My Cheating Husband's Regret

I had left the office earlier as usual, hurrying to prepare dinner for Lachlan MacGregor before he returned from work. I had been married to Lachlan for over five years.

It has been an awesome experience. Sitting there, I was reminiscent of the past... the love, the compassion, and those pleasant memories. My phone buzzed. I checked. Oh, it was Fiona, my best friend of many years.

"Hello Isla,"

Hello Fiona, how are you? I inquired.

"I'm okay Isla, but I just arrived from the airport now, on my way to your house"

Really! I exclaimed, "It would be nice to see you again after many years." I was excited because I knew Fiona was such a lively person who would make sure the place was packed full of fun and laughter.

The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house; I knew that could be Fiona. I was in high spirit knowing that her coming would pull me out from the solitude lifestyle I'm used to over the past few months.

Though it wasn't the first time someone had come to visit since Lachlan and I moved into this spacious mansion in the heart of Edinburgh. But Fiona was different. She has been my bestie right from when we were little children.

My heart lips with joy at the thought of her... Fiona Stewart. We'd been very close once at a point, the kind of friendship you believed would last forever, nothing can separate us no matter what. But time and life had a way of changing plans.

I walked to the door and when I opened, Fiona was standing there with a smile on her face and a suitcase in her hand.

Looking at Fiona, I noticed nothing has changed much in her. Blonde hair though a bit longer, green and lovely eyes looking tired but hopeful. Fiona exudes natural beauty such that people always stop and stare at her. And I always admired her beauty, her smiles, easygoing... I love how easy she made everything look. She is really fun to have around and I was happy seeing her again.

"Isla," she said, her voice soft with a smile. "I... I hope I'm not interrupting anything by coming on such a short notice?" her tone smug. "Look at you... as beautiful as always" I retorted with excitement and laughter that echoed across the mansion.

I couldn't hold myself as we hugged and laughed sharing pleasantries as if two lost friends just discovered treasure that was lost in years.

"Come in," I said, holding her hands and trying to help her with the suitcase into the house.

She set her suitcase down near the entrance, I called out for the helper in the house to come and assist in taking the suitcase to the guest room.

Then turned to face her as we continued with our discussion sharing memories and laughter. "It's been so long, hasn't it?" she said, her eyes scanning the beautiful sitting room which is decorated with magnificent splendor.

"I almost didn't know where to go when things fell through abroad. I... I didn't have anywhere else." "No! You don't have to worry Fiona. Feel free here, you are welcome". I assured her.

"You lost your job?" I asked, my voice filled with emotion.

She nodded, her gaze lowered as she struggled to hold back tears from her eyes, "Yes. Things just... didn't work out. And I didn't have enough savings to stay out there, not anymore".

"I thought about staying with my parents, but... you know how things are there." She lamented, clearly uncomfortable.

"It's okay Fiona.... You don't need to say all that, you are here now, let's see how we can work things out for your comfort." I assured her. "But I have one problem...hmmm, Lachlan MacGregor, my husband".

"Fiona," I said, looking into her eyes, "you're welcome to stay here for a while. I mean... it's not a problem."

I can see her face lit up with excitement after hearing those words, the relief in her eyes was evident. "Ohh..., Isla my friend, thank you so much", she extended her arms and we hugged again.

"I don't know what I would have done without you. I'm sorry for not giving you advanced notice but just show up like this on very short notice, but I didn't have any choice. I... I didn't want to impose this on you, but.... I"

"Fiona, please stop", I waved her off,

"don't spoil this beautiful moment. It's fine."

But even as I said those words, I felt doubtful because I didn't know how my husband would react. She hadn't really given me a choice. But honestly, I love seeing her around.

We sat discussing her past, my adventure and marriage, and many unimportant things, laughing, and then I paused and spoke again, my voice quieter.

"Lachlan's not going to be thrilled about this and that is my only problem, Fiona."

Fiona looked momentarily surprised, then smiled. "I didn't want to trouble him either. But I understand you're both busy. I'll be out of your way. I promise, just give me a few weeks Isla."

I knew that my husband would not have gone along with that. Lachlan had never been an easygoing person when it comes to breaking the routine he has set.

And Fiona being under our roof? That would be, to put it mildly, a disruption.

Just as I was about to say something, I heard the front door open. Lachlan walked in.

He entered the house, his eyes meeting mine at once. I could feel the tension instantly, he looked surprised as he tossed his briefcase by the door table. That was the way he had always been. He is very straightforward and focused man.

"Isla," he said, his voice hoarse, as though he'd been talking to someone else all day. He gave Fiona an assessing look, his eye cool. But He didn't look excited seeing our visitor.

"This is Fiona, Lachlan," I said, my tone careful. "You remember her? Right?"

He nodded, but now I could read his expression. He hadn't forgotten Fiona; he would never forget her. Because back then, he knew us as siamese twins.

"Of course," he replied flatly. "It's been a while, how are you doing Fiona?"

Fiona smiled. "It's nice to see you again, Lachlan. I hope you're doing well?"

He didn't answer right away, simply giving a curt nod. Then he turned back to me, never breaking his gaze from Fiona.

"Can we talk for a minute?" sure, I responded and followed him into the dining while we excused Fiona.

"How long is she staying?" he asked.

I hesitated, already knowing what was next. Lachlan did not like surprises, particularly when they involved people he didn't trust. Fiona had never been his favorite person, and I knew that hadn't changed.

"She ... she's staying with us for a little while," I said, the nerves making my voice thick. "She has nowhere else to go."

Lachlan frowned at Fiona as he looked back as if she was behind us. "A little while? How long exactly?"

I held my breath for a moment, regaining my composure. "Whatever it takes, Lachlan. You know how it is. She's suffered so much, and I can't just close the door on her. We are friends"

He didn't respond at first. I could sense his eyes drilling into me. He wasn't going to let this go easily, I knew that. But there was no way I was going to back down either.

At last, Lachlan sighed and raked a hand through his short, dark hair. "Not that I'm happy about this, Isla. You know how I feel about all this stuff, I don't like Suprise"

"I know," I said hurriedly, interrupting him. "But please, just this once. She's my friend, Lachlan. You can't ask me to reject her."

Before he could say anything, I moved close to him and placed a kiss preventing him from saying anything more.

There was a long pause as he responded kissing me as though he had missed me throughout the day. When I finally pulled away for a moment, I thought he might decline. But then he spoke again, his voice lower with emotions.

"Fine. She can stay for a week. But that's it. After that, she has to find somewhere else to go."

I nodded, feeling grateful for the small victory. But looking at Fiona through the curtain, I couldn't help but feel happy that this was going to end in the way I wanted it.

I smile at Lachlan

"I appreciate it.... Thank you again,"

 I said to him, and then walked back to Fiona.

"Feel at home my dear, I said to her as I show her to her room" I called one of the house helpers to prepare something for Fiona and help tidy her room.

But beneath it all, I had this sense of excitement that I had someone to talk with especially when Lachlan travels for business trip as he used to most often. The house wouldn't be boring when he is away.