The man of my dreams left his wife for me, but I never imagined how it would all backfire.
Id admired him since university. You could say it was unconditional lovenaive and blind. And when he finally noticed me, I lost my head completely. It happened years after graduationwe ended up working for the same company. We had the same degree, so it wasnt unusual, but I thought it was fate.
To me, he was perfect. And in my youth, I didnt care that he was married. Id never been married myself, so I didnt understand the weight of a broken home. I didnt feel guilty when Daniel chose to leave his wife for me. Who knew it would bring me so much pain? They say it rightyou cant build happiness on someone elses misery.
When he picked me, I was over the moon, ready to forgive anything. Truth was, he wasnt the prince he seemed in public. His things were always scattered around the house, and he flat-out refused to do the dishes. All the chores fell on me. But back then, I didnt mind.
He forgot about his first marriage quickly. They had no kids, and it turned out their wedding had been pushed by her parents. With me, it was differentor so he said.
My happiness didnt last. Everything changed when I got pregnant. At first, Daniel was thrilled. We even threw a big family celebration. Everyone wished us love and health for our baby. That night remains one of my fondest memories, and I dont regret it. But from then on, my blind love started fading.
The bigger my bump grew, the less I saw of him. I went on maternity leave, so we only met late at night. He stayed later at work, went to office parties. At first, I didnt mind, but soon it wore me down. Housework got harderI couldnt even bend to pick up his socks anymore.
I often wondereddid we rush into this?
I knew feelings could cool, but not this fast. Daniel still brought me flowers and chocolates, but all I wanted was his time.
Soon, it was clear those “office parties” werent innocent. Colleagues mentioned, offhand, that a new young woman had joined our department. Staff was already short, and when I went on leave, things got worse. The irony.
I wasnt sure if it was her, but my husband *definitely* had someone elsesuddenly, he had no free time. Always working, at meetings, or at *another* company do 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 I knew nothing.
It was terrifying, being seven months pregnant and alone, while he complained Id become too moody. Every argument ended with his disappointed sigh. Somehow, I knewif I brought it up, Id lose him. The fear was so strong, I couldnt think straight. They say if you dread something enough, it happens.
However sweet Daniel had been, he was no gentleman. The worst words I ever heard: *”Im not ready for a child.”* And: *”Theres someone else.”* I dont even remember how he said itjust that I felt my mind shatter.
I never thought Id have the strength to file for divorce. He clearly didnt expect me to stand my ground. And he *definitely* didnt expect me to throw his things out the next day. Thank God the flat was rentedno splitting assets.
*”But the baby? Think about the baby. How will you manage?”*
*”Ill figure it out. Ill work from home. My parents have offered to help for ages. Mum always said he was a womaniserI shouldve listened.”*
Maybe responsibility for my son gave me courage. Alone, I wouldnt have left.
But I also realisedI didnt want my child raised by a man like him.
His betrayal was so vile, I wanted nothing to do with him. Like scales had fallen from my eyes.
The first few months after the divorce, including the birth, were brutal. I moved back with my parentsthey were overjoyed, especially my grandparents, whod always wanted a grandchild. I wont say I didnt miss Daniel, but I tried not to think of him. Deep down, I knew Id done rightId give my son the best life possible.
Then, out of nowhere, he came back.
Turns out Daniel regrets everything. Wants to know his son. But do I want that? Or should I just move to another town?
