I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived comfortably enough. She never made a scene, never blamed me for anythingalways kind, always caring. But the truth remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke with the same thought: *Leave.* I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I never imagined how fate would twist everything.
With Emily, life was easy. Not only did she keep our home immaculate, but she was radiant. My mates envied me, baffled at how a bloke like me had landed such a gem.
*I* didnt understand it either. I was ordinarynothing special. Yet she loved me. How?
Her devotion gnawed at me. Worse still was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my place. Someone richer, handsomer, more successful.
The image of her with another man drove me mad. She was *mine*, even if Id never loved her. That possessiveness overruled reason. But could I spend a lifetime beside someone I didnt love? I thought I could. I was wrong.
*Tomorrow, Ill tell her,* I decided before bed. Over breakfast, I steeled myself.
“Emily, sit down. We need to talk.”
“Of course, darling. What is it?”
“Imagine we divorce. I leave. We live apart…”
She laughed. “What a peculiar thought! Is this a game?”
“Hear me out. This is serious.”
“Fine, Ill play along. Then what?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“Thomas, whats gotten into you? Why would you leave?”
“Because I dont love you. I never have.”
*”What?* Are you joking? I dont understand.”
“I want to go, but I cant. The idea of you with another man… it *consumes* me.”
Emily paused, then replied calmly, “I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. Leave. I wont be with anyone else.”
“You promise?”
“Of course,” she said.
“Waitbut where would I even go?”
“Youve nowhere in mind?”
“No. Weve always been together. I suppose… Id have to stay near you,” I muttered.
“Dont fret,” Emily said. “After the divorce, well trade the flat for two smaller ones.”
“Really? I never expected youd help me. Why would you?”
“Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont cage them.”
Months passed. We divorced. Soon after, I learned Emily hadnt kept her word. Shed found another manand the properties shed inherited from her grandmother? Shed never meant to share. I was left with nothing.
How can I trust women now? Ive no idea.
What do you make of Thomass actions?
