**Diary Entry 15th October**
I ran into my ex-wife two years after the divorce. At that moment, it all made sensebut she only smiled and shook her head when I suggested we start again.
When our second child was born, Emily stopped caring about how she looked. Before, shed change outfits several times a dayalways polished, every detail perfectly matched. But after coming home from the hospital, it was as if shed forgotten her wardrobe existed beyond an old T-shirt and a pair of worn-out joggers.
Shed wear them all day, sometimes even to bed. When I asked why, shed say it was easier when the kids needed her at night. Fair enoughbut what happened to the woman who swore, A lady must always carry herself like one? She never mentioned that anymore. No more talk of her favourite salon, the gym, her hairdresser. And, forgive the detail, there were mornings shed wander about without a bra, completely unbothered.
Her body had changed tooher waist, her stomach, her legs. Nothing like before. Her hair, once glossy and styled, was now a tangled mess or a hasty bun with wild strands sticking out. I remembered how men would turn their heads when we strolled through London. Id been so proud. Beautiful. Mine.
But that woman was gone.
Our home mirrored her spirit. The only thing she still did flawlessly was cookher meals were divine. But the rest? Depressing.
I tried telling her she couldnt let herself go like this. That she needed to find herself again. Shed just smile sadly and promise to try. Months passed, and every day, I saw less of the woman Id married.
Then, one day, Id had enough.
I filed for divorce.
No shouting, no drama. She begged me to reconsider, but when she saw my mind was made up, she just sighed and murmured, Do what you want I thought you loved me.
I didnt argue. What was the point? Love meant different things to us now. The papers were signed soon after.
I dont know if I was a good father. I sent the child support, nothing more. I couldnt bear to see hernot like that. Not the ghost of who shed become.
Two years later
A crisp autumn afternoon in Manchester. Lost in thought, I wandered aimlesslyuntil I saw her.
There was a confidence in her step, an elegance that turned heads. She moved lightly, assured. And when she got closer, my heart stopped.
It was Emily.
But not the Emily Id left behind.
This woman was more radiant than ever. High heels, a dress that hugged her curves, flawless hair, subtle but striking makeup. And that perfumethe one that used to drive me mad.
I mustve gaped, because she laughed. What? Dont recognise me? I told you Id change. You didnt believe me.
I walked her to the gym where she now trained daily. She spoke of the children, how well they were doing, how happy they were. About herself, she said littlebut she didnt need to. Her confidence said it all.
And me?
I remembered.
Those mornings Id scoff at her pyjamas and messy hair, the days her exhaustion annoyed me. I remembered the exact moment I decided to leavewhen my selfishness convinced me she wasnt enough anymore.
And I remembered that when I left her, Id left my children too.
Before we parted, I found the courage to ask, Can I call you? I get it now Maybe we could try again.
Emily looked at me calmly. Then she smiled and shook her head. Its too late, James. Take care.
And she was gone.
I stood there, frozen, watching her disappear into the crowd.
Yes.
I understood.
But too late.
**Lesson Learned:** Pride blinds you to whats realuntil its gone for good.
