I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe had a decent life together. She never kicked up a fuss or held it against mealways kind, always caring. But the problem remainedthere was no love.
Every morning, I woke up wanting to leave. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I couldnt even imagine how life would turn everything upside down.
With Sophie, I felt comfortable. Not only did she keep the house spotless, but she was stunning, too. My mates were jealous, baffled at how Id landed someone like her.
Honestly, I didnt get it either. Im just an ordinary bloke, nothing special. And yet she loved me How?
Her love and devotion gnawed at me. Worse was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my place. Someone richer, better-looking, more successful.
The idea of her with another man drove me mad. She was mine, even if I never loved her. That sense of ownership was stronger than reason. But can you spend your whole life with someone you dont love? I thought I could handle itI was wrong.
Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything, I decided before bed. Over breakfast, I finally worked up the nerve.
Sophie, sit down. We need to talk.
Of course, love. Whats on your mind?
Just imaginewhat if we got divorced? I leave, we live separately
Sophie laughed. Whats this weird game? Are you joking?
Hear me out. Im serious.
Alright, fine. Im imagining it. What then?
Be honestif I left, would you find someone else?
Matthew, whats got into you? Why are you even thinking about leaving?
Because I dont love you. I never have.
What? Is this a joke? I dont understand.
I want to leave, but I cant. The thought of you with someone else its eating me alive.
Sophie went quiet for a moment, then calmly replied, I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.
Promise?
Of course, she assured me.
Wait but where would I even go?
Youve got nowhere?
No. Weve been together our whole lives. Guess Id still have to stay close, I said glumly.
Dont worry, Sophie answered. After the divorce, well swap the flat for two smaller ones.
Really? I didnt expect you to help me like this. Why would you?
Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont keep them against their will.
A few months passed, and we divorced. Soon, I found out Sophie hadnt kept her promise. Shed moved on with another man, and the flat shed inherited from her gran? She never planned to split it. I was left with nothing.
How am I supposed to trust women now? No idea.
What do you think of Matthews behaviour?
