Laura paused, her coffee catching in her throat, and stared at her friend. Olivia sat opposite her, shoulders hunched over her mug. Inside, everything felt scorched, leaving only emptiness. Her fingers rested limp on the table, her gaze fixed on a single point.
Cheated, Olivia whispered. With a colleague. I found their messages.
Laura exhaled heavily and shook her head.
Blimey All men are the same, Olivia. Mine did the same three years ago. I thought Id never survive that pain. It felt like my whole life ended.
Olivia lifted her eyes, a flash of hope flickering there, as if someone might finally understand her anguish. She asked, And? How did you cope?
Laura shrugged. I didnt. He got down on his knees, begged for forgiveness, begged me not to leave, not to take our son, Leo, away. He said it was a mistake, that hed never do it again. I thought for three days and then I forgave him. What else could I do?
Olivia returned to her cup, slowly stirring the coffee even though she hadnt added any sugarjust to keep her hands busy.
I dont know what to do, Laura, she admitted quietly. Honestly, I have no idea.
Laura laughed, a nervous, almost light sound, as if they were discussing a new dress rather than a shattered marriage.
Listen, try to squeeze something out of him, she suggested. A pricey gift, a seaside holiday, money for a coatlet him pay for his sin in full. Then you can decide whether to stay. After all, its a family, not a brief fling.
Olivia felt a knot tighten inside. Money? Gifts? Could any of that truly compensate for betrayal?
How could you ever trust him again after an affair? Olivia asked, meeting Lauras eyes. Is that even possible?
Laura waved it off. Ive long since put it behind me. I dont think about it. Youll forget too, youll see. Dont cling to it. Time heals. Just dont make a mountain out of a molehill or nag him every day.
They talked a little longer about trivialities, finished their coffee, and said goodbye at the café door. Olivia walked home slowly. Her husband, Victor, waited, the very man who had cheated with a colleague from the adjoining department, tearing a sevenyear marriage apart in one swift blow.
Could she forgive him? Olivia didnt know.
At home Victor hovered like a loyal dog, brewing tea, asking if she wanted a snack, bringing a blanket when she settled on the sofa. He apologizedten times, twenty, a hundred times a dayoffering flowers almost daily, turning the flat into a greenhouse.
But inside Olivia felt something had gone dark. She looked at Victor and saw only the man whod betrayed her.
Olivia, I brought your favourite roses, Victor said one evening, handing her a fresh bouquet.
She took the flowers mechanically, placing them in the vase without any joy or gratitudejust doing what was expected.
That weekend she drove to her mothers house, hoping to vent to a family member and get some advice.
Sitting at the familiar kitchen table, Olivia confessed, Mum, I cant forgive him. Im trying, really, but I cant. Every time I look at Victor, all I feel is anger. I keep thinking about leaving.
Her mother snapped around, almost shouting, What are you saying, love? All men cheat, thats just how it is. Youre being too pickythats the problem. Youre married, you should endure. Otherwise youll end up alone and nobody will want you!
Olivia tried to argue, But Mum, this is my life, my feelings. Should I just swallow my pride? How do I live with a man whos stabbed me?
Her mother sneered, Pride? Do you even hear yourself, Olivia? Youre thirtytwo! Whos going to look at you at that age? Victors a good bloke, hardworking, doesnt drink. He slipped up oncewho hasnt? Youd forgive and forget.
Olivia left with a heavy heart. Everywhere she turned, the same chorus rang: forgive, forget, endure.
Victor was cooking dinner, chopping vegetables for a salad, stirring something on the stove. Earlier Olivia had found his movements endearing; now they made her want to retch. Every little gesture irritated her, and she stared at his back, wanting to scream.
A week later her motherinlaw, Mrs. Zoe, arrived for a visit. Victor was deliberately out of the house, giving the women a moment alone.
Zoe settled into an armchair, forced a smile, and finally said, Olivia, dear, my son made a terrible mistake. Youre such a good, proper woman, and he betrayed you. But hes apologised, hasnt he? Hes repented, so you should forgive him.
Olivia sat on the sofa, hands clenched, trying to stay calm while her insides boiled.
Mrs. Zoe, it hurts so much. I cant just snap my fingers and forgive. It doesnt work like that.
Zoe leaned forward, her eyes hardening. Cant? You simply must forgive my son. Do you think youre the only one whos been cheated on? So many wives put up with it and carry on. Are you special?
I dont want to endure this, Olivia replied.
Zoe raised her voice, And what do you want? To be single? At your age, no ones going to swoon over you. You still need a child. When you have one, Victor will stop looking elsewhere and focus on the family.
The pressure mounted. Olivia felt the walls closing in, everyone insisting she should forgive, ignoring her pain, ignoring the fact that something inside her had finally broken.
For two more weeks Olivia wavered between clinging to the marriage and accepting that she no longer trusted Victor.
One evening Victor suggested they go out to a café, like the old days. Olivia agreed, hoping it might bring some clarity.
They sat at a table; Olivia excused herself to the restroom to collect herself. The cold water steadied her, and she weighed everything once more. She decided to give Victor another chance.
But the decision collapsed the moment she returned. Victor was chatting with the waitress, his hand resting on her wrist, smiling broadlya smile he hadnt shown Olivia in months. He whispered something to her.
In that instant Olivia realized she could never truly forgive. She would never be able to forget or move on. If Victor kept speaking to other women, she would live in endless suspicion and tormenta life too painful to bear.
She walked back to the table. Victor lifted his head, removed his hand from the waitress, and gave a guilty smile.
Can I get the bill, please? Olivia said calmly.
Victor stared at her, bewildered.
But we havent even started eating, he protested.
I need to go home, Olivia replied, not shouting, not throwing a tantrumjust waiting for the check while looking past him.
Back at home, she entered the bedroom, grabbed her suitcase.
Im leaving, Victor.
What? Olivia, what are you saying? Victor stood frozen in the doorway.
Ive thought it through. This marriage isnt for me. Find someone who wont betray you. I cant forget this. I never will.
Victor tried to grab her hand, but she slipped away.
Wait, lets talk! he pleaded.
Theres nothing left to talk about. Its over.
She packed her things, called a taxi. Victor begged, promising anything, but Olivia no longer listened. The arguments meant nothing now.
Soon she filed for divorce. Phones rang constantly. Her mother wept into the receiver, calling her foolish and naïve. Laura accused her of destroying the family. Zoe screamed that the daughterinlaw had shattered a solid marriage.
I didnt break anything, Olivia said evenly. Victor did when he cheated, and now Im only looking after myself.
Three years later
Olivia was brewing coffee in the kitchen of a modest flat in Leeds.
Max entered, hugging her from behind.
Good morning, love.
Olivia turned, kissed his cheek.
They had met a year earlier, both survivors of infidelity, both knowing the ache of betrayal. Olivia felt certain that Max would never betray her. Never.
And that certainty, forged from pain, reminded her that the only true freedom lies in choosing respect over forgiveness when love is no longer love. The lesson she carried forward was simple: selfworth cannot be traded for anyones remorse, and a life built on honesty is the only one worth keeping.
