Divorce Led to My New Life: I Found My True Happiness
A Life I Never Expected
At one time, I believed my future was set: a good job, a strong marriage, moving to England, and a new home. My wife and I moved there hoping to build a future together.
The first few years were tough, as we expected to start over from scratch.
My wife took a junior position at a large corporation, but her talent was quickly recognized. She got a promotion, which immediately improved our financial situation.
I had a degree in literature, but in a foreign country, I knew it would be difficult to find work in my field.
I tried breaking into teaching, but doors kept closing. Eventually, I ended up working in a small Italian restaurant, where I learned to stop dreaming and instead mastered making omelettes and risotto.
Life seemed to be ticking along.
But then one day, my wife said:
— I’ve filed for divorce.
It felt like a death sentence.
I didn’t ask why. I already knew.
A New Job — A Fresh Start
After the divorce, I was by myself.
Working at the restaurant no longer brought satisfaction, and the wages were only enough for a rented room.
Out of the blue, I received a job interview invitation in another town.
They were looking for a teacher.
I went, not expecting much, but I got the job without any fuss.
A new chapter of my life was beginning.
My living conditions were modest, and the pay was low, but I felt needed once more.
Later, I rented a small space and opened a deli.
The old Italian friends who taught me to cook never realized how their lessons transformed my life.
The business flourished.
But my house was silent.
I didn’t feel truly happy.
The Cat That Changed Everything
I purchased a small cottage and got a cat.
I lived, worked, cooked Italian soups, and didn’t think much about the future.
But then something peculiar happened.
My cat, Matilda, climbed a tree and got stuck.
I stood beneath, looking up, unsure how to help.
Just then, a man ran by — tall, athletic, in jogging attire.
— Need a hand? — he asked.
Before I could respond, he was already climbing.
And then the cat climbed down on her own.
I felt awkward.
I offered to thank him with a cup of tea, but he declined.
Perhaps he had a wife and children waiting for him at home.
But a month later, he walked into my shop.
— Oh, Cornish pasty? Is that something local?
— Yes. Would you like to try it?
He took one, thanked me, and left.
Again, I felt a twinge of longing.
Fate Brought Everything Together
A few months passed, and we met by chance on the street.
I was heading home, lost in thought, when suddenly I heard a voice.
— Are you going to walk by without saying “Hello”?
I looked up.
It was him.
We went to a café, and I blurted out:
— Your wife and kids must be waiting at home…
He looked surprised.
— What wife? What kids?
I felt like a fool.
A Second Chance at Happiness
After that meeting, we started seeing each other every day.
I’m not sure who suggested living together first.
But before long, I was moving into his home.
Our wedding was simple.
My Italian friends, who were like family to me, attended.
And just a few months later, there were three of us.
No, not just the cat.
We were expecting a child.
…And we got a dog.
Now we have a real family — with a cat, a dog, and a love I hadn’t found in my first marriage.
I learned one crucial thing:
Life doesn’t end when someone leaves.
It’s only just beginning.
