I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived quite comfortably. She never made a scene or held it against mealways kind and caring. But the problem remainedthere was no love.
Every morning, I woke up wanting to leave. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I couldnt imagine how life would turn everything upside down.
With Sophie, I felt at ease. Not only did she keep the house perfectly, but she was also stunning. My friends envied me, baffled at how Id been so lucky with a wife like her.
Even I didnt understand why she loved me. Im an ordinary man, no different from anyone else. Yet she loved me How was that possible?
Her love and devotion unsettled me. The thought of someone else taking my place haunted mesomeone richer, more attractive, more successful.
The idea of her with another man drove me mad. She was mine, even if I never loved her. That sense of possession was stronger than reason. But can you spend a lifetime with someone you dont love? I thought I could manage, but I was wrong.
“Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,” I decided before bed. The next morning, over breakfast, I gathered my courage.
“Sophie, sit down. We need to talk.”
“Of course, darling. What is it?”
“Imagine if we divorced. I leave, we live separately”
Sophie laughed. “What kind of strange thoughts are these? Is this a game?”
“Listen to the end. Im serious.”
“Alright, Im imagining it. What then?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“Matthew, whats gotten into you? Why are you even 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 let me rest.”
Sophie paused, then replied calmly, “I wouldnt find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.”
“You promise?”
“Of course,” Sophie assured me.
“Wait but where would I go?”
“You dont have anywhere?”
“No, weve been together our whole lives. I suppose Id still have to stay close to you,” I said gloomily.
“Dont worry,” Sophie answered. “After the divorce, well swap the house for two smaller flats.”
“Really? I didnt expect you to help me like this. Why are you doing it?”
“Because I love you. When you love someone, you cant hold them against their will.”
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon, I learned Sophie hadnt kept her promise. She found another man, and the flat she inherited from her grandmother was never meant to be shared. I was left with nothing.
How can I trust women now? I have no idea.
What do you think of Matthews behaviour? Sometimes, the hearts greed blinds us to the consequencesuntil its too late.
