**Diary Entry**
The man of my dreams left his wife for me, but I never imagined how it would all come crashing down.
Id admired him since university. It was unconditional lovenaive and blind. When he finally noticed me, years after graduation, I lost all reason. We ended up working at the same firm, which wasnt strangewed studied the same subject. But I mistook coincidence for fate.
To me, he was perfect. Back then, I didnt care that he was married. Id never been wed myself, so I didnt understand the wreckage of a broken home. When Daniel chose me, I felt no guilt. Who knew it would bring such misery? They say it rightyou cant build happiness on someone elses sorrow.
When he picked me, I was over the moon, ready to forgive anything. Truth was, he wasnt the prince he seemed. His socks were always strewn about, and he flat-out refused to wash dishes. The housework fell to mebut at the time, I didnt mind.
He moved on quickly from his past marriage. No children, and it turned out his parents had pushed him into it. With me, he claimed, it was different.
My joy was short-lived. Everything changed when I got pregnant. At first, Daniel was thrilled. We even threw a grand family celebration. Everyone wished us love and health for our baby. That night remains one of my happiest memories. I dont regret it. But soon, my blind love began to fade.
The bigger my belly grew, the less I saw of him. I took maternity leave, so we only met late evenings. He stayed longer at work, attended more office parties. At first, I shrugged it offuntil exhaustion set in. Simple chores became impossible. I couldnt even bend to pick up his discarded socks.
I wonderedhad we rushed into this?
I knew passion cooled, but not this fast. He still brought flowers and chocolates, but all I wanted was his presence.
Soon, it was clear why he was always at work. Colleagues mentioned a new, young hire in our department. With me gone, staffing was stretched thin. Ironic.
I wasnt sure if it was her, but my husband had someone. He was never homealways at meetings or unmissable company events. One day, I found a note in his coat pocket, signed with initials I didnt recognise. I slipped it back, pretending Id seen nothing.
Being seven months pregnant and alone was agony. Daniel complained Id become too moody. Every argument ended with his weary sigh. I sensed that if I pressed him, Id lose him. Fear consumed me. They say what you dread most will happen.
For all his charm, Daniel was no gentleman. The cruelest words Id ever heard: *Im not ready for a child.* And: *Theres someone else.* I barely remember how he said itonly that I felt my mind unravel.
I surprised myself by filing for divorce. He hadnt expected me to refuse his behaviour. Nor had he expected me to toss his things out the next day. At least the flat was rentedno splitting assets.
*But the baby,* he said. *Think of him. How will you manage?*
*Ill manage. Ill work from home. My parents have offered help.* My mother had warned me he was a rake. I shouldve listened.
Perhaps responsibility for my son gave me courage. Alone, Id never have left. But I realisedI wouldnt raise my child with a man like him.
His betrayal was so vile, I wanted nothing more to do with him. The scales had fallen from my eyes.
The first months post-divorcebirth includedwere brutal. I moved back to my parents, who were overjoyed, especially my grandparents, whod longed for a grandchild. I missed Daniel sometimes, but I pushed the thought away. I knew Id done right. My son would have the best.
Then, out of nowhere, Daniel returned.
Full of regret. Wants to know his son. But do I want that? Or should I move to another city?
**Lesson learned:** Love blinds, but pain sharpens sight. Some mistakes teach you who you areand who youll never be again.
