My marriage appeared solid, but I became skeptical after seeing an odd letter on our bathroom mirror. “Last night was fantastic, and I already miss you,” it said. “XOXO.” I assumed it was from my husband Ryan, so I contacted him in the hopes of receiving a kind response. Rather, the fact that he was uncomfortable raised concerns.

 

I was even less certain after his initial refusal and subsequent admission that he had misplaced the note. It didn’t seem right because he seldom ever forgot stuff. My mind was racing: Was Ryan telling the truth?

 

 

 

 

As the day wore on, I became more anxious. I was having trouble focusing because my thoughts were always taking over my job. Ryan’s easygoing demeanor that evening only made me feel worse. I decided to investigate, searching through his phone for any hints. My emotions warned me not to, despite the fact that it was clean.

 

Bob, Ryan’s father, unexpectedly showed up a few days later and claimed that his laptop was having issues. The fact that he always stopped by while I wasn’t there began to seem suspicious. Ryan’s mother, Claire, called to inform them of Bob’s peculiar actions. There seemed to be a connection.

 

 

 

 

I pretended to go to the gym and parked close by to observe since I was determined to learn the truth. A female appeared at my door. My heart was broken. I stayed hidden and watched her enter. I went to the bathroom while the shower was running. My world fell apart when I saw Bob with the odd woman.

 

I questioned Bob during our conversation. My greatest worries were realized when he made clumsy justifications. In our home, he was having an affair. Not only did Bob disappoint me, but Ryan did as well.

 

 

 

 

That evening, Ryan and I spoke. After initially defending himself, he eventually acknowledged that he was aware of his father’s infidelity. I was even more incensed at his justification—to keep his mother safe. How could he prioritize his family’s reputation over integrity and dependability?

 

 

 

 

Hours passed during our argument, and Ryan was still unaware of the severity of what he had done. I told him to sleep in the living room so he would have some space.

 

The following morning, I told Claire, and we devised a strategy. Bob had given money for her 65th birthday celebration, and we were planning to take it with us. By the end of the week, we had both filed for divorce.

 

 

 

 

Now that we don’t lie to one another, Claire and I share a lovely flat. It feels amazing to be free again. A chapter of deceit and treachery is coming to a close, and we are looking forward to a better future.

 

If you were me, how would you have responded?