The man of my dreams left his wife for me, but I never imagined how badly it would all backfire.
Id admired him since my university days. You could say it was unconditional lovenaive and blind. And when he finally noticed me, I lost my head completely. It happened a few years after graduationwe ended up working at the same company. We had the same degree, so it wasnt unusual, but I thought it was fate.
To me, he was perfect. And back then, I didnt care that he was already married. Id never been married myself, so I had no idea what it was like to watch a marriage fall apart. Thats why I didnt feel guilty when William decided to leave his wife for me. Who knew it would bring me so much pain? They say you cant build happiness on someone elses miseryand theyre right.
When he chose me, I was over the moon, ready to forgive him anything. Truth is, in daily life, he wasnt the prince he seemed in public. His things were always scattered around the house, and he outright refused to do the washing-up. All the chores fell on me. But back then, I didnt care.
He forgot about his first marriage pretty quickly. Theyd had no kids, and the marriage, as it turned out, had been pushed by her parents. With me, it was differentor so he said.
My happiness didnt last long, because everything changed when I got pregnant. At first, William was thrilled about the baby. We even threw a big family party to celebrate. Everyone wished us love and health for our little one.
That night remains one of my fondest memories. And I dont regret a second of it. But from that moment, my blind love began to fade.
The bigger my bump grew, the less I saw of William. I went on maternity leave, so now we only saw each other late at night. He stayed at work more and more, always at company parties. At first, I didnt mind, but soon it wore me down. The housework got harderI couldnt even bend down to pick up his socks anymore.
During that time, I often wonderedhad we rushed into having a baby?
I knew feelings could cool over time, but I never expected it to happen so fast. William still brought me flowers and chocolates, but all I really wanted was for him to be there.
Before long, it became obvious those company parties werent just about work. Colleagues casually mentioned a new hire in our departmenta young woman. Staff shortages were bad enough, but with me on leave, things got worse. The irony.
I wasnt sure if she was the reason, but my husband was definitely seeing someone else, because suddenly, he had no free time. Always working, always at meetings, always at another party he “couldnt miss.” One day, I found a note in his jacket pocket, signed with initials I didnt recognise. I dont know why, but I put it back and pretended Id seen nothing.
It was terrifying being alone in my seventh month, while my husband complained Id become too moody. Every argument ended with his disappointed sigh. Somehow, I knew if I brought it up, Id end up alone. The fear of losing him was so crushing, I couldnt think straight. They say if you fear something too much, itll happenand it did.
For all his charm, William was no gentleman. The worst words I ever heard? “Im not ready to be a father.” And: “Theres someone else.” I dont even remember how he said itjust that I felt like I was losing my mind.
I never thought Id have the strength to file for divorce. He clearly didnt expect me to stop tolerating his behaviour. And he definitely didnt expect me to throw his things out the next day. At least the flat was rentedno messy split over property.
“But what about the baby?” he said. “Think about him. How will you manage?”
“Ill figure it out. Ill work from home. Plus, my parents have offered to help for ages. My mum always said he was a womaniserI shouldve listened.”
Maybe the responsibility for my son gave me courage. Alone, I wouldnt have dared. But I also knewI didnt want to raise my child with a man like him.
His betrayal was so cruel, I wanted nothing to do with him. It was like a veil had lifted.
The months after the divorce, including the birth, were brutal. I moved back in with my parents, who were over the moonespecially my dad, whod always wanted a grandchild. I cant say I didnt miss William, but I tried not to think about him. Deep down, I knew Id done the right thing, and Id give my son the best life possible.
Then, out of nowhere, he came back.
Turns out, William regrets everything. He wants to know his son. But do I want that? Or should I just move to another city?
