An Entangled Life

By Dr. Greta Archbold

Eva decides that she can no longer bear her husband's repeated attempts on her life and sets out on her own. As a woman from a conservative family, she finds it difficult to abandon her 26-year marriage. She begins by taking a sabbatical to the United Kingdom and Europe, where she meets Spiro, Zac, and John, three men who will play significant roles in her life. When she returns, she starts her first job as a business development consultant for her friend George. George is head over heels in love with her, but their relationship is tumultuous.

Eva is still looking for love and happiness, and, over the years, she has relationships with a number of men, while George and her UK friends remain interested in her. She is in a car accident, and two more attempts are made on her life. Finally, after sixteen years of searching, a miracle occurs on a vacation to Israel, where she meets her true love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Aug 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669830986

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Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Greta Archbold.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. [Biblica]

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Rev. date: 08/03/2022

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Contents

Preface

1   Sydney, 1996

2   George

3   Decisions

4   Leaving

5   London

6   The Eastern Bloc Tour

7   The Scandinavian Countries

8   London and Ireland

9   London Again

10   Central Europe

11   Life in London

12   Spain

13   Grayshott Spa

14   Reminiscing

15   Changes and Negotiations

16   Business World

17   Divorce Settlement

18   Travel Again

19   Eva Loses John

20   Living on The Edge

21   Miami

22   Selling Out of The North Shore

23   She Calls Her Own Bluff

24   New Beginnings

25   Christmas Eve London

26   A New Year with Justin

27   Life and Loves Continue

28   Oliver and Eva, A Couple

29   On Her Own Again

30   Welcome, Mikhail

31   Life with A Bastard

32   The Iranian Touch

33   Death

34   Men

35   Holy Land

36   Dome of The Rock, 2012

Author’s Note

About The Author

Acknowledgements

To love.

‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

it does not boast, it is not proud.’

– 1 Corinthians 13:4

Preface

I n January 2021, I received a courtesy call from a daughter of Garry, my former employer. She informed me of the death of her father, whose business I had re-branded and then helped grow further. We had remained friends from March 1996 to May 2020 with a seven-year interruption when I married my third husband. As a chummy friend and one-time partner who always wanted more of me, he was shocked and horrified that I would marry again without his consent.

The steadfast friendship was renewed in June 2019 when I turned seventy. He had walked up the hill and left me an elegant birthday card with a sincere letter of regrets and congratulations. I nervously responded the next day, but I had no need to be tense, as he was himself and oozed enthusiasm that I had responded to his card. He wanted to see me immediately. We met soon after and renewed that mutual bond. On the day of the meeting, we had a gentle, caring, and easy-flowing conversation.

That hour flew!

After that emotional reunion at a Five-Ways café in Paddington, we farewelled each other with hugs and kisses. I turned away, and then my feelings got the better of me, and I gyrated around to watch him disappear around the corner, away from me. He had the same energy as twenty-five years ago, when he was a mere sixty-three. Over the following year, we continued a flow of special phone chats, conversations only we knew and understood. We shared jokes from the past and the cares of the current days.

I never saw him again.

This major incident in my life prompted me to write a novel about a woman trapped by her past, her distrust of men, and her anxiety to not repeat a tragedy. The novel covers her entangled life’s journey through the highs and lows of many action-packed relationships, travel adventures, and other accomplishments to ultimately find love with a man she could trust.

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1

Sydney, 1996

E va’s first marriage had nosedived over the decades, until she acknowledged that it had expired. It had been an awkward relationship right from the beginning. His connection with his domineering mother had been the problem. He never wavered in his claim of love for Eva, but his love for his mother had always been stronger. That love had led to a number of frightening incidents which had made Eva repeatedly fear for her life. The woman had dangerous powers of control over her son.

She knew that if she remained in the marriage, his mother would eventually win her game. There was a real chance Eva might not survive the next frightful confrontation. She had to overcome her pride and accept that the marriage was finished.

Eva was a petite woman with a strong sense of determination. To cope with the attacks on her, she had maintained a strong control of her own destiny, both mentally and physically. This meant she would be able to control her future.

In April 1996, there was a shooting spree at the Port Arthur historic site in Tasmania. Thirty-five people were killed and twenty-one injured. Eva had visited the site and felt for the community. The Port Arthur massacre had been solely perpetrated by Martin Bryant. After this horrific event, Prime Minister Howard called for all guns in Australia to be accounted for and to be handed over to the government.

Because of the massacre, she began to think more seriously about the attempts on her life and how violence could affect her own family. Could her own family be caught in a similar treacherous position?

She feared that her husband was capable of this. There was a gun in the house.

