I’m Twenty-Nine Years Old. Maybe I’m the Most Naive Woman in the World, Because Until Recently I Thought Everything in My Family Was Fine—And I Was So Wrong

I am now twenty-nine years old. Looking back, I realise I may have been the most naïve woman in all of England, for only recently did I discover that my family was not as perfect as I had thought. How wrong I was in my choice My husband proved to be both a traitor and a selfish man. Even now, its hard for me to believe he did this to me.
We had known each other for ten years; six of them as a married couple. His name was Edwardhe was always so attentive and caring, supporting the children and me without fail. Together we have a son and a daughter. With my help, Edward was able to open his own business, and in those days, it brought in a respectable income.
I worked as a sales assistant, but more recently, I opened my own online shop selling clothing. So, during the hours when my daughter was at nursery and my son was napping, I workedearning what I could.
My weight had always hovered around eight and a half stone, but after having my child, I put on three stone. At first, I hoped looking after two children would help me shed the weight, but things are never as simple as they seem. I set myself the goal of losing the extra pounds: I ate healthily, exercised, drank plenty of water, and gave up bread and cakes. Yet my weight refused to budge, and it started to get me down. I became terribly self-conscious because of it.
After the second child, my confidence waned. I no longer felt feminine or attractive. Meanwhile, I watched as Edward changed before my eyes. He stopped kissing or embracing me. Other things, I wont even mention. I can’t remember the last time we had a proper conversationall we ever talked about were chores and the children.
Ill admit, before the births, I felt attractive and much more sure of myself. Now, I can hardly look in the mirror without discomfort. I know its affected our marriage, and eventually, I decided something had to change. One day, I thought to surprise my husband. I decided to bring him lunch at work. As I approached his office door, I overheard him say:
Dont worry darling, Ill come to you after work. I told the wife Im up to my eyes in it. She hasnt a clue you even exist!
I didnt go in. Instead, I quietly turned and left.
Sometimes I think he forgets that I gained weight because I carried our children. He isnt perfect himselfhe has put on weight, too. But all he seems to see are my flaws.
I began to wonder, does Edward also take me for a fool?
I couldnt bring myself to confront him with what Id heard. What should I do? File for divorce? But the childrenhow would they cope, growing up without their father? Or should I pretend nothing happened? I dont think I could bear it.
For now, I have decided to focus on taking care of myself. I have joined the local gym. First, Ill show my husband exactly what hes lost, and then, perhaps, well see what the future holds.