The surprise caller (693 words)

Paul rarely received personal mail—just bills and promotional flyers. With most communication done through email and phone, he hadn't visited a post office in months. So, when a handwritten envelope appeared among the usual junk, it caught him off guard. The name and address were penned in elegant cursive, hinting at a female author, though it was hard to be sure. Ever meticulous, Paul used scissors to open the envelope, revealing a small square of paper inside.

The note read:

"Please come on the 23rd at 7 PM to the address on this envelope. A surprise awaits you. This is no ruse or harm. You will be pleased with the effort. This may change your life as you wish it to be. K."

Paul didn't know anyone with the initial "K." He had no enemies, no business dealings that might lead to such a cryptic message. His life was steady and uneventful, like a calm stream. He had once deeply loved a girl—Diana, but she had moved far away with her parents. Over time, their correspondence dwindled to nothing from her,not even a birthday greeting. Yet, Paul still loved her, even writing to her recently, though his letters were met with silence.

Curiosity gnawed at him. Who was this "K"? A wealthy employer? A rival company? The possibilities spun in his mind. Unable to resist, Paul decided to go. Just in case, he informed a friend of his plans and arrived at the address—a grand bungalow with a long driveway. He did not fail to notice how well-maintained the garden was, with perfectly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers lining the path. A butler met him at the door.

"I am Paul. I received an invitation."

"Yes, sir. We’ve been expecting you," the butler replied.

"May I ask who 'K' is?"

"Oh, Miss Katherine Bridgewater, a wealthy spinster of about 50, with estates all over the country."

"But why would she invite me? I have no connection with her."

"I wouldn’t dare guess, sir, but you’re very fortunate to be in her good graces," the butler said with a mischievous smile that made Paul uneasy.

Paul was ushered into a lavishly decorated room, where a large, imposing woman with a broad neck sat on a sofa. The room was filled with antique furniture, expensive crystal chandeliers and abstract paintings on the walls. She had a big frame, strong arms, and an infectious smile that belied the predatory gleam in her eyes.

"Welcome, Paul. It’s so sweet of you to come. Please, sit by my side. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be," she said.

Paul sat beside her, smiling politely as she took his hands and placed them on her lap.

"You’ve made my day by coming," she said, her grip firm as Paul tried to withdraw his hands. The butler entered with tea and cookies.

"May I ask why I’m here?" Paul inquired.

"How naïve you are! My dear, this meeting is likely to culminate in a romance, and possibly end in marriage," she said with a loud laugh.

Paul shot to his feet, anger rising.

"I don’t find this amusing. There’s been a mistake. I’m not interested in marriage, and I regret wasting my time," he said.

"Please, don’t be upset. You’re perfect for me. You’ll be wealthier than you can imagine. I won’t let you go until we’ve settled this," she replied, her tone serious now.

"This is absurd! I’m leaving, and if you try to stop me, I’ll call the police. I’m in love with someone else—by the name of Diana. She’s abroad, and I’ve waited three years for her return. Now, let me go," Paul demanded, heading for the door.

The butler blocked his path.

"Sir, you might want to turn around," he said.

Paul turned to see Diana sitting beside Katherine, giggling.

"Sorry, my love," Diana said as she rushed to hug him. "I returned with my parents two days ago. They know about us, and we, particularly my aunt here,wanted to surprise you before announcing our engagement."

Paul stood there, stunned, as the weight of the surprise lifted, replaced by overwhelming joy.