Monday, 12th February
Im 37 now, and its been a decade since my divorce. My ex-husband was unfaithful, and that was something I could never forgive. These days, he lives with the woman he cheated with.
She ended up pregnant, had his child, and soon enough, they got married. After that, I distanced myself completelyIve had no desire to keep in touch or know whats going on in their lives.
Financially, Im comfortable. My job pays well, and recently I sold the house I inherited from my grandmother, giving me a tidy sum in the bank. Then, just last week, quite out of the blue, my ex appeared at my door. I hadnt seen him for years, so was genuinely thrown by the reunion. He started talking before I could say a word, and came out with this: his sonhis and his new wifeshad been diagnosed with cancer, and the treatment would cost a small fortune. Neither he nor his wife have anything like that amount, so hed come to me.
Hed heard about my inheritance and wasted no time in asking for help. It struck me how convenient the timing was for himhow lucky things had turned out on his end.
I havent even decided yet what to do with the money. Honestly, Ive been thinking about putting it towards a decent car, but I still need to learn to drive and finding the time hasnt been easy. Its a substantial sum, and Im in no hurry to part with it. Besides, I doubt very much hed help me if the situation were reversed and I found myself ill.
Were desperate, he told me, his voice thick with emotion. I couldnt help but think hed never once cared about my feelingsnor had she. After all, he replaced me with her without a second thought. During our divorce, we split everything down the middle, and he kept insisting it was vital for his new family. He even wanted me to reimburse him for the flatbut Id bought it before our marriage, thank heaven, so at least I kept that. He was furiousfelt terribly hard done by. And now, here he was, asking for money, talking about how he feels.
He promised to bring all kinds of medical documents as proof, but I told him straight: I dont want or need them. Im not even considering it. He swore up and down that he and his wife would pay me back, but the cost of rehabilitation would be considerable, and frankly, Id be lucky to see any of it returned.
Why not apply for a bank loan? I asked.
I said it all directly to him. He shouted, offered to beg on his knees. I had no interest in humiliating himI just want nothing more to do with him. He traded me away once, betrayed my trust. He can deal with it now. He said hed come back later, once Id had time to think, but theres nothing to reconsider.
Some folks might say I lack compassion, but my money is mine to manage, and I intend to keep it that way. I wont be sharing it with anyone elsenot after what Ive been through. After our exchange, I felt a bit unsettled, but helping them isnt on the cards. If anything, its a lesson for him and his wifeactions have consequences.
Thats what life has taught me: you need to look after yourself first, especially when those whove hurt you come asking for favours.