Eva announced her decision to split in 1996, on their twenty-sixth wedding anniversary. It had been odd, telling her husband, ‘Why are we still married, when you are perpetually trying to kill me? You have no love for the children, and yet after the first two, you demanded and blackmailed me into more! On top of that, I found out that you have an additional daughter with another woman! Why don’t we either resolve our issues or dissolve our marriage on this anniversary!’

He looked stunned! Was it a fake reaction?

She left the table at the restaurant in the Rocks; she dashed out of the place to breathe. She knew she had hit a sore point, totally unexpected by him. Her action would give him time to process what she had just said. When she returned to the restaurant, he was still sitting there, flabbergasted and perhaps feeling regret.

They walked to their six-star hotel reservation, which had been arranged months before. He tried to smooth his issues over. He suggested they watch porn movies to set the mood for sex. She felt disgusted, because she would be making love with a man who could be planning another deadly attack on her.

She played dumb and drank the champagne in the suite overlooking Sydney Harbour. She drew a bath full of froth and bubbles. She suggested he join her; he rejected the offer but kept his eyes firmly on his wife.

His head was spinning!

The night continued with banter and some laughter, until it was time to go to sleep. They certainly could be friends! They had sex. Eva played the game which men play too, the game of pretence. The sexual activity did enrich them temporarily; eventually they said good night to each other. However, Eva knew their marriage was over!

When they woke up the next morning, they looked at each other like lovers do. Happiness is an attitude! Eva thought she would try again, although she had tried forever to make good of her marriage. They understood each other, but one spouse cannot continue to abuse the other.

She was an unwilling victim!

She no longer wanted this role. No one else knew the truth. She had kept their life story behind closed doors, sealed with the fear of what might happen if she told the real story to anyone.

Again, Eva told him she wanted a divorce. He did not accept this. He told her to wait a week while he would try to work through the quagmire. Because he looked traumatised, she indicated that she would let him stay in her home for the next twelve months. This arrangement would also give the children time to settle into their new reality. They would have to have separate rooms. He would not hear of this!

Would he continue his life threats on her?

Three weeks later, Eva received an invitation to attend an expensive charity function in a private house on the water in Cremorne. She believed in the work of this charity and was willing to support the organisation. She was also encouraged by friends to attend.

Being separated, she felt awkward and disjointed. She felt shame, because her marriage had failed. Unfortunately, she had no one to attend with; she did not have an appropriate male escort outside her marriage. Feeling resourceful, she had a brainstorm to which she required a positive answer. She needed acceptance, so she took a gamble.

She asked her separated husband to join her and offered to pay for his ticket. He told her, ‘No, I do not think going with you is appropriate!’ But due to the circumstances, he would do it as a friendly gesture to her. How unusually respectful, she thought! Never laugh at respect; she was grateful.

Would he attempt to kill her at the party?

She hoped not. He had a mind full of devious plots. But would he attend, or was he lying again? Their friends had often warned her of his massive lies. He was a master of perpetual deceit! He was clever at it, but she was aware of his tactics. Being separated, she was not going to accept his ridiculous deceitful lies any longer; he would need to switch to another deceptive approach.

During the week before the party, there was a lull in his abusive behaviour. This made it easier for them to attend the upcoming party together.

What was he planning?

At the party, they were introduced to many celebrities, and there was a brilliant art exhibition in an upstairs loft. The organisers were hoping to raise funds from this. Purchases were made, and then a silent auction would follow.

As an outdoor event, the function was held right on the harbour, in the backyard of a popular local resident, whom she had met only a few months earlier. A lovely venue, with tents erected on the grass, and drinks and cuisine served by waiters.

She appeared confident but was inwardly emotional. The sun had shone all day, and then out of nowhere the rain poured down, as it does on some evenings. What was she to do? She looked around for shelter, but all the tents seemed to be occupied. When a nice-looking friendly couple asked if she would like to take shelter under their tent, she felt relieved. They also asked if she would like to join them at their table. Her husband was nowhere to be seen. She knew she could not stand up for hours. Nervous, but appreciative, she accepted.

The urbane man with a distinguished beard stood up from his chair, then introduced Eva to his long-term friend, Carol. Carol smiled and cooperated with the proceedings; they shook hands. Eva thought Carol’s heart had not been in the action. She was of a demure appearance and seemed bemused by her partner’s actions. He introduced himself as George and indicated Eva was welcome to sit and stay at their table for as long as she wanted to.

It was a pleasant situation. The three of them found they had much in common. Art and travel were the main subjects. Then George quizzed Eva. Who was she? Where did she live? By the time he had got around to asking her these questions, an hour had passed, and the rain was still pouring down.

Eva tried to explain her marital status in a few words, but somehow she was caught up in a conversational merry-go-round where these people wanted to know too much. She was glad to put a stop to that conversation, thinking less is better!

