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My Wife Lied for Years… Until I Overheard the Truth | True Story
Aug 7, 2025
#redditrelationship #aita #redditstories My Wife Lied for Years… Until I Overheard the Truth | True Story In life, it’s often the smallest things that trigger the biggest changes. One hidden conversation. One overlooked clue. One painful truth. This is the true story of how I discovered my wife’s betrayal—by complete accident—and how that moment shattered everything I believed about love, loyalty, and family. For 8 years, I was the dedicated husband, the hardworking father. But a sudden migraine brought me home early... and what I overheard changed my life forever. This story is raw, honest, and unfiltered. It's not just about betrayal—it's about strength, reclaiming dignity, and fighting back when everything seems lost. ➡️ Watch the full story and share your thoughts in the comments. 💬 What would you do if you were in my shoes? 🔔 Subscribe for more real-life stories of heartbreak, healing, and redemption. #CheatingWife #Betrayal #TrueStory #MarriageDrama #CaughtCheating #FamilyDestroyed
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0:00
In life's grand tapestry, it's often the
0:02
most minuscule threads that hold the
0:04
power to unravel everything. A single
0:07
almost invisible flaw in a machine can
0:09
lead to catastrophic failure. A tiny
0:12
blood clot, a silent assassin in the
0:14
circulatory system, can bring a
0:16
brilliant mind to a complete halt. A
0:19
small patch of black ice on a seemingly
0:21
safe road can turn a routine commute
0:24
into a deadly tragedy. The list is
0:27
endless.
0:28
Seemingly insignificant factors can have
0:30
devastating consequences for significant
0:32
endeavors, and few endeavors are as
0:35
significant as a marriage. I, for one,
0:37
held my marriage in the highest regard.
0:40
For just over 8 years, my wife, April,
0:43
and I had built a beautiful life with
0:45
our two amazing boys, Chris and Charles.
0:49
I wasn't a man with a college degree or
0:51
a grand title, but my hands were my
0:53
livelihood.
0:55
I was a mechanic, a craftsman of steel
0:58
and grease, and my skills had provided
1:00
us with a comfortable life in a home
1:02
that was a sanctuary.
1:04
The long, grueling hours I put in at the
1:06
shop were a small price to pay for the
1:09
financial stability and peace of mind it
1:11
brought my family. My marriage was the
1:14
cornerstone of my life, a constant
1:16
source of joy and purpose. And I had
1:19
worked diligently to support the people
1:20
I loved most. Unfortunately, it was one
1:23
of those tiny, insignificant factors
1:26
that would begin to unravel the very
1:28
fabric of my world. A single swollen
1:31
blood vessel in my brain, a whisper of a
1:34
flaw, lay an agonizing proximity to
1:36
another vessel. This microscopic
1:39
conflict would from time to time erupt
1:42
into a debilitating migraine, a storm of
1:44
pain and sensory overload that could
1:47
bring a grown man to his knees. On a
1:50
particularly fateful day, the storm hit
1:52
without warning. The symptoms were
1:55
familiar and terrifying. A sudden,
1:57
overwhelming sensitivity to light, the
2:00
escalating sounds of the world turning
2:02
into an unbearable cacophony, and smells
2:05
that made my stomach churn. The agony, a
2:08
sledgehammer striking my skull with
2:10
rhythmic precision, caught me off guard.
2:13
My imiter, my only true salvation, was
2:16
nowhere to be found. I had pills, but
2:19
they were slow, and the pain would
2:22
render me useless for hours, a prisoner
2:24
in my own body.
2:26
Stumbling into my boss's office, I
2:28
delivered the grim news. George, a man
2:30
who had seen me through countless such
2:32
episodes, didn't hesitate. "For heaven's
2:35
sake, go now," he urged, summoning his
2:38
secretary, Penny. "Penny, get him home
2:41
safely. Do not let him drive."
