Who do you need? Max said, his voice low. Please, let me go We tried to build a life together and it just never clicked. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just get a divorce.
Now? he sneered, a halfsmile on his face. Dont be dreamy. Im not letting you walk away. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Is something wrong with you? Did you fall out of love? Is there someone else? Answer when I ask you!
Olivia was perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers twitching at the corner of the blanket. After yet another blowup with Max, she just wanted to vanish, to disappear from his world for good. She could have walked out, but the courage to file for divorce was still missing. Two years of marriage felt now like a nightmarish loop, especially the last six months Max had turned into a brutal household tyrant, finding fresh reasons to criticize every day.
This morning it all started with something harmless. Olivia ordered a new face cream.
Again spending money on fluff? Max barked as she walked in with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but he wasnt listening.
Do you even think about us? Or is it just you, darling? You need that cream? Youd be better off putting the cash into something useful, like helping my parents.
Max, why jump straight to that? I work, I earn my own money, and I always help your parents you know that.
What are you doing? Sending them pennies? They need real help, love. Youre selfish, Olivia. You spend almost every penny on fancy lotions and trinkets!
His voice was hard, his eyes flashing. Olivia broke down, tears spilling over. Max slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did that push you to the edge and then just walk away.
Olivia remembered how everything had begun. Max once seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Over time something shifted, or maybe she never saw the real Max until it was too late.
That evening Max came home. Olivia was in the kitchen, sipping tea.
Why are you crying again? he asked, not looking at her.
No you just hurt me
I hurt you? Youre the one at fault. Think about what youre doing.
What am I doing wrong? she asked softly.
Everything! You never try. I work hard, Im exhausted, and you? You spend half the day on the keyboard, the rest just sitting around!
I work too, not less than you, she snapped, then immediately regretted it.
Whats your job? You earn peanuts! Im the one keeping the family afloat. You should be grateful, Olivia. Ive never heard a thank you from you, even though I deserve it!
I do appreciate you, Max but that doesnt give you the right to talk to me like that.
How am I supposed to talk to you? Youre always grouchy. Your habit of constantly crying drives me mad! Why do you paint me as a monster?
Max the thing is, youre never satisfied. Im scared to say a word, scared to buy anything, scared even to relax during the day. I cant even lie down after lunch! If you find out, youll start screaming straight away! My nerves arent steel; I cant control myself any longer
Stop whining! You always play the victim. It makes me sick!
His disgust was so raw Olivia felt physical pain.
I dont get whats happening, she whispered, why are you like this?
Just do everything right, dont annoy me and everything will be fine.
Olivia looked at him. There was no warmth left in his eyes, no loveonly irritation.
Maybe we should talk? she suggested, see a couples therapist?
A therapist? You need one, not us. Youre crazy, always making up problems out of thin air.
Those words finally snapped something in Olivia. She decided enough was enough. Max grabbed a quick bite, turned on the telly, and she pulled out her old notebook, starting to map out an escape plan. She needed to think everything through.
The next day Olivia left the house earlier than usual. She headed to a little café in Manchester, hoping the quiet would help her sort her thoughts. With a coffee in hand she opened her notebook and started jotting:
Step one: find a parttime job, need more cash than I have now.
Step two: find a small flat or a room to rent.
Step three: gather my belongings.
Step four
Olivia? a familiar voice called. She looked up to see her former classmate Sophie.
Sophie! What a surprise!
Its been ages, Sophie smiled, what are you up to? Working here?
No, just needed a place to think, Olivia replied evasively.
You alright? You look off. Feeling sick?
Olivia, who hadnt heard a supportive word in ages, finally let the tears flow.
Sophie, Im in a terrible spot. Max is driving me mad, constantly criticizing and humiliating me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared he might lose control during a fight
Sophie listened without interrupting.
I want to leave him, Sophie. I really want to, but Im terrified. I dont know where to start. How do I even live after that?
Run, Olivia! I wont let you down. Come stay with me for a while. You remember my address, right? And dont be shy about getting help. There are free counseling services for women dealing with abusive partners.
Really? I didnt even know they existed.
Yes, now you do. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong, youll get through this.
After work they met again, and after a twohour chat Olivia felt a flicker of hope.
That evening she walked back home. Max was already waiting, lounging in a crackedleather armchair, eyes glued to the telly.
Whereve you been? he asked without turning.
Out, she said.
Youve been out a lot lately. Got a lover now?
Her stomach went cold.
What are you talking about? she snapped.
Nothing, just saying if youre out, maybe youre seeing someone. Youre quickstepping.
Max, enough, Olivia said, exhausted, I dont want to hear this any more.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Forget it.
She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
Max, we need to talk.
About what? My infidelities?
No, about us. About our marriage.
And what are you going to say?
I want a divorce.
Maxs eyes widened.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant live like this any longer. You constantly put me down, criticize me. Im miserable with you.
Youre losing your mind! Divorce? Who would you be without me? Nobody! You should be grateful I even let you stay under my roof.
I owe nobody anything. I just want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre useless. Youll never need anyone.
Olivia stayed silent. Shed made her decision.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre broke!
Thats not your business. Ill manage.
I wont let you go! Ill find you and make you regret ever being born! Youve had everything from me, and youll pay for it!
She didnt answer. She turned and headed for the bedroom to start packing.
Max spent the night on the sofa. Olivia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts swirling. She feared the future, feared being alone, feared never finding happiness again. But most of all she feared staying with Max.
Morning came early. She washed, got dressed, and went to the kitchen. Max was already there, sipping coffee.
You wont get anywhere, he said, dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Olivia replied.
I wont let you!
Enough, Max
You dont understand what Im saying!
Max stood and stalked toward her. Olivias heart pounded.
Dont come near me, she begged, Max, step back!
He shoved her against the wall. She hit her head, fell to the floor as his fist came down. Her eyes shut, bracing for the worst.
The neighbors, hearing her screams early that morning, called the police. Officers arrived, rescued her, and rushed her to the hospital. Once she was discharged, Olivia filed for divorce straight away their marriage had finally collapsed.
