10
375words
Their old apartment was crumbling,and with James gone,the big house felt wasteful for me to live inside alone.
My friend updated me with recents on James.
He started a business with a partner who agreed to split costs,thinking he'd found a kindred spirit.
He borrowed heavily to invest,only to be scammed,the “partner” vanishing.
He also tried dating,and at his first dates with girls he’d demand to split costs.
Women all laughed."Fine,but how much do you intend to pay me as your dowry?"
With me,he'd offered nothing,claiming it was for our future.
He however had gladly accepted my generous contributions.
Same story now.He smiled awkwardly."I'm broke,with debts.Help me clear them,and I'll pay you back when I succeed again."
He thought he was still the campus star.
But the world's full of talented people,and his time was gone.
Women mocked him,"So,a broke old guy wants a free ride,then to split profits?"
"You're a toad chasing swans."
Onlookers snickered.
James,red-faced,tried to retort,but women only stood up and left. They had barely touched their coffee
His cup however was empty.
"No need to split the bill.I'll cover both.Drink up."
And like that, each and every woman he dated walked away.
Hearing this from my friend,I nothing in my heart,just shaking my head.
He was still arrogant,blind to his faults.
Thankfully,I'd woken up and escaped from his trap.
Watching my son toddle,I smiled warmly.
A colleague recently grew close to me.
He respected my past,unbothered by my prior marriage.
Our bond deepened quickly.
Even my parents and friend,usually critical,approved of us being together.
His kindness to me was undeniable.
I was open to new love.
My son needed a father's presence.
We officially became boyfriend-girlfriend.
A year later,I walked down the aisle with him,holding my son's hand.
Inevitably,I heard about James's recents through mutual friends.
His mother's condition worsened.Unable to afford surgery,she died painfully at home.
His spoiled sister didn't attend the funeral.
James,drowning in debt,had his legs broken by thugs demanding him to pay back.
Too old,his skills outdated,he scraped by as a security guard.
But what was that to me?
Looking at my son,parents,and the man I loved,I knew James was just an unhappy past.
My happiness lay before me.
