My Ex Became My Fiancé’s Cousin And Ruined Everything

My relationship with Eben ended on a very sour note. It got so bad that we exchanged harsh words. Here’s how it all unfolded…

At one point, I wanted to break things off with him. I felt there was no future in our relationship since he had no plans for us. He was just in it for the sake of being in a relationship, but I wanted more—I wanted a partner to build a future with.

I attempted to leave him three times, and each time he came back, pleading and making grand promises about our future. I didn’t truly believe him, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. However, as soon as we reconciled, he reverted to his old ways.

Then, another man entered the picture. He was wealthy and showered me with attention, even though he was married with children. I had no intention of dating him, but I enjoyed the care he showed me. This made Eben insecure. He took the man’s number from my phone and began sending him threatening messages.

That’s when I decided I had enough. As usual, Eben came begging, even sending friends to plead on his behalf, but this time I was resolute. Things turned ugly, and he started spreading rumors that I was leaving him for money.

He stopped begging and began threatening and insulting me whenever we crossed paths. I had to stand up for myself, and things escalated.

Eventually, we both moved on and lost contact.

Three years after our breakup, I met a man named Albert. He was a gentleman who had just returned from abroad. We became friends, and a few months later, he proposed, which I happily accepted. He had detailed plans for our future—everything was mapped out, including when we would marry and start a family.

Life was good again.

In December that year, we decided to visit his family. It was a significant step for me, knowing I would meet my future in-laws. Everything went well during our three-day stay; I met all his family members and was introduced as his fiancée. They welcomed me warmly, treating me like family. Then, my worst nightmare occurred.

Just as we were about to leave, Albert received a call from a relative who mentioned he would be stopping by. Albert began sharing stories about this relative: “We grew up together and went to school until I left the country after high school. He’s my aunt’s son and my favorite cousin.”

I was eager to meet him, but to my horror, this cousin turned out to be Eben my ex. He was just as shocked to see me, but I was the one who felt traumatized. I realized what it meant if he was indeed Albert’s cousin.

Eben pretended not to recognize me, and I acted as if I didn’t know him either. We left town, but my mind was racing. The worst-case scenario was separation from Albert.

Two days later, Eben called, trying to assert his dominance: “What goes around comes around. You see, you’re in my web now?” He threatened to ruin my relationship. I simply replied, “Do your worst,” and hung up.

The next day, I told Albert the truth. He asked, “How serious was your relationship with him?” I nodded in response. Then he said, “You know we can’t be together if you dated my cousin, right? He’s family. You don’t want him telling people he married his second-hand woman.”

“Second-hand woman.” That stung, but I didn’t let it show. I stood there as he listed countless reasons why we couldn’t be together. I nodded through it all, and when he finished, I walked away.

He never called again, but Eben continued to call, which I ignored. I figured he wasn’t done with me yet and wanted to insult me further.

I didn’t hear from Albert again until I learned through a friend that he had left the country. It hurt deeply, but I maintained my composure. Perhaps this was life’s way of playing a cruel trick on me. Gradually, I began to heal.

Then, three or four months later, I received a call from Albert. He wanted to check on me and apologize for how he had handled things. He mentioned he had thought a lot about it and consulted with others, who advised him to continue our relationship if he loved me. He suggested we should get back together.

I took a deep breath and thanked him for his consideration, but I told him I had moved on. He urged me to think it over, but I insisted there was nothing to contemplate.

He kept calling, but my answer remained the same. Time passed, and nearly two years later, he called again: “I still think of you, and I want you to…”

“Albert, I’m married!” I interrupted.

—Serwaa
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