An Apartment for Our Son, but on One Condition: I Must Remarry Him
My name is Emily, and Im sixty years old, living in York. Never did I imagine that after all Ive been through, the past would return to my life with such boldness and callousness, twenty years of complete silence. The most painful part? The one behind it was my own son.
At twenty-five, I was head over heels in love. Williamtall, charming, full of laughterwas everything Id ever dreamed of. We married quickly, and a year later, our son Daniel was born. Those early years felt like a fairy tale. We lived in a small flat, dreaming and planning together. I worked as a schoolteacher, he as an engineer. Nothing seemed capable of shaking our happiness.
But over time, William changed. He came home later and later, lying, growing distant. I tried ignoring the rumours, turning a blind eye to the late nights and the unfamiliar perfume. Until one day, it became impossible to deny: he was unfaithful. Not just once. Friends, neighbours, even my parentsthey all knew. And I, desperate to save our family for Daniels sake, endured far too long, hoping hed come to his senses. Then one night, I woke to find his side of the bed still empty, and I knew I couldnt take it anymore.
I packed my things, took five-year-old Daniel by the hand, and went to my mothers. William didnt even try to stop us. A month later, he moved abroadsupposedly for work. Soon, he found another woman and acted as though wed never existed. No letters, no calls. Utter indifference. I was alone. My mother passed, then my father. Daniel and I faced everything togetherschool, hobbies, illnesses, joys, graduations. I worked tirelessly so hed want for nothing. I had no personal lifeno time. He was my world.
When Daniel got into university in Manchester, I helped however I couldcare packages, money, emotional support. But buying a flat? I couldnt afford it. He never complained, insisting hed manage. I was so proud.
Last month, he visited with news: he was getting married. My joy was short-lived. He was fidgety, avoiding my gaze. Then he dropped it:
“Mum I need your help. Its about Dad.”
My heart stopped. He admitted hed reconnected with William. That his father was back in England, offering him the keys to a two-bedroom flat inherited from his grandmother. But there was a catch. I had to remarry William and let him move into my home.
The air left my lungs. I stared at my son, unable to believe he was serious. He pressed on:
“Youre alone Youve no one. Why not give it another go? For me. For my future family. Dads changed”
I walked to the kitchen, silent. The kettle, the tea, my trembling handseverything blurred. Twenty years carrying it all alone. Twenty years without a shred of care from him. And now, he returns with a “proposal.”
I went back and said calmly, “No. I wont do it.”
Daniel exploded. Shouting, blaming me. Said Id always been selfish. That it was my fault he grew up without a father. That now I was ruining his life again. I stayed quiet. Every word cut deeper. He didnt know the sleepless nights Id spent exhausted. How Id sold my wedding ring to buy him a winter coat. How I went without so he could have meat on his plate.
I dont feel lonely. My lifes been hard, but honest. I have my job, my books, my garden, my friends. I dont need a man who betrayed me, returning not for love, but convenience.
Daniel left without a goodbye. He hasnt called since. I know hes hurt. I understand. He wants whats best for himjust as I once did. But I wont sell my dignity for square footage. The price is too high.
Maybe one day hell understand. Maybe not soon. But Ill wait. Because I love him. Trulyno conditions, no flats, no “ifs.” I brought him into this world with love. I raised him with love. And I wont let that love become a bargaining chip.
To my ex-husband, the past is where he belongs. Some doors, once closed, should stay shut.
The lesson? Love shouldnt come with strings attached. Stand by your worth, even when the cost is steep.
