Caroline Ong'ayo

Barika believed he was the perfect husband—a good man in a marriage that had simply lost its spark. But when his wife, Wango, became a shadow of the vibrant woman she once was, Barika’s love faded, replaced by contempt. Her tired eyes, worn-out body, and endless responsibilities disgusted him, fuelling his bitterness and igniting a cycle of emotional abuse he refused to acknowledge. Her laughter irritated him, her body repulsed him, and in his mind, she was to blame for everything that had gone wrong. But what he refused to see was the damage he was causing, slowly breaking her spirit with his emotional abuse In The One Who Got Away, Barika looks back on the moment everything fell apart—the night Wango finally decided to leave. Arrested and forced to confront the truth, Barika realizes the depths of his cruelty and manipulation. As the shorn of his mask "nice guy" crumbles, he must ask himself: Is it too late to change, or has the one woman who could save him slipped through his fingers forever? A powerful and introspective story of resentment, control, and the consequences of emotional abuse, The One Who Got Away offers a gripping look at a broken marriage from the eyes of the abuser—and the devastating cost of letting love turn to bitterness. The One Who Got Away and Other Stories This book is more than just one tale. It’s a collection of 11 raw, emotional, and gripping stories drawn from real-life experiences. Each story dives into the lives of people who loved deeply, only to be betrayed, broken, and scarred. From those who lost their lives to abusive partners, endured toxic marriages, and faced soul-crushing jobs, to those trapped in the suffocating grip of toxic families and relationships—these are stories of unimaginable pain and, sometimes, survival. Some of these individuals managed to break free, emerging stronger and braver, their triumphs shining as beacons of hope. Others were not as fortunate, their stories serving as haunting reminders of how love, control, and silence can destroy lives forever. This collection is a heart-wrenching journey through the resilience of the human spirit, the power of choice, and the terrible cost of staying silent. Every page lingers, weaving unforgettable tales of love, survival, and that fragile line between hope and despair. Once you open this book, it’s impossible to walk away unchanged.