Regrets

Part 1

Heather's world unravelled when the divorce papers arrived in the mail. Her husband, Aron Walker, was attending a conference in Rome at the time, so she initially dismissed it as a mistake. She repeatedly examined the papers, desperate for clarity, and attempted to contact him frantically. Just the night before, their conversation had been perfectly ordinary.

They had shared twenty years of marriage, a lifetime of experiences. Heather had sacrificed her career and dedicated herself to raising their family. She was just 21, a fresh graduate when she married Aron after only three months of dating. He was a devoted doctor, and she had been wholly committed to him.

Heather's attempts to reach him by phone were met with silence. Her tears flowed uncontrollably.

"No, this can't be real," she cried out in anguish.

"Someone must be playing a cruel prank on me," she thought.

After regaining some composure, she noticed a letter accompanying the papers. It was from Aron.

"Heather, by now you've likely received the divorce papers. I've been struggling to tell you for months that I've long since fallen out of love with you. We've shared many years, and you've given me two wonderful children, but you are no longer the woman I want to be with. Look at yourself—overweight and unkempt. You're not someone I want to be seen with at social gatherings. At this stage in my life, I need a partner who is more than just a homemaker, someone who can be my companion in everything. Regrettably, I don't see that in you.

Remember the three-bedroom bungalow we bought a few months ago? Consider it a parting gift or compensation, as I'm transferring it to your name, along with half a million pounds. The woman I'm with—the love of my life—adores the house, and I've already transferred this property to her as an engagement gift. Please vacate it within 40 days; consider this your eviction notice.

You're free to contest this in court, but I won't be as generous as I am now. Sign the papers and accept what I've offered.

The children are adults, and I would appreciate it if you kept them out of this. We can simply tell them we've fallen out of love. Please refrain from contacting me directly; my divorce lawyer is always available to communicate with you."

Heather was in disbelief. She was 42, and she had given this man her youth, her best years. She looked at herself in the mirror.

"Fat and greasy." The words echoed in her mind. She had never realized how much she had let herself go. She stared at her bloated belly and struck it in frustration. She felt utterly alone. Her son and daughter had just started university in America, following in their father's footsteps in medicine. She couldn't bring herself to burden them, especially since Aron was funding their education.

Heather had few friends. The only person close to her was Nicki, a secretary at the private hospital where Aron used to work. They had met and instantly formed a strong bond, with their differences in social class never affecting their friendship. In desperation, Heather called Nicki.

"Heather..." Nicki answered. The moment she heard her voice, Heather broke down in tears.

"Heather, dear, are you alright?" Heather could only sob in response.

Nicki's heart raced; she knew something was wrong.

"Heather, just tell me where you are."

"Home," Heather whispered.

Nicki left her family and rushed to Heather's side. When Heather opened the door, she collapsed into Nicki's arms, sobbing uncontrollably, and showed her the letter and the divorce papers.

"I can't believe this is Dr. Aron," Nicki said, equally shocked. Dr. Aron had always seemed like such a kind man, and Heather and Aron had never appeared to have any problems. Nicki had even envied their relationship. She made Heather sit down and got her a glass of water.

Nicki, still hoping it was all a sick joke, called Dr. Aron from her mobile. To her surprise, he answered.

"Dr. Aron, it's me, Nicki, Heather's friend." Aron was about to hang up, but he knew he had to send a clear message to his soon-to-be ex-wife.

"Please don't give the phone to Heather."

"What did Heather do to deserve this kind of treatment?" Nicki demanded.

"Listen, Nicki. I've offered Heather a generous settlement, and I'm willing to add a monthly allowance. I have no ill will towards her," Aron replied calmly, as always.

"She's your wife, Dr. Aron."

"Ex-wife, to be accurate. I don't have any issues with her. She knows deep down that I don't love her. If it hadn't been for the children, we would have divorced long ago."

"I had no idea your marriage was in trouble."

"No, Heather is very submissive. I would never speak ill of her, but she's not the person I want to spend my life with."

"Is there someone else?"

"Yes, Nicki. I want to be honest with you so that you can convey it to Heather."

"Why can't you tell her yourself?"

"I'm in no mood to console a crying woman. I might have continued living a platonic life with her, but the woman I've loved for a long time, whom I thought would never be part of my life, is now willing to be with me. I can't miss this chance at happiness. Please tell your friend to sign the papers and divorce amicably. I don't want this to turn ugly."

At that moment, Nicki knew her friend's marriage was beyond saving. She wanted to strike that bastard and break every bone in his body.

"Dr. Aron, she stood by you when you were nothing, and now you think that a few hundred thousand pounds can compensate her?"

Aron was growing impatient. His lover was waiting for him, and he couldn't risk making her angry. He was determined to finalize the divorce as quickly as possible.

"Your friend never tried to work and always relied on me. Do you think I will give her half of my hard-earned wealth?"

"I think I've heard enough," he snapped.

"Don't forget, Doctor, that Heather supported you when you were struggling. She lived modestly so you could pay off your loans and achieve success. You're already 48, and you think someone will be with you for love? Whoever that woman is, she's only after your money."

Aron was livid; he couldn't tolerate anyone disrespecting his lover.

"Unlike your friend, she's not leeching off me. She's just as wealthy and in the same profession as I am."

"A homewrecker can never be a noble person. I hope you both rot in hell, you bastard. My friend will see you in court."

Heather, who had heard the entire conversation, was devastated. She couldn't believe Aron would accuse her of leeching off him.

"Nicki, he's lying. I wanted to work, but he said his shifts were too unpredictable, that I should give up my career to raise our family. I sold all my inheritance so he could pay off his loans faster."

"He's lying, Nicki. He's lying." Heather began hitting herself.

"I trusted him..." Nicki used all her strength to calm Heather down.

"Shh, Heather. I believe you..."