**Diary Entry**
I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived quite comfortably. She never made a scene, never reproached me; she was always kind and affectionate. But the problem remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke with the urge to leave. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love, but I never imagined fate would take such an unexpected turn.
With Emily, I felt at ease. Not only did she keep the house immaculate, but she was also stunning. My mates envied me, baffled by how Id landed such a catch.
I didnt understand it myself. Im an ordinary bloke, nothing special to set me apart. Yet she loved me How was that possible?
Her devotion haunted me. The torment wasnt just leavingit was the thought of someone else taking my place. Someone wealthier, handsomer, more accomplished.
The image of her with another man drove me mad. She was mine, even if Id never loved her. That possessive feeling overruled reason. But could I spend a lifetime with someone I didnt love? I thought I could. I was wrong.
*”Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,”* I decided before bed. At breakfast, I mustered my courage.
“Emily, sit down. We need to talk.”
“Of course, darling. Im listening.”
“Imagine we divorce. I leave, and we live apart”
Emily laughed. “What a strange thought! Is this a game?”
“Hear me out. This is serious.”
“Fine, Im imagining it. Then what?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“Daniel, whats gotten into you? Why are you thinking of leaving?”
“Because I dont love you. Never have.”
“What? Are you joking? I dont understand.”
“I want to leave, but I cant. The idea of you with another man unsettles me.”
Emily paused, then replied calmly, “I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.”
“You promise?”
“Absolutely,” she assured me.
“Wait where would I even go?”
“Youve nowhere in mind?”
“No. Weve been together our whole lives. Id probably have to stay nearby,” I admitted gloomily.
“Dont fret,” Emily said. “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 cage them.”
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon after, I learned Emily hadnt kept her word. She found another man, and the flats she inherited from her grandmother? She never intended to share them. I ended up with nothing.
Now, how can I trust women? I havent a clue.
What a fool I was. Love isnt about possessionits about letting go. But some lessons come too late.
