When Lisa’s husband suggested living apart for a month to ‘rekindle their relationship,’ she reluctantly agreed. But then a disturbing phone call from a neighbour revealed the shocking truth. Upon returning home, Lisa discovered that another woman was running her house. This betrayal was the impetus for her to change her life once and for all…..
When Derek suggested we live apart for a month to ‘rekindle our love’, I thought it was just another fashion trend that couples who don’t want to admit they have problems resort to.
He presented it as a brilliant idea, assuring me that being apart would help us reassess each other.
You’ll see,’ he said, grinning over a cup of coffee. – It’ll be like we’re seeing each other again. You’ll miss me. I’ll miss you. And when the month is over, it’ll be a fresh start.
I didn’t like that idea. What wife would? But Derek was adamant. He was so sure it would be good for us that I packed my suitcase, moved into a rented flat on the other side of town and convinced myself that everything would be fine.
The first week was awkward and lonely.
Derek hardly called or wrote, explaining that he was ‘enjoying the space available’. I tried to distract myself and even started looking forward to the very ‘big reunion’ he was talking about.
One day I invited my sister Penelope to visit.
Are you sure you want to do this, Lisa? – She asked, pouring herself a glass of wine. – This whole thing looks suspicious.
I know,’ I agreed, arranging the cheese and fruit on the wooden board. – But every time I hesitated, Derek lost his temper. I decided that if that’s the way he wanted it, so be it.
I understand,’ Penelope nodded. – But something’s not right here, sis. I’d take a closer look at him if I were you.
I knew she was right. I felt the same way myself.
What possible reason could there be for such a strange proposal?
And then one quiet Saturday night, the phone rang.
Lisa,’ came the excited voice of my neighbour Mary. – You have to come home right away!
I put aside the knife I was using to cut vegetables and froze.
Mary was not an alarmist.
What’s wrong? Is everything all right? Is the house okay?
The next second I was out of breath.
There’s a woman in your room!
My first thought was that Derek had brought a mistress in there.
Maybe it’s not that bad, though. Maybe it’s just a break-in. Or… his mother, Sheila?
But my gut told me it was cheating.
Are you sure? – I asked, feeling my voice tremble.
I’m positive! Get over here!
I didn’t even think. Grabbing my keys, I ran out of the flat.
When I got to the house, my hands were shaking, my heart was racing. I opened the door and…
It wasn’t a mistress.
It was Sheila.
Derek’s mother stood in the middle of my bedroom, surrounded by piles of my stuff. The wardrobe doors were open and she was holding one of my lacy bras in her hands with an expression of disgust.
What the hell are you doing here! – I screamed.
Sheila didn’t even flinch.
Oh, Lisa. You’re so early,’ she said, waving her bra carelessly as if it were rubbish. – ‘I’m tidying up. It’s inappropriate for a married woman.
I was shocked.
What?!
She pointed to several rubbish bags full of my clothes – underwear, dresses, even plain T-shirts.
Lisa, these things don’t fit the image of a good wife. Derek asked me to tidy up while you were gone.
My anger was boiling over.
Tidy up? You’re throwing away my stuff! Who gave you the right?!
Sheila curled her lips and crossed her arms.
Honestly, Lisa, someone had to do it. The house is a mess, and your wardrobe… well, it’s sending the wrong signals. Derek deserves better.
Her words were like a slap in the face.
Yes, Sheila was always sharp – barbs about my cooking, little remarks about the order of the house… but this? That’s out of line.
Where’s Derek? – I asked, holding back my rage.
Oh, he left on business,’ she said calmly. – He knows I’m here. We both think it’s for the best.
‘Better.’
Derek let this happen. What’s more, he organised it!
When he finally returned, I was still standing in the bedroom, shaking with anger.
Lisa? – Derek walked into the room. – What are you doing here?
What am I doing here?! – I screamed. – Mary called me and told me there was an intruder in my bedroom! And it turned out to be your mother!
Derek rolled his eyes.
Calm down. Mum’s just helping.
Helping?!
Yes,’ he said with annoying calmness. – You haven’t been doing so well lately… the house is dirty, crumbs in the bed….
You’re the one eating in bed, Derek! And the fridge is sticky because of your peanut butter sandwiches!
Don’t blame this on me!
You said this break was to strengthen our relationship, not for your mother to ‘fix’ me!
Derek sighed.
You’re exaggerating…
I laughed bitterly.
You let your mother throw my stuff away and you want me not to be mad!
He only shrugged his shoulders.
I silently turned round, packed my suitcase from what Sheila hadn’t had time to throw away, and left.
Three days went by. I’ve already hired a lawyer.
Some will say I’m exaggerating, but this isn’t just about trespassing. It’s about my husband not seeing me as an equal partner.
Derek doesn’t want a wife. He wants a housewife.
Well, that’s certainly not me.
Now I’m staying with Penelope and I’m already looking for a flat. This time with a separate room for my workshop.
I’m going back to my place. Without Derek. No Sheila. Just me.
