The man of my dreams left his wife for me, but I never imagined how it would all turn against me.
I had admired him since my university days. It was unconditional lovenaïve and blind. And when, at last, he noticed me, I lost my mind completely. It happened years after graduationwe ended up working at the same firm. We had the same degree, so it wasnt unusual, but I thought it was fate.
He seemed like the man of my dreams. And in my youth, I didnt care that he was already married. I had never been wed myself and didnt know what it meant to watch a marriage crumble. So when Edward chose to leave his wife for me, I felt no guilt. Who could have guessed it would bring me such pain? They say its trueyou cant build happiness on someone elses sorrow.
When he chose me, I was over the moon, ready to forgive anything. The truth was, in daily life, he wasnt the prince he appeared in public. His things were always strewn about the house, and he flatly refused to wash dishes. All chores fell on mebut at the time, I didnt mind.
He forgot his first marriage quickly. Theyd had no children, and the union, it turned out, had been arranged by her parents. With me, it was differentor so he claimed.
My joy was short-lived, for everything changed when I fell pregnant. At first, Edward was thrilled. We even threw a grand family celebration. Everyone wished us love and health for our unborn child.
That evening remains one of my most beautiful memories. I regret nothing when I think of it. But from that moment, my blind love began to fade.
The bigger my belly grew, the less I saw of Edward. I was on maternity leave, so we only met late at night. He stayed longer at work, attended more company parties. At first, it didnt bother mebut soon, it wore me down. Housework became harder; I couldnt even bend to pick up his discarded socks.
I often wonderedhad we rushed into this?
I knew feelings cooled with time, but not this fast. Edward still brought me flowers and chocolates, but all I wanted was his presence.
Soon, it was clear his late nights werent just for work. Colleagues mentioned, over coffee, a new young hire in our department. Staff was short, and when I left for maternity leave, it became dire. How ironic.
I wasnt sure if it was her, but my husband was certainly seeing someonehis free time vanished. Either he was working, at a meeting, or at another company event he “couldnt miss.” One day, I found a note in his jacket pocket, signed with initials I didnt recognize. I dont know why, but I put it back and pretended Id seen nothing.
It was terrifying, being seven months along and alone, while Edward complained Id become too moody. Every argument ended with his disappointed sigh. Somehow, I knew if I brought it up, Id be left for good. The fear of losing him consumed me. They say what you fear most is bound to happen.
For all his charm, Edward was no gentleman. The worst words I ever heard were: “Im not ready for a child.” And: “Theres someone else.” I dont even recall how he said itonly that I felt my sanity slipping.
I never expected to find the strength to file for divorce. He certainly didnt expect me to stop tolerating him. And he definitely didnt expect me to throw his things out the next day. At least the flat was rented, so we didnt have to split it.
“But the baby? Think of the child. How will you manage?”
“Ill figure it out. Ill work from home. My parents have offered help for ages. My mother always said he was a rakeI shouldve listened.”
Responsibility for my unborn son gave me courage. Alone, I wouldnt have dared.
But I also realisedI didnt want my child raised by a man like him.
His betrayal was so vile, I wanted nothing more to do with him. It was as if scales had fallen from my eyes.
The first months after the divorce, including the birth, were brutal. I moved back with my parents, who were overjoyedespecially the grandparents, whod always wanted a grandchild. I wont say I didnt miss Edward, but I tried not to think of him. Deep down, I knew Id done rightthat I could give my son the best.
And then, out of nowhere, he returned.
It seems Edward regrets it bitterly. He wants to know his son. But do I want that? Or would it be better to move to another town?
