I ran into my ex-wife two years after our divorce. In that moment, everything became clear, but she only smiled and shook her head when I suggested we start over
When our second child was born, Emily stopped caring about her appearance. Before, she would change outfits several times a dayalways well-dressed, polished, with every detail perfectly matched. But after coming home from the hospital, she seemed to forget that her wardrobe contained anything other than an old t-shirt and a pair of worn-out joggers.
She didnt just wear them all daysometimes she even slept in them. When I asked why, shed say it was easier when she had to get up at night to tend to the children. It made sense, but what happened to the woman who always said, “A lady should carry herself with grace, no matter the situation”? She never mentioned that anymore. Nor did she speak of her favourite salon, the gym, or her stylist. And yesforgive the detailthere were even mornings she forgot to put on a bra and walked around the house without a care in the world.
Her body had changed too. Her waist, her stomach, her legs nothing was the same. Her hair, once glossy and well-kept, was now a messeither a tangled heap of curls or a hasty bun with stray strands sticking out. And to think back when we strolled through the streets of London, men would turn to look at her. I used to feel proud. Beautiful. Mine.
But that woman was gone.
Our home mirrored her mood. The only thing Emily still excelled at was cooking. That, she never neglected, and her meals were truly delightful. But everything else was dismal.
I tried to make her see that she couldnt let herself go like this. That she needed to find herself again. Shed only smile sadly and say shed try. Months passed, and every day, I saw a woman I barely recognised.
Until one day, Id had enough.
I made my decision: divorce.
There were no shouts or scenes. She tried to convince me to reconsider, but when she saw my resolve was firm, she just sighed and murmured faintly:
“Do what you want I thought you loved me”
I didnt answer. There was no point arguing about what love was or wasnt. I went to the courthouse, and soon after, we signed the papers.
I dont know if I was a good father. I sent child support, nothing more. I didnt want to see her. Not like that. Not the woman shed become.
Two years later
It was an autumn evening in Manchester. I was wandering aimlessly, lost in thought, when suddenly, I saw her.
There was something in the way she moveda confidence in her stride that drew attention. Her steps were light, elegant, full of assurance. And when she got close enough, my heart stopped.
It was Emily.
But not the Emily Id left behind.
This woman was even more radiant than when Id first met her. High heels, a dress that accentuated her figure, flawless hair, perfect nails, subtle but striking makeup. And that perfume the same one that used to drive me wild.
I must have gaped, because she laughed.
“Whats wrong? Dont you recognise me? I told you Id change, but you didnt believe me.”
I walked her to the gym she now attended daily. She spoke of the children, how well they were doing, how happy they were. About herself, she said littlebut she didnt need to. Her eyes, her posture, her presence said it all.
And I
I remembered.
I remembered those mornings when I resented seeing her in pyjamas, hair unbrushed, when it annoyed me that she no longer put herself together. I remembered the days when her exhaustion frustrated me. I remembered the exact moment I decided to leave, when my selfishness convinced me she wasnt enough anymore.
And I remembered that when I left her, Id abandoned my own children too.
Before we said goodbye, I gathered the courage to ask:
“Can I call you? I understand everything now Maybe we could try again.”
Emily looked at me with calm eyes. Then she smiled, shaking her head.
“Its too late, James. Take care.”
And she walked away.
I stood there, motionless, watching her disappear into the crowd.
Yes.
I understood.
But too late.
Sometimes, love isnt about what you gainits about what you lose before you realise its worth.
