One Night Stand with my Husband

In the city of Greece, a lovely mansion with a beautiful garden.

The first rays of sunlight streamed through the curtains, gently illuminating the room where Elaine lay in bed, her weary eyes staring at the empty space beside her. It had become a familiar sight-a husband who was physically present but emotionally absent. Richard, the love of her life and her husband had become a mere stranger in their marriage.

As Elaine mustered the strength to sit up, she glanced at Richard, hoping for a spark of recognition or a word of comfort. But his eyes remained fixed on the newspaper in front of him, his silence was a constant reminder of their growing apart marriage. She stared at her husband still waiting for his recognition but it seemed as if he was never going to acknowledge her presence or the fact that she had woken up.

With a heavy sigh, Elaine mustered the courage to break the silence.

"Richard" she spoke softly, her voice laced with a mix of hope and desperation.

"I need to go to the hospital today. My appointment is at noon. Can you please drive me there?"

Richard's response was as cold and dismissive as the morning breeze. He didn't even spare her a glance, pretending as if her words were mere echoes in the air. His silence spoke volumes, his refusal to acknowledge her plea became a deep wound that cut to the core of her being.

The weight of disappointment settled heavily on Elaine's shoulders as she realized her request would go unanswered. The uncaring nature of her husband's actions stung more than any physical pain she endured. She couldn't hold it in and wanted to confront him but she could see being held back, she knew that the mere words that would come out of his mouth would be mean and cause her a heartache.

Forcing herself to swallow the lump in her throat, Elaine rose from the bed and made her way to the kitchen. She prepared a simple breakfast, hoping that perhaps the aroma of warm food would entice him to say a word to her, even in appreciation and she would be content. With a trembling hand, she set the plate before Richard, silently pleading for his attention.

But her efforts were in vain. Richard's eyes remained fixed on the paper, his expression devoid of any warmth or acknowledgment. He ignored the food in front of him, as if the gesture of nourishment held no significance in their crumbling relationship nor did the scent seem pleasant to him.

The next thing he did shocked her more, he folded the paper and walked straight into the bathroom without giving her a glance.

Elaine fought back her tears, her heart aching with a sense of abandonment. She had become a mere thing in their home, invisible and insignificant. She could her lungs being pressed together suffocating her.

Richard stepped out of the bathroom wearing a white shirt and a black trousers, she offered to pick a tie for him but he choose another instead leaving her stranded. His hasty footsteps could be counted by her as he did everything in a haste, she could tell that he was trying to get away from her.

As he walked out the door, Elaine took one last look at the man who has been her partner in life. And with a mix of sadness and regret, she picked up the plate from the room back to the kitchen to dispose of it.

Just after she was done washing up, the door to another room opened and her mother-in-law walked out.

"Good morning mother" she greeted.

"Morning Elaine, I would like to have my breakfast now" Mary said.

"Why don't you take a shower and I get it ready, once it is done, I will be sure to inform you"

"Okay dear, I will do just that" Mary answered.

"And I will make breakfast" she replied and turned back into the kitchen to make another breakfast.

Because Elaine nd had been engulfed in making a good meal for Richard, she had used almost all the ingredients and all that was left was enough to make a dessert.

As Elaine surveyed the ingredients in her pantry, she contemplated the perfect breakfast to prepare. She decided on a classic spread: scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a basket of flaky croissants. That was all her mind could pick at the moment with the Ingredients she had.

With a sigh, Elaine set to work. She cracked the eggs into a bowl, whisking them vigorously until they were bubbly and light. The aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air, and the sound of crackling filled her ears. She watched attentively as the bacon transformed from pink to golden brown, ensuring it was perfectly cooked and crispy. The orange juice was freshly squeezed, the pulpy liquid glistening with vibrant hues of orange. Lastly, she carefully arranged the golden croissants in a beautiful wicker basket, their flaky layers.

As the final touches were made, Elaine knocked on the door of the room.

"Mother, breakfast is ready" she started hoping that finally someone would appreciate her food.

