Three years ago, I divorced my husband. We had nothing in common except our son. I wasn’t surprised at all when, just a month after the divorce, my ex-husband found himself a new, younger girlfriend. Three months ago, they got married.
To be honest, I don’t care about that anymore. But yesterday, I received a message from her that left me genuinely baffled. She told me we should leave James alone and stop asking him for money because from now on, we wouldnt be getting anything.
My son is five years old. I used to be on maternity leave, so James paid for all our expenses. Now, I work part-time.
Right after the divorce, we agreed to sell our three-bedroom flat and buy two smaller ones: one for my ex, and one for myself and my son.
James pays quite reasonable child maintenance. I still want to cover my own expenses, so Ive been constantly going to different job interviews, hoping to find a full-time job. Everything James sends each month goes directly to our son. That covers the nursery fees, hobby clubs, toys, and food. I take a little to pay for the utility bills.
The judo lessons my son wants to attend also cost extra.
This summer, my ex sent us some additional money on the condition that Id take our son on holiday. So, we went to the Lake District. My sons happiness knew no bounds.
Im glad that despite the divorce, James doesnt forget about his child. Even if I had urgent matters to tend to, I would often leave my son with him. My ex would take him shopping or for a walk, sometimes to the cinema. However, my son has never been to his fathers home.
I always assumed the reason was my exs new wife. Of course, this didnt trouble me until I received that message from her.
Recently, she even worked up the nerve to call me. She said I had no conscience, because my ex spends most of his wages on us. I didnt stay silent. I told James everything straight away. He was absolutely livid. Apparently, he told her not to meddle in his business, let alone try to manage his money.
Still, I cant help but worry that she might persuade James to reduce what he spends on his son. Then Id have to deny my child many things.
All I can do now is hope James still possesses the humanity, honesty, and kindness that once made me fall in love with him.
No matter how circumstances change, Ive learned its crucial to put the wellbeing of children above personal grievancesbecause they deserve the best of both their parents.
