**Diary Entry 12th October**
She wasnt home yet. Lately, shed been buried in work, staying later each evening. I put the kids to bed and wandered into the kitchen to fix myself a cuppa. Emily still hadnt returned. These days, her workload seemed endless, and she often came home long after dark.
I hated seeing her so worn out, so I did my best to shield her from household worries. After we married, wed agreedshed focus on her career while I took care of the home and our future children. Three little ones came along in quick succession. Emily adored each of them, always saying she wouldnt stop there.
But I was exhausted. The endless nappies, school runs, and bedtime stories had taken their toll, and I needed a break from the idea of more children.
Emily stumbled in well past midnight, a little tipsy. When I asked why, she just laughed.
Tom, the team was snowed under, so we popped out for a quick drink to unwind.
Poor love, I smiled. Let me fix you something to eat.
No need. We had some nibbles. Ill just head to bed.
Mothers Day was approaching, and Id asked my mum to watch the kids so I could nip into town. I wanted to do something speciala romantic dinner for the two of us. Mum happily took the little ones for the evening.
Besides groceries and gifts, I decided to treat myself. It had been ages since Id spent a penny on clothes, and I hated asking Emily for money when I had nowhere to wear them. The last thing Id bought was a comfy jumper for lounginghardly suited for the evening I had planned.
I stepped into a boutique and picked out a few shirts. As I tried on the second one, I heard a familiar voice from the next cubicle.
Mmm, cant wait to get you out of that.
A woman giggled. Patience, you devil! Shouldnt you be picking something for your husband instead?
Why bother? Hes knee-deep in nappiescouldnt care less what he wears as long as the kids are fed. Ill get him a toaster or a slow cooker. Thatll make his day.
A cold wave washed over me. Silently, I kept dressing, listening through the thin wall.
What if he asks where all your moneys gone? A toaster doesnt cost that much the woman teased.
Why should I explain how I spend *my* money? *I* work while he sits at home doing as he pleases! He gets his allowance for the house, and thats that. He should be grateful!
The voices faded as they left the fitting rooms. I peeked out carefully. There was Emily, at the till with a blonde, paying for their haul. She kissed her right there, indifferent to the shop assistants raised eyebrow.
Everything all right, sir? the clerk asked, noticing I hadnt moved.
Fine, thanks, I said quickly, handing her the shirts. Ill take them all.
Back home, after Mum left and the kids were down for their nap, I sat thinking. I hadnt expected this from Emily. The betrayal stung, but worse was how little she valued what I did for our family.
I wanted to bolt straight to a solicitor, but I forced myself to think clearly.
*Divorce her, and shell swan off with that woman, leaving me with the kids and no income. Maintenance? Pennies. How would we live?*
That night, Emily didnt stay late working. *Shes had her fun already,* I thought numbly. My feelings for her had vanishedshe was a stranger now. The only thing I dreaded was her touching me. The thought turned my stomach.
But, as it turned out, Emily had no interest in me either.
The next morning, I updated my CV and sent it off to every agency in town. Then, I waited. Days dragged by, each morning checking my emails. Finally, one arrivedan interview at a local firm. Ironically, it was Emilys company. After some thought, I decided to go.
Mum took the kids again, and I headed in. Nearly two hours later, I walked out with an offera decent role, flexible hours. The pay wasnt huge, but it would keep us afloat.
I floated home, giddy. Mum took one look at me and frowned.
Tom, love, whats happened?
Mum, Emilys cheating on me, I blurted, oddly relieved. She sat me down, convinced Id lost the plot.
Tom, dont be ridiculous! Emily? Shes at work day and night!
No, shes with *her*. I spilled everythingthe fitting room, the blonde, the toaster. Mum listened, then sighed.
What now?
Im divorcing her. And Ive got a jobflexible hours. Once the kids are in nursery, Ill go full-time.
Good for you, Mum said firmly. No coming back from that. And she doesnt respect you anymore. Ill help with the kids.
Thanks, Mum, I whispered, hugging her tight.
On the 7th, Emily rolled in late again. I didnt ask. She seemed thrown by my silence and mumbled,
Tom, work was mad
Just go to bed, I cut in.
The next morning, as I served the kids breakfast, Emily waltzed in with a gifta slow cooker.
Here, love. Make things easier for you. She leaned in for a kiss. I stepped back, ignoring the box.
Ive got something for you too.
Baffled, she followed me to the hall. Two suitcases stood by the door.
Im filing for divorce. No more lies. You can leave.
Her face paled. How did you?
In the fitting room. And give that slow cooker to *her*. I dont need it.
For a second, she just stared. Then anger twisted her face.
Jealous, are you? Shes gorgeous, put-togethernot like you! Youve let yourself go, buried in kids, living off *my* money. Its *mine* to spend how I want! You just cant stand me spoiling someone else, you selfish
Im not jealous, I said quietly. Now get out.
The next day, I filed for divorce and maintenance. A week later, the doorbell rang. Emilys mother stood there, furious.
Gold-digger! You throw her out, then demand her money? Drop the maintenance! She owes you *nothing*!
She owes *her children*, I corrected. If she cant afford her girlfriend, thats her problem.
Whatll you do without her salary? Had kids just to live off her, didnt you? Well, it wont work! Shell slash her official pay, and youll get scraps! Youll come crawling back!
Doubt it, I said, pointing to the door. Now leave before I call the police.
Cursing, she stormed off.
A few months later, all three kids started nursery. Within weeks, I was working full-time.
Tom? A familiar voice at my desk. Got a minute?
I didnt look up. Busy, Emily.
Lunch, maybe? She lingered, looking worn out. Rumor was, the blonde had dumped her when the maintenance payments kicked in.
No, Emily. Were done.
**Lesson learned:** Never make yourself small for someone who doesnt see your worth. And always have a way to stand on your own feet.
