I demanded a divorce for another woman, and my wife silently agreed—three months later, I understood why.
“Today, I’ll finally ask my wife for a divorce, my love,” pleaded Gregory to his mistress, Eleanor. “Just stay calm, don’t worry needlessly. I don’t intend to argue with you over this.”
Eleanor gave him a weary look from across the table.
“These endless promises have worn me out, do you understand? The same thing over and over. We’ve been together for years—it’s time for a decision. If you’re not going to leave her, just say so, and we’ll end it here.”
“No, don’t say that! I’ve already decided—I want to spend the rest of my life with you. It’s just circumstances that kept me from making it final.”
“Greg, I’m not some naive girl to be swayed by pretty words, no matter how sincere they sound. I’m leaving you.” Her eyes brimmed with tears. The words hurt, but she saw no other way.
“Don’t jump to conclusions! I promise, today I’ll settle everything.”
“Eleanor, you’re all I want,” Gregory said firmly, pulling her into an embrace. She was right—it was time to draw the line. He couldn’t keep juggling two women any longer.
He came home late, as usual. His mother-in-law was likely asleep, and his wife, Abigail, sat on the sofa sipping tea while watching a TV series. Everything was as it always was.
“Good evening,” Abigail greeted him. “Late again? Lots of work?”
“Abby, we need to talk. Seriously. Today. Right now, if possible.”
“Alright, but let me make you some tea first.”
“No need, I’ve already eaten.”
Gregory sat beside her.
“We’ve been together nearly thirty years. We have two wonderful children, both living abroad now. We’ve been through so much, always supporting each other.”
Abigail studied his face, as if memorizing every wrinkle.
“The love faded. Only respect remains—and that’s not enough.”
“There’s someone else?” she asked calmly, as if discussing the weather.
“Yes,” he admitted. “We’ve been together nearly two years. It’s real love. I never planned this, but—”
“Are you happy with her?”
“Yes,” he answered truthfully.
Abigail fell silent. The quiet pressed down on them.
“I love another woman. Let’s divorce,” Gregory said firmly.
“Alright,” she replied simply. “You can’t force love. I won’t say I saw this coming, but every word you say feels like a knife in my chest.”
“Abby, please, let’s not argue. There’s no explaining how this happened—”
“I’ll sign the papers without hesitation—on one condition.”
“What is it?”
“My mother’s birthday is coming up. She’ll be seventy. I’m asking you—wait until after the celebration. She doesn’t deserve our mess ruining her day.”
“Of course. I respect your mother—that’s not even up for debate.”
“But there’s more.”
Gregory raised his eyebrows.
“I want her to enjoy the lead-up to the celebration. Let her be happy. After that… well, harder times will come.”
“How do you imagine that?”
“Just act, in front of her, as if everything is perfect between us. Call it a performance—‘the perfect family.’”
“Abby, that’s just—”
“Flowers, breakfast together, laughter. Just two and a half months.”
Gregory, though reluctant, agreed. She hadn’t screamed, accused him, or made a scene. The least he could do was meet her halfway.
“Deal. Two and a half months.”
With that settled, he only needed to sort things with Eleanor.
The next day, he invited her to lunch.
“I asked Abby for a divorce. Best news of the year,” Eleanor beamed. “Finally! When are you moving in? Maybe this weekend?”
“I wasn’t finished. We agreed to start the divorce after her mother’s birthday—two and a half months from now.”
“What nonsense is this, Greg? Absurd! Is this going to drag on forever?”
“First, don’t shout. Second, understand—I respect her. It’s her mother’s celebration.”
“Did you ask me? Maybe I don’t agree! I’m not some backup plan!”
Eleanor was furious. A plan formed in her mind.
“Fine, do as you like. But I have a condition too. No contact during that time. No meetings, no dates.”
“Darling, why?”
“You think I’m a fool? No, Greg. Your double life ends here.”
Gregory stood.
“Fine. I accept your terms. But her mother deserves a proper celebration. See you in three months. I love you.”
He left. Eleanor didn’t chase him or scream. That was good. Everything was going to plan. Soon, he’d be free to start the life he dreamed of.
Now, it was time to play the part of the doting husband. The perfect family meant occasional gifts—flowers, perhaps. Promises had to be kept.
The following weeks passed like a happy fairy tale. Gregory genuinely tried to be the model husband.
“Son-in-law, I’d forgotten how charming your toasts are! Used to dote on me—‘Mum this, Mum that.’ But now you’re making an effort. Well done!”
His mother-in-law adored him.
“Let’s go to the countryside this weekend! The woods, a cottage, a bonfire. It’ll do us all good.”
“I’m in!” his mother-in-law declared.
“Listen,” Gregory whispered to Abigail, “don’t waste energy on these little games. Nothing will change. My decision is final.”
She only smiled mysteriously. It unsettled him.
“Fine, Abby. If it makes you happy.”
Without realizing it, Gregory thought of Eleanor less and less. Before, not a day passed without a call or meeting—now, two months of silence, and life felt… lighter. As if he was himself again. Why?
“Greg, put the soup in the fridge, will you? I need to lie down.”
“You look pale… Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, don’t worry—”
She collapsed before finishing.
“Abby! Abby!”
He rushed to revive her. Her eyes fluttered open.
“It’s nothing… just dizzy. Probably low blood pressure.”
“You’re white as a sheet! We’re going to the hospital—now!”
“Don’t panic,” she said weakly. “Just help me to bed.”
Without hesitation, he carried her to the bedroom.
“Rest. You’ve been stressed.”
“Nerves—our specialty,” she joked weakly.
“I don’t believe you.”
He turned off the light and left.
In the days that followed, Gregory became genuinely caring—not for show.
“You don’t look right. Let’s get you checked. Please.”
“Greg, focus on the birthday. Two weeks left, and we’ve done nothing.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve handled it.”
“Good. I’ll rest a bit.”
He was truly worried now.
Eleanor called.
“So, you’re fine without me. Two months of silence. Not even a call. Is this it?”
“Eleanor, not now. I have more pressing things.”
“‘Not now’? Are you ditching me?”
“I haven’t even thought about us. We’ll talk later.”
His mind was consumed by Abigail. Something was wrong—he felt it. But first, the birthday. Then he’d figure it out.
He hired the best event planners.
“Only the finest. She’s family.”
Preparations began in earnest. Gregory threw himself into it.
The grandchildren arrived the day before. The celebration itself was flawless—everyone delighted.
“Son-in-law, I’ve always said the best thing my Abby did was marry you. She lived a happy life.”
“Nonsense, Mum! She has many years left!”
“Of course, of course.”
His mother-in-law grew thoughtful.
Abigail’s phone rang.
“Tess! What a surprise! So good to hear from you!”
She stepped away for fifteen minutes, then returned.
“Sorry, I need to visit a friend.”
“Absolutely not! We’re going for a full medical check-up first. You look like death warmed over. After that, you can go anywhere.”
Gregory was genuinely concerned. And—he realized—he no longer wanted Eleanor. He didn’t even know what to say to her. But that could wait. Right now, only Abby.
He had always loved her. He just hadn’t realized it. A moment of blindness, a betrayal of himself. How could he have thought starting over was possible?
“I’ve booked your tests,” he said firmly. “Tomorrow.”
“Alright,” Abigail smiled.
The next morning, she wasn’t in the kitchen.
“Mum, where’s
