Diary Entry
Tonight, as I reflect on everything, Im struck by the twist of fate that changed my life. I remember the day this all truly beganwhen I discovered two vouchers for a cruise tucked away in my husbands trouser pocket. One of them bore a womans name, a name Id never heard, and at that moment, my heart plummeted.
Thinking back, I first met my husband, David, at the bus stop. It was one of those quietly rainy evenings in London. In the flurry of searching for my oyster card, I managed to drop my keys somewhere. The streetlights struggled against the grey drizzle as I panicked, kneeling amongst puddles. David kindly helped me search, finding them by the drain. With a grateful smile, I thanked him, and funnily enough, we realised we were on the same route home.
He walked me to my flat that night, and from there, our story unfolded. We began seeing each other more and more, and within half a year, we married. David often said he fell in love with me at first glance. Life with him was easy and warm, at least for the first three years. Then he transitioned to a new position at a bustling financial firm in the City. Slowly, I noticed he was pulling awaydistant, always distracted. I convinced myself it was nothing more than overwork, refusing to give in to suspicion.
Then, out of the blue, David announced hed be heading to Manchester for a fortnight on business. I tried not to read into it. That evening, as he showered, I gathered his laundry for a wash. It was then I found the cruise tickets in his pocketone made out for some woman named Charlotte, the other for him. Betrayal hit me like a slap. There it was: the end of my trust, the collapse of everything wed promised one another.
Anger simmered beneath my skin, and I knew I wasnt simply going to let this slide. I kept calm, said nothing, but inside, my resolve was firm. I called James, an old school friend Id always gotten on well with, and confided in him. He didnt hesitate to help. We arranged to go together to the same riverside spot where David planned to meet his lover. Arm in arm with James, we played the part of a new couple, laughter masking my heartbreak.
When David spotted us, he strode over, outrage written all over his face, accusing me of unfaithfulness. I stared him down, my tone cold yet steady: You thought you could betray me and Id simply sit by? Ive already found someone who values me.
Charlotte, his mistress, was nearby and overheard our exchange. Shock and confusion shaded her expression as the truth dawnedshe hadnt even known that David was married. Hed deceived her as well. The entire charade unravelled then and there.
The strain was too great. Soon after, David and I divorced. I couldnt find it within myself to forgive such a betrayal.
Six months passed and James proposed. I said yes without hesitation, and Ive never been happier. Charlotte ended things with David tooshe couldnt forgive his lies either. Looking back, I feel as though Ive shed the weight of deceit and emerged stronger, wiser, andthankfullyloved.
