They couldn’t afford a big wedding or an expensive honeymoon, but none of that mattered.
They were happy just being together. Elena was Jonathan’s biggest supporter. When he came home exhausted after a terrible day at work, ready to quit everything and give up on his dreams of starting his own business, she would sit beside him and say, “Don’t give up, Jonathan.
I believe in you. You’re going to do amazing things someday.” And he did do amazing things.
Jonathan’s business started small, just him working from their tiny apartment, making phone calls, and sending emails late into the night.
Elena would bring him coffee and encourage him to keep going. She believed in his vision even when he doubted himself.
Slowly, month by month, his company began to grow. He got his first big client, then his second, then his 10th.
The money started coming in. First, just a little, then more and more. Jonathan went from taking the bus to work to buying his first car.
From their small apartment to a bigger house. From worrying about bills to having more money than he ever dreamed possible.
But as Jonathan’s bank account grew bigger and bigger, something inside him started to change.
Something ugly and dark that neither of them saw coming. He started coming home later and later, always saying he had important meetings or business dinners.
He stopped asking Elena about her day. When she told him stories about the children she taught, he would barely look up from his phone.
When she cooked his favorite meals and set the table nicely, he would eat quickly and leave, saying he had work to do.
“Jonathan,” Elena would say softly, “Can we spend some time together this weekend?” “Just you and me like we used to.”
I’m busy, Elena. He would reply without even looking at her. I have meetings, important people to see.
You wouldn’t understand. But Elena did understand. She understood that she was losing him. She understood that the success they had worked for together was pulling them apart instead of bringing them closer.
Then one day, everything fell apart completely. Jonathan came home with divorce papers in his hand.
He didn’t even sit down. He just placed the papers on the kitchen table where Elena was sitting drinking tea and waiting for him like she did every evening.
“What is this?” Elena asked, her hands shaking as she picked up the papers. “It’s a divorce,” Jonathan said flatly, like he was talking about the weather.
“I want out of this marriage, Elena. You’re holding me back. I need someone who fits my lifestyle now.
Someone who understands the world I live in.” Elena felt like the ground had disappeared beneath her feet.