Seated at the table, Elaine calmly presented the breakfast she had prepared. The scrambled eggs were fluffy and perfectly seasoned, the bacon was golden and crisp, and the croissants were a sight to behold. The vibrant orange juice sparkled in the morning light, a refreshing addition to the meal. Elaine's face beamed with anticipation as she awaited Mary's reaction.

Mary took a sip of the orange juice, her delicate lips curling into a smile.

"Mmm, this juice is simply divine, Elaine. You've really captured the essence of freshness," she complimented graciously, and Elaine's heart soared with joy.

Encouraged by Mary's initial response, Elaine watched eagerly as she took a bite of the scrambled eggs. However, to her dismay, Mary's expression changed slightly. Her brows furrowed, and she chewed thoughtfully, her silence casting a shadow of doubt over Elaine's efforts.

After a moment, Mary finally spoke. "Elaine, these eggs are a bit overcooked, dear. They could have been softer, and the seasoning is a touch too strong for my taste." she explained.

Once again she felt a sharp pain in her chest, what was she expecting. This was mother who was never satisfied with any effort she made, why then did she think that she would appreciate her food. Elaine felt a pang of disappointment. She had put so much effort into making a nice breakfast, and now her hopes were dashed.

Trying to hide her disappointment, Elaine mustered a smile.

"I'm sorry the eggs aren't to your liking, Mary. I'll keep that in mind for next time." She focused on the positives, hoping to keep her mind at rest.

As the breakfast continued, Mary provided more critiques, commenting on the bacon's slight greasiness and the croissants being a touch too flaky for her preference. However, Elaine refused to let each remark made to her affect her, to her, she had made the best breakfast.

With each criticism, Elaine took her seat and began to eat quietly without bothering herself anymore with what Mary had to say. She finished her own meal with grace, demonstrating that she believed in her cooking despite any imperfections.

As they concluded the breakfast, Elaine gathered the dishes and utensils, as she cleaned the kitchen, Elaine realized that everything she did was never going to be acknowledged by both her husband and his mother. There was going to be ups and downs and she was tired of facing it alone.

The sun continued to rise, casting its golden glow over the kitchen. She made way to her room to prepare for her appointment.

Taking a taxi to the hospital after Richard refused to take her, it took Elaine an hour to get there. Being neglected by her husband Richard had taught her to be a strong and independent woman. She had faced numerous challenges in her life, but nothing could have prepared her for what awaited her at the hospital that day. It was still sunny when she arrived, hoping to find answers to the unexplained pain she had been experiencing for weeks. Little did she know that her life was about to take an unexpected turn.

As she sat in the waiting room, surrounded by the sounds of hushed conversations and the sterile smell of antiseptic, Elaine's heart raced with anticipation. Finally, her name was called, and she followed the nurse down a long corridor, her footsteps echoing through the hallway despite the amount of people present.

Dr. Anderson, a middle-aged man with kind eyes, greeted her in his office. Elaine could sense the gravity of the situation from the moment she saw his somber expression. She took a deep breath and sat down, her hands trembling slightly.

"Elaine, I'm afraid I have some difficult news to share with you," Dr. Anderson began, his voice gentle yet filled with concern.

"What is it Doctor, is it that serious?" she asked him.

"Yes, I would have preferred the whole family to be here but since you are already here then I should tell you anyways. Although I would need to have a meeting with your husband to discuss your condition" the doctor said.

"Is all that really necessary?" she asked knowing well that Richard wouldn't want to have anything to do with her. His work always came first and he has never had time for her in any way.

"Yes it is"

"Just tell me Doctor" she demanded to know the results.

"The results of your tests indicate that you have cancer."

Elaine's heart sank as if it had dropped into the depths of her chest. 'Cancer'. The word reverberated through her mind, echoing like an unwelcome guest. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought to hold them back, determined to hear every word the doctor had to say.

"The cancer has been detected in an advanced stage," Dr. Anderson continued, his voice filled with empathy.

"I won't sugarcoat it, Elaine. Given the aggressive nature of the cancer and the extent of its spread, I estimate that you have approximately a year to live." he said and she felt like she had been hit with a bomb.

Elaine's world came crashing down. A year. How could her life be reduced to such a short span of time? Thoughts raced through her mind, colliding with emotions too complex to unravel. Fear, anger, and sadness intertwined, threatening to overwhelm her. She clutched her hands together tightly, trying to steady herself.

