My Husband’s Alive

In the third year of my marriage to Arthur Hayes, he died unexpectedly in a car accident. I was inconsolable. It took me five full years to recover, finding solace through the comforting presence of his best friend, Ben Carter. Over time, living in such close proximity, feelings developed between us, and we decided to get married.

But at the registrar's office, the clerk looked at me with a strange expression. Maam, our records indicate youre already married and your marriage is still active. If you proceed, it could constitute bigamy.

At first, I didnt believe it. But when I saw Arthur Hayes listed in the spouse column, both Ben and I froze. How could my husband, who had passed away five years ago, still be legally married to me?

Excuse me, could there be a system error? I glanced awkwardly at Ben. My former husband was indeed Arthur Hayes, but he died five years ago. Legally, a marriage automatically terminates upon the death of a spouse. How could I still be married to him?

The clerk grew impatient, her eyes scrutinizing me. Ive checked three times. Your husband, Arthur Hayes, is currently alive, and your marriage is legal and valid. Theres no mistake. She wasn't particularly quiet, and hearing her, people nearby shot me disdainful glances.

That woman has some nerve, bringing her lover to get married while her husband is still alive.

Is she crazy? Does she not know marrying two people is bigamy?

Can these people stop treating government officials like part of their twisted games?

Seeing the increasingly hostile looks from those around us, Ben quickly pulled me out. Back in the car, I still hadnt recovered from the shock. Before Ben could offer comfort, I immediately pulled out my phone and called Arthurs mother. After two rings, her cold voice was piercing.

Why are you calling me? Didnt I tell you not to contact me again?

What, youre marrying Arthurs best friend now, and you want to invite your former mother-in-law to the wedding?

I ignored her sarcastic tone and immediately asked, Mom, please tell me, was Arthur truly dead back then? Was he faking his death to deceive me?

On the other end of the line, Arthurs mother exploded like a sputtering oil pan, roaring at me in anger. Evelyn Lane, do you have any conscience? Arthur died because of you! If you hadnt suddenly craved cake in the middle of the night, would he have driven while fatigued and gotten into that accident? You personally identified his body; how dare you ask me such a thing? You have no conscience!

The call was abruptly cut off, but I remained suspicious. After all, though I had rushed to the scene of Arthurs accident immediately, his body was so mangled from the impact that even his face was unrecognizable. We had identified him by his clothes and car.

I took a deep breath, then took Ben to the police station that had handled the accident to check the records. Seeing the 100% DNA match, I froze. The person who died was indeed Arthur Hayes. But a dead man how could he maintain a five-year marriage with me?

Back home, Ben received an urgent call for overtime work. Before leaving, he hugged my shoulders, reassuring me softly. Dont be scared.

I helped with Arthurs funeral arrangements; he truly was it couldnt have been faked.

Maybe something went wrong when the paperwork was processed. Well check again tomorrow; it might be nothing.

Sweetheart, its your birthday today. Be happy.

When I get back, well celebrate properly.

Looking at Bens gentle eyes, my unease lessened considerably, and I nodded at him. After Arthurs death, I was overcome with grief, on the verge of a complete mental breakdown. If Ben hadnt canceled so much work to be with me, even using his connections to find me the best psychologist, I doubt I would have recovered so quickly. Although our relationship later wasnt approved by many, and there were even some unpleasant rumors, I didn't care. After all, I was living my own life.

Sighing, I poured myself a cup of hot water, just about to calm my nerves. The doorbell suddenly rang. I thought it was Ben, having forgotten something. But when I opened the door, it was a smiling delivery man holding a bouquet of flowers. He enthusiastically said, Is this Ms. Evelyn Lane? These are from your husband.

I took the bouquet, seeing the vibrant red roses, and the gloom in my heart instantly lifted. Just as I was about to snap a photo to send to Ben, the delivery man suddenly smiled and said, You know, Mr. Hayes is truly thoughtful.

Our shop had run out of roses, but he specially had the owner air-freight these from a neighboring city.

Because he said your first meeting was at our shop, he insisted the roses be delivered under our shops name. So romantic

The delivery man continued to chatter, but my face had instantly changed.

Wait. I gripped the doorframe, my heart feeling like it was trying to leap out of my throat. My husband, you said. Whats his last name?

The smile on the delivery mans face froze. He looked at me strangely. Mr. Hayes, of course. He orders flowers from our shop every year; hes a regular customer.

Thud. The bouquet in my hand instantly fell to the ground. But I didnt even bother to pick it up, staring at his face in shock, enunciating each word. The Mr. Hayes youre talking about, does he have a red mole between his eyebrows?

Seeing the delivery man nod in surprise, I immediately pulled out my phone, found a photo of Arthurs ID, and showed it to him. Is the Mr. Hayes youre talking about him?

Now the delivery man looked at me even more strangely. Of course its him, Ms. Lane. Are you messing with me? Dont you know what your own husband looks like? He scratched his head, gave me a look as if I were an idiot, and walked away.

I held onto the doorframe, staring at the blood-red flowers on the ground, and suddenly noticed a greeting card tucked in the bouquet. But in previous years, the bouquets never had one. I picked up the card, and after reading its contents, a chill instantly crawled up my spine.

Because the card clearly read: Dearest wife, happy wedding anniversary. Your loving husband, Arthur Hayes.

I didn't dare stay home alone. I hailed a taxi and went straight to my office. On the way, I messaged Ben, telling him what had just happened. But the man who always replied instantly didnt respond. It wasn't until I entered the office. Just as I was about to call him directly to ask what was going on, Liam, a colleague I was always friendly with, chuckled and came over. Didnt you take today off for a romantic day with your husband? Why are you back so soon?

I forced a faint smile, replying evasively, Hes a bit busy, and I need to catch up on work, so I wanted to come back and organize some project files.

Liam gave me a knowing smile, pointing at a lunch bag on my desk. Got it, got it. Your husband stood you up today. But he did make you a fancy meal to apologize. You should be gracious and forgive him.

Instantly, the smile on my face froze.