**A Journey to Happiness: A New Beginning for Two Lovers**
I sat on the bus, heart racing, as if carried on wings of joy. Finally, my son had finished sixth form and been accepted into university. After years of waiting, I could at last live properly with the man I loved.
The very day I sent my boy off to study, I bought my ticket and set off for John. Our marriage had lasted only two years, yet it felt as though wed known each other forever.
Our relationship hadnt been easy. It had been a rocky start, full of challenges, but fate seemed to promise a future togetherat least, thats what I believed.
Wed met eight years ago. Back then, I was still healing from my divorce, unwilling to let anyone closeuntil John came along. Even with him, Id been hesitant at first. Hed had to work hard to convince me he wasnt like my ex, David.
For six months we dated before deciding to move in together. John came to live with mehis tiny flat would have been too cramped for all of us. I had a ten-year-old son, well-behaved but struggling to connect with his stepfather.
After three years together, John began talking about marriage. I wasnt keen. What difference would a piece of paper make? It wouldnt shield me from betrayal, whether I was his wife or not. I was happy as we were.
At first, John accepted that, but eventually, he realised it wasnt enough. He wanted me as his wife in every sense. He gave me an ultimatum: marry him or walk away.
I hated the pressure, so I chose to leave. And for half a year, we were apart.
John moved to another city where a friend had offered him a well-paid job. He came home rarely, only once every couple of months to visit his parents. And on one of those visits, he saw me again.
I was walking through the park, looking perfectly contentuntil our eyes met. In that moment, he saw exactly what he felt himself. I still loved him. And I couldnt hide it.
We got back together, this time long-distance. Sometimes I visited him; other times he came to me. Every meeting was carefully planned, yet always full of warmth and passion.
We saw each other once a month, sometimes twice. John often asked me to move in with him. Hed bought a two-bedroom flat in his new city, though he was still paying off the mortgage.
I longed to say yes, but life wasnt that simple. My son was a teenager, needing my attention. And my mother had been ill, requiring care. For over two years, Id nursed her back to health.
“Youll live a while yet!” the doctor had cheerfully said when discharging her.
Margaret no longer needed me so close, but Alex was starting his A-levels. He begged me not to uproot him, so I compromised.
The summer before Alexs final year, John and I finally married. Seeing the joy it brought him, I almost regretted not agreeing soonerbut what was the point in dwelling on the past?
Now, we werent just dating. Ours was a weekend marriage, if not for the hundreds of miles between us.
And now, Alex had been accepted into university. Proud as I was, I realised I could finally arrange my own life. I hadnt told John I was moving inI wanted to surprise him.
He must have suspected, but he didnt know the date.
I packed my suitcase, boarded the bus, and set off for him. I wanted this day seared into his memory. I could already picture itme in lace lingerie, rose petals on the bed, a lovely dinner waiting for him when he returned from work.
Lost in these thoughts, I barely noticed the journey. I was certain John would be overjoyed. Instead, the surprise was mine.
I unlocked his flat doorand froze. A pair of bright blue eyes stared back at me. A stunning red-haired girl, young and beautiful.
“Who are you?” I demanded.
“Im Ruby. Ohyou must be Elizabeth. Sorry, Ill go!”
“Go? Who *are* you?” My voice shook.
“Please dont be angry. Im your husbands girlfriend.”
“His *what*?”
Silently, I closed the door, leaving behind everything Id thought was mine, determined to walk a new pathalone.
