I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe got on well enough. She never made a scene, never reproached me; she was always kind and affectionate. But the problem remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke with the urge to leave. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I never imagined how fate would take such an unexpected turn.
With Emma, I was comfortable. Not only did she keep the house impeccably, but she was also stunning. My mates envied me, baffled at how Id landed such a catch.
I didnt even understand what Id done to deserve her love. Im an ordinary bloke, nothing special to set me apart. And yet, she adored me How?
Her devotion gnawed at me. What tormented me most was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my placesomeone richer, handsomer, more successful.
The idea of her with another man drove me mad. She was mine, even if Id never loved her. That sense of possession overruled reason. But can you spend a lifetime with someone you dont love? I thought I could. I was wrong.
“Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,” I decided before bed. Over breakfast, I mustered my courage.
“Emma, sit down. We need to talk.”
“Of course, darling. Im listening.”
“Imagine we divorce. I leave, and we go our separate ways”
Emma laughed. “What a strange thought! Is this a game?”
“Hear me out. Im serious.”
“Alright, then. What next?”
“Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”
“Oliver, whats got into you? Why are you thinking of leaving?”
“Because I dont love you. I never have.”
“What? You cant be serious. I dont understand.”
“I want to leave, but I cant. The thought of you with another man consumes me.”
Emma paused, then replied calmly, “I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.”
“You promise?”
“Of course,” she assured me.
“Wait but where would I even go?”
“Youve nowhere in mind?”
“No. Weve been together our whole lives. Id probably have to stay near you,” I admitted gloomily.
“Dont fret,” Emma said. “After the divorce, well swap the flat for two smaller ones.”
“Really? I never expected youd help me like this. Why?”
“Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont cage them.”
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon after, I learned Emma hadnt kept her word. She found another man, and the flats she inherited from her grandmother? Shed never meant to share them. I was left with nothing.
Now, how can I ever trust a woman again? Ive no clue.
In the end, I learned too late: love cant be forced, and possession is no substitute for the real thing. Sometimes, the things we cling to most are the very ones we never truly valued.
