**Diary Entry**
Im 52 now, and I have nothingno wife, no family, no children, no job. Nothing.
My name is Henry Whitmore. My wife, Elizabeth, and I were married for 30 years. I was always the one who provided for us financially while she took care of the home. I never wanted her to work; I was happy knowing she was there. But as time passed, I grew irritated with her.
We lived together civilly, but the love had faded. I thought it was normaljust how things were. Then everything changed. One night, at a pub, I met Sophie. She was 20 years youngerbeautiful, kind, and full of life. It felt like a dream.
We started seeing each other, and before long, she became my mistress. After two months, I realised I didnt want to keep lying to Elizabeth. I dreaded going home after work. I was in love with SophieI wanted her to be my wife.
Days later, I told Elizabeth the truth. She didnt make a scene, just stayed calm. At the time, I thought she didnt love me eitherthats why she took it so well. Now I see how much I hurt her.
We divorced. We sold the flat where wed spent so many years together. Sophie insisted I shouldnt let Elizabeth keep it, so I didnt. Elizabeth bought a small studio. Meanwhile, I used my savings to buy a two-bedroom flat for Sophie.
I didnt help Elizabethdidnt give her a single pound. I knew she had no money, that finding work wouldnt be easy. But in that moment, I didnt care. Our sons, James and William, refused to speak to me. They felt Id betrayed their mother, and they couldnt forgive me.
At the time, it didnt matter. Sophie was pregnant, and we eagerly awaited our child. Soon, a son was born. But he looked nothing like meor Sophie. My mates doubted he was mine, but I refused to listen.
Life with Sophie was chaos. I worked long hours, cared for the house and the baby. Sophie only ever asked for money, always out late. The place was a mess, meals were never ready. Shed stumble home at 3 or 4 in the morning, reeking of alcohol, picking fights over nothing.
Eventually, I lost my jobI was exhausted, angry, and my work suffered. Three years passed like this. Then my brother, whod never approved of Sophie and suspected the boy wasnt mine, convinced me to take a DNA test. He was rightthe child wasnt mine.
We divorced immediately after the truth came out. By then, Id lost all contact with Elizabeth and my sons. After the divorce, I decided to go back to herbought flowers, wine, a cake, and knocked on her door. But shed moved. The new owner gave me her address.
When I arrived, a man answered. Elizabeth had found a good job and married a colleague. She was happy.
Later, I spotted her in a café. I begged her to take me back. She looked at me like I was a fool, then walked away. Now I understand the mistake I made. What did I want? What did I achieve? Why did I leave my wife for a younger woman?
Im 52 now, and I have nothingno wife, no job, no children wholl even speak to me. I lost everything that mattered. And it was all my fault. This is a mistake I can never undo.
