I never loved my wife, and Ive told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived quite well together. She never made a scene or held it against meshe was always 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 never imagined how fate would turn everything upside down.
With Sophie, I felt comfortable. Not only did she keep the house perfectly, but she was also stunning. My friends envied me, baffled at how Id been so lucky to have a wife like her.
Even I didnt understand why I deserved her love. Im just an ordinary man, no different from anyone else. And yet, she loved me How was that possible?
Her love and devotion weighed on me. The thought that if I left, someone else might take my place tormented me. Someone richer, more attractive, more successful.
The mere 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 your whole life with someone you dont love? I thought I could manage, but I was wrong.
*”Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,”* I decided before going to bed. The next morning, over breakfast, I gathered my courage.
*”Sophie, sit down. We need to talk.”*
*”Of course, darling. What is it?”*
*”Imagine were getting divorced. I move out, we live separately…”*
Sophie laughed.
*”What sort of odd thoughts are these? Is this a game?”*
*”Listen to the end. This is serious.”*
*”Alright, Im imagining it. What next?”*
*”Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”*
*”James, whats gotten into you? Why are you even thinking about 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 fell silent for a moment, then calmly replied:
*”I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.”*
*”Promise?”*
*”Of course,”* Sophie assured me.
*”Wait but where would I go?”*
*”Youve nowhere to go?”*
*”No, weve been together our whole lives. I suppose Id still have to stay close to you,”* I said gloomily.
*”Dont worry,”* Sophie replied. *”After the divorce, well swap the flat for two smaller ones.”*
*”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 keep them against their will.”*
A few months passed, and we divorced. Soon, I learned Sophie hadnt kept her promise. Shed 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? Ive no idea.
What do you think of Jamess behaviour?