The doctor reached out and placed a hand on Elaine's shoulder, offering her a moment of solace amidst the storm of emotions.

"I know this news is incredibly difficult to process, Elaine," he said softly. "But please remember that there are treatment options available. We can discuss different approaches to manage your symptoms and help improve your quality of life." he said but she knew all that was useless when he had already said that she had a year to live, what was the treatment going to do anyways, extend it to two years. Doesn't that mean she was still going to die soon?.

Elaine nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. Anderson went on to explain the various treatment possibilities, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that would involve a team of specialists. He reassured Elaine that they would do everything they could to support her through this challenging journey.

As the appointment concluded, Elaine left the hospital with a heavy heart and a mind full of questions. The world around her seemed different, as if the colors had faded and the once-familiar streets had transformed into an unknown terrain.

Elaine knew that the year ahead would be filled with uncertainty and pain, She knew that her family would be happy that she would be gone soon. Her husband would finally be freed of her and he could live his life the way he wanted.

Elaine sat in front of the mirror watching her teary blue eyes, her long black hair shining effortlessly from the sunlight, her beautiful face was turning into something hideous because she wanted to hide her tears.

She held her ears and raised her head to push back the tears, maybe not seeing her face would probably not remind her of how miserable she was so she sat nervously on the edge of the sofa, her palms moist with perspiration.

Ever since she got the news, she has been experiencing fatigue, accompanied by unexplained bouts of dizziness and sharp pains in her abdomen but that would be due to her starvation in the process. The worry gnawed at her insides, making it difficult to focus on anything else. She knew she couldn't keep it to herself any longer; she needed to share her concerns with her husband, Richard.

Richard, a hardworking man with a demanding career, had been engrossed in his work lately. The mounting pressure and constant deadlines had consumed most of his time and energy. Elaine had noticed how much he seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Still, she hoped he would spare a moment to listen to her afterall if was her health they would be talking about.

Taking a deep breath, Elaine mustered the courage to surface the subject. She approached Richard, who was glued over his laptop, engrossed in a flurry of emails. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder, hoping to catch his attention.

"Richard, can we talk for a moment?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Richard, visibly agitated by the interruption, sighed heavily and glanced up briefly. "Not now, Elaine. Can't you see I'm busy?" His voice carried a tinge of annoyance, causing Elaine's heart to sink. Since he came back from work, he had been cooked up in his study forgetting that she had a visit with the doctor early in the morning yesterday.

"But it's important, Richard," she pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears.

Richard's face tensed up, a mixture of irritation and frustration crossing his features. "Elaine! Can't you see how busy I am? I don't have time for this right now." he breathed out.

Elaine felt a lump forming in her throat, and her tears threatened to spill over. She had hoped for a supportive response from her husband, but his reaction crushed her. She had tried to be patient, understanding the pressures he faced, but she needed his attention, his understanding, and his love now more than ever.

"But Richard," she choked out, her voice quivering, "I need you to listen to you Please, just for a few minutes, can we talk?.

I am supposed to be more important than your work, I am your wife and I demand that you listen to me" she yelled at him having enough of lack of attention to her.

Richard paused for a moment, his eyes flickering with a mixture of frustration and anger. He closed his laptop and finally met Elaine's gaze for the first time in a very long while. Her breath instantly stopped as she looked into those beautiful brown eyes, she had almost forgotten the colour of her husband's eyes.

"What do you want to tell me, I don't have all the time in the world so hurry up" he said, his voice softened.

"The thing is..." she paused. Elaine began to think if she should really tell him the news. This was a man who wouldn't bother if she was thrown to the sidewalks or killed in front of the house, he wouldn't bat his eyes for that.

"What is it?" he asked impatiently tapping his hands on the table as his gaze was fixed outside. Of course, he wouldn't look at her, it was as if she wasn't attractive to him and he couldn't bear to look at her ugly face.

Elaine nodded, her tears now flowing freely. She understood the pressures Richard faced, but she couldn't help but feel neglected and unheard. She needed him to be her rock, her source of support in times of uncertainty.

