Divorce Opened a New Chapter: I Found My Real Happiness
A Life That Wasn’t Meant to Be
There was a time when I thought my life was mapped out: a good job, a strong marriage, a move to the UK, a new home. My wife and I relocated there, hoping to build a future.
The early years were difficult; we knew starting from scratch was inevitable.
My wife took a low-level position in a big company, but her talent was quickly recognized. She was offered a promotion, which instantly improved our financial situation.
I was trained as a linguist, but in a foreign country, I realized finding work in my field would be challenging.
I tried to break into teaching, but doors closed in front of me. Eventually, I found work in a small English pub, where I lost my aspirations but learned how to fry eggs and cook shepherd’s pie.
I thought life was progressing as it should.
But then, one day, my wife said:
— I’ve filed for divorce.
It sounded like a verdict.
I didn’t ask why. I knew the answer.
A New Job — A New Beginning
After the divorce, I found myself alone.
The job at the pub brought little satisfaction, and my wages barely covered a rented room.
Then, unexpectedly, a job interview in another city came up.
They were looking for a teacher.
I went, expecting nothing, but got the job without any hassle.
A new life was beginning.
My lifestyle was modest, my salary small, but I finally felt needed again.
Later, I rented a small space and opened a deli.
Old Greek friends who taught me to cook had no idea how their lessons had transformed my life.
Business began to thrive.
Yet, my home was quiet as ever.
I didn’t feel truly happy.
The Cat That Changed Everything
I bought a small cottage. Got a cat.
I lived, worked, made English stews, and didn’t think about the future.
Then, one day, something peculiar happened.
My cat, Gwendolyn, climbed a tree and got stuck.
I stood beneath the tree, looking up, unsure how to help.
Then a man jogged by — tall, athletic, wearing workout gear.
— Need a hand? — he asked.
Before I could say no, he was climbing up.
Suddenly, the cat came down on her own.
I felt awkward.
I offered him a cup of tea in thanks, but he declined.
He probably had a wife and kids waiting at home.
But a month later, he came into my deli.
— Oh, Cornish pasty? Is this something traditional?
— Yes. Care to try one?
He took it, thanked me, and left.
I felt a familiar longing.
Fate Had Other Plans
A few months later, we bumped into each other on the street.
I was heading home, lost in thought, when suddenly I heard:
— You passed by without even a “Hello”?
I looked up.
It was him.
We went to a café, and I suddenly blurted out:
— Your wife and kids must be waiting for you…
He looked at me, surprised:
— What wife? What kids?
I felt foolish.
A Second Chance at Happiness
After that encounter, we started meeting every day.
I don’t remember who suggested we move in together.
But soon, I was moving into his house.
Our wedding was simple.
My Greek friends attended; they were like family to me.
And a few months later, we were no longer just two.
No, not just the cat.
We were expecting a child.
…And got a dog.
Now we have a real family — with a cat, a dog, and a love I never found in my first marriage.
I realized one crucial thing:
Life doesn’t end when someone leaves.
It’s just beginning.
