I never loved my wife and told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived quite comfortably. She never made a scene or held grudgesalways kind and 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. Yet I couldnt imagine how fate would turn everything upside down.
With Sophie, I felt at ease. Not only did she keep our home in perfect order, but she was also stunningly beautiful. My friends envied me, baffled at how Id been so lucky to have her as my wife.
Even I didnt understand why I deserved her love. Im just an ordinary man, no different from anyone else. And yet she loved me How was that possible?
Her devotion unsettled me. What tormented me more was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my placesomeone richer, more attractive, 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 could I spend a lifetime with someone I didnt love? I thought I could manage, but I was wrong.
«Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,» I resolved before bed. The next morning at breakfast, I gathered my courage.
«Sophie, sit down. We need to talk.»
«Of course, darling. Im listening.»
«Imagine we divorce. I leave, we live separately»
Sophie laughed. «What strange thoughts are these? Is this some sort of game?»
«Listen to the end. This is serious.»
«Fine, Im imagining it. What then?»
«Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?»
«Matthew, whats gotten into you? Why are you even thinking of leaving?»
«Because I dont love you, and I never have.»
«What? Are you joking? I dont understand.»
«I want to leave, but I cant. The thought of you with someone else haunts me.»
Sophie paused, then calmly replied, «I wont find anyone better than you, so dont worry. GoI wont be with anyone else.»
«You promise?»
«Of course,» Sophie assured me.
«Waitbut where would I even go?»
«You have nowhere?»
«No, weve been together our whole lives. I suppose Id still have to stay close to you,» I said gloomily.
«Dont worry,» Sophie answered. «After the divorce, well swap the house for two smaller flats.»
«Really? I didnt expect you to help me like this. Why are you doing it?»
«Because I love you. When you love someone, you cant hold them against their will.»
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon, I learned Sophie hadnt kept her promise. Shed found another man, and the flat she inherited from her grandmother was never meant to be shared. I was left with nothing.
Now, how can I ever trust women again? I havent a clue.
What do you think of Matthews actions? True love doesnt controlit lets go, but betrayal teaches the hardest lessons.
