I lived with him for ten years as his wife. But when I finally asked him to do it one day, he laughed, “It’s just a piece of paper.” I haven’t opposed it. And that morning, he saw something in the kitchen that made him very afraid of losing me.
My name is Laura. I’m thirty-eight years old.
I met Michael ten years ago at a mutual friend’s birthday party.
He was calm, attentive and reliable. I always remembered what kind of coffee I liked, I called when I was late, and when I was with him, I felt like I finally found a man who could dress up in the family.
A year later, we moved in together.
Family
A few years later we bought a house in a quiet neighborhood.
Due to Michael’s poor credit history, the mortgage was registered in my name only. I have also paid most of my own contribution.
But I never said, “This is my home.”
To me, it was our home.
We set up a joint account, paid the bills together, made a renovation, adopted a dog from a shelter and gradually created the life I dreamed of.
Everyone thought of us as a husband and a wife.
Michael even sometimes portrayed me as his wife.
Except he didn’t have a ring in his hand.
At first, I didn’t pay much attention to him.
Then there were excuses.
“We’re going to get a job first.”
“Now is not the time, too much spending.”
“Let’s finish the renewal first.”
“We have to save a little more.”
I believed everyone’s word.
Because we were together.
And I was sure the postage stamp wouldn’t change anything.
But on our 10th anniversary wedding I I I didn’t want to wait any long.
Weddings
I didn’t want a lavish wedding.
I didn’t want an ring.
I just needed one thing – to hear that after ten years have really chosen me.
I booked a table in a good restaurant.
At dinner, healing courage, I said calmly:
“Michael, maybe we should finally get married? Even if it’s just a little ceremony for our loved ones.’
He’s gone.
I’m put down the fork.
And then he laughed.
I’ll forget never never that laugh.
“Laura, are you serious?”
“Yes.”
He he shook his head.
“I’ll never wond you.”
I felt like I had got in the face.