"Why the hell are you crying?, did you come here so that you can cry in front of me? Is this what this is about?

Are you expecting a sorry from me or the slightest hint of sympathy simply because you are crying out of the blue" he said and his words shocked her greatly.

Because she was in so much pain that the tears slipped out of her eyes but he didn't care about it.

"If you don't have anything to say, please leave. I have work to finish" he ordered.

Without looking back, Elaine ran out the room without looking back leaving behind a confused Richard with his face in a frown.

Elaine sat alone in her room, her heart heavy with an unbearable weight. The doctor's words echoed in her mind, "You have cancer." It felt as if her world had come crashing down around her, leaving her with nothing but fear and uncertainty. She had always been a strong woman, facing life's challenges head-on, but this was something she never expected to face.

As the tears streamed down her face, Elaine tried to make sense of her new reality. She thought about the life she had lived since she got married, it had never been an happy one and finally seeing how pitiful she looked all those years.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, she heard a knock on the door. It was Mary, a formidable woman with a knack for being both demanding and annoying at the same time.

"Elaine, dear, are you in there?" Mary's voice called out, gentle yet firm. Elaine hastily wiped away her tears, trying to compose herself before answering.

"Yes, Mother, I'm here," Elaine replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The door creaked open, and Mary stepped into the room. Her eyes scanned Elaine's face, her gaze filled with concern.

"What's wrong, Elaine? Is anything troubling you," Martha said, her voice softer than usual.

Elaine's throat tightened, making it difficult for her to speak. She mustered up the strength to say the words that had been consuming her thoughts but she pushed them back, what was the point of telling Mary when she couldn't tell Richard, would she be expecting a different reaction from her knowing fully well that they are related and act almost the way - with indifference.

"If there is anything bothering you, you can always tell me about it?" Mary said.

"It's nothing Mother?" she answered.

"Come here dear child" Mary pulled her into an embrace and Elaine's heart became almost spilling the beans.

As they released each other from the embrace, Mary stepped back, her gaze filled with determination.

"Now, Elaine, there is something I need your help with," she said, her voice resolute.

"What is it mother?" she asked.

"You see, I am very hungry" Mary said.

It was then that Elaine realized she hadn't made dinner and rushed to the kitchen to make one.

After she had set everything she stepped out of the kitchen to find Mary waiting for her.

"Is there anything you would like me to do?" she asked.

"Yes, I would love you to scrub my feet, I have been having cramps in my legs for a while now" Mary complained.

"Ofcourse mother, why don't you take a seat and I will attend to you" she answered. Elaine followed Mary to her room where she began massaging her feet.

The scent of burnt food permeated the air, until it got to her nostrils.

"No" Elaine stormed out of the room into the kitchen only to find her food burnt.

She stared at the food disappointed in herself for not remembering it.

As the kitchen filled with smoke, Elaine's eyes welled up with forced tears from the smoke. She had been so preoccupied with attending to her mother-in-law's needs that she had neglected the meal cooking on the stove. Mary stormed into the kitchen and immediately noticed the chaotic scene before her. Her face turned into a scowl, and disappointment etched deep lines on her forehead.

"What on earth is going on here, Elaine?" Mary exclaimed, her voice filled with disapproval.

Elaine's heart sank even further as she looked into her mother-in-law's stern eyes. "I'm so sorry, Mother. I lost track of time. I didn't mean for this to happen."

Mary crossed her arms, her disapproving gaze piercing through Elaine. "Well, clearly you were not paying enough attention. You should have known better. He could you burn the dinner meant for me and my son, you are useless in cooking. My son at least deserves a woman who can cook ."

The words stung Elaine's heart like a thousand needles. She had always strived to be the perfect wife, but it seemed that no matter what she did, she could never meet Mary's expectations. Elaine turned away, unable to bear Mary's judgment any longer.

Just then, Richard walked into the kitchen, drawn by the commotion and the scent of burnt food. He took in the scene before him, the smoke-filled room, his mother's disapproving stance, and his wife's-dejected face. His brows furrowed, and his eyes flickered with anger.

"What's going on here?" Richard demanded, his voice laced with frustration.

