Divorce Opened Up a New Life: I Found My True Happiness
A Life That Wasn’t Meant to Be
There was a time when I believed my path was set: a reliable job, a solid marriage, moving to England, buying a new house. My wife and I relocated there with hopes of building a future.
The first few years were challenging, but we knew starting from scratch was necessary.
My wife took a lower-level position in a large company, but her talent was soon recognized. A promotion came her way, which immediately improved our financial situation.
I had a degree in literature, but in a foreign country, finding a job in my field was tough.
I tried getting into teaching, but opportunities were scarce. Eventually, I found work at a small Greek café where I lost the knack for dreaming but learned to fry eggs and make moussaka.
I thought life was moving along just fine.
But then one day, my wife announced:
— I’ve filed for divorce.
It felt like a verdict.
I didn’t ask why. I knew the answer.
A New Job — A Fresh Start
After the divorce, I was left alone.
The café job stopped being fulfilling, and my earnings only covered a rented room.
Then suddenly — an interview invitation in another city.
They were looking for a teacher.
With little hope, I went, and they hired me on the spot.
A new life was beginning.
I lived modestly, with a small salary, but I felt needed once again.
Later, I rented a small place and opened a food shop.
The old Greek friends who taught me to cook never realized how much their lessons changed my life.
Business took off.
Yet, my house was silent.
I didn’t feel genuinely joyful.
The Cat That Changed Everything
I bought a small cottage. Got a cat.
I lived, worked, cooked Greek soups, and didn’t think about the future.
But then something unusual happened.
My cat, Beatrix, climbed a tree and got stuck.
I stood beneath, looking up, unsure of how to help.
Then came a man jogging by — tall, athletic, wearing workout gear.
— Need a hand? — he asked.
Before I could decline, he was already climbing up.
And just then, the cat climbed down on her own.
I felt a bit foolish.
I offered him a cup of tea to thank him, but he declined.
He must have had a family waiting at home.
But a month later, he came into my shop.
— Oh, shortbread? Is it something Scottish?
— Yes. Would you like to try?
He took one, thanked me, and left.
I felt the loneliness again.
Fate Handled It All
A few months later, we bumped into each other on the street.
I was heading home, lost in thought, when I heard someone call out:
— Walking past without saying ‘hello’?
I looked up.
It was him.
We went to a café, and I suddenly blurted out:
— Your wife and kids must be waiting for you…
He looked surprised:
— What wife? What kids?
I felt like a fool.
A Second Chance at Happiness
After that day, we started seeing each other daily.
I’m not sure who suggested living together first.
But soon enough, I was moving into his place.
The wedding was a simple affair.
My Greek friends were there — they felt like family.
And a few months later, we were three.
Not just the cat.
We were expecting a child.
…And got a dog.
Now we have a complete family with a cat, a dog, and the love I never found in my first marriage.
I’ve realized one important thing:
Life doesn’t end when someone leaves.
It’s just beginning.
