Ray and Elle were childhood sweethearts, remained each other's trueloves throughout teenage and adolescence; and married soon after both graduating from university. Their children are both big now. The firstborn, Janice, a beautiful young lady, graduated the previous year and is pursuing her dream. Mike, who had been hospitalised often as child has fortunately outgrown the ailments and is now a strong and healthy student in residence at a remote university.
Ray developed a wondering eye during early-midlife and cheated on Elle. The first just a fling with a colleague, that subsequently left. However, the second time much more serious. He moved in with Donna. Elle had been heartbroken but still loved Ray—he has been the only man ever in her life.
Elle, a pharmacist, applied for a locum position in another region to escape the heartache and gossip. She started carving a new single life and found that it could be quite enjoyable. Her new friends, mainly single professional women, encouraged her to file for divorce. A mean man-eater female lawyer, highly recommended by friends, had some trouble tracking Ray, but succeeded.
Ray has always been Mr Confidence. He was handsome, had a bright mind, dressed well and looked the part. He was a little taller than she, always well groomed and she took pride in being with him. Problem, she realised with hindsight, is that lots of women admired him and he knew it all to well.
Elle had been the plain-Jane all along. She dressed modestly, did not wear much make-up and always put her husband and children first. Being by herself and influenced by new friends, she now had a chic hairstyle and frequently went for a cut and colour. She had some make-up lessons and wears the latest seasonal fashion colours. Whereas in the past she has been wearing her old clothes forever, she new bought a few fashionable items and mixed and matched—she always looked stylish. She joined a women's only gym and toned her slender body—she lost a lot of weight when Ray left her. She further took to, still comfortable, but elegant shoes that emphasised her nice legs.
Whereas Elle in the past had always been anxiously early for an appointment; she arrived nonchalantly a few minutes late for the meeting with Ray at the lawyer—she walked into reception and is immediately signalled to enter her lawyer's office. When Ray saw her, his mouth literally fell open in amazement. He remained seated and stared as she waltzes past him. The receptionist had to prompt him to follow.