I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe got on quite well. She never made a scene, never accused me of anything; she was always kind and affectionate. But the problem remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke up wanting to leave. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I never imagined how fate would take such an unexpected turn.
With Emily, I felt at ease. Not only did she keep the house perfectly, but she was also stunning. My friends envied me and couldnt understand how Id been so lucky to have her as my wife.
I didnt even know what Id done to deserve her love. Im an ordinary man, with nothing special to set me apart. And yet, she loved me How was that possible?
Her love and devotion haunted me. What tormented me most was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my placesomeone richer, more attractive, more successful.
When I pictured her with another man, I felt like Id go mad. She was mine, even though Id never loved her. That sense of possession was stronger than reason. But can you spend your whole life with someone you dont love? I thought I could, but I was wrong.
*”Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,”* I decided as I went to bed. In the morning, over breakfast, I gathered my courage.
“Emily, sit down. We need to talk.”
“Of course, darling. Im listening.”
“Imagine if we divorced. I leave, and we live apart”
Emily laughed. “What a strange idea! Is this a game?”
“Hear me out. Its serious.”
“Fine, Im imagining it. Then what?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“Oliver, whats gotten into you? Why are you thinking of leaving?”
“Because I dont love you. I never have.”
“What? Are you joking? I dont understand.”
“I want to leave, but I cant. The thought of you with someone else wont leave me alone.”
Emily thought for a moment, then answered calmly. “I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.”
“You promise?”
“Of course,” she assured me.
“Waitbut where would I go?”
“You dont have somewhere?”
“No, weve been together our whole lives. Ill probably have to stay near you,” I said miserably.
“Dont worry,” Emily replied. “After the divorce, well swap the flat for two smaller ones.”
“Really? I didnt expect you to help me like this. Why would you?”
“Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont keep them against their will.”
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon after, I learned Emily hadnt kept her promise. She found another man, and the properties she inherited from her grandmothershe never meant to share them. I was left with nothing.
Now, how can I ever trust a woman again? I havent a clue.
Pride blinds us to what we have until its gonethen leaves us with nothing but regret.