Mary quickly composed herself, adjusting her expression to one of concern. "Richard, dear, it seems your wife has managed to burn dinner. I'm afraid we won't be able to enjoy a meal at home tonight."

Richard's jaw clenched as he looked at Elaine, his disappointment evident.

"Dont bother about me, clean up this mess" he ordered.

Elaine felt a surge of hurt and frustration. She had always strived to please Richard and make him happy, but it seemed that her efforts were constantly overshadowed by Mary's disapproval. She glanced at her mother-in-law, silently pleading for her understanding, but Mary's gaze remained cold and unsympathetic.

With a heavy heart, Richard turned away from Elaine and headed for the front door, his voice filled with anger. "I'll find something to eat outside. Don't wait up for me."

Elaine stood in the middle of the kitchen, feeling utterly defeated.

"Now I have to sleep hungry tonight and my son would eat outside, well done Elaine" Mary crossed her arms as she uttered those harsh words.

Cassandra, a beautiful woman with long brown hair and black eyes wearing a red dress stood in the front of the Olive mansion.

Her heart fluttering with anticipation to see her dear friend as she knocked on the door. It had been months since they last met, and the weight of their separation had only grown heavier with time. Elaine had always been a pillar of strength and unwavering optimism, but Cassandra couldn't shake off a nagging feeling that something was amiss.

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Elaine's tired but still radiant face. A flicker of surprise crossed her features before giving way to an exuberant smile. "Cassandra! I've missed you so much," she exclaimed, pulling her friend into a warm embrace.

The familiar scent of Elaine's lavender perfume enveloped Cassandra, instantly transporting her back to cherished memories of their laughter-filled adventures. She held onto Elaine tightly, savoring the warmth of their reunion.

As they stepped back, Cassandra couldn't help but notice the subtle changes in Elaine's appearance. Her once happy face had grown pale, and there were dark bags under her eyes like she hadn't had enough sleep for a while now. Concern etched deep lines on Cassandra's forehead, and her voice trembled as she asked,

"Elaine, how have you been? You seem... different."

Elaine's smile wavered for a moment, and her gaze dropped to the floor.

"I knew you would pick up in an instant" Cassandra knew Elaine like the palm of her hand and could easily tell when something was bothering her.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked.

"Oh, Cassandra," Elaine sighed, her voice tinged with sadness. "I wish I could say everything was fine, but the truth is, I've been diagnosed with cancer."

Cassandra felt as if the air had been sucked out of the room, leaving her gasping for breath. Cancer-a word laden with fear, uncertainty, and pain. The weight of the revelation bore down on her, threatening to crush her spirit.

"What?

How?

When?

What the hell?

Tell me it is not that severe and we can do something about it?" she asked with pleading eyes. Cassandra knew exactly how serious Cancer was when it got to certain stage and she was already scared for her dear friend.

Tears streamed down Cassandra's face, and she reached out to hold Elaine's trembling hands.

"Oh dear," she whispered, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and love.

From Elaine's silence, she could tell that it was severe.

"I can't imagine how you feel right now, it must be hard for you" She pulled her into a tight embrace, they two were so occupied in their discussion that Elaine had forgotten to invite her into the house.

"I want you to know that I am here for you, every step of the way. Your strength has always been an inspiration to me, and I will be with you through this difficult journey.

You are going to get treatment right?" She asked.

"Yes" Elaine nodded. Saying No meant she was going to be scolded by her and then forced to take her treatment seriously, Elaine didn't have the guts to tell her that she didn't believe in the treatment when she had already gotten to her worst stage.

Elaine's eyes shimmered with gratitude and vulnerability. She squeezed Cassandra's hands gently, finding solace in their unwavering bond.

"Thank you, Cassandra," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "Having you by my side means more to me than words can express. There will be tough times ahead, but with your support, I know I can face them head-on."

Their friendship had weathered storms before, and with love and compassion, it would withstand this new challenge.

As they embraced once more, Cassandra felt a renewed sense of purpose. She would be the rock that Elaine could lean on, the shoulder to cry on, and the source of unwavering support. Together, they would navigate the path of uncertainty, finding strength in each other's presence.

After hours of discussing with each other, Cassandra returned home leaving Elaine behind.

