I am A.D., 35 years old and single. I have always been unlucky in love. This year, a lady named M joined our office in June. Initially, we had no communication, but over time, we started talking. In September, I faced a rejection that hit me hard.
The girl I loved had always claimed she loved me, only to reject me when I confessed my feelings. Her reason was that I wasn’t financially well-off enough to provide her with everything she wanted. M learned about the rejection and helped me recover. If not for her support, I might have fallen into depression.
Over time, M and I bonded and became good friends. She would drag me to lunch every day, and during our conversations, I learned she is unhappy in her marriage. She has two daughters and stays with her husband only for their sake. She also faces financial difficulties, as her husband contributes nothing.
I sympathized with her situation and impulsively tried to help her financially with the little I had. She refused, saying she already had many debts, but I insisted because there were days when she and her kids had no food. Due to our close bond, people in the office started gossiping, claiming we were having an affair.
We both laugh it off, knowing we haven’t done anything wrong. Recently, I’ve felt a stronger attachment to her. I’m unsure if it’s a rebound from my earlier rejection or something more. Knowing about her struggles with her husband, I find myself wishing she could find someone who truly cares for her.
Now, I think I’ve developed feelings for her. I don’t want her to remain in an abusive relationship-I want to be the one to give her a fresh start. However, she sees me as just her best friend. Should I confess my feelings and risk losing her friendship? Is this love or simply a rebound? Adding to my dilemma is my conservative mother, who wouldn’t accept a divorcee as her daughter-in-law. For me, if M shares my feelings, I’m ready to accept her and her daughters wholeheartedly.