2:44
With Penny's assistance, George guided
2:46
me out of the office and down the long
2:48
hallway.
2:50
Once outside, Penny helped me lean
2:52
against the cool brick wall, shielding
2:54
my eyes from the harsh afternoon sun as
2:56
she went to retrieve her car.
2:59
I kept my eyes shut tightly, pressing my
3:02
hands against my temples, a feudal
3:04
attempt to dull the throbbing pain. The
3:07
ride home was an eternity. My vision
3:10
blurred behind my tightly closed lids.
3:12
The light a constant assault even
3:14
through my eyelids. The low hum of the
3:17
car engine was a deafening roar and the
3:19
smell of the air freshener in her car
3:21
was a vile nauseating stench.
3:24
Thankfully, Penny knew the way and I
3:26
didn't have to speak. Finally, we pulled
3:28
up to my house. She helped me out of the
3:31
car, a steady hand guiding me inside.
3:34
Once in the kitchen, I managed to
3:36
whisper my instructions.
3:38
She retrieved my inhaler from the
3:40
refrigerator, placed it in my hand, and
3:42
held me steady as I administered the
3:44
life-saving mist into my nose. The
3:47
relief wasn't instant, but as the
3:48
medication entered my bloodstream, the
3:50
pressure in my skull began to recede, a
3:53
slow, welcome eb of the tide. I asked
3:56
her to guide me to the living room, a
3:58
dark sanctuary adjacent to the kitchen,
4:00
and helped me onto the sofa.
4:02
She drew the blinds and turned off the
4:04
lights, plunging the room into a
4:06
soothing darkness.
4:08
Thank you, Penny," I mumbled, my voice a
4:11
strained whisper. "You can go now." I
4:14
welcomed the peace and quiet as she
4:16
departed. I must have drifted off
4:18
quickly, the pain finally easing its
4:20
relentless grip. I woke later, the
4:24
darkness of the room signaling that it
4:26
was likely much later in the day. The
4:28
pain was gone, leaving only a lingering
4:31
soreness, a ghost of the storm.
4:34
Cautiously, I sat up, half expecting the
4:37
agony to return, but it didn't. In the
4:40
dimness, I heard voices from the
4:42
kitchen. It was April and our neighbor,
4:44
Robin. My car wasn't in the driveway,
4:47
and the lights were off. They assumed I
4:50
wasn't home. I decided to surprise them.
4:54
Quietly, I rose from the sofa, planning
4:56
to sneak to the door and make my
4:58
presence known. But as I tuned into
5:00
their conversation, their words stopped
5:03
me cold.
5:04
"Come on, April, how was it?" Robin's
5:07
voice was a hushed conspiratorial
5:09
whisper. "Was it as good as before?"
5:12
"Give me the details, girl." April's
5:14
response was a breathless sigh, a sound
5:17
of pure contentment that I had not heard
5:19
in years.
5:21
"It was amazing," she gushed. "I felt
5:24
like I was in heaven. Even better than
5:25
last time, I swear. Almost mind-blowing.
5:28
The best physical engaging ever?
5:31
Better than with Chris? Robin asked, her
5:33
voice tinged with a hint of concern.
5:36
Better than your husband? Hell yes,
5:39
April's laugh was a sharp, joyful sound
5:41
that cut through my heart. I adore Chris
5:44
truly, but he never made me feel like
5:46
that. Never. I would never let him do
5:49
those things. He'd think I'm a trumpet.
5:52
But Carl, he knows and I like it. I
5:56
can't wait for next time.
5:58
Aren't you afraid Chris will find out?
6:00
Robin's voice held a note of genuine
6:02
worry now. Have you considered the
6:05
consequences? Chris will never know.
6:07
April scoffed. And even if he did, so
6:10
what? He's too nice to leave me. He
6:13
wouldn't risk losing the kids. I'd take
6:15
them in a heartbeat with a good lawyer.