Carol talked spasmodically but then suddenly buttoned up. George took over and asked Eva if she would like another drink. She nodded, and he requested the waiter to bring her a glass of French champagne. ‘Thank you,’ she said. He smiled back cutely. She could see he was interested in her life story, or was it in her?

The bubbles arrived, and they celebrated the rain, as Sydney had needed it. Halfway through the bubbles, embarrassingly she almost told him her entire history. That is what alcohol does to you! The important part was that she was separated and her husband was in the next tent. She pointed him out to them. He hovered around, fully absorbed in her every move! Every time she turned around or looked straight ahead, he was there watching her. This made her edgy!

Her new friends noticed his actions too. They had not known he was her husband and said they were going to point out to her this handsome man in the next tent, who very much looked like he was infatuated by her!

How funny!

Eva thanked the couple for being interested in her. Time seemed to disappear, and she spent almost two hours getting to know them. Then she got up for a minute and looked back at George. His beady, intelligent eyes played games with Eva and her mind. His entanglement with her was obvious to her and to anyone who could see what was going on. He wanted her to stay a little longer.

She suddenly felt awkward after divulging so much personal information, so she pulled herself away from them and stretched her legs with the thought of viewing the art exhibition in the loft.

Before Eva could walk away, Carol quickly grabbed her and whispered in her ear that George was very fascinated by her and invited her to stay. She added that if Eva was also attracted to him, it would probably last only two years, like all the other women in his life!

Surprised, Eva stood still like a marble statue! Her body reacted slowly as she eased her way into accepting Carol’s invitation, and she sat down again. George whispered to her that he had seen her from the back, on arrival at the function. He had fallen for the mysterious aura around her, her profile, her dark shiny hair, and her elegant black tuxedo jacket.

When she had turned around, he said he received a beautiful jolt. Seeing her pretty face and smile, he was instantly smitten, attracted, hooked, all from one glance!

Eva and George connected with strong chemistry; their minds danced together in harmony – or was it danger? Carol seemed amused and said nothing, but she had given him a feminine hint, ‘I have had enough of your flirting!’

Eva had to escape from this twisted saga, and she did. George needed to escape from her; he had to please Carol. Eva wanted to view the art and told him that she had not seen it yet. They already had and suggested she take a peek.

She walked up the steep stairs to the gallery and treasured what she saw. She felt George’s beady eyes following her legs with every step. She felt as if her body was being viewed through a telescope or a magnifying glass. Her movements, every detail of her, were on display for some reason – was it approval or a voyeur’s game?

The feeling put a spin of abundant excitement in her mind and lifted her energy levels. It gave her a positivity which had been missing since the separation. It made her feel free, and she enjoyed that, but it also had its complications. Her diabolical marriage nightmare was still with her!

She talked and smiled to the guests and just prized the art space. She saw an exquisite painting and thought she might like to purchase it. It would be a treasured memory from this extraordinarily different adventure, but then she reconsidered. What was the point of spending money when she did not know her future? She just admired the magnificent work and asked questions of the artist, who took an interest in her comments. She felt she should do more with her own art one day. Eva talked to other guests and discussed the uncommonly bright colours and style of the works. She scanned the room and relished the art space.

After thirty minutes of conversation, another glass of French champagne arrived. Her third – she never drank more than one! She might soon be tipsy! The waiter said it was from a prominent man down at that table in the tent.

She looked down and could see it was George. The waiter said that the man wanted to meet with her before she left the party. An automatic response came to her lips. She felt compelled to say to the waiter, ‘Yes, that is fine.’

Fifteen minutes later, she slowly walked down the stairs, into the arms of this prominent man whom she had already spent far too long speaking with. It was an inexplicable feeling! She felt comfortable with him! It was outlandish. How could she be so at home with a stranger?

She had no experience with this type of feeling!

George hugged her tightly and surreptitiously gave her his business card. He was calm and indicated his private number to her; this was the one she should call. Eva contemplated the situation. He seemed eager not to waste any time before seeing her again. She would have to think about this, because she knew how vulnerable a position she was in at that time.

He breathed deeply and gently persuaded her to contact him.

He whispered into her ear that they clearly shared many common interests. He said he found her an intriguing lady, elegant and intelligent. He urged her to contact him in the immediate future. He wished her well and hoped she would cope with her family drama until they would meet again.

Knowing the circumstances of their meeting and her marital situation, he did not want to cause any personal embarrassments or friction. He said that he would let her go for now, a twinkle in his eye catching hers as she left his side.

Eva could see it was time to leave. She had attended the party with an appropriate companion, her estranged husband. At this stage of their separation, it was good to be civil. She had made friends and felt elated. They left the function together. They said their goodbyes to the host and hostess. Eva was pleased with her decision to support the charity. She was also happy to have met her first new male friend.

