**Diary Entry 10th June 2024**
Im 52 now. And Ive got nothing. No wife, no family, no job nothing at all.
My name is Edward Whitmore. My wife and I were married for 30 years. I was always the one who provided for us, while my wife, Margaret, took care of the home. I never wanted her to workI liked knowing she was there. But over time, it began to grate on me.
We lived together respectfully, but the love faded. I thought that was normal, even fine. Then everything changed. One night, in a pub, I met Sophie. She was 20 years youngerbeautiful, kind, full of life. Like a dream come true.
We started seeing each other, and soon she became my mistress. After two months, I realised I didnt want to lie to Margaret anymore. I dreaded going home. I was in love with SophieI wanted her as my wife.
A few days later, I told Margaret the truth. She didnt make a scene. She stayed calm. At the time, I thought she didnt love me eitherthats why she took it so well. Now I understand how much I hurt her.
We divorced. Sold the flat where wed spent years together. Sophie insisted I didnt let Margaret keep it, so I didnt. Margaret bought a small studio. I used my savings to buy a two-bedroom flat for Sophie.
I didnt help my ex-wife, not even a penny. I knew she had no money, that finding work wouldnt be easy. But back then, I didnt care. Our sons, Oliver and Thomas, refused to speak to me. They felt Id betrayed their mother and wouldnt forgive me.
At the time, I didnt mind. Sophie was pregnant, and we were eager for the babys arrival. Soon, a son was born. But he didnt look like meor Sophie. My mates doubted he was mine. I ignored them.
Life with Sophie was a mess. I worked long hours, looked after the house and the baby. Sophie only asked for money and was always out. The flat was a disasterno meals ready, no order. Shed stumble home at 3 AM, reeking of booze, picking fights over nothing.
Then I lost my job. I was exhausted, angrymy work suffered. Three years passed like this. Then my brother, who never approved of Sophie and doubted the boy was mine, convinced me to take a DNA test. He wasnt my son.
We divorced the moment the truth came out. By then, Id had no contact with Margaret or the boys. After the divorce, I decided to go back to my first wife. I bought flowers, wine, a cakewent to her door. But Margaret didnt live there anymore. The new owner gave me her address.
I went. A man answered. Turned out Margaret had landed a good job and married a colleague. She was happy. Settled.
Later, I bumped into her at a café. I begged her to take me back. She looked at me like I was a fool and walked away. Now I see my mistake. What did I want? What did I gain? Why did I throw away my wife for a younger woman?
Im 52 now. And Ive got nothing. No wife, no jobeven my sons wont speak to me. I lost everything that mattered. And its all my fault. Some mistakes can never be fixed.