6:18
A cold, calculating edge had entered her
6:20
voice.
6:22
This isn't like you, April. It's
6:23
worrying. I think you're making a big
6:26
mistake.
6:27
Robin's voice was barely a whisper. "I
6:30
love Chris truly," April conceded. "But
6:33
I won't give up what I have with Carl. I
6:35
want both. The passion with Carl and the
6:37
love with Chris. I need both, and I
6:40
won't let go." The migraine had
6:42
subsided, but the ache in my heart was a
6:45
thousand times worse. My stomach nodded,
6:48
my breath caught in my throat, and a
6:50
ringing filled my ears.
6:52
Fear surged through me, a primal terror
6:55
that felt like a heart attack waiting to
6:57
happen. I clung to the doorframe, my
7:00
knuckles white, until some semblance of
7:02
control returned.
7:04
Still, I kept my presence hidden. But
7:07
with each returning moment of control,
7:09
the fear gave way to a simmering
7:11
volcanic fury. With a sudden, deliberate
7:13
movement, I straightened and stepped
7:15
into the illuminated kitchen. Robin was
7:18
the first to see me. Her eyes widened in
7:21
shock, her face paling as she fell
7:24
silent. April, catching Robin's
7:26
reaction, turned. Her face, so recently
7:30
flushed with contentment, went through a
7:32
rapid series of transformations,
7:34
astonishment, dread, and finally a cold,
7:38
hard anger. Pushing her chair back, she
7:41
rose to confront me. "How much did you
7:44
hear?" she demanded, her voice an icy
7:46
blade. Why were you lurking and spying
7:49
on me? I met her gaze in silence. Robin,
7:53
flustered and horrified, wasted no time.
7:56
I need to go, she said, already moving
7:59
toward the side door. Pete and I can
8:02
take care of the boys if you need time.
8:03
I'll call you later, she scured out,
8:05
leaving us alone. My eyes followed her,
8:08
and my mind bitterly processed her
8:10
words. Pete and I can take care of the
8:13
boys if you need time. She knew. My best
8:18
friend knew and kept it from me. I
8:21
turned my attention back to April, the
8:23
woman I had cherished unconditionally
8:25
for 8 years, a woman I thought I would
8:28
grow old with.
8:30
Tonight, that expectation shattered.
8:33
There would be no forever for us. April
8:36
had ended it all. "Where are the boys?"
8:39
I asked, my voice a low, dangerous
8:41
rumble. "What were you up to while you
8:44
were having your fun with your lover?
8:46
Did you even think about them, or were
8:48
you too busy enjoying yourself with
8:49
someone else while leaving them
8:50
unattended? My composure was a fragile
8:53
shield. The pain lingered, sharp and
8:56
deep, but the anger was a powerful
8:58
anesthetic.
8:59
April's face, a mask of anger, twisted
9:02
with rage. "The boys are with Carly,"
9:05
she retorted, her voice dripping with
9:07
venom. "Robin and I went shopping, and
9:10
Pete watched over them. And I wasn't
9:12
with anyone else, just Robin.
9:16
With that statement, she seemed to feel
9:18
a momentary victory. The anger on her
9:21
face morphed into a smirk of
9:22
satisfaction as she finally realized I'd
9:25
been home. "What are you doing here?"
9:28
she spat. "Where's your car, and why
9:30
were you sitting in the dark? Were you
9:32
spying on me, trying to catch me in the
9:34
act? I came home early with a terrible
9:36
migraine," I said, the words tasting
9:38
like ash in my mouth.
9:41
George asked Penny to drive me home
9:42
because I couldn't handle the light. I
9:44
took my Imitrix and fell asleep. I've
9:47
been here ever since. A wave of nausea
9:50
hit me, a physical manifestation of the
9:52
disgust and shame I felt. I rose and
9:55
stumbled toward the bathroom. Your
9:57
voices woke me, and what I heard made me
9:59
sick. I need the bathroom.
