**Diary Entry**
I thought I was taking control of my life. Instead, I only set it ablaze.
Three weeks ago, I packed my thingsnot in secret, not quietly. I did it after standing in front of fifty-odd peoplemy husbands entire familyand announcing I was leaving him for a colleague.
It wasnt impulsive. My husband had been jobless for eight months. Not laid offsacked. For turning up drunk at his warehouse job. Again. He swore hed find work, but spent his days gaming while I pulled double shifts at the pub, barely covering rent and bills.
My colleague started as a barman six months ago. Clever. Driven. Actually owned his own car instead of borrowing mine. We chatted during quiet shifts. Then messaged. Then met after hours.
One evening, in his flat, he looked at me and said, You deserve someone who can provide. Not some waster glued to a screen.
I believed him.
The family gathering was at my mother-in-laws place. Her garden was packed with relatives, laughter, and folding chairs. My husband was bragging about some online tournament hed won. His cousin asked about his job hunt.
Close to landing something, he lied. Got a few leads.
I snapped.
Actually, he hasnt applied anywhere in months, I said, standing. Im done pretending. Im leaving him for someone with a proper job and ambition.
The garden fell silent. My husband went pale.
Whatre you on about? he asked.
I didnt hesitate.
Im talking about how youre a layabout who cant even pay for groceries. Im talking about how Ive found someone better. Someone who earns his keep instead of living off me.
His sister gasped. His aunt dropped her plate. My mother-in-law stormed over and slapped me hard across the face.
Get out of my house. Now.
Gladly, I said, my cheek stinging. Enjoy coddling your useless son.
I left with just my handbag. That night, I moved in with the barman. Posted online about my fresh start with a real man.
It lasted two months.
Turns out, my colleague was also seeing the new waitress. And one of the kitchen staff. I found them together in his bed.
You knew I wasnt exclusive, he said, as if I were daft for assuming.
I had nowhere to go. My husband had changed the locks. My family said Id made my bed. The barman kept my deposit on the flat wed planned to share.
Now I work at a roadside burger van. Minimum wage. No tips.
My husband got a job at his mates construction firm last month. Posted photos of his new van yesterday.
The slap mark faded, but I still feel it sometimes. That moment I thought I was so clever, so above it all. When I torched every bridge for someone who saw me as just another option.
He still tends bar at our old pub. Already has a new girlfriend. I flip burgers and wonder if this is what I really deserved.
But standing there, shaming my husband in front of everyonewas it necessary? Or was I just cruel?
