Oh mate, let me tell you about it. So, I was married to Richard for over fifteen years, we really started building our life together. Right after the wedding, we lived with Richards mum for a bit while both working down at the local factory. Eventually, we were given a small room in the factorys staff accommodation and finally moved out of his mums place. Things felt pretty settled and I realised that Richard would need a proper qualification if he ever wanted to climb the career ladder. So, I pushed him to enrol at college, and honestly, I practically did all his coursework writing his essays, reports, you name it. As soon as he finished and brought his diploma to the factory, he immediately got promoted. I was genuinely chuffed for him.
My own career never really took off though. Even though Id graduated myself, I was always on maternity leave. After my son Alex was born, I became pregnant again with my daughter Georgia. Eventually, I did make it back to work, but the kids were always catching something and I found myself phoning in sick or taking time off.
But I wasnt really bothered; I wasnt lucky at work, but I was blessed in my family. Richard threw himself into his job, often working late. Not long after, we managed to buy a spacious flat in Manchester. The kids couldnt believe their luck they finally had their own rooms. But the downside was, I saw Richard less and less.
One day, I bumped into my old workmate, Lucy. She confided that her husband was messing around with someone from work. They have no shame, she said. He flirts with her openly, gives her gifts, even hugs her in front of everyone. You need to leave him, seriously. That stuck with me and I decided to go to Richards workplace to speak to his mistress face-to-face and ask her to back off. I told her he had a family, kids, and asked her to leave him alone. She humiliated me, laughing in front of everyone. Basically, she told me to get a grip, said I was crying over a man cheating with a stunner, and that Id better sort myself out.
Then Richard came out of his office, spotted me, and absolutely lost it. What are you doing here? So you know now, do you? Actually, that makes my life easier Im sick of living this double life. Im filing for divorce tomorrow. He got himself the top solicitors, leaving me with nothing. He didnt care where me and the kids ended up or how wed make do. He was totally wrapped up in his new love.
Thankfully, my parents stepped in. I managed to buy a tiny flat in Leeds and got myself a job. Slowly, things started to look up. A year down the line, Richard called up, demanding my help. Not even a hint of apology for everything he put us through. Turns out hed been sacked from his job, his new wife had walked out on him, and after all that, he got into an accident and wound up in hospital. I flat out refused to help. After all, he left me and the kids with nothing, never even bothered to check in. He honestly didnt care, and now, it was my turn not to care.
