I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe got on well enough. She never made a scene, never blamed me for anythingalways kind, always caring. But the truth remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke up wanting to leave. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I never imagined how fate would turn everything upside down.
With Emily, I felt at ease. Not only did she keep the house spotless, but she was radiant. My mates envied me, baffled at how Id landed someone like her.
I didnt understand it either. I was just an ordinary bloke, nothing special. Yet she loved me How?
Her devotion gnawed at me. Worse still was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my place. Someone richer, more charming, more successful.
The image of her with another man drove me mad. She was mine, even if Id never loved her. That possessiveness overruled reason. But could I spend a lifetime with someone I didnt love? I thought I could. I was wrong.
“Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,” I decided before bed. Over breakfast, I steeled myself.
“Emily, sit down. We need to talk.”
“Of course, darling. Whats on your mind?”
“Imagine we divorce. I leave. We live separately.”
Emily laughed.
“What a strange idea! Is this a game?”
“Hear me out. Im serious.”
“All right, then. Im imagining it. What next?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“James, whats got into you? Why are you thinking of leaving?”
“Because I dont love you. I never have.”
“What? Youre joking. I dont understand.”
“I want to go, but I cant. The thought of you with another man it tears me apart.”
Emily paused, then answered calmly.
“Id never find anyone better than you, so dont worry. Leave. I wont be with anyone else.”
“You promise?”
“Of course,” Emily assured me.
“Wait where would I even go?”
“Youve nowhere to go?”
“No. Weve always been together. I suppose Id have to stay nearby,” I muttered.
“Dont fret,” Emily said. “After the divorce, well trade the flat for two smaller ones.”
“Really? I didnt expect you to help me like this. Why?”
“Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont cage them.”
Months passed, and we divorced. Not long after, I discovered Emily hadnt kept her word. Shed found another manand the flats she inherited from her grandmother? She never intended to share. I was left with nothing.
How can I trust women now? Ive no idea.
What do you make of Jamess behaviour?
