I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived quite well together. She never made a scene or held grudgesalways kind and caring. Yet the problem remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke with the thought of leaving. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I couldnt fathom how fate would turn everything upside down.
With Sophie, I was comfortable. Not only did she keep our home perfectly, but she was also stunningly beautiful. Friends envied me, baffled at how Id been so fortunate in marriage.
Even I couldnt understand why she loved me. I was an ordinary man, no different from any other. And yet, she adored me How was it possible?
Her love and devotion unsettled me. Worse still was the thought that if I left, another man would take my placesomeone wealthier, handsomer, 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 outweighed reason. But could one spend a lifetime with someone they didnt love? I thought I could manage, but I was wrong.
*Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything*, I resolved as I lay down to sleep. Come morning, over breakfast, I gathered my courage.
“Sophie, sit down. We must talk.”
“Of course, darling. Im listening.”
“Imagine we divorced. I leave, we live apart”
Sophie laughed. “What a strange thought! Is this some game?”
“Hear me out. This is serious.”
“Very well, Im imagining it. What then?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“Matthew, whats come over you? Why would you even think of leaving?”
“Because I dont love younever have.”
“What? Are you joking? I dont understand.”
“I want to leave, but I cant. The thought of you with another man tortures me.”
Sophie was silent a moment before calmly replying, “Id never find anyone better than you, so dont fret. Go if you mustI wont be with another.”
“You promise?”
“Of course,” Sophie assured me.
“Waitbut where would I go?”
“Have you nowhere?”
“No. Weve been together all my life. I suppose Id still need to be near you,” I admitted gloomily.
“Dont worry,” Sophie replied. “After the divorce, well swap the house for two smaller flats.”
“Truly? I never expected youd help me like this. Why would you?”
“Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont keep them against their will.”
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon, I learned Sophie had broken her promise. Shed found another man, and the house she inherited from her grandmother was never meant to be divided. I was left with nothing.
How could I ever trust a woman again? I havent the faintest idea.
What do you make of Matthews actions?
