I demanded a divorce for the sake of another woman. My wife silently agreed—three months later, I understood why.
“Today, I’ll finally ask my wife for a divorce, my darling,” Gregory pleaded to his lover, Alice. “Just stay calm, don’t worry needlessly. I have no intention of fighting with you.”
Alice gave him a weary look from across the table.
“These endless promises have worn me down, do you understand? The same thing over and over. We’ve been together for years—it’s time for a final decision. If you won’t leave her, just say so, and we end this.”
“Don’t say that! I’ve known for ages I want to spend my life with you. Circumstances just kept getting in the way.”
“Greg, I’m not some naive girl. Pretty speeches won’t sway me, no matter how sincere they sound. I’m leaving you.” Tears welled in Alice’s eyes. It hurt to say it, but she saw no other choice.
“Don’t jump to conclusions! I promise, today I settle everything.”
“Alice, you’re the one I truly want,” Gregory pulled her into a tight embrace. She was right—it was time to draw the line. He couldn’t keep balancing between two women any longer.
He returned home late, as usual. His mother-in-law was likely asleep, and his wife, Emily, sat on the sofa sipping tea while watching a series. Everything was as it always had been.
“Good evening,” Emily greeted. “Late again? Busy at work?”
“Emily, we need to talk. Seriously. Right now, if possible.”
“Alright, but let me make you some tea first.”
“Don’t bother, I’ve already eaten.”
Gregory sat beside her.
“We’ve been together nearly thirty years. We raised two wonderful children who now live abroad. We’ve been through everything, always supporting each other.”
Emily studied his face as if memorizing every wrinkle.
“The love’s gone. All that’s left is respect—and it’s not enough.”
“Is there someone else?” she asked calmly, as if discussing the weather.
“Yes,” he admitted. “We’ve been together almost two years. It’s real love. I never planned this, but…”
“Are you happy with her?”
“Yes,” he answered honestly.
Silence pressed between them.
“I’ve been in love with another woman for two years. Let’s get divorced,” Gregory said firmly.
“Fine,” Emily replied simply. “No one stays where they’re not wanted. I can’t say I expected this, but every word feels like a knife.”
“Emily, please, let’s not argue. There’s no explaining how it happened…”
“I’ll sign the papers without hesitation—on one condition.”
“What condition?”
“My mother’s seventieth birthday is coming up. I’m asking you—wait until after the celebration. She doesn’t deserve our drama on her special day.”
“Agreed. I respect your mother, no question.”
“But there’s more.”
Gregory raised an eyebrow.
“I want her to enjoy the lead-up to the party. Let her be happy while she can. After that—hard times.”
“How do you imagine that?”
“I’m asking you to act, around her, like we’re the perfect family. Call it a game if you like.”
“Emily, this is just…”
“Flowers. Shared breakfasts. Shared laughter. Just two and a half months.”
Reluctantly, Gregory agreed. She wasn’t screaming, accusing, or making scenes. He could meet her halfway.
“Deal. Two and a half months.”
With that settled, all that remained was to explain things to Alice.
The next day, he invited her to lunch.
“You asked Emily for the divorce? That’s the best news all year,” Alice beamed. “Finally! When are you moving in? This weekend?”
“I didn’t finish. Emily and I agreed to start proceedings after her mother’s birthday—two and a half months from now.”
“What nonsense is this, Greg? Absurd! Will this drag on forever?”
“First, don’t raise your voice. Second, understand—I respect her. It’s her mother’s day.”
“Did you ask *me*? Maybe I don’t agree! I’m not your backup plan!”
Alice was furious. A plan was forming in her mind.
“Fine, do as you please. But I have a condition too. No contact at all until then. No dates. No calls.”
“Darling, why all this?”
“You think I’m a fool? No, Greg. Your two-timing ends now.”
Gregory stood.
“Fine. I accept your terms. But her mother deserves a proper celebration. See you in three months. I love you.”
He left. Alice didn’t chase him or scream. That was good. Everything was going to plan. Soon, he’d be divorced and living the life he dreamed of.
Now, it was time to keep his promise to Emily.
The next weeks in the Thompson household passed like something from a fairy tale. Gregory played the devoted husband with surprising ease.
“Son-in-law, I’d forgotten how good your mint smoothies were! You used to dote on me—now you’ve slackened off! But I see you’re trying.”
His mother-in-law clearly adored him.
“Let’s go to the countryside this weekend! Forest, cottages, a bonfire. It’ll do us all good.”
“I’m in!” his mother-in-law declared.
“Listen,” Gregory whispered to Emily, “don’t waste energy on these little games. Nothing’s changing. My decision’s final.”
Emily only smiled mysteriously. It unsettled him.
“Fine, Em. Might even be fun,” he conceded.
Without realizing it, Gregory thought of Alice less and less. Before, not a day passed without a call or meeting. Now, two months of silence—and life felt lighter. Like he was himself again. What was this strange feeling?
“Greg, put the soup in the fridge, would you? I need to rest.”
“You look pale… Are you alright?” he asked, concerned.
“I’m fine, don’t worry—”
She collapsed before finishing.
“Emily! Emily!”
He rushed to her side, shaking her gently. She stirred.
“It’s nothing… just dizzy. Probably low blood pressure.”
“You’re white as a sheet! We’re going to the hospital—now!”
“Don’t panic,” she managed a weak smile. “Just help me to bed.”
Without hesitation, he carried her to their room.
“Rest. You’ve been stressed.”
“Stress is our middle name,” she joked faintly.
“I don’t buy it.”
He turned off the light and left.
In the days that followed, Gregory became genuinely attentive—no longer just for show.
“You don’t look right. Let’s get you checked out. Please.”
“Greg, focus on the birthday. Two weeks left, and we’ve done nothing.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve handled it.”
“Good. I’ll rest a bit.”
He was truly worried now.
His phone rang. Alice.
“Seems you’re fine without me. Two months of silence. Not even a call. Is this it?”
“Alice, now’s not the time. I’ve got more important things.”
“‘Not the time’? Are you dumping me?”
“I’m not even thinking about us right now. We’ll talk later.”
Gregory’s mind was consumed by Emily. Something was wrong—he felt it in his gut. But first, the birthday. Then he’d figure it out.
He hired the best event planners.
“Everything must be flawless. Her mother’s family.”
Preparations were in full swing. Gregory threw himself into it. His grandchildren arrived the day before. The party was a triumph—everyone was delighted.
“Son-in-law, I always said the best thing Emily ever did was marry you. She lived a happy life.”
“Don’t say that! She’ll live many more years!”
“Of course she will.”
His mother-in-law grew thoughtful.
Emily’s phone rang.
“Tess! What a surprise! So good to hear from you!”
She stepped away for fifteen minutes, then returned.
“Sorry, I need to visit a friend.”
“Absolutely not! We’re going for a full medical check-up. You look like a ghost! After that—see Tess, go wherever, but first—the doctor.”
Gregory was genuinely anxious. And he realized—he no longer wanted Alice. He didn’t even know what to say to her. But that was for later. Right now—only Emily.
He’d always loved her. He just hadn’t realized. A fog, an escape from reality, a betrayal of himself. How could he have thought he could start over?
“I’m booking your tests,” he said firmly. “For tomorrow.”
“Alright,” Emily smiled.
The next morning, she wasn’t in the kitchen.
“Mum, where’