10:02
Once inside, I leaned over the cool
10:04
porcelain, but nothing came up. My body
10:07
convulsed, a feudal attempt to expel the
10:09
poison I had just ingested. I sank to
10:12
the floor, my back against the tub, my
10:14
body trembling. After a few minutes, I
10:17
splashed water on my face and rinsed out
10:19
my mouth. When the trembling subsided, I
10:22
returned to the kitchen. April was
10:24
seated at the table, gazing out the
10:26
window. Her defiance melted away. "I'm
10:29
going to fetch the boys and put them to
10:30
bed tonight," I said, brushing past her
10:33
and exiting through the back door.
10:36
The Andersons, our neighbors, were not
10:38
only our closest friends, but I now
10:40
bitterly mused, the keepers of April's
10:43
secrets.
10:44
I wondered what Pete knew. I should have
10:47
asked. Knocking on their back door, I
10:50
entered to find Robin and Pete seated at
10:52
the kitchen table. Pete looked up, a
10:55
wave of pity washing over his face.
10:57
Robin appeared visibly uneasy. "I've
11:00
come to get the boys," I said, bypassing
11:03
them and heading to the living room.
11:05
Carly, their teenage daughter, was
11:07
watching over them as they worked on a
11:09
puzzle. "I'll grab their jackets," she
11:12
said upon my nod. And I returned to the
11:14
kitchen. "Did you both know?" I asked,
11:17
my voice dangerously low. "Were you
11:20
aware she cheated on me?" Pete shot a
11:23
glance at Robin, his anger evident. "I
11:26
swear, buddy, I had no clue. If I had
11:29
known, I'd have told you right away. I
11:32
can't believe my wife knew and kept it
11:33
from me.
11:35
It's despicable. You don't deserve this.
11:38
He believed me and I believed him.
11:42
Thank you, Robin. I sneered. Thanks for
11:45
making me a laughingstock.
11:47
A betrayed man, a fool who didn't need
11:49
to know his wife was fooling around with
11:51
another guy. I hope that sits well with
11:54
you, knowing what you knew while
11:55
thinking of me. Back at our house, the
11:57
boys dashed upstairs. I walked into the
12:00
living room where April sat in the dark.
12:03
Turning on a lamp and drawing back the
12:04
curtains, I illuminated the space,
12:07
revealing a woman who looked utterly
12:08
defeated. Tear streaked eyes, a pale
12:12
complexion, and slumped shoulders. The
12:14
defiance had melted away, leaving behind
12:16
the fearful woman I had anticipated. But
12:19
it was too late. Her newfound
12:21
vulnerability disgusted me. Was this
12:23
remorse or just fear? No, this was the
12:27
opening salvo in our power struggle. Her
12:29
face betrayed not regret, but deception
12:32
and guile. Who is he? I demanded. What
12:36
does he offer that I don't? She remained
12:39
silent. As I turned to leave, she
12:41
finally spoke. His identity doesn't
12:44
matter. It's not about you, Chris. I'm
12:47
deeply sorry you found out like this. I
12:50
never intended to hurt you. I never
12:52
wanted you to discover this. I'm truly
12:54
sorry you heard my conversation with
12:56
Robin. It's funny, I said, sinking into
12:59
the plush armchair she had gifted me on
13:01
our fifth anniversary.
13:03
No apology for the act, no remorse for
13:06
its occurrence. Just regret for being
13:08
caught and for me learning the truth.
13:11
Please let me explain, she pleaded. Our
13:14
story doesn't have to end here. We can
13:16
salvage what we had. If only you'd try
13:19
to understand, we could move forward.
13:22
Can you promise it's over? That you'll
13:24
never see him again? My body tensed, my
13:27
hands gripping the chair's arms? She met
13:31
my gaze with tearfilled eyes, but
13:33
offered no reply. That silence spoke
13:36
volumes. She wasn't willing to
13:38
relinquish him.
