I found out he has kids – I don’t want to take on someone else’s baggage.

Mum shared a secret with us shed bought a flat.

It was near town, but she made us promise not to tell anyone the address, just to avoid unexpected visits mainly from my wifes parents, who happened to be heavy drinkers.

At first, I wasnt sure whether to be pleased or annoyed by the news. Honestly, nobody had asked for my opinion. We moved our things over quietly one morning, almost like we were stealing away, trying not to draw attention. I had to start job-hunting close to our new home, while my wife was coming to terms with our new living arrangements. Both of us felt quite unsettled. What if her parents found us again and started dropping by?

In the end, I landed a job as a lift operator. On my second day, my mate and I had to help a woman who got stuck in the lift between floors.

We managed to get the lift open and helped her out. She was so grateful clearly shaken by the whole ordeal. I tried to reassure her with kind words, and I could tell she wasnt like everyone else. I really didnt want to say goodbye.

From then on, I genuinely believed in love at first sight. I decided to walk her home, holding her gently because she could barely stand after the fright. Her eyes brimmed with tears and she shook all over. All I wanted was to comfort her, to give her a warm hug. She went inside, and the door closed behind her.

That night, while I was tucking my daughter into bed and my wife was in the bath, I found myself remembering everything that had happened, feeling sad and wound up at the same time. I couldnt stop thinking about that woman. I knew I shouldnt she was beautiful, gentle, and fragile.

The next day, after my shift, I went back to her flat. I told her neighbour that I was a distant relative visiting from her hometown. Within ten minutes, I learned that her husband was a drunk and didnt lift a finger. They also had two kids.

Oddly enough, this made me really happy. It meant I could go back to my own wife and daughter with a clear conscience. I didnt need anyone elses troubles or tangled family I needed to focus on my own life.

I felt such relief.