She had managed to consume three glasses of French champagne! A first, with no after-effects! She evaluated her tipsiness and took control of it; she knew where she was headed. Tonight, she would attend to the children and have an early night.

She never again attended another charity function with her husband.

He had ogled her the entire evening. Who knows whether he had been jealous or not? She knew she would have to watch herself for the next few days, in case there was revenge.

In silence they walked back to their residence, where the children were waiting for them.

Eva looked forward to being with the children that night. She had prepared a dinner of their favourite mum recipe, spaghetti bolognese. The children had invited two friends, who would stay the night. Eva thought this was a good idea, to keep the children active and content.

She talked to them individually as they were all home. They asked how the charity function went, and did she purchase a painting? Knowing their mum was always open to purchases, particularly art, the children were surprised that she came home empty handed.

The next day, Eva found herself being even more of a mum, not only to her own children but also to the two who had stayed the night. One of the girls’ fathers had died overnight. It had been precipitous. How do you calm a child who receives such a shock? The child’s father had gone to bed that night healthy and had never woken up.

Later, after the two guests left separately, Eva sat down with her own children to console them and connect with their emotions. As a mum, she also had feelings; they were raw, and she needed to know more about the families to understand the situation. She wanted to help; how could she help? At the funeral, she reached out to the mother of the child whose father had died and afterwards took that child in, to give her mother some time alone to grieve. That daughter became a close friend of Eva’s family.

Her husband had shown no emotions; he had just ignored the event. Had he thought that this man was having an affair with Eva? Eva had met him at a few parties, with his wife and family. At the time, her husband had asked what was her interest in the man. There had been none, but the man seemed to be keen for more interaction with Eva. At the time, Eva had felt threatened. Now she was feeling awkward and made to feel guilty about something she had never done. But her husband was always suspicious. The question in her mind was, had her husband had something to do with the early death of this man?

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2

George

E va felt it would not hurt to upgrade her qualifications. She commenced a marketing course; she had ideas of starting a business development company. To study and take care of the family, she needed to resign from her corporate job. She also resigned from her charities. Her direction was going to be different, driven by her passion to excel in a new career.

She wanted to show the children that she was a businesswoman, not just a mum. She wanted them to know she could be successful on her own. The three youngest children were on her mind; she needed to ensure they would continue to feel loved, protected, and guided. The older ones were at university; they were managing and understanding.

Eva wanted to show the children she was goal-oriented and was changing her life to be significant as a business person in her own right. They needed a role model. She was fine, but because of the family’s lifestyle changes, their focus needed to shift.

She put all her efforts into exchanging who she had been for a new self. She had to power on and maintain her mum-ship duties; there was much juggling to clear a smooth path to her new destiny. She no longer had a paid housekeeper; she anticipated the road ahead would be tough.

Now she had met this man who wanted her to call him immediately. Much occurred during the days leading up to her decision to call George, or not.

Her children were important to her. She was always taxiing them around and had the usual pressures of home life. A sadness was sinking in; as a family, they were becoming disjointed. On the tenth day after her meeting, she dreamed of George, a romantic dream. After their impromptu tête-à-tête, this was significant.

She knew the call would change her life; she needed to know whether she wanted a new person in her life. She had no previous knowledge on how to conduct herself. In more than twenty-six years, she had never looked at another man. They, of course, had looked at her! She had found this flattering but boring!

Why did men want to screw up other people’s marriages?

Was it because they were unhappy? Why do men always want something or someone out of their grasp? Is it the hunter instinct or plain unfaithfulness?

Men love pretty faces and legs, boobs, and bums, not necessarily in that order! Do they ever think of a woman’s intelligence and that she does not want to be hunted or harassed?

At three o’clock that afternoon, her faithful gut feeling, that genuine super sense, suddenly shouted out to call George. Even if it ended up being just a courtesy call, she would have done the right thing. She knew she had to make the call at that exact moment.

She was alone at home in her bedroom facing her wardrobes. She felt as if she had been hit by a willy-willy and almost fell over. She actually hit the wardrobe sideways and slowly proceeded to slide down to the carpet beneath her.

Had she been struck by a flash of lightning? Was George’s spirit already implanted in hers? It was miraculous, and little did she know George had been waiting to hear from her, every minute since their meeting.

There is something in you that tells you that you need to act. You immediately take action. There is nothing that can stop you. She did it! Her heart felt unprepared, and she had butterflies in her stomach, as her head spun out of control. Had he put a magic spell on her?

Eva just knew that this would be the start of an incredible life-changer. But it was scary! She questioned herself, but at the end of this, she made the significant phone call which would bring them together six weeks later. They would have lunch together.

It was her first date after splitting with her husband. Eva knew no dating protocols; friends had advised her to pay half the bill, whatever happened!

They met just around the corner from his residence. He was one hour late! It was already 1:00 p.m. She thought, Not on my timeline! She called his office to say she did not appreciate his lateness. She was a punctual person and expected him to be the same. She was busy too and could not waste time waiting in a car with nothing to do for an hour. She had to be home for the children by 4:00 p.m.

The office apologised and informed her that he was running late due to an emergency. The statement was, literally, ‘He will be there. He is sorry, but he is coming! Don’t leave under any circumstances!’

Another half an hour later, he arrived. He appeared confused and limped! He had not limped at the charity function. She thought, What am I getting myself into?

He appeared to be older than her, but was he? His Mediterranean skin hid his age. He later told her he had thought she was roughly thirty-five; she was actually forty-five! She later found out he was sixteen years older than her!

He was very apologetic! He hugged her in a warm embrace. Nice! His eyes twinkled with enthusiasm, and his smile was infectious.

George’s words gushed out: ‘This is the life of a doctor. Running late is one of those facts of life. You will have to get used to it.’

She replied, ‘Not with me! I am from the corporate world, and you are required to be punctual with me! And furthermore, a date is a date, so be on time!’

George tilted his head impishly and just relaxed and laughed, enjoying the challenge of this North Shore woman; he knew he was in for the best late luncheon ever!

They walked to one of his favourite Eastern Suburbs restaurants, where he was well-known and cordially welcomed. They sat at his preferred table. He asked her if she liked the position. It was perfect. She liked all of this; this was her! Her style! They searched the menu for a common theme. They found they were unified in cuisine and wine choices. They were an instant foodie match!

He shared his plate with her. She glared at him; he said it was fine. She had never shared food before. She learned fast; she liked it. She was teachable. She knew her times with George would mean sharing whatever presented itself.

Her husband had never shared a plate of chicken with her, or a bread roll, a green leafy salad, or a delicious dessert, in all their years together. Everything had to be his, nothing ever shared!

At times, Eva had thought that her husband might have poisoned some of her food. That would explain why he never shared anything with her. On occasion, she had discarded food he put on the table for her. When he left the room, she tipped the food into the bin.

She caressed every word George spoke and never forgot a single word. Their subject level was compatible; before she knew it, he had asked her to the opera and ballet. She was on fire, almost married again to his repertoire of interests and talent for chat.

She believed that George, unlike her husband, actually spoke honestly. His dignity and his satisfaction in having her present made her feel important. She felt alive! She was blossoming into that other self. Attention and care are good ingredients for an alliance – or would it become a dalliance?

The conversation went along quite romantically for a first date. He continued to dazzle her with his dancing eyes. There was an authoritative way about him, not too intruding, just there.

They talked about his origins. Eva needed to know if he was a Jew. Her mother had told her not to get involved with a Jewish man or a Middle Easterner. She was racist! Also, never get involved with an older man! These were the mum rules! Her husband had been eight months younger and Australian; he had qualified under Mother’s strict jurisdiction.

George looked straight at her and said, ‘I am worse than a Jew. I am worse than any Middle Easterner. Now tell me what am I?’

Oh dear, her heart was pumping faster than the speed of her destiny. This was now awkward. She liked him; he suited her, even if he was a Jew. They had a foundation based on similar interests and many other assets. Why did he have to have a no-go heritage?

She was clueless! What was the worst nationality on this earth according to him? He eventually took a deep breath and spoke.

‘You are not going to like this – I am Lebanese!’

Eva’s mouth fell open in shock!

He explained that he was a full-blooded Lebanese who had enjoyed an Australian upbringing. A Roman Catholic, but agnostic! Like Eva, he had been educated in the private system and boarded from an even younger age than herself. He loved Australia and its freedoms, the luckiest country in the world! He had been to Lebanon and found its culture and architecture appealing, but the country always seemed to be at war with itself or its neighbours.

‘Now what are you?’ he asked Eva. ‘Are you French, Italian, Spanish, or Swedish?’ With her dark hair, petite figure, high cheekbones, and sometimes French or Swedish arrogance, she could see why he had so many choices. She was still a North Shore resident and accustomed to the culture there. She knew where she came from.

She explained she was multi-racial, with English, French, and Swedish heritage; and she often did not know what she was. With more substantial travel, she would learn where she would fit, but she had not yet been to the Scandinavian countries. Eva knew London and Paris well, from her corporate travel over the years. She fitted in there!

The lunch bill arrived; she did not want to leave. It was mutual. But she had the children to think of, so had to leave. He wanted her to quickly visit his residence and know where he lived so she would feel relaxed. The bill sat there like a gold leaf; what to do? She looked him squarely in the eye and said, ‘My friends have told me to pay half of the bill, so I will.’