The next morning,

Elaine and Richard were out on their different destination leaving behind Mary. Elaine had gone to buy some groceries so Mary had to make with whatever she saw in the kitchen.

The sun had disappeared from the sky as Mary sat down at her kitchen table, sipping her tea. Enjoying the quietness around her she close her eyes after a sip when the buzzing sound of her phone startled her. Mary's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the familiar tone of the family doctor's office calling. She instinctively knew that this call carried grave news.

With a trembling hand, she picked up the receiver and pressed it against her ear. "Hello?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Mrs. Lyon, this is Dr. Thompson from the Family Medical Center," came the somber voice on the other end.

"I'm afraid I have some distressing news to share with you."

Mary's heart sank, and her mind raced through a myriad of possibilities. She feared the worst, but she braced herself for what the doctor was about to reveal.

"It's about your daughter-in-law, Elaine," Dr. Thompson continued gently. "From her previous check up, I have informed her to invite the family over but I guess she had forgotten. I'm sorry to inform you that Elaine has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer."

Mary was so shocked that she couldn't utter a word.

"Mrs Lyon?"

"Uh..mm..m Yes" she structured.

"Did you hear me?" he asked.

"How... how long does she have?" Mary managed to ask.

There was a brief pause on the line, as if Dr. Thompson was carefully choosing his words. "I'm afraid it's not good news, Mrs. Lyon," he finally replied, his voice laden with sympathy. "Given the aggressive nature of the cancer and its advanced stage, the prognosis is approximately one year."

"Did you just say a year?" she asked.

"Yes, are you sure she hasn't told you anything about this?" he asked expecting that such news should be shared among family members.

Taking a deep breath, Mary steadied herself and asked, "Dr. Thompson, what are the next steps? What can we do?"

The doctor explained the available treatment options, the importance of seeking specialized care, and the need for Elaine to make decisions about her treatment and quality of life. Mary listened attentively, her mind racing with questions and concerns.

After bidding farewell to the doctor, Mary remained seated at the table, her mind went haywire just thinking about it.

"Elaine has cancer" she uttered in shock once again.

Elaine returned from buying groceries to see Mary seated in the living room,

"Mother, you must be hungry, I will make a meal for you immediately" she said.

"We need to talk Elaine"

Not once has Elaine seen her look so serious so she wondered what could be the problem.

"I didn't mean to stay long at the market" she tried to explain herself knowing Mary had been waiting long for her to get back and make her meal.

"Drop the groceries in the kitchen and come out lets talk" Mary ordered.

She quickly heeded to her words and came out of the kitchen in a minute.

As Elaine entered the room, her face pale and tired. Mary's eyes locked onto Elaine, who seemed oblivious to the tension that filled the air.

"I just got a call from Dr Thompson and he told me a disturbing news.I can't believe you never told us about your illness. How could you keep something like this from us?" she asked.

Elaine's eyes widened in surprise, and she stammered, searching for the right words. "Mother, I... I didn't want to burden you and Richard with my problems. I thought I could handle it on my own, and I didn't want to worry you both."

"So you mean you haven't told Richard about it, you kept such a news from him" Mary yelled at her.

"I didn't want to bother him with a thing like that" she explained.

"Can you hear yourself, you know such a news from your husband, from your family. What the hell is wrong with you?" Mary asked.

Elaine just stood there quiet, it was not like she hadn't tried to tell Richard about it but she just wasn't given an opportunity.

"How the hell am I supposed to tell him that I have cancer and I am left with one year to live" she demanded.

"You have cancer?" a voice said and Elaine instantly froze.

"Answer me" the voice repeated.

Elaine slowly turned to see Richard standing behind her with his jacket in his hand. His bag had already dropped to the ground and she could tell it was from shock.

"Yes and the doctor said I had about a year to live" she summed up courage to answer him just to see his reaction.

"Was that what you wanted to talk to me about?" he said recalling the discussion she tried to have with him but he dismissed her.

"Yes, I tried to tell you but you wouldn't listen to me." she said.

"Okay" he responded and then turned to leave.

The screeching sound of a car could be heard as he drove out through the gate.

Elaine stood there stunned that he would turn his back on her at a time like that.