My ex-husband’s new wife wrote to me out of the blue – her words made me go pale
They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But when my ex-husband’s new wife contacted me, I found myself caught up in a web of despair and secrets. I thought I had put the pain of the past behind me, but her plea for help opened old wounds and led me to a place I never expected to go.
Five years ago, my life fell apart in the most unexpected way. I was married to Artyom, a charming and successful businessman. Everything seemed perfect – until one day he accidentally sent me a text message intended for his mistress.
“I hate her, Alice. I hate Natalia with my whole being. She can’t even give me a child.”
Yes, he was talking about me. I’m infertile – he knew that before we were married. My blood literally ran cold as I read those words over and over again. The man I loved, who supposedly loved me, cheated on me… and hated me for something that wasn’t my fault.
Of course, I couldn’t forgive that. We decided to divorce. At the time of divorce Artyom already had a decent empire: a company, three commercial properties and a luxury house by the lake.
By court decision, half of all property went to me – including the flat and the lake house. What’s more, I became a silent partner in his company, receiving dividends twice a year.
I guess he thought it would make it up to me. I didn’t have to work anymore, but I loved my business too much to quit.
Soon he married Alice, the same one he had betrayed me with. I tried not to follow their lives. Until a month ago, I got a text from a number I didn’t recognise.
“Hi. This is Alice, Artyom’s new wife. “I need your help. “Please. You’re the only one who can save me.”
I stared at the screen of the phone. My heart was pounding frantically. Her plea was so desperate, I answered:
‘What do you want?’
The answer came instantly:
“Meet me. Tomorrow. Two o’clock, the café on the Old Embankment. Artyom mustn’t know.”
The next day I sat in a corner of the café, feeling a strange mixture of curiosity and inner disgust. Alice came in – pale, with a hunted look. When she saw me, she hurried to the table, looking around.
Thank you for coming, Natalia,” she said in a broken voice. – I have no one else to turn to.
What’s going on? – I asked, trying to control myself.
She took a deep breath:
‘I’m pregnant by Artyom.
I was surprised, but not too surprised. – И?
Tears glistened in her eyes.
He doesn’t want the baby. He said I should get rid of him. He says it cost him too much to divorce you, and he can’t afford a baby now.
I felt angry and sorry at the same time. This woman who had participated in the destruction of my marriage was now sitting in front of me, scared and confused.
I’m sorry, but what do you want from me? – I asked, not hiding my bewilderment.
Please,” she whispered through her tears. – Maybe if you pay back some of the money from the divorce, he’ll change his mind. I don’t know what else to do …
I’m numb. The last thing I expected was this.
Alice, it’s not that simple. And you seem to forget that he left me for you.
She looked at me through her tears. – ‘Help me, Natalia…please.
I was silent, and then I said quietly:
I’ll think about it. But I won’t promise anything.
She nodded with relief. – Thank you…
I left the café with my thoughts frantically churning. As I drove home, I couldn’t get rid of one thought: Artyom was doing the same thing again. Manipulating. Pressurising. Breaking him.
Alice couldn’t see it. I couldn’t let her go through what I went through. Despite everything, I felt… a strange urge to protect her. And more than that, I wanted to teach Artyom a real lesson.
The next day, I called her.
Hi, it’s Natalia. I’ve been thinking about it. I want to help you.
You do?! Thank you, Natasha! – her voice trembled with relief.
But not in the way you expect, I said. – I know it will hurt you to hear this, but Artyom doesn’t love you. If he did, he’d never tell you to get rid of the baby. This isn’t about money. It’s about his priorities. So if you have to choose, choose wisely.
I…I don’t know what to say,” she whispered, sobbing. – But you’re right. I won’t let you hurt my baby. Tell me what to do.
For starters, move into my lake house. Temporarily. He won’t know where you are. You’ll be safe there.
She didn’t say anything for a long time. – Are you sure?
I’m sure. Trust me.
A few days later, Alice moved into the lake house. It was strange to see her there… but I knew I was doing the right thing.
Once she was settled, I met with my lawyer, Mr Belkin.
We need to send Artyom a letter. Make him feel that it’s serious.
He nodded. – It’ll work. He didn’t expect this turn of events.
Here’s the contents of the letter:
Dear Artyom Pavlovich,
This letter is to inform you of the following: