Chapter 1 – The Breaking Point

Nancy was 72 years old. She lived in California. Her husband was Edward. He was 75. They had been married for 30 years. From outside, people thought they were happy. From inside, it was different.

Edward had worked all his life. He built a big business. He gave Nancy money, clothes, and care. He loved her. He never let her feel pain. But now the business was weak. One evening Edward spoke softly, “Nancy, our money is less now. We must spend carefully. We must live simple.”

Nancy’s face changed. She said, “I cannot live like that. I want the same life as before. I need money. I need comfort.”

Edward held her hand. His eyes were wet. “Nancy, money is not everything. Love is. Stay with me. You will make me happy if you stand with me.”

Nancy pulled her hand back. Her voice was cold. “I cannot. I want more. If you cannot give it, then I cannot stay.”

Edward felt his heart break. He whispered, “I was with you in every storm. I was with you when you were sick. I was with you when we lost our baby. Do not leave me now.”

Nancy’s heart was already away. She thought of her rich friend, Watson. He was 70, single, and had money. She told herself, If I leave Edward, I can live with Watson. I can live rich again.

Edward saw the distance in her eyes. He begged again, “Nancy, please. We built our life for 30 years. I may not give you wealth now, but I can give you love.”

Nancy stood firm. “Edward, I want a divorce.”

The words cut him deep. He could not believe it. His hands shook. His eyes turned red. He said, “After 30 years, you leave me now?”

She looked away. She gave no answer.

The next day Edward brought the papers. His hands were weak. He hoped she would stop. He hoped she would remember love. But Nancy signed quickly.

Edward cried. His tears fell on the paper. He said, “Nancy, no one will love you like I do. You will not find another man who gives what I gave.”

Nancy closed the pen. She said, “I don’t need love. I need money. I need comfort.”

Edward’s voice broke. “Nancy, money will not hold you when you are weak. Money will not wipe your tears. Only love does that.”

Nancy did not reply. She walked away.

That night Edward sat alone. He remembered her smile when he bought her gifts. He remembered her laugh at the dinner table. He remembered her sick body and how he cared for her. Now all of that was gone. He whispered, “I lost her. Not because I stopped loving her, but because I lost money.”

Nancy told herself, “Edward is finished. My future is with Watson. He is rich. He will give me the life I want.”

This was the breaking point. A marriage of 30 years ended in silence and pain.