My ex-husband Ben had wanted something completely different.

He needed a traditional housewife, but I refused to sacrifice my career for family life. That's where our problems started.

Two years into our marriage, I wasn't ready for kids, but his family was getting impatient, pestering us constantly.

I resented his mother's constant pressure, and Ben never took my side. The arguments were endless.

The more we fought, the less love remained between us.

Finally, last month, I asked for a divorce, ending my first marriage and returning to single life.

I worked late that night, and it was almost midnight when I got home.

To be closer to work, I'd been living in an apartment building with motion-sensor lights in the hallways.

Just as I was about to doze off standing up, the sensor lights clicked on.

When the lights came on, I jumped - there was a huge shadow right in front of me.

Someone was crouched in front of my door, head down, with several empty bottles beside them. The smell of alcohol was overwhelming.

My drowsiness vanished instantly. I couldn't make out their face or who they were.

While fumbling in my bag for my pepper spray, I cautiously asked, "This is my apartment. Who are you?"

The person finally stirred, slowly lifting their head.

That's when I recognized him - it was Tom.

I frowned, confused by his unexpected visit.

I tapped his shoulder, "Tom, what are you doing here? Where's Clair?"

Seeing he was too drunk to speak, I quickly pulled out my phone to call my sister.

But her phone was turned off.

This situation wasn't going anywhere, so I had to step around him to open my door and drag his drunk self inside.

He was completely passed out - must have had way too much to drink.

With no other choice, I managed to get him to the guest room.

This midnight visit and my sister's phone being off - something felt off about this whole situation.

Remembering what happened last time, I made sure to wear full pajamas and locked my bedroom door before going to sleep, just to be safe.