When my husband threw me out, I was shattered. In time, I realised it had been a blessing in disguise.
The day he cast me onto the street, I saw no reason to go on. Years later, I understood it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I had married for love, never imagining the trials ahead. After our daughter was born, I gained three stone, and my world turned upside down.
He began to tear me down, calling me «cow» or «pig,» refusing to see me as a woman anymore. He constantly compared me to his colleagues wives, insisting they were elegant while I had become nothing but an animal in his eyes.
His words carved through me like a knife. Later, I discovered he had a mistresssome young woman he no longer bothered to hide. Hed ring her in front of me, texting her while my daughter and I meant nothing to him.
At night, I wept in silence with no one to turn to. An orphan with no family, my friends had drifted away after the wedding. Sensing his power, he started raising his hand to me. My daughters crying infuriated him; hed shout, demanding I silence her, threatening to toss us onto the streets.
Ill never forget that day. He stormed in from work and ordered me out of the flat immediately. Outside, snow was falling, night closing in. With one suitcase and my daughter in my arms, I stood in the courtyard, lost. He didnt even let us gather our things. As I stood there, dazed, a taxi pulled up. His mistress stepped out, suitcase in hand, and walked straight into our home. All I had left in my pocket was a few pounds.
My only refuge was the hospital where Id once worked. By chance, a nurse I knew was on duty. She took us in, giving us shelter for the night.
The next day, I went to a pawnshop and sold a delicate chain with a crossthe last keepsake from my motheralong with the earrings my husband had given me before we married, and even my wedding ring. I found an ad for a room in the suburbs, rented by an elderly woman, Granny Margaret. She became like family to us. With her watching my daughter, I found work.
No qualifications meant gruelling jobsfirst in a slaughterhouse, then as a night cleaner. Later, a client whose home I cleaned offered me an assistant position at her firm, with decent pay. It was her belief in me that helped me enrol in university, earn my degree, and become a solicitor.
Now, my daughter studies at Oxford. We have a flat in London, a car, and holiday abroad several times a year. My law practice thrives, and I thank fate for casting me onto the streets that day. Without it, Id never have succeeded.
Recently, my daughter and I were scouting land for a countryside home. We found a place near the Cotswolds. Imagine my shock when the door swung open to reveal my ex-husbandhis now rather plump mistress hovering behind him. I wanted to tell him exactly what he deserved, but instead, I just stared in silence. Before me stood a bloated, drunken man, drowning in debt. That was why they were selling. After a heavy pause, I called my daughter, and we left.
I still visit Granny Margaret, bringing cakes and whatever help I can. Ill never forget her kindness. Nor will I forget Emily, that client who gave me a chanceshe rebuilt my confidence and set me on the path to where I am today.