13:40
I believe this is your decision, I said,
13:42
rising. After dinner, I'll tuck the boys
13:45
in. Then we can explore our options.
13:48
Tomorrow, I'll pack my belongings and
13:50
stay with my brother. April busied
13:52
herself with dinner while I spent time
13:53
with the boys. The dinner was a lively
13:56
affair, the boys full of energy,
13:58
contrasting sharply with their subdued
14:00
parents.
14:02
After dinner, April cleaned the kitchen
14:04
while I tucked the boys into bed. My
14:06
heart achd as I watched them, knowing
14:09
this, too must end.
14:11
Downstairs, April entered the room where
14:13
I sat. She took a seat and smiled
14:16
faintly. "I put them to bed," she said.
14:20
They're wonderful kids. It's unfortunate
14:22
that they'll have to endure so much
14:24
pain, I replied. And I'm unsure how to
14:26
ease their suffering.
14:29
What do you mean? She asked, her smile
14:31
fading.
14:33
I thought you understood that nothing
14:34
needs to change. Just give me what I
14:37
want and we can return to being the same
14:39
family.
14:41
Her words flowed, but I struggled to
14:43
comprehend.
14:44
I can't resist this. I can't stop seeing
14:47
him. Should I allow this to continue? Is
14:51
she irrational or just deluded? I
14:53
thought to myself, this must cease, I
14:55
said. There's no us. There's no we. It's
14:58
just you and him. That's all that
15:00
remains. It's over between us. Finished.
15:02
Done. This isn't up for negotiation, and
15:05
I won't budge. But Chris, I love you,
15:08
she cried, her voice rising in
15:10
desperation. You're the only man I've
15:12
ever loved. I don't even like Carl.
15:16
Please try to understand. Give me time,
15:19
baby, for the sake of our marriage and
15:20
family. Give me time.
15:24
Take all the time you need, I said.
15:26
Tomorrow, I'll contact a lawyer and
15:28
we'll divide everything equally. I don't
15:31
want to hurt you like you hurt me. I
15:33
just want this to end now. Emotionally
15:36
drained, I was ready to leave. But I
15:39
wasn't prepared for her next words.
15:42
Then damn you no divorce," she hissed,
15:44
her face contorting into a mask of pure
15:46
malice. "I'll fight you every step of
15:49
the way and take everything you have.
15:52
I'll ensure you don't get custody of the
15:53
boys, and I'll restrict your visitation
15:55
rights in every way possible. If you
15:58
don't comply, you'll lose everything,
16:00
and I'll still have Carl. You can't stop
16:03
me. Remember that." I absorbed her
16:05
threat. It struck me then that this
16:08
marriage had been over long ago. Her
16:10
anger and disrespect weren't new. They
16:12
were calculated.
16:14
She never cared about hurting me. If she
16:17
had, she wouldn't have embarked on this
16:18
path. Instead of ending her affair, she
16:21
anticipated my discovery and chose to
16:23
inflict maximum pain. Love had no place
16:26
here. Only greed and the urge to degrade
16:29
me. As my anger simmered, I saw her face
16:32
register that she had gone too far. The
16:35
venomous words had finally revealed the
16:37
monster she was.
16:39
I have one thing to say, April, I said,
16:42
my voice eerily calm. When you corner a
16:45
rat, it fights back. It'll fight to the
16:48
bitter end if you deny it any chance of
16:50
escape. You should have known that
16:52
before pushing me. But now you've done
16:54
it, and you'll pay the price. "Please,
16:58
Chris, I don't want this," she pleaded,
17:02
her voice cracking. "I love you and will
17:05
do anything to keep you from leaving. If
17:08
you don't understand and accept this,
17:10
I'll fight you. You'll have no option
17:12
but to stay with me. I know you. You
17:15
love me and the boys too much to leave.
17:18
I know you, Chris. You'll stay.
