I finally realised what Id done. I wanted to go back to my ex-wife, the woman Id spent 30 years withbut it was already too late.
Im 52 now. And Ive got nothing. No wife, no family, no kids, no jobabsolutely zilch.
My names Nigel. I spent three decades married to my wife, Margaret. Id always earned a living to keep the family afloat, while she took care of the house. I never wanted her to work. I liked her being at home. But over time, she started to get on my nerves.
We lived together, respecting each other, but the love fizzled out. I thought it was normal. It suited me fine. Then everything changed. One evening, in a pub, I met Gemma. She was 20 years youngergorgeous, sweet, and hilarious. Like a dream come true.
We started seeing each other, and before long, she became my mistress. Two months in, I decided I couldnt keep lying to Margaret. I didnt even want to go home after work anymore. I was sure I loved Gemma and wanted her as my wife.
A few days later, I came clean to Margaret. No hysterics, no dramajust calm acceptance. I assumed she didnt love me either, which was why she took it so well. But only now do I understand how deeply I hurt her.
We divorced. We sold the house wed spent years in together. Gemma insisted I didnt leave it to my ex-wifeso I didnt. Margaret bought a tiny flat, while I blew my savings on a two-bedder for Gemma.
I didnt help Margaret. Not a single pound. I knew she had no money and wouldnt land a job straight away. But back then, I didnt care. Our sons refused to speak to me. They knew Id betrayed their mum and wouldnt forgive me.
At the time, it didnt bother me. Gemma was pregnant, and we were eagerly awaiting our baby. Soon, a son arrived. But the lad looked nothing like meor even Gemma. My mates doubted he was mine. I ignored them.
Life with Gemma was a nightmare. I worked non-stop, cleaned the house, and looked after the kid. Gemma just demanded money and was always out somewhere. The place was a mess, meals were never cooked, and shed roll in at 4 a.m., reeking of booze, picking fights over nothing.
Eventually, I lost my job. Exhausted, angry, and sloppy at work. Three years of this. Then my brotherwhod always hated Gemma and doubted the kid was mineforced me to take a DNA test. Turns out, I was right to doubt.
We divorced the second the truth came out. By then, Id lost touch with Margaret and my sons. After Gemma, I decided to win Margaret back. I bought flowers, wine, a cakethe whole lotand went to her place. Turns out, shed moved. The new owner gave me her address.
I showed up. A bloke answered the door. Margaret had landed a great job and married a colleague. She was happy. Thriving, even.
Later, I bumped into her at a café. I begged her to take me back. She looked at me like I was daft and walked off. Now, I see the mistake I made. What was I after? What did I actually gain? Why did I leave my wife for some young fling?
Im 52 now. And Ive got nothing. No wife, no job, and even my sons wont talk to me. I lost everything that ever mattered. And its all my fault. Worst part? Ill never undo it.
