13May2025
I slammed the brakes just before the gate and the SUV vanished inside, the iron barrier clanging shut behind me as if I were an intruder on a strangers estate. Before my eyes rose a sleek, contemporary manor floortoceiling windows, neatly trimmed hedges, colourburst flower beds and a manicured lawn. Every line of its architecture shouted wealth and status.
Does she really live here? Eleanor? Where on earth did she get the money for a place like that? the thought ricocheted in my mind.
Jealousy cut through me like a cold knife. I, Andrew, had spent years boasting that I was a serious man, that Id left my ex with nothing, and now I was standing in my battered hatchback outside her front doors while she she seemed to have made it all happen.
I lingered in the car, watching the lights flicker on in the windows. Voices rose, wine glasses clinked, laughter echoed, and among the crowd I caught sight of Eleanor confident, smiling, her eyes alive in a way I once tried to dim.
Bloody hell I muttered, halfto myself. How is this even possible?
The next day I returned. I waited for another vehicle to pull up, then slipped through the gate just behind it, my heart hammering like a runaway train.
On the veranda Eleanor stood with a camera in hand, directing two young men fiddling with equipment. Beside her a woman typed furiously on a laptop. The scene felt more like a professional studio than a private home.
I tried to remain hidden, but Eleanor spotted me instantly.
Andrew? she asked, her voice calm, a hint of surprise in it. What are you doing here?
I I just wanted to see how youre living, I stammered, my throat dry.
She studied me for a long moment, as if reading my thoughts.
Im doing well, she said finally. I have a job.
A job? I laughed bitterly. And that job bought you a SUV and a manor?
The two assistants exchanged uneasy glances, and Eleanor waved them away.
Yes, she replied. I run my own studio. We shoot for magazines, brands, galleries. I found investors and the rest fell into place.
I blinked. I had never imagined photography could be so lucrative.
Youre lying! I snapped. After the divorce you had nothing!
She nodded. I truly had nothing but myself. And that turned out to be enough.
Her words hit me like a hammer. The meek, silent woman Id left penniless was gone; before me stood a strong, beautiful, selfassured woman who feared nothing.
Do you think Ive forgiven you? she said softly. No, Andrew. I let you go. Thats why I started living again.
My throat went dry. I wanted to explain, to excuse myself, maybe even ask forgiveness, but all that came out was:
You were always nothing without me.
Eleanor sighed, a smile flickering with a trace of pity.
No, Andrew. I was nothing with you.
At that moment a small girl, about six, rushed out of the house and leapt into Eleanors arms.
Mum! she shouted gleefully.
I froze.
This, I began, voice trembling.
Shes my daughter, Eleanor said calmly. You have nothing to do with her.
I watched the two of them, feeling something inside me shatter. For the first time I understood I hadnt just lost a wife; Id lost any chance of a different future.
From that day I started coming home with a new perspective. My new girlfriend grew increasingly irritable she mocked my old car, demanded gifts, theatre tickets, highsociety events. In her eyes there was only interest, no affection.
One night I confessed, Im jealous. Im jealous of the woman I destroyed myself.
I sat alone in my grey flat, staring at the faded wallpaper, unable to recall the last time I truly laughed.
Meanwhile, Eleanor opened her own exhibition in central London. Her photographs captured everyday life street scenes, intimate portraits, urban landscapes. Each image held light, freedom, emotion. The crowd applauded, critics penned glowing reviews, and she stood among them, composed and proud, knowing she had won.
Her victory wasnt over me; it was over the version of herself that had once been silent and compliant.
I remained outside, alone, in the dark.
Only then did I realise that the greatest defeat in life isnt losing a battle, but losing the person you were meant to support, and choosing instead to try to break them.
Lesson learned: true strength lies in uplifting others, not in measuring ones worth against their downfall.
