Ex-Husband's Regret

Harper

My eyes land on the picture of Liam, my late husband. It's been two years and I still miss him like crazy.

Sighing, I put the broom down and picked up the picture. I take a seat on my worn-out sofa and just stare at him, lovingly tracing his face. We're trying to move on but it hasn't been easy. He proposed to me when we were in Uni and we got married soon after I finished my degree.

I wasn't really sure about him at first. I mean, I didn't really have any experience with men, except Gabriel, but he doesn't count. The man who was once my husband treated me like I was a virus that he couldn't wait to get rid of.

Liam knew everything about Gabriel. He knew what happened in our marriage and also why he divorced me before kicking me out in the cold a day after I'd buried my brother.

When I went overseas to escape, I was broken in so many ways that I wondered if I would ever be whole. I believe Liam was sent to me when I needed him. When I needed someone to be my anchor to the hell, I called life.

Slowly, I learned to live. I wasn't in love with him, I'd already given my heart to my ex-husband, who by the way, shattered it into a million tiny pieces, but I did love him. I loved him in the only capacity I could, and he accepted that.

He was struggling in his own way. He'd lost the love of his life to cancer when they were both eighteen. He wasn't looking for love, but companionship, without having to risk his heart being ripped open. We were both dealing with our own brokenness, and we helped each other heal.

Our marriage was built on friendship and companionship. That was enough for both of us. He had loved and lost, while I had loved and gotten my heart broken. We both weren't looking for the forever kind of love. Just something comfortable and lasting. Well, we thought it would be long lasting.

We were proved wrong when, two years ago, he was hit by a drunk driver who had run a red light. My heart was crashed when I received the phone call. He didn't die on the spot, and I held on to hope that he would pull through, but just like always, the bitch that is fate took him away from me two days later.

It was painful to bury yet another person that I loved and cared about. First my parents, then my brother and lastly my husband. Fate proved just how much she hated me, and I hated the bitch right back. Now, I only have one person with me and I have this fear clinging to me that even she will be taken from.

My phone ringing brings me back to reality. Pulling me back from the painful memories. With a sigh, I put down Liam's picture and pick up my phone. I answer without even looking at the caller ID. "Hi, Harper"

I recognize her voice immediately.

"Hi, June...how are you?"© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

"I should be asking you that."

June is a work colleague turned friend. We've known each other for years and she is one of my closest friends here.

"I can't really complain... I'm just taking one step at a time," I answer her.

She knows how hard it's been for us. How it hasn't been easy moving forward with our lives.

"And how is she doing? The last time we talked, you were really worried."

I'd been scared to death about losing her. It tore my heart at that thought alone.

"She's actually doing better. The meds the doctor gave her are working even though they leave her drowsy. She's actually taking a nap now.”

I prefer her to be drowsy but alright. If that's what it takes for her to be her old self and get better than, be it.

"That's great... I was worried about her."

"Me too"

We pause and I get lost again while staring at the picture in front of me. Liam was standing on top of a mountain, smiling at the camera. He loved hiking. He used to say that it quieted the noise in his mind. It gave him a sense of peace.

"Look, I know that boss man gave you a week off, but we need the project proposal for tomorrow's meeting with the client. I wanted to remind you just in case you'd forgotten," she says, once again pulling me back to reality.

I was an interior designer and I worked for a medium sized company. For a long time, I thought of starting my own company, but the fear of failure has always hindered me. I don't know if I'll ever have the balls to do it, but given that I am now the sole provider, I needed to find a way to make ends meet.

Lucky for them, I'm always on time. I like being punctual in every area of my life, so despite being home, I'd made sure that the project was completed on time.

I was just about to answer her when my doorbellrings.

"Someone is at the door, June," I tell her distractedly. "Let me answer it first, then I'll send the project immediately after."

"Sure, no problem."

Hanging up, I toss my phone on the sofa before standing up and heading towards the door.

I wasn't expecting anyway, but it could be one of the neighbors checking up on us.

Pulling open the door, a shocked gasp leaves my mouth when my eyes clash with a pair of grey ones.

"Hello, Harper... or should I say, ex-wife?"

You've got to be fucking kidding me.