Natalie, You’ve Been Gone Five Years—You Never Cared About My Life or What Became of Me Natalie and Ben had lived together for over five years. Ben didn’t earn a fortune; his wages were modest, as he was an ordinary labourer. Natalie had always dreamed of a comfortable, or better yet, a wealthy life, so she relished any encounter with men better off than her husband. One day, Natalie’s luck seemed to change—she caught the eye of a wealthy businessman who promised her the world. Swayed by his grand speeches, she left her poor husband behind to start a new life. Ben was devastated by her actions. He practically begged on his knees, promising he’d change everything: earn more money, leave his old job, work day and night—anything to keep her happy. But Natalie remained unmoved, already dreaming of sailing on a white yacht and shopping in Europe’s most exclusive boutiques, something Ben could never provide. No declarations of love or promises of moving mountains could change her mind. Five years later, at thirty-two, Natalie found herself out of favour with her rich partner, who now had plenty of younger, flirtatious women around him. He told her she was too argumentative and demanding, and he lost all interest. Broke and unaccustomed to working for herself, Natalie decided to return to her ex-husband. After all, he’d promised her eternal love and said his heart would always belong to her; surely he’d be waiting. As she approached the flat they once shared, she heard movement at the door—an unfamiliar woman answered, holding a little girl in her arms. “Darling, we’ve talked about not opening the door alone,” the woman chided the child. “Who are you looking for?” she asked Natalie, who stood speechless at the threshold. “I’m looking for Ben. Is he home?” Natalie stammered, confused. “Ben, there’s a lady here asking for you! What’s your name?” called the woman, turning to Natalie’s former husband. “Natalie!” Ben exclaimed in surprise, then turned to the woman. “Love, please go inside. I need to talk.” “Who was that?” Natalie asked, shocked as she watched the woman and child leave. “That’s my wife, Olivia, and our daughter, Mary,” said Ben. “When did you get married? You have a daughter? You promised me forever. You said you’d never love anyone the way you loved me!” “It’s been so many years, Natalie. At first, I was heartbroken. But then I realised life doesn’t end when someone leaves. Then I met Olivia, fell in love, and she’s made me truly happy. She’s given me a family.” “What about me?” “Natalie, you’ve been gone five years, and you never cared how I was or what happened to me. You chased after someone else’s money, couldn’t think of anything but luxury. We may never have been rich, but that doesn’t excuse what you did. Now you’re back? Did you expect me to be waiting here for you all these years?” “I was foolish! I love you!” “Natalie, enough with the theatrics. Just leave. I don’t need you anymore. I don’t want to see you. Your boyfriend dropped you, so you’ve come running back to me? It makes me sick. Just go.” Natalie burst into bitter tears, realising no one wanted her, while Ben was glad he’d moved on and, in a way, had found his own kind of justice.

9th June

Charlotte, its been five years since you left, and youve not given a second thought to how Im living or whats become of me.

Charlotte and I, Edward, lived together for just over five years. I never earned much my wage as a builder barely covered our bills, but we got by. Charlotte, though, always had her sights set higher. She longed for a comfortable, perhaps even lavish life, and would light up whenever she met men with deeper pockets than mine.

Then, as luck would have it, one day Charlotte caught the eye of a wealthy businessman from London who promised her a life of opulence beyond her wildest dreams. Seduced by his charming words and golden promises, she left me behind to chase a new beginning.

I was utterly crushed by what shed done. I humbled myself at her feet, pleading and promising that Id change, that Id find a better job, earn more, work day and night if I had to, if only she would stay. But Charlotte was unmoved. She was already picturing herself sailing along the Thames on a white yacht, shopping in the most exclusive boutiques in Mayfair. Nothing I said or pledged could keep her.

Five years later, when Charlotte turned thirty-two, her wealthy suitor lost all interest in herthere were plenty of younger, more captivating women hovering about him. He told her outright that she was far too demanding and argumentative and that he wanted nothing more to do with her.

Finding herself alone in London, unable to fend for herself (shed never held a proper job, after all), Charlotte decided to return to me. She told herself Id once promised her undying love and that my heart would always be hers, so surely I must be waiting for her.

As Charlotte approached my flatour old home togethera noise by the door caught her attention. The door opened, and a woman Id never seen before stood there, cradling a little girl in her arms.

Sweetheart, how many times have I told you? You mustnt open the door on your own, the woman said gently to the child. Then she looked at Charlotte, Hello, can I help you?

Charlotte stood frozen on the doorstep, mouth slightly agape. Im looking for Edward. Is he in? she stammered, lost for words.

The woman called out, Edward, theres a woman here asking for you! Whats your name, love?

Charlotte, she blurted out.

I appeared in the hallway, taken aback. Charlotte! I exclaimed, then turned to the woman beside me. Darling, would you mind popping in with Emily? I need a word.

Charlotte gawked at the little girl as they disappeared inside. Who was that? she gasped.

Thats my wife, Sophie, and our daughter, Emily, I replied quietly.

When did you get married? You have a daughter? You once swore I was the only one youd ever truly lovedo you remember?

Charlotte, its been years now. I grieved, but I realised life doesnt end because someone leaves you. Then Sophie came into my life and I fell, heart and soul, for her. Shes made me truly happy and given me a beautiful daughter.

But what about me? Charlotte whispered.

Youve been gone five years and not once did you care how I was or what was happening with me. You ran off for someone elses fortune. Money and comfort were all you could think about. Maybe I was never wealthy, but that doesnt excuse what you did. And now, suddenly, you want to come back? Did you think Id just wait for you until the end of time?

Charlotte burst into tears, her voice choking. I was foolish! I still love you!

But I couldnt bear it anymore. Charlotte, stop this. Please, just go. I dont need you, and I dont want to see you. Just because your rich fellow cast you off, you think Im here as a backup? Honestly, it makes me sick. Please, leave.

Charlottes tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned away, alone in her regret. As for me, I was quietly grateful that I had managed to move on and find happiness at last.