Do you even need me? Max pleaded, Please, just let me go We tried to build a life together, but it fell apart. Why keep hurting each other? Lets just get divorced?
Not a chance! he snarled, a grin curling his lips. Youre dreaming. Im not letting you off. Youre my wife, Im your husband, were a family. Is life hard for you? Or have you fallen out of love? Got someone else? Answer when I ask!
Olivia Baker perched on the edge of the sofa, fingers twitching at the corner of a blanket. After yet another blowup with Max, she wanted nothing more than to evaporate and vanish from his world forever. Divorce was an option, but the courage to file the papers was missing. Two years of marriage now felt like a nightmare, and the last six months had been a particular slogMax had morphed into a ruthless domestic king, inventing fresh reasons to nag every day.
The days drama began innocently enough. Olivia ordered a new face cream online.
Another frivolous splurge? Max barked as she walked in with the parcel.
She tried to explain, but he wasnt listening.
Do you even think about us? Or only about yourself, darling? A cream? You should be spending money on something usefullike helping my parents.
Max, why jump straight to the altar? I work, I have my own cash, and I always help your folksyou know that.
And what are you doing? Sending them pennies? They need real support, you know? Youre selfish, Olivia. You dump almost everything you earn on fancy lotions and towels!
His voice grew louder, his eyes sparked like fireworks. 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 thatpush you to the edge, then walk away.
Olivia remembered how it had started. Max had seemed perfect: attentive, caring, loving. Somewhere along the line, either he changed or she finally saw the real him.
That evening Max shuffled back home. Olivia was nursing a cup of tea in the kitchen.
Did you have another crying spell? he asked without looking up.
No you just hurt me
I hurt you? Youre the one at fault. Think before you act.
What am I doing wrong? she whispered.
Everything! You dont try. I work, Im exhausted, and you? You click away on your laptop half the day, then lounge around!
I work too, not less than you, Olivia retorted, instantly regretting it.
Your job? It pays peanuts! Im the one keeping the family afloat. You should be grateful, Olivia. Ive never heard a thank you from you, even though Ive earned it!
I do appreciate you, Max but that doesnt give you licence to talk to me like that.
How am I supposed to talk to you? Youre forever dissatisfied, always whining, always shedding tears! Why do you paint me as a monster?
Max youre constantly unhappy. Im scared to say a word, to buy anything, even to relax in the afternoon. I cant even lie down after lunch! If you find out, youll yell straight away! My nerves arent steel; Im losing control
Stop whining! You love playing the victim. Its nauseating! Maxs disgust was so sharp Olivia felt a physical sting.
I dont get whats happening, she murmured, why are you like this?
Just behave, dont annoy me, and everything will be fine.
Olivia stared at him. There was no warmth left in his eyes, just irritation.
Maybe we should talk to a counsellor? she suggested.
A counsellor? You need one, not me. Youre the one making up problems out of thin air.
Those words cemented her decision: it was time to go. Max grabbed a quick bite and plonked himself in front of the telly, while she fetched an old notebook and began plotting her escape, mindfully ticking off each detail.
The next morning Olivia left the house earlier than usual, aiming for a quiet café to collect her thoughts. Over a steaming coffee she opened her notebook and wrote:
Step one: find a parttime jobneed extra £300 a month.
Step two: rent a modest flat or a room.
Step three: pack my things.
Step four
Olivia? a familiar voice called. She looked up to see her former classmate, Sophie Whitaker.
Sophie! What a surprise!
Its been ages. What are you up to? Working here?
No, just popped in to think.
You look off. Something wrong? Feeling under the weather?
Olivia hadnt heard a supportive word in ages. She never complained to her parents, didnt want to worry them, and Max had been quietly pushing everyone away. The strain finally broke her.
Sophie, Im in a terrible spot. Max is driving me mad, constantly belittling and humiliating me. I cant take it any longer. Im scared hell turn violent during our fights.
She poured out her heart while Sophie listened without interruption.
I want to leave him, Sophie! I really want to, but Im terrified. Where do I start? How will I survive?
Run, Olivia! I wont let you fend for yourself. Come stay with meremember my flat on Camden Road? And there are free counselling services for women stuck with abusive partners.
I didnt know about those, Olivia admitted.
Now you do. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Youre strong; youll make it through.
After work they met again, and the twohour chat left Olivia feeling like a new person.
That evening she returned home to find Max lounging in his favourite armchair, eyes glued to the telly.
Where have you been? he asked without turning.
Out, she said.
Youve been out a lot lately. Got a lover?
A cold wave washed over her.
What are you on about? she snapped.
Nothing. If youve been cheating, I wouldnt be surprised. Youre quite the jumper.
Max, enough, Olivia said wearily, Im done listening to this.
What do you want to hear? Compliments? Youll get none.
She drew a deep breath, steadied herself.
Max, we need to talk.
About what? My supposed affairs?
No, about us. About our marriage.
And what now?
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 degrade and criticize me. Im miserable beside you.
Youre out of your mind! Divorce? Who would want you without me? You owe me for letting you live under my roof!
I owe no one anything. I just want to be happy.
Happy? You think youll be happy without me? Youre wrong. Youre useless. Got it?
Olivia stayed silent. She no longer cared to argue; her mind was made up.
Im leaving tomorrow, she said calmly.
Where will you go? Youre penniless! Max shouted.
Thats none of your business. Ill manage.
I wont let you live! he roared. Ill track you down and make you regret ever being born! I gave you everything, I brought you into society, and you
Olivia didnt answer. She turned and headed for the bedroom to gather her belongings.
Max crashed on the sofa for the night. Olivia lay awake, staring at the ceiling, thoughts spiralling. She feared the future, feared being alone, feared never finding happiness again. But the greatest terror was staying with Max.
At dawn she rose, washed up, dressed, and shuffled to the kitchen. Max was already sipping his coffee.
Youre not going anywhere, he warned. Dont even think about running while Im at work!
Ive already decided, Olivia replied.
I wont allow it!
Enough, Max
Dont you get what Im saying?
Max rose, strode toward her, and Olivias breath hitched.
Dont come near me, Max, please! she pleaded.
Max shoved her against the wall. Her head slammed, and she hit the floor. The man shed once loved raised his fist. Olivia closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
A shrill cry pierced the earlymorning air. Alert neighbours called the police, who arrived within minutes. They hauled Olivia to hospital, where she was treated for a concussion. As soon as she was discharged, she filed for divorce. Their oncepromised life had crumbled, and the paperwork finally sealed the end.
