A Sacrifice for Love: How My Colleague Fed Her Husband’s Mistress to Save Her Marriage
My name is Helen, and I want to share a story that left me utterly gobsmacked. It’s about my colleague, Gemma, whose love for her husband drove her to unimaginable lengths. She believed the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach—so much so that she cooked dinners not just for her husband, but for his mistress too, all in a desperate bid to save her marriage. This heartbreaking tale of blind devotion, humiliation, and hope shattered against cold reality left me aching inside, wishing with all my heart that Gemma would one day find true happiness.
Gemma and I work at a hospital in a quaint little town near Manchester. She’s a nurse with such a kind heart and skilled hands that everyone adores her. But what she’s really famous for is her cooking. Her pies, casseroles, and puddings are an absolute treat for us all—she’d always bring in samples, share recipes, and we’d wolf them down with glee. Gemma seemed the picture of warmth, but behind that smile was a sorrow I stumbled upon by chance.
One evening during a night shift, Gemma arrived with an armful of Tupperware containers, looking more exhausted than usual. “Blimey, Gem, you feeding an entire football team?” I joked, eyeing the bags. She managed a bitter laugh. “No, Helen. It’s for my husband. He’s… off to see his mistress tonight. I made them dinner and bought a bottle of wine.” I froze, certain I’d misheard. “You what? Seriously? Why on earth—?” The words tumbled out before I could stop them.
Gemma shrugged and told me everything. She was madly in love with her husband, David, and terrified of losing him. David was a foodie, so Gemma convinced herself that her cooking would keep him tethered to their marriage. She’d struck a deal with him—he’d only eat her meals, even when visiting his mistress. She truly believed her roast dinners and Victoria sponges would remind him of home, luring him back. “He’ll have his fun, then he’ll come back to me. I know he will,” she whispered, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her. I couldn’t fathom how a woman so strong and kind had stooped to feeding her husband’s affair. Whether someone gave her this dreadful advice or she dreamed it up herself, Gemma clung to it like a lifeline.
Watching her, my chest ached. How could she debase herself like this? How could she sacrifice her pride for a man who brazenly betrayed her? I tried reasoning with her: “Gemma, you deserve better! Why put yourself through this?” But she just shook her head. “Helen, I love him. I can’t live without him.” I bit my tongue, but deep down, I knew—this path led only to ruin. And sadly, I was right.
Six months later, David left anyway. He walked out, leaving Gemma heartbroken with nothing but empty Tupperware containers—the very ones she’d so carefully filled for him and his mistress. When she told me, her eyes swam with tears, but there was something new in them—exhaustion. She’d given everything, humiliated herself, abandoned her dignity, and still, it wasn’t enough. David chose someone else, and Gemma was left wondering if her love had ever meant a thing. I hugged her, but what could I say? How do you mend a wound like that?
It breaks my heart for Gemma. She’s a brilliant woman—warm, kind, and talented—but her blind love for an undeserving man trapped her. I watched her light dim day by day, her smiles growing rarer. Still, I believe she’ll find someone who truly sees her worth. Somewhere out there is a man who’ll cherish her, not just for her Sunday roasts but for the incredible woman she is. I dream of the day Gemma finds happiness, where her kindness and talent build a brighter future.
How do I help her believe in herself? How do I convince her she deserves more? This story haunts me. If you’ve ever supported someone through betrayal, I’d love to hear how. Gemma’s too wonderful to drown in this grief. I want to see her smile again, just like she used to when handing out slices of her treacle tart. Surely she deserves a man who’ll make her truly happy?