He was horrified and said, ‘You will never pay for anything in my company. Do not say this again!’

She never did ask that question again; she was indeed a rapid learner! They smiled. It was like a truce – or was it a commandment?

She felt like skipping back to the car; instead, they walked fast. His limp had disappeared! Had she healed him by saying grace before lunch?

They arrived at his residence within seven minutes. She did not have much time, but it was a great experience! She had driven by his residence only a year before, with the family in the car. She had looked at a Brett Whiteley painting in the window of an art gallery. She had wanted to purchase the painting. If she had, she would be worth millions one day. Her husband had prevented her! She remembered saying, ‘You will be sorry!’

At that time, driving past his residence, she had seen him watering his plants. There was an appealing attitude about him, charisma, or had it been his calm? He had worn a navy-blue coat, a distinctive beard, a Sean Connery look. Eva was sure he had not seen her, but she thought she had had a fleeting connection with him. She had remembered him with warm feelings from that moment. At the time, she had not known what this would mean to her, but she had never forgotten that moment.

Now this was the same place. What was going on? This was that same prominent man! How noteworthy – the universe mixes us up and connects us!

His pace was hers, and she would see him again in two weeks’ time! They were both busy, but after this, they would be connected by their interests and their intentions.

Eva appreciated her lovely ferry trips across to the city from Cremorne. On the evening of their date, she boarded the ferry, knowing she was up for a sophisticated night with the man she had met recently. As much as she could, she tried to suppress the anxiety she felt as she remembered a recent incident on the ferry.

That last event had precipitated the end of her marriage.

She could not go on living a lie with continual attempts on her life, which always looked like accidents. She had endured five major events, enough to put anyone in an asylum. But her mother had insisted she remain in this doomed marriage. She felt that her efforts to maintain the balance, for the sake of her family, were amazing. She practised meditation and prayed; she knew that those actions had kept her sane.

Women have to endure much from men! she thought.

She had often called on God and his angels to watch over her and the children, while all that surrounded her was incomprehensible and broken. Most couples with families want the love to flow, for the best outcomes. She did too and prayed for this every living day of her married life. She had prayed constantly for her husband to change his ways.

This time the ferry trip was beautiful, and the sunset reflected itself on Sydney Harbour. She encouraged herself to think past the negatives of her marriage. She was not on the ferry with her husband; she was on the ferry with strangers, who looked safe. Nothing out of the ordinary was going to occur. Still, she made sure that she remained inside the ferry, not outside where an accident could happen.

At this moment, feeling secure, she thought and almost spoke the words out loud, He is not here to push me overboard! I have no phantom eerie feelings. I own my freedom!

Delirious with happiness, Eva’s eyes formed gentle teardrops of contentment.

Again, Eva opened up and said to herself, I have to pull myself together. I do desire a composed and beautiful night. This is my new beginning. She turned her thoughts to pleasure and a safe environment.

She met George at the Opera Bar Restaurant for dinner. He was punctual; he never failed that test again! As they ordered, she felt relaxed and delighted to be with someone who really relished her company. She felt safe and content!

They ordered a whole grilled barramundi and shared it with a mixed green salad. When the fish arrived on a delightfully arranged plate, she watched him as he surgically dissected the whole fish, to divide it equally. She thought it looked like a sexual act. It was as if he was slowly seducing her, layer by layer, until finally he would get to her core! The way he was so profoundly self-possessed with every measure of this dissection, her head was spinning.

It was almost orgasmic!

She was red-hot; she felt she might catch fire if she did not cancel her erotic thoughts! Eva left the table searching for the bathroom and fresh air. She had to have space to breathe, away from him. When she returned to their table, she became settled. He nursed her anxieties.

He asked her, ‘Are you feeling well? Is there anything I can do for you?’

She spiritedly answered with an affectionate tone, ‘Yes, George, I am feeling well, thank you. I needed to breathe in some fresh air away from the restaurant. Thank you for your concern!’

They celebrated their first evening together with a glass of French champagne, toasting many more nights like this. They ordered the same coffees. They amused other patrons of the restaurant with their grand performance of impeccable charm towards each other. All eyes were focused on them. Who was this couple? They laughed and giggled in between sentences, and the bubbles sparkled between them.

They walked from the restaurant to the opera house together for the first time. It seemed like a long walk, but in the end, she thought it had been too short. Their first opera together! It was an evening of light chat and mutual admiration. They shared a broad knowledge of several operas, The Pearl Fishers, La Traviata, and La Bohème.

George was proud of her sitting with him and purposefully let everyone in sight know who she was. He told her he had held the same seats for thirty years! She wondered how many women had previously occupied her seat.

