I could never have imagined such a circumstance befalling me. Looking back, I realise I barely knew the man I shared my life with for so many years.
I first met Richard when I was fifteen and he was seventeen. Five years later, we married, and within the year, I was carrying our first child. Richard was beside himself when our daughter was born. He doted on her endlessly and began working even harder to provide for us.
My husband bought a spacious two-bedroom flat in London, and our daughter was his princess. He took her to nursery and all her activities himself. They would often stroll along the Thames together or simply watch cartoons at home. Our little family seemed perfect, but everything changed one cold afternoon.
While expecting our second child, a knock sounded at our door. There stood a young woman, nervously clutching a baby boy in her arms. I hesitated, then invited her inside. She looked no older than twenty, and her name was Emily. She was nineteen, as it turned out. Emily had been Richard’s other woman.
Two weeks prior, shed given birth to a son and decided it was time to settle matters. She revealed that she and Richard had been together for two years, and she wasnt about to let go quietly. I called Richard and demanded he come home. His words stunned me:
Ladies, we used to have such a good life together. Lets let things stay as they are. Im not going to change a thing. I dont want us to split up, but I wont leave Emily either.
I refused to tolerate his betrayal. Tearfully, I packed his bags. As he left, he turned back:
My dear, youll regret this. The flat is under my name, so you and your children will have to return to your old place out by the edge of town. Dont expect child maintenance from memy official wages are minimal. Best you figure out how youll manage.
I could hardly believe these words came from the man Id loved for so long.
Then and there, I knew I didnt want my children to grow up around him. Richard left with Emily, and I moved our things to my own flat, far from the city centre.
There was no time for tears. Richard filed for divorce swiftly, and I spent my last pounds on a skilled solicitor. Thankfully, the solicitor did his job wellthe flat stayed with me and my children. I didnt even bother to claim maintenance.
Seven years later, I remarried. My new husband is nothing like Richarda truly good man. As it happened, Emily had only wanted money from Richard. When he lost his flat, she threw him out. He attempted to return to me, but there was no place for himespecially after what hed said.
Would you have taken Richard back?
