The man of my dreams left his wife for me, but I never imagined how it would all unravel.
I had adored him since my days at universitya love both foolish and blind. When he finally noticed me, years after graduation, I was utterly lost. We ended up working at the same firm, which made sensewe shared the same profession. But to me, it felt like destiny.
He seemed perfect. In my youth, I didnt care that he was already married. Id never been wed myself, so the pain of a broken marriage meant nothing to me. When Oliver decided to leave his wife for me, I felt no shame. Little did I know the sorrow it would bring. They say you cant build happiness on anothers heartbreaknow I believe it.
When he chose me, I was over the moon, willing to overlook anything. In truth, he wasnt the charming gentleman he appeared. His clothes were always strewn about, and hed never lift a finger to wash a dish. The housework fell to me, but back then, it didnt matter.
He forgot his old life quickly. Thered been no children, and he claimed his parents had pushed him into the marriage. With me, he swore, it was different.
My joy didnt last. It ended when I fell pregnant. At first, Oliver was thrilled. We even threw a grand celebrationfamily and friends toasted our future. That night remains one of my fondest memories, and I dont regret it. But from then on, my blind devotion began to crumble.
As my belly swelled, Oliver vanished. Id gone on maternity leave, so we only saw each other late at night. He stayed late at work, attended endless company parties. At first, I didnt mind, but soon, exhaustion set in. Simple chores became impossibleI couldnt even bend to pick up his discarded socks.
I wonderedhad we rushed into this?
I knew love could fade, but not this fast. Oliver still brought flowers and chocolates, but all I wanted was his presence.
Then came the truth. His “work events” werent what they seemed. Over tea, a colleague mentioned a new hire in our department. With me on leave, theyd been desperate for staff. The irony.
I wasnt sure if it was her, but Oliver was certainly seeing someone. His time was always claimedwork, meetings, another unmissable office party. One day, I found a note in his coat pocket, signed with unfamiliar initials. I slipped it back, pretending Id seen nothing.
By my seventh month, I was terrified. Alone, while my husband sighed, calling me irrational. Every row ended with his disappointment. I knew if I pressed him, Id be left. Fear consumed me. They say what you dread most will find you.
No matter how tender Oliver had once been, he was no knight. The worst words Id ever heard: “Im not ready for children.” And: “Theres someone else.” I barely recall how he said itonly that I felt my mind unravel.
I never thought Id have the strength to file for divorce. He certainly didnt. Nor did he expect me to toss his belongings out the next day. At least wed rented the flatno messy division.
“What about the boy? How will you manage?”
“Ill find a way. Remote work. My parents have offered to help. My mother always said he was a cadI shouldve listened.”
Perhaps the thought of my son steeled me. Alone, I might have stayed.
But I refused to raise a child with a man like him. His betrayal was so vile, I wanted nothing more to do with him. The scales had fallen from my eyes.
The months after the divorcebirth includedwere gruelling. I moved back in with my parents, who doted on their grandson. I wont say I never missed Oliver, but I shoved him from my thoughts. Deep down, I knew Id done right. My son would want for nothing.
Once recovered, I sought work. Id done legal translations freelancenow I made it my living. Months without pay were hard, but my parents helped. Soon, I had steady clients and didnt need them.
My boy grew fast. Before I knew it, years had passed. The realisation struck when he needed his own room. My parents begged us to stay, but I craved independencea home office for me, a proper study for him. By then, I could afford rent.
Life settled. Nursery turned to school, first year to fifth. For the first time in ages, I felt happy. Free.
Then, he reappeared.
Our town isnt large, and in legal circles, everyone knows everyone. Oliver had no trouble tracking down my office. I wished then that Id moved away. He claimed hed changedregretted everything. Said hed been young and stupid. Wanted to meet his son.
The law grants him that right. If he pushes, hell find a way. The thought terrifies me. Weeks have passed since we spoke. I told him Id think it over, but truthfully, Im paralysed. I want to keep my son from him.
Now I wonderis this my punishment? For stealing him from his first wife? Perhaps I really should leave this place behind.