17:21
Goodbye, April, I said. Let the boys
17:25
know I'll see them when I can. I'll
17:27
gather some belongings and leave. I'll
17:30
retrieve the rest later when we can
17:31
arrange a time. Upstairs, I hastily
17:33
packed a bag. After eight years, all
17:36
that remained were bitter memories.
17:39
Descending, I found April seated by the
17:41
kitchen door. "Chris, please
17:44
reconsider," she begged. "I'm begging
17:46
you. There's no need. Promise me you'll
17:49
end things with him and I'll stay. Just
17:51
say it and maybe there's hope." "I
17:54
can't," she stammered. "I just can't.
17:58
Please."
17:59
I pushed past her, fighting the urge to
18:01
strike her, and walked out the door. It
18:04
slammed shut behind me. I tossed my bag
18:06
into the back seat and climbed into my
18:08
truck. Backing out of the garage, I
18:11
dialed my brother Clyde. He listened as
18:13
I explained, his voice calm and
18:15
supportive. He told me to head over and
18:18
he'd be home later. By the time he
18:20
returned, I was pleasantly intoxicated.
18:23
He joined in, drinking the remainder of
18:25
his beer to keep me in check.
18:28
He assured me of his support,
18:30
emphasizing our bond as brothers.
18:33
The next morning, I awoke with a
18:35
punishing hangover. I stumbled into the
18:37
shower, letting the cold water wash away
18:40
the remnants of the alcohol.
18:42
Staying drunk serves no purpose, I told
18:44
myself.
18:46
I had to focus. April had clearly
18:49
plotted this in advance, anticipating my
18:51
shock and knowing I wouldn't think
18:53
clearly.
18:55
She had manipulated the situation to
18:57
portray me as the villain, stacking the
18:59
deck in her favor.
19:01
I dressed, packed some more belongings,
19:04
and headed to work. Loss weighs heavily,
19:07
especially in the workplace. I threw
19:10
myself into my duties, toiling
19:12
relentlessly, eager to drown out
19:14
thoughts of home, wife, and children.
19:17
10 hours later, Clyde interrupted me.
19:21
"Dude, ease up," he remarked. "You're
19:24
making the rest of us look like
19:25
slackers." "Sorry, little brother," I
19:27
said, my voice thick with emotion. Just
19:30
trying to lose myself in it all, just
19:33
trying to forget. I must have seemed on
19:36
the verge of tears. Clyde guided me off
19:39
the shop floor and into the break area.
19:41
We had been inseparable since our
19:43
parents' tragic accident a decade ago.
19:46
He had been my best man, and a year
19:48
later, he became the godfather to my
19:50
boys.
19:52
"All right, spill it," Clyde encouraged.
19:55
"Lay it all out. No holding back." For
19:58
the next 10 minutes, I poured out
20:00
everything.
20:02
I divulged her menacing threats, her
20:04
calculated attempts to undermine any
20:06
retaliation on my part, and her callous
20:09
disregard for my feelings.
20:11
I recounted the disdain on her face as
20:14
she boasted to Robin about her trrist,
20:16
and the cold determination in her
20:18
threats to strip me of everything. Clyde
20:20
was taken aback. He had always regarded
20:22
April as a virtuous woman and a
20:24
dedicated mother.
20:26
Now faced with the reality of my pain
20:28
and anguish, his shock turned to anger.
20:32
How could April do this to you? What is
20:35
wrong with her? He fumed. Chris, listen
20:38
to me. You can't just accept this. We
20:40
have to take action. Let me and the guys
20:42
lend a hand. This is unbearable.
20:45
What can I do? I asked, a despondent
20:48
expression on my face. If I divorce her,
20:51
she'll strip me of everything. child
20:54
support, alimony, the house, the car.
20:56
You know, I'd never injure the kids.
20:58
She's using them as pawns against me.
