**Diary Entry 12th October**
I once believed Id found the man of my dreamsuntil he left his wife for me, and I discovered just what that meant.
Id fancied him since my university days, back when I lived in a quiet village near Manchester. It was reckless, dizzying love, the sort that clouds your judgment. When he finally noticed me years laterboth of us working at the same law firm in LondonI lost what little sense I had left. Same career, same passions. I thought it was fate, a fairy tale about to unfold.
He seemed perfect, straight out of my fantasies. That he was married didnt trouble me then; I didnt understand the wreckage of broken vows. I felt no guilt when Edward left his wife for me. Who couldve guessed that choice would lead to such misery? They say you cant build happiness on anothers painturns out, theyre right.
At first, I floated on air, ready to forgive anything. Yet in daily life, he was no prince. Clothes piled up, dishes went untouched, and the chores fell to me like a punishment. I ignored it, blinded by love, soft and obedient.
He forgot his first marriage quickly, as if erasing it. No children, he claimedjust a match pushed by his in-laws. *”Youre different, youre my destiny,”* hed whisper, and I melted. My happiness was bright but fleeting, like a flash of lightning. Then everything changed when I fell pregnant.
At first, Edward was overjoyed. We threw a big celebrationfamily, friends, toasts to the babys future. That night glows in my memory, a flicker of warmth before the dark. But soon after, my love began to fade like a candle in the wind.
As my belly grew, he vanished. Late nights at the office, “team drinks,” excuses stacking up. Pregnant and exhausted, I stumbled over his discarded shirts, silent accusations. Had we rushed into this? Love cools with time, but I never imagined itd vanish so fast.
He still brought flowers, chocolatesmeaningless tokens. I wanted *him*. Then, the truth surfaced. A coffee break with colleagues revealed a new junior in his department, young and lively. Coincidence? Maybe. But soon, his life was all “work emergencies” and “meetings.” Thena note in his jacket pocket, initials I didnt recognise. I put it back, too terrified to confront him. Fear of facing the seventh month alone kept me silent.
He complained I was “always nagging,” sighing as if *I* were the burden. I avoided the real issueI knew what was coming. Then, the blow: *”Im not ready for a child. Theres someone else.”* The words blurred. My world cracked.
But I found my strength. I filed for divorce, each form a fresh wound. He never expected Id kick him out the next day. Thank God the flat was rentedno splitting assets.
*”What about the baby? How will you manage?”* he spat as he left.
*”Ill manage. Ill work remotely. My parents will help. Mum always said you were a philanderershouldve listened.”* I shut the door.
My son gave me courage I never knew I had. Alone, I mightve stayed. For him, I walked away. Edwards betrayal was so vile, I scrubbed him from my life. The scales fell from my eyes.
The first monthsbirth includedwere hell. I moved back to my parents in Bristol. They embraced us, doting on their grandson. I missed Edward, but shoved the thought aside. Deep down, I knew Id done right.
Once recovered, I freelanced legal translations. Some months were lean, but my parents carried us until I built steady work. Years slipped bynursery, then primary school. When my boy needed his own space, I finally rented a place of my own.
Life improved. But thenEdward returned. Small legal circles in Bristol meant he found me easily. He “regretted everything,” wanted to meet his son.
Legally, he can. The thought chills me. Weeks later, I still havent decided. I dont trust him. Maybe this is my punishment for stealing him away. Now, Im weighing a movesomewhere distant, where this ghost cant follow.
**Lesson learned:** Some fairy tales are just warnings in disguise.