Their connection was real as they watched Bizet’s famous opera The Pearl Fishers. The opera had never sounded so fantastic! He had made the opera more exciting and lifelike to her. He asked her if she would like to have a nightcap elsewhere, but she rejected this idea, because the dinner and opera had been overwhelming; his company and the night were great. There was nothing else for her to explore for this evening. He drove her home, planting a soft kiss on both of her cheeks.

She had to be dropped off around the corner; she feared that if her husband saw her with George, he might take revenge. George said he would be in touch by phone the next day.

After that night, he phoned every day. Or was it six times a day, just to ensure she was alive and safe? There was much attention, flowers, and a healthy romantic pursuit. He was the commander-in-chief, and her role was to be the princess. She loved the concept of feeling ultra-feminine, cherished, and honoured!

Eva was no longer a slave to anyone. She would no longer be tortured and preyed upon by the hunter. Any unsavoury actions taken by the hunter would be reported to an authority, who would take steps to prevent any further attacks on her life. George said he would make sure of this. She had told him as much as she was able to about her predicaments. He wanted to take out a contact on Eva’s husband; to kill him off was the best solution.

Of course, Lebanese style!

Their courting days continued, until she saw him every second day and some occasional nights for the theatre or dinner. Sometimes she felt overwhelmed by the attention, but she needed this. The lack of loving care and support in her life over many years had made her lonely and distraught. Eva walked around with a smile fixed on her face!

A beautiful lady deserving more from life, Eva slowly adjusted to her new life path, and what an urbane teacher she had to encourage her at all times!

Her husband noticed the difference in her and felt jealous. He orchestrated dinners with friends to keep them together.

The weeks flew by. She was changing her attitudes; her new life strengthened her. Her marketing course was going well. She enjoyed the conversations and opinions of other students at lectures. She found she was surrounded by university students from law and economics. She often had the class asking questions of her. It was an excellent time for her reshaping.

One night, after finishing her lectures, she received a phone call from George; and he sounded different. She did not know what to think. Was he over her, or did he just have a question? He was quite mysterious. She was in the car and could not speak, and he sounded as if he needed her full attention. She told him to call her in a couple of hours when she would be home with the children. He agreed but seemed anxious to say whatever it was, with urgency.

She panicked and hoped it was not bad news. Now that her life was beginning to own some form of normality, it would be hard to switch back to the lonely and distressing path of yesterday.

The children were fine, sitting at their desks doing their homework. So easy, she had organised the dinner, and all was normal. He phoned again while she was outside in the garden, watering her plants. She loved gardening and had developed a couple of successful gardenia and pine tree hedges along with the thriving white geraniums and annuals. The garden was well kept, orderly, and pretty. People in the street would often stop to admire her garden and her ‘personality cats’.

George could not wait to say his important words. He hesitated on the phone and then said, ‘I am falling in love with you, Eva. I have not felt like this ever. I had to let you know. I have been busting to tell you! Do you mind?’

There was silence.

Eva was just out of her marriage. She was living under an agreement with her husband, to live under the same roof for the sake of the children, during a one-year separation before their divorce. She had not thought about falling in love with a new man.

Eva felt butterflies and passionate feelings, but was it love?

For decades, the only man in her life had been her husband. She had thought he had adored and loved her with his worship, but also with his frightening obsession with her. With his mood fluctuations, this man, who could rapidly flip from charming to ugly, had often left Eva in confusion. From everyone else’s point of view, he was fine, but he was a master actor! The hunter! His only real intention, from the beginning of the marriage, had been to hunt and kill! All in the name of money!

His mother, the one who controlled his life, made sure of this. Any real love he held for Eva was scrambled every time his Controller would meet or communicate with him. Eva genuinely believed he had always loved her since he first saw her at the age of fifteen. But with the Controller, who did a bizarre job of controlling him, Eva did not have a chance of survival in the marriage.

Were insurance claims easily made on an accidental death?

She never really knew of his gambling and other vices but did find out sporadically; this gene ran in his family. She thought that his aura was always that of a hunter, certainly not that of a romantic husband, lover, friend, father, and provider.

Now she was being told that the new prominent man in her life, George, was falling in love with her. She had to take one baby step at a time. She had to remember he was sixteen years older than her. He was Lebanese!

He had already warned her that they are not nice people! Had that been a joke? So far, the age difference had not hindered them; they fitted each other on all fronts, but she could see the cultural differences might have their own complications.

They had discovered the ocean together, swimming; he followed the art world, and music was his lifeblood too. He appeared the flawless match! They talked a lot about politics; they followed the same political party and, in most conversations, agreed without pressure. Open and honest discussions were essential to them. He was articulate, handsome, and direct, even bolder than she. He even dressed superbly, colour coordinated and fussy!