21:01
And now that idiot she's fooling around
21:03
with will replace their father. He's an
21:05
idiot who thinks it's okay to bed
21:07
another man's wife. I'm powerless,
21:09
Clyde. Clyde shook his head vehemently.
21:12
To hell with both of them. I used to
21:15
love April like a sister, but she's made
21:17
her bed, and now she'll have to lie in
21:19
it. We need to go after both of them.
21:21
First step, figure out who he is. That's
21:24
the easy part. Let me make a couple of
21:26
calls, then we'll discuss.
21:29
I simply shrugged. All right, but I'm
21:32
not sure what you expect me to do. She
21:35
doesn't share anything about him with
21:36
me. Doesn't matter, Clyde declared.
21:40
We'll track him down and expose him like
21:41
we would anyone else. And you realize
21:44
you can't take April back, right? What
21:46
she did makes reconciliation impossible.
21:49
If you condone her actions, she'll never
21:51
respect you again. No way, man. She's
21:54
someone else's play thing now. His words
21:57
caught me off guard momentarily, but
21:59
then a faint smile crept onto my face.
22:03
You're right. She's not my beloved wife
22:05
anymore. Last night taught me how
22:08
swiftly love can morph into hatred, and
22:10
my animosity towards her today eclipses
22:13
any love I ever had for her. Last night,
22:15
she stole that from me and turned it
22:17
against herself. I made that clear to
22:19
her.
22:20
We continued chatting a bit more, then
22:22
wrapped up work without any extra hours.
22:25
We headed to a nearby bar with no
22:27
intention of getting drunk. This was
22:30
business. Plans needed to be made. Clyde
22:34
made a few more calls and we sat down to
22:36
strategize.
22:38
I was touched by the unwavering support
22:39
from my friends. They didn't pry. They
22:43
just wanted to know how they could
22:44
assist. Together, we devised a feasible
22:47
plan. At 7 that evening, I pulled into
22:50
my driveway and entered the house. It
22:53
struck me as funny that this was no
22:54
longer my home. It was just a place to
22:57
stay. Shedding my jacket in the kitchen,
23:00
I made my way to the living room. April
23:03
sat in her chair, watching our
23:05
5-year-old twins, Chris and Charlie,
23:08
engrossed in a video game.
23:10
I stood there capturing the scene in my
23:13
mind forever.
23:15
April met my gaze as I glanced at her,
23:17
her faint smile now revealing its true
23:19
contempt for me and our facade of family
23:22
unity.
23:23
It was all a charade orchestrated by her
23:26
deception.
23:28
I returned her gaze with a look of
23:30
disdain devoid of any smile. When I
23:34
turned away, she averted her eyes,
23:35
heading to the kitchen. I peered into
23:38
the fridge, pulling out what appeared to
23:40
be leftover fried chicken and mashed
23:42
potatoes.
23:44
Reheating them in the microwave, I
23:45
wasn't hungry, but I needed the
23:47
distraction. I had intended to speak
23:49
with the boys before their bedtime, but
23:51
Clyde advised against it, urging me to
23:53
postpone the conversation for now. But
23:56
when I do address them, it will mark the
23:58
first move in the battle initiated by
24:00
April. I might have lost the war, but I
24:04
would fight to the end. Seated with my
24:07
plate, I began to eat slowly. The food
24:10
offered little satisfaction, but it was
24:13
necessary for sustenance.
24:15
About halfway through, April joined me
24:17
at the table, sitting across from me. I
24:21
glanced at her briefly before returning
24:22
my focus to my meal, chewing
24:24
deliberately. There were no words
24:27
exchanged. I had nothing to say to her
24:29
at the moment.
24:31
Are you feeling more composed after last
24:33
night? Can we engage in a civilized
24:35
conversation now? She asked.
24:38
Civilized adults, I thought. How about a
24:41
cheating woman and her betrayed husband?
24:44
That's more realistic. Opting for
24:46
silence instead, I withheld my response.
