A Former Husband Promises Our Son a Flat, But Demands I Marry Him Again
Im sixty years old and live in Manchester. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that after everything Ive endured, following twenty years of complete silence and peace, the past would return so shamelessly and cynically into my life. The most painful part? The one reopening old wounds is none other than my own son.
Once, at the young age of twenty-five, I was hopelessly in love. Edwardtall, charming, full of lifeseemed like the answer to every dream. We married quickly, and within a year, our son Oliver was born. Those early years felt like a fairy tale. We lived in a small flat, shared dreams, and made plans. I worked as a teacher, he as an engineer. Nothing could shake our happinessor so I thought.
But over time, Edward changed. Late nights became frequent, lies piled up, and he grew distant. I ignored the rumours, dismissed the unfamiliar perfume, the excuses. Then, the truth became impossible to deny: he was cheating. Not just once, but repeatedly. Friends, neighbours, even his own parentsthey all knew. And me? I clung to hope, stayed for our son, endured far too long, praying hed come to his senses. Then, one night, I woke to find his side of the bed empty. That was the moment I knew it was over.
I packed our things, took five-year-old Oliver by the hand, and moved in with my mother. Edward didnt even try to stop us. A month later, he left the countrysupposedly for work. Soon, he remarried and erased us from his life. No calls, no letters. Just utter indifference. And I was left alone. My mother passed, then my father. Oliver and I faced it all togetherschool, hobbies, illnesses, joys, A-levels. I worked double shifts so hed want for nothing. I never had another relationship; there was no time. He was my entire world.
When Oliver got into university in Cambridge, I supported him however I couldwith care packages, what little money I could spare, endless encouragement. But I couldnt buy him a flat; it was beyond my means. He never complained. Said hed manage on his own. I was so proud.
A month ago, he came to me with news: he was getting married. My joy was short-lived. He fidgeted, avoided my eyes. Then, it spilled out.
Mum I need your help. Its about Dad.
My breath caught. He explained hed recently reconnected with Edward. That his father was back in England and offering him the keys to a two-bedroom flat hed inherited from his grandmother. Butthere was a condition. I had to remarry him and let him move into my home.
I stared at my son, unable to believe what I was hearing. He kept talking.
Youre alone Youve got no one. Why not give it another go? For me. For my future family. Dads changed
Silently, I walked to the kitchen. Kettle, tea, trembling hands. My vision blurred. Twenty years Id carried everything alone. Twenty years without a single word from him. And now he returns with a bargain.
I went back and said, calmly, No. I wont agree.
Oliver exploded. He shouted, accused me. Said Id always put myself first. That Id robbed him of a father. That I wrecked his life, then and now. I stayed quiet. Every word cut deeper. He didnt know how Id stayed awake at night from exhaustion. How Id sold my wedding ring to buy him a winter coat. How Id gone without so he never had to.
Im not lonely. My lifes been hard, but honest. I have my job, my books, my garden, friends. I dont need a man who once betrayed meand now returns not out of love, but convenience.
Oliver left without a goodbye. He hasnt called since. I know hes hurt. I understand. He wants the best for himself, just as I once did. But I wont trade my dignity for a few square metres. The price is too high.
Maybe one day hell see that. Maybe not soon. But Ill wait. Because I love him. Trulyno conditions, no flat, no what ifs. I brought him into this world out of love. I wont let love become a transaction.
And Edward? He belongs in the past. Thats where hell stay.
