I never loved my wife, and I told her so many times. It wasnt her faultwe lived quite well together. She never made scenes, never held grudgesalways kind and caring. Yet the problem remained: there was no love.
Every morning, I woke with the thought of leaving. I dreamed of finding a woman I could truly love. But I couldnt even imagine how fate might turn everything upside down.
With Sophie, I felt at ease. Not only did she keep the house impeccably, but she was also stunning. My friends envied me, baffled at how Id landed such a fortunate match.
Even I didnt understand why she loved me. I was just an ordinary man, no different from the rest. And yet, she loved me How was that possible?
Her devotion unsettled me. Worse still was the thought that if I left, someone else would take my placesomeone richer, handsomer, more accomplished.
The image of her with another man drove me mad. She was mine, even if I never loved her. That sense of possession was stronger than reason. But could I spend a lifetime with someone I didnt love? I thought I could, but I was wrong.
*”Tomorrow, Ill tell her everything,”* I decided before sleep took me. At breakfast the next morning, I mustered my courage.
*”Sophie, sit down. We need to talk.”*
*”Of course, darling. Im listening.”*
*”Imagine were divorced. I leave, we live apart”*
Sophie laughed. *”What strange thoughts! Is this some sort of game?”*
*”Hear me out. This is serious.”*
*”Fine, Ill imagine it. What then?”*
*”Answer honestlywould you find someone else if I left?”*
*”Matthew, whats gotten into you? Why are you even thinking of leaving?”*
*”Because I dont love you. I never have.”*
*”What? Are you joking? I dont understand.”*
*”I want to leave, but I cant. The thought of you with someone else tortures me.”*
Sophie paused, then answered calmly.
*”I wont find anyone better, so dont worry. Go aheadI wont be with anyone else.”*
*”Promise?”*
*”Of course,”* Sophie assured me.
*”Waitbut where would I go?”*
*”Dont you have anywhere?”*
*”No. Weve been together our whole lives. I suppose Id still have to stay close to you,”* I said glumly.
*”Dont worry,”* Sophie replied. *”After the divorce, well swap the house for two smaller flats.”*
*”Really? I didnt expect youd help me like this. Why would you do it?”*
*”Because I love you. When you love someone, you dont cage them against their will.”*
Months passed, and we divorced. Soon, I learned Sophie hadnt kept her word. Shed found another man, and the flat she inherited from her grandmother? She never intended to share it. I was left with nothing.
How could I ever trust women again? I havent the faintest idea.
What do you think of Matthews actions?
