and upset. Anger brings tears to my eyes as I see the bits of paper start to blow away in the wind. Bending down, I pick up the pieces. Once I gather as much as I can, I start walking. I’m not sure to where, but anywhere away from these witnesses would be good.

As clarity forms, I reach for my phone and dial my solicitor. Thankfully, he is in his office and I’m soon put through.

“Hi, Mr. Row. It’s Alice Fairchild. I was wondering if I could come see you.”

“Of course. If you’re free now, I can fit you in at two. A client just cancelled on me.”

“That would be perfect,” I answer, looking at my watch. It’s one forty now. I’m sure I can make it to his office by two. “I’ll see you soon.”

Stuffing the pieces of paper into my bag, I make my way to my car. I phone work and tell them I may get back a little late, but will work extra. The great thing about where I work is they’re very flexible.

I drive to Bradshaw and Row. There is a little traffic, but I manage to get to the offices with five minutes to spare.

The moment I’m ushered into his office and the door is closed, I grab the pieces of paper from my bag and place them on the desk in front of him. “This is what my husband thinks of the divorce papers you sent him.”

He leans forward, playing with his black ballpoint pen. As he stares at the scraps, he inhales, leans back, and looks up at me. “I take it that he wants to contest the divorce.”

I nod. “Yes, but not only that. He’s told me I have until next Friday, then he’s moving back into the house. He said he doesn’t care if he has to bash down the door to do so.”

I sit down and notice him gritting his teeth a little. This isn’t good. “I take it the house is in both your names? On both the mortgage and the deeds?”

My heart starts to beat faster. “Unfortunately, yes.”

He shakes his head. “That’s too bad. Legally, he has the right to gain access to his property.” My shoulders sagging, I’m close to tears. “However, he left voluntarily, so he will need a court order to move back. Also, there are the terms of your divorce. He committed adultery and has behaved unreasonably since then. The mere fact he ripped up the papers and has threatened to break down the door tells me as much.”

I eagerly nod. “He won’t accept it. He keeps telling me I need to come to my senses. He’s acting like I belong to him. He won’t let go. I can already tell things may escalate soon.”

“Were there any witnesses when any of this happened? What about today when he did this?” He picked up one of the pieces and placed it back down again.

“He was waiting for me in the lobby at work. He immediately started shouting, so I took him outside. There were plenty who saw, but no one I know.”

He leans forward, looking at my eye. “He has a history of behaving violently. It’s just a pity you didn’t call the police when that happened.” He pointed to my eye. “If he sticks to his word regarding moving back in next Friday, I’d advise you to call the police. You can mention to them that he did that to your eye.”

I bite my lip. “But it was an accident.”

He shakes his head, smirking. “Don’t mention that part. Your ex-husband behaved violently in your home and, as a result, you were hurt. Not only that, you’re pregnant. The law doesn’t take too kindly to people who act violently toward pregnant women.”

“But I don’t want anyone to know that yet. Anyway, what you’re asking me to do is lie.”

“Did he hit you in the eye or not?”

“Yes, but—”

“No buts. If you wish to divorce your husband and not have him move back into the marital home, I would suggest you call the police if he tries to break down your door. As I said, he can only gain access once he has a court order. In the meantime, with your permission, I will file a motion with the court for temporary exclusive possession of the home.”

I nod. “Yes. That will be good.”

His face softens. “You look scared. A woman seeking a divorce should be upset or even happy. Not scared. If you’re scared, that speaks volumes about your ex.”

I take a deep breath. “I guess I’m just working myself up into a state. I just want this over already. I knew Kyle would be difficult, but I didn’t give myself time to realise just how difficult. I could tell by the look in his eyes today that he won’t let this go in a hurry.”

“He will have to.” He sighs. “If I were you, I would start making a diary of the dates and times he’s harassed you, starting from when he attacked your friend. This will be beneficial when attending court. I had hoped we could do this amicably to avoid that, but judging by what you’ve just said, I doubt that will happen. Not unless we can make things as difficult for him as he’s making them for you.” Spotting my distress, he smiles. “Listen, if it makes you feel better, once he lawyers up, he will soon learn things won’t go completely in his favour.”

Closing my eyes, I cross my legs. “Thanks. I do feel a little better about it now. I’m just not looking forward to the future at the moment, especially next Friday.”

“As I said, if he becomes bothersome, call the police. Without that court order, he can’t simply move back in.”

I offer him a gentle smile and nod. “Thank you. It helps knowing that.”

Placing his pen down, he swivels slightly in his chair. “And it sounds as though your husband knows nothing. Once you refuse him entry, I think he will get a solicitor. Don’t worry. I’ve not failed any of my clients, and I don’t intend to start now.”

Seeing that as my cue to leave, I stand up and offer him my hand. “Thank you. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice.”

He shakes it. “Not a problem. Please, don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions.”

“Thank you.”

As I walk to the door, he says, “Alice?” I turn to see him scribbling on a piece of paper. “This is my personal email. If you wouldn’t mind, send me one on Saturday to let me know how you got on.”

I frown. “Surely you don’t want me bothering you on the weekend.”

He frowns back. “Normally, I wouldn’t, but I feel you need someone in your corner. I’m sorry if this crosses a line. If I have, tell me.”

I smile, shaking my head. “No, that’s fine. Thank you. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

I turn to leave, saying my goodbyes as I head out.