24:49
Are you going to ignore me now? Acting
24:51
childish and silent? I had higher
24:54
expectations of you, Chris. We need to
24:56
consider the children. Now you must
24:59
remember your role as their father in
25:01
this household.
25:03
I calmly interjected. Watch your tone,
25:06
April. The children might overhear if
25:08
you start shouting.
25:10
Remember them. The ones you accused me
25:12
of neglecting last night when I got
25:14
upset. Well, now it's your turn to
25:17
remember. Reflect on what you've done to
25:19
their world. Not only did you indulge in
25:22
an affair, you shattered our entire
25:24
family. Think carefully, April. April
25:27
paused, lowering her voice to a hiss.
25:30
You didn't seem to consider my words
25:32
last night. I expected you to move past
25:35
this and return to normal. Nothing will
25:38
change at home. I still love you and you
25:41
are my husband. That hasn't changed.
25:44
Neither you nor the children will lose
25:46
anything familiar. I keep my affairs
25:49
discreet, conducting my business when
25:50
they're at school and you're at work.
25:53
You have nothing to lose, as I'm always
25:55
here for you.
25:56
I remained silent, continuing to eat
25:59
methodically. I maintained a stoic
26:02
expression devoid of reaction. My eyes
26:05
betrayed nothing as I looked at her.
26:07
Despite the absence of a verbal
26:09
response, my eyes conveyed everything.
26:12
Slowly, April began to grasp the gravity
26:14
of the situation. For the first time, a
26:17
hint of fear flickered through her.
26:19
"What do you intend to do?" she asked,
26:22
her voice softer. Now, will you make
26:25
things difficult for me? I hoped you
26:27
loved me enough to grant me this time
26:29
alone. I told you last night that he
26:32
didn't take anything from you and that
26:33
I'll always support you. Why can't you
26:36
grasp that? April grew increasingly
26:39
emotional while I continued to stare at
26:40
her calmly. My food finally swallowed, I
26:44
suggested. Let's save this discussion
26:46
for after the kids are in bed. I
26:48
listened to you last night despite my
26:50
discomfort, but I won't entertain this
26:52
conversation while the children are
26:53
awake.
26:55
April appeared to regain her composure
26:57
and resumed smiling.
26:59
Thank you for that. I think you had some
27:02
valid points, but your words hurt me.
27:05
I'll take the boys upstairs soon and
27:07
then we can talk. She passed by me,
27:10
placing her hand on my shoulder. I
27:12
involuntarily flinched at her touch,
27:15
causing her to retract her hand. The
27:17
disgust I felt from that simple gesture
27:19
was palpable. With the kids, I tried to
27:22
maintain my usual self, though knowing
27:24
everything was about to change, weighed
27:26
heavily on me. Yet, I had come to terms
27:29
with the fact that April's actions had
27:31
shattered it all for me.
27:34
Perhaps I should just play the role of
27:35
the compliant husband and accept her
27:37
terms. Wait until she's done with her
27:40
affair.
27:41
After all, hadn't she claimed she still
27:43
loved me and wanted to remain married?
27:46
But I knew I couldn't do it. Not now.
27:49
Not ever again.
27:52
Around 90, April entered the room where
27:54
I sat, letting out a heavy sigh. She
27:57
settled into a chair and smiled.
28:00
I put them to bed and they fell asleep.
28:02
They're getting too big to tuck in, but
28:04
they still say good night and pretend to
28:06
sleep. They're good boys. I nodded in
28:09
agreement. They're wonderful kids. It's
28:12
unfortunate that they'll have to endure
28:14
so much pain. and I'm unsure how to ease
28:17
their suffering. "What do you mean?" she
28:19
asked, her smile fading. "I thought you
28:22
understood that nothing needs to change.
28:24
Just give me what I want and we can
28:26
return to being the same family.
#Marriage
#Mental Health
#Troubled Relationships