**Diary Entry 12th June**
He wasnt home yet. Lately, hed been buried in work, staying later and later. Olivia tucked the children into bed and wandered to the kitchen for a cuppa. Edward still hadnt returned. These days, he was always tied up at the office, coming home long after dark.
She hated seeing him so worn out and tried to shield him from household worriesafter all, he was the sole breadwinner. When they married, they agreed shed manage the home and raise their children while Edward handled the finances. Three kids came in quick succession. Edward adored each one, always joking they shouldnt stop there.
But Olivia was exhausted. The endless cycle of nappies and night feeds left her drained, so she put her foot downno more babies for now.
Edward finally stumbled in past midnight, slightly tipsy. When she asked why, he shrugged.
«Liv, the lads and I were swamped, so we popped out for a pint to unwind.»
«Oh, my poor love!» She forced a smile. «Let me fix you a bite to eat!»
«Dont bother. We had some nibbles at the pub. Ill just turn in.»
With Mothers Day approaching, Olivia asked her mum to mind the kids and headed to the high street. She wanted to mark the occasion properlya romantic dinner for two. Her mother happily took the children for the evening.
Along with groceries and gifts, Olivia decided to treat herself. Itd been ages since shed bought anything nice, and she hated asking Edward for money just to spruce up her wardrobe. The last thing shed bought was a cosy tracksuithardly fitting for the evening she had in mind.
Inside a boutique, she picked out a few dresses. As she slipped on the second one, she heard a familiar voice from the next cubicle.
«Mmm, cant wait to get you out of this.»
A womans giggle followed. «Patience, you devil! Go on, pick something for your wife.»
«Why bother? Shes knee-deep in kidsthey dont care what she wears as long as she feeds them. Ill get her a toaster or a blender. Thatll make her happy!»
Olivia froze, as if doused in icy water. Silent, she kept dressing while their conversation seeped through the thin wall.
«What if she asks where you spent so much? A blender doesnt cost that much» the woman teased.
«Why should I explain how I spend MY money? I work; she sits at home doing whatever she likes! I give her the housekeeping, and thats plenty. She should be grateful!»
The rustling of clothes stopped, and their voices faded. Peeking out, she saw Edward at the till with a blonde, paying for their haul. He kissed her full on the lips, indifferent to the shopgirls stare.
«Are you alright, miss?» The assistant frowned as Olivia lingered, motionless in the cubicle.
«Yes, fine!» She thrust the dresses at her. «Ill take them all.»
Back home, after her mum left and the children napped, Olivia sat numb, weighing her options. Edwards betrayal stung, but worse was his contempt for everything she sacrificed.
She wanted to bolt straight to a solicitor, but forced herself to think.
«If I divorce him, hell swan off with that woman, leaving me and the kids penniless. Child support? A pittance. How would we survive?»
That night, Edward didnt stay late «working.» *Had his fill earlier*, she thought coldly. Any love shed felt was gonehe was a stranger now. The idea of his touch revolted her.
Luckily, he seemed satisfied and kept his distance.
The next day, Olivia drafted her CV and shot it off to agencies. Days of anxious waiting followed, checking her inbox each morning. Finally, an interview offer landedironically, at Edwards firm. After much deliberation, she went.
Leaving the kids with her mum again, she aced the interview. They offered a decent role with flexible hours. The pay wasnt grand, but enough to start.
Returning home, her mother gaped at her grin.
«Mum, Edwards cheating!» The words spilled out, oddly euphoric.
Her mother paled. «Olivia, love, youre not thinking straighthes always at work!»
«No, hes with *her*!» She spilled the whole story.
Her mums face hardened. «What now?»
«Im divorcing him. And Ive got a jobflexible at first, then full-time once the kids are in nursery.»
«Good. A man like that doesnt deserve you. Ill help with the little ones.»
«Thanks, Mum.» She hugged her tight.
On the 10th, Edward slunk in late again. Olivia didnt ask. He faltered, «Liv, the team was swamped»
«Just go to bed.»
At breakfast, he presented her with a gifta blender.
«Here, love. To make things easier.» He leaned in, but she sidestepped, ignoring it.
«Ive got a gift for you too.»
Puzzled, he followed her to the hallwhere two suitcases waited.
«Im filing for divorce. No more lies. Get out.»
His jaw dropped. «Howd you find out?»
«In the changing room, while you shopped for *her*. Keep the blenderI dont need it.»
Edwards shock twisted to fury. «Jealous, are you? Shes stunning, not some frumpy mum! Youve let yourself go, living off me!»
Olivia didnt flinch. «Im not jealous. Leave.»
The next day, she filed for divorce and child support. A week later, her mother-in-law raged on the doorstep.
«Gold-digger! Kicking him out, then bleeding him dry! Drop the claimhe owes you nothing!»
«He owes his *children*,» Olivia snapped. «If he cant afford his mistress, thats his problem.»
«Whatll you do without him? You planned thisliving off him forever!»
«Watch me.» She pointed to the door. «Leave, or Ill call the police.»
Cursing, the woman stormed off.
Months passed. The kids settled into nursery, and Olivia transitioned to full-time work.
One day, Edward hovered by her desk. «Liv can we talk?»
«Busy.» She didnt look up.
«Maybe lunch?» He looked haggardthe blonde had bolted when his wages were halved.
«No, Edward. Were done.»
**Lesson:** A man who belittles your worth was never worthy of you. And a woman whos been underestimated? Shes already ten steps ahead.
