Chapter 8

Over the next few days, events followed the schedule Raymond and Isobel had agreed upon. But on Thursday, an unexpected conversation with his colleague Andrew threw Raymond into turmoil. Andrew had stopped by to drop off some paperwork, but as they chatted, he casually mentioned his relationship with Irene, a secretary at Isobel’s firm. Aware of the long-standing animosity between Isobel and Raymond, she had told Andrew that perhaps Raymond could relax a little—Isobel seemed to be mellowing. She had even started smiling at people first and asking about their welfare. It was a notable shift, and Irene had a theory.

“She must have found a boyfriend,” Irene had speculated, which made Raymond sit up a little straighter. Then she added a piece of ‘evidence’—another colleague had spotted Isobel on the street, greeting a man who had just stepped out of a car. Apparently, the greeting was more than just cordial: a long embrace and there had even been a kiss.

“So there you go, Raymond,” Andrew grinned. “Maybe someone’s taming the tiger.”

Raymond forced a chuckle, but his mind whirled. He had no claim on Isobel—she was free to see whomever she pleased. And yet, his reaction betrayed emotions he hadn’t fully acknowledged. All afternoon, he wrestled with himself, struggling to focus on work, to the point where he almost forgot to start preparing dinner.

When Isobel arrived with Susie, Raymond made sure to greet his daughter warmly—she shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of his frayed emotions. But with Isobel, he was different. Cool. Distant. And he used her first name instead of the playful ‘Ruth.’ Isobel’s eyebrows rose in confusion. She clearly wanted an explanation, but now was not the time.