In 2021, I met a man who, despite being far older than me, seemed like the answer to my prayers. He was kind, charming, and told me he had big plans for our future. One of the first things he said was that he wanted to marry me. He told me that once he returned from abroad, he would come to see my family and carry out the traditional marriage rites. His words were sweet, filled with promises that painted a bright future.
Scene 2: The Secret He Kept
During our conversations, he never mentioned anything about his past, and I didn’t think to ask. I was in love, or so I thought. Over time, however, his actions started raising questions. He came back from abroad but didn’t reach out to me immediately. When he finally did, he had excuses, and in those moments, I began to sense that something wasn’t quite right. After some time, he confessed to me that he was already married, not just once, but twice.
The first wife wasn’t in the picture anymore, but not due to separation – they had issues. His second wife had not given him any children, and that’s when he expressed his desire for another wife, someone who could bear him children. I was devastated when I heard this, yet my feelings for him still clouded my judgment. I forgave him. I thought, “Maybe I can just give him a chance. Maybe love can change things.”
Scene 3: The Reality Sets In
Fast forward to last year. He sent me money to pay for the marriage rites, but something felt off. He didn’t invite any of his family members, nor did he make any effort to involve them in the process. His behavior shifted, and I started noticing a change in him. He became distant, cold, and began to insult me. The man I once believed in seemed to disappear, and in his place was someone I barely recognized. Still, I was too invested to turn back.
Around the same time, I had a boyfriend, someone I had been with before I met the older man. He was struggling financially but was serious about our future together. I found myself in a dilemma, torn between the two men. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was wasting my time on someone who didn’t value me or my well-being.
Scene 4: The Decision to Pay My Own Way
Despite all the red flags, I went ahead and paid for the marriage rites myself. No one from his family was there, and the man didn’t show up for the ceremony either. I was left alone to carry out the customs, still believing that somehow, things would get better. I was too ashamed to talk to anyone about what I was going through, even though I had been warned about him before I got involved. I didn’t want to admit to anyone that I had made such a huge mistake.
My boyfriend, the one who had always been by my side, knew bits and pieces of my struggles. Still, he insisted he would marry me, regardless of the complicated situation I had found myself in. His sincerity made me feel conflicted. Was I making the right choice by being loyal to someone who wasn’t present when it mattered most?
Scene 5: Reflection and Regret
Now, looking back, I realize the truth. I had been acting married, but to the wrong man. My heart had been clouded by a fantasy of love and promises, but in reality, I was stuck in a cycle of dishonesty and manipulation. I was too proud and ashamed to open up to others, to face the reality of my situation, and to make the choice that would have set me free.
I wish I had listened to my intuition, to the warnings from those who cared about me. I wish I had been stronger, not just for my own sake, but for the future I truly deserved. It’s painful to admit this, but sometimes, love isn’t enough to fix everything. Sometimes, we need to love ourselves first.
Scene 6: Moving Forward
Now, I’m learning to let go. I’m trying to rebuild my life, and most importantly, rebuild my self-worth. I know that it’s never too late to make a change, to recognize that my happiness comes from within, not from a man who only saw me as a means to an end.
I’m sharing this story not to seek sympathy but to remind others that no matter how deep you fall for someone, your value should never be compromised. Don’t be afraid to speak up, to set boundaries, and to walk away when something doesn’t feel right. Love can be a beautiful thing, but it’s even more beautiful when it’s mutual, honest, and respectful.
End.
This script highlights the emotional complexity of being in a relationship that feels like a whirlwind of promises but is actually filled with manipulation and regret. It’s a powerful reminder about the importance of self-worth and the need to listen to the advice of those who care about us.