She liked him and his dress code! She loved glamorous fashion!

She advanced in her marketing studies with group sessions and found this interesting. Her attention to parenting was rewarding; at this time, she never lost that close contact with her children.

Their father was often absent, but it did not seem to matter.

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3

Decisions

M onths earlier, Eva had decided to travel to Israel with a South Australian girlfriend. One day soon she would have to finalise making her travel arrangements. She decided to postpone any decisions about George until after this trip. Her girlfriend had also separated from her husband and had taken to studying.

There were troubles in Israel, and their planned three-week trip was cancelled. They were supposed to be in Israel in June 1996, after their birthdays. Visiting this country had been a childhood dream for both of them. They discussed possible alternatives. There were none for her friend. Eva found this disappointing.

They had been together during a BSF course in 1983. An incredible time for both of them, a journey of knowledge and healing. Turning the pages of the Bible with a ladies’ group was a powerful experience for them. Studying further, Eva discovered everyone has a gift; the only difference is that only some utilise their chosen path. Eva’s at the time was healing.

She found that when a tool is found, others can take advantage of it. A healer has to be discerning. The course had been timely, as it assisted Eva in her marriage, which was difficult and far too full of unrelenting attacks and staged accidents. Amazing as it was, she held her game together with such a mask that no one ever guessed that she was being hunted, lonely, and distressed. To her, it had felt like a time of intense sainthood! And it had been, as she rode the path of life alone!

Their husbands often moved in the same business circles. Eva had not seen her girlfriend for a year. It was going to be a wonderful trip to Israel, a time to continue their friendship. But setbacks arrive, and we move on!

Eva had seen her girlfriend’s husband, and he had been saddened by the news of her separation. Eva had asked if he knew anything about her husband that he could confide with her.

Eva was the queen of the marketing course; she wanted to do the exams in Sydney and then travel. She attended the exams and did well. She spoke to the college about the remainder of the course. They said she knew more about marketing than the lecturers. There was no point in her returning to finish the course.

Eva’s life was pedalling along nicely. There were a few bursts of unpleasantries at home, but basically her days and nights were not burdensome. The hunter had temporarily burnt himself out!

She would have to tell George of her intention to travel. Now that Israel was off her travel list, she was looking at other destinations. Her thoughts moved to another childhood dream. She could travel to the Eastern Bloc for five weeks. She might have to renegotiate with her family about time. The Israel trip had been three weeks. Would it be possible to be absent from her family for five weeks? The family knew she needed a saving break. Eva knew she would need to confide in them when she was close to finalising her trip.

Life in the family went on cautiously. She felt as if she had an expiry date! She knew what this meant. She would have to talk to the children about why she wanted to travel at this time, and about the real history of her marriage. She would have to vocalise her love for them and tell them of her tormented life, which had to be changed to save herself.

This was going to be embarrassing for her and disappointing for the children.

Decisions were not always easy! The discussions needed to be handled with sensitivity. The children had to agree with her plans. Otherwise, she would not travel.

To her great surprise, the children suggested to her, ‘Mum, why don’t you take a sabbatical, say, six months?’ She thought that was being irresponsible. She thought the five weeks for the Eastern Bloc trip was long enough, but the children repeatedly asked her to reconsider, and she decided it was a great idea after all. This would be the adventurous outburst of a ‘Me Project’ yet to be defined.

She would have to inform her husband of her intended travel plans. She knew he would explode; he would want to keep her trip a secret from everyone they knew. He did not want anyone to know that they had separated. But he would probably agree with her travel plans, as they would then have a legal separation.

Eva had already told her closest friends of her ordeal. They were aghast at her story.

Eva made her plans to leave Australia for six months. The family reconfirmed they agreed to let her go on the trip. The children knew she needed saving, and the only way their dear mother could be saved was by leaving the country. They realised she could be attacked again before the twelve months of separation were up. They wanted her alive, not dead!

They agreed she was not abandoning the family!

She had English ancestry through her mother’s mother. This would provide an English working visa. She had a plan. First, she would find work in London. She would commence her journey there and find accommodation for her stay after returning from Europe and the Eastern Bloc.

She phoned the Chairman’s Lounge at Qantas, of which she was a member. She told them about her five-week land and sea trip to the Eastern Bloc and said she would remain in England for six months. Would they be able to assist her with the airfares? They had been good to her family over the years. She felt protected and safe with the airline and their professional attitude and service. She had many frequent flyer points that would count towards a return business-class ticket.

Her interests in Russia, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden were prominent in her mind. She had history with Sweden, as her father was very much a Swede, named Lars to match! He had a French temperament,