Who do you need? Max Harper pleaded, his voice cracking. Please let me go We tried to build a life together and it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just divorce, alright?
Not a chance! Max sneered, his smile twisted. Im not letting you walk away. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Are you unhappy? Have you fallen out of love? Or is there someone else? Answer when I ask!
Olivia Hart sat on the edge of the sofa, fingers twisting the corner of the blanket. After another shouting match with her husband she felt as if she could melt away, vanish from his world forever. She could file for divorce, but the resolve to start the paperwork was missing. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, especially the last six months, when Max turned into a ruthless household tyrant, inventing fresh reasons to criticize her every day.
The day began with what seemed a harmless incident. Olivia ordered a new facial cream online.
Again spending money on nonsense? Max snapped the moment she walked in with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but Max wasnt listening.
Do you even think about us? Or only about yourself, my dear? A cream? You should spend that on something useful, like helping my parents.
Max, why jump straight to that? I work, I have my own money. I always help your parents, you know that.
Whatever youre doing, youre sending them pennies! They need real help, not a few coins. Youre selfish, Olivia. Everything you earn ends up on face creams and rags!
His voice grew louder, his eyes flashed. Olivia burst into tears. Max slammed the door, leaving her alone with her sobs and a crushing sense of helplessness. He always did thatpush until he wore her down, then walk away.
Olivia remembered how it had all started. Max had seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Over time something changed. Or perhaps she had never really seen the true Max before.
That evening Max returned, finding Olivia in the kitchen with a cup of tea.
You crying again? he asked without looking at her.
No you just upset me, she replied quietly.
I upset you? Youre the one at fault. Think about what you do.
What am I doing wrong? she whispered.
Everything! You never try. I work hard, get tired, and you? You spend half the day clicking on a keyboard, the other half sitting at home!
I work too, not less than you, Olivia protested, then immediately regretted it.
Whats your job? You earn pennies! I provide for the family. You should be grateful, Olivia. Ive never heard a single thank you from you in all these years, even though Ive earned it!
Im grateful, Max but that doesnt give you permission to speak to me like that.
How am I supposed to talk to you? Youre always dissatisfied. Your habit of crying all the time irritates me! Why do you paint me as a monster?
Max youre constantly unhappy. Im scared to say a word, to buy anything, even to rest during the day. I cant lie down after lunch! If you find out, youll start shouting straight away! My mind isnt steel; I cant control myself any longer
Stop whining! You always play the victim. It makes me sick!
His disgust was so intense Olivia felt a physical pain.
I dont understand 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, only irritation.
Maybe we should talk to a counsellor? she suggested. Go to a family therapist?
Therapist? You need a therapist. Youre the one whos mad, always inventing problems out of thin air, Max retorted.
Those words cemented Olivias decision to leave. Max hurried to eat and switched on the television while she pulled out an old notebook and began drafting an escape plan. Every detail had to be thought through.
The next morning Olivia left the house earlier than usual. She stopped at a café to sit quietly and sort her thoughts. After ordering a coffee, she opened her notebook and wrote:
Step one: find a parttime job. I need more money than I have now. Step two: rent a small flat or a room. Step three: pack my belongings. Step four.
Olivia? a familiar voice called.
She looked up to see her former classmate Sophie Clarke.
Sophie! What a surprise! Olivia exclaimed.
Its been ages, Sophie smiled. What are you doing? Working here?
No, I just came in to think, Olivia replied evasively.
Something wrong? You look… not great.
Olivia hadnt heard words of support in years. She never complained to her parents because she didnt want to upset them, and Max had slowly pushed everyone away. Overwhelmed, she broke down:
Sophie, everything is terrible. Max drives me mad, constantly criticises and humiliates me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared hell become violent during our fights.
Sophie listened without interruption.
I want to leave him, Olivia continued, but Im terrified. I dont know where to start. How will I live afterwards?
Run, Olivia! I wont let you stay alone. Come stay with me for a while. Do you remember my address? And dont be shy about seeking help. There are free counselling services for women escaping abusive partners.
I didnt even know about those, Olivia admitted.
Now you do. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong; youll get through this.
After work they met again, and the twohour conversation left Olivia feeling lighter, almost like a new person.
That evening, when she got home, Max was already waiting, lounging in an armchair watching television.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, Olivia answered.
Youre out a lot these days. Having a lover?
A chill ran through her.
What are you talking about? she snapped.
Nothing. I wouldnt be surprised if you were seeing someone. Youre getting restless.
Enough, Max, Olivia said, exhausted, I dont want to hear this any more.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll have to fend for yourself.
Olivia 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 do you want to say?
I want a divorce.
Max stared at her, shocked.
What did you just say?
I said I want a divorce. I cant keep living like this. You constantly humiliate and criticize me. Im miserable with you.
Youre crazy! Divorce? Who will you be without me? No one! You should be grateful Im still with you.
I owe nothing to anyone. I want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre useless. Do you understand?
Olivia fell silent. She no longer wanted to argue. She had already made her choice.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre broke! Max shouted. Youll have nowhere to live!
Thats none of your business. Ill manage.
I wont let you live! Max roared. Ill find you and make you regret ever being born! Youre ungrateful! I gave you everything, I brought you into this world, and you
Olivia turned and walked to the bedroom to gather her things.
Max spent the night on the sofa. Olivia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. Fear of the future, fear of being alone, fear of never finding happinessall swirled, but the greatest terror was staying with Max.
At dawn she rose, washed, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Max was already at the table with a coffee.
Youre not going 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 lunged toward her. Olivia stepped back, terrified.
Dont come near me, she begged. Max, stay away!
Max shoved her against the wall. Olivias head struck the plaster and she fell to the floor. He raised his fist. She shut her eyes, bracing for the worst.
The neighbour downstairs heard her screams early that morning. A vigilant couple called the police. Officers arrived, rescued Olivia, and took her to the hospital. Once discharged, she filed for divorce immediately; the marriage was officially over.
Olivias story reminds us that recognizing abuse and mustering the courage to leave it are the first steps toward reclaiming ones own dignity and building a future where safety and selfrespect are paramount.
