When my partner kicked me out, I was devastated. But with time, I realised it was a blessing in disguise. When my husband threw me onto the streets, I couldnt see a way forward. Years later, I understood it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
Id married for love, never imagining the trials ahead. After my daughter was born, Id gained three stone, and my life unravelled. My husband started belittling me, calling me “cow” or “pig,” refusing to see me as a woman. He constantly compared me to his colleagues wives, claiming they were elegant while Id become nothing but an animal.
His words cut deep. Later, I discovered he had a mistress, a younger woman he didnt even bother hiding. Hed call her in front of me, send her messages, while my daughter and I meant nothing. At night, I cried silently, with no one to turn toorphaned, alone, my friends long gone after marriage. Feeling untouchable, he began hitting me. My daughters cries enraged himhed shout, demanding I silence her, threatening to throw us out.
Ill never forget that day. He came home from work and ordered me to leave immediately. Outside, snow fell as night closed in. With just one suitcase and my daughter in my arms, I stood in the courtyard, lost. He didnt even let us gather our things. As I struggled to process it, a taxi pulled uphis mistress stepped out, suitcase in hand, and walked into our flat. All I had left in my pocket was a few quid.
My only hope was the hospital where Id once worked. By chance, a nurse I knew was on duty. She took us in, and we spent the night there. The next day, I went to a pawnshop and sold a thin gold chain with a crossmy only keepsake from my mumalong with earrings from my husband before we married and my wedding ring. I found a listing for a room in the suburbs, rented by an old woman, Granny Edith. She became like family. Thanks to her, who looked after my daughter, I found work.
With no qualifications, I took jobs in a slaughterhouse, then as a nighttime cleaner. Later, a client I cleaned for offered me an assistant role at her company with decent pay. Because of her, I got into university, earned my degree, and became a solicitor.
Now, my daughter studies at Oxford. We have a three-bed flat in London, a car, and go on holiday several times a year. My law practice thrives, and I thank fate for being thrown out that daywithout it, Id never have succeeded.
Recently, my daughter and I were looking for land for a countryside home. We found a place near the Cotswolds. Imagine my shock when the door opened to my ex-husband, his now-plump mistress behind him. I wanted to tell him exactly what I thought, but I just stared in silence. There stood a drunk, paunchy man drowning in debtthats why they were selling. After an awkward pause, I called my daughter, and we left.
I still visit Granny Edith, bringing cakes and helping where I canIll never forget her kindness. And neither will Eleanor, my old employershes the one who rebuilt my confidence and set me on this path.
