Telha
I devoted everything to my family—my time, my love, my entire being. Yet, it never felt like enough. My husband betrayed me, and now even my children seemed to side with him.
One night, while taking a breather from one of his endless parties, I unexpectedly ran into my first love. What transpired next left me utterly speechless.
The soup simmered quietly on the stove, filling the otherwise quiet kitchen with warmth. I stirred it absentmindedly, my thoughts drifting far from the present. The house was unusually silent, steeped in the emptiness that had consumed our lives.
Jack walked in, as cold and distant as ever. He didn’t greet me or ask about my day; he simply tossed his jacket onto a chair and began discussing work as if I weren’t even there.
“There’s another event next week,” he stated, not pausing for a response. “You’ll be coming with me.”
“I don’t want to go,” I murmured, knowing it wouldn’t change anything.
He dismissed me, as he always did. Jack was focused on his work, his image, and the admirers surrounding him. I felt like a mere accessory meant to complete his appearance.
Dinner was no different. Our 17-year-old son, Lucas, barely glanced away from his phone. When I tried to engage him, he muttered, “Maybe later,” before returning to his screen. Jack smiled, remaining silent, content to be the fun parent who lavished Lucas with cars, money, and freedom.
Our daughter, Mia, sat across from me, also glued to her phone. We seldom spoke. She viewed Jack as the easygoing parent, the one who allowed her to do as she pleased without rules or questions.
“I’m going to Katie’s after dinner,” Mia announced suddenly.
“No, Mia. You’re staying home,” I said firmly.
But Jack, without even looking my way, replied, “She’s fine to go.”
Once again, my authority was brushed aside. I was the one who worried and set boundaries, while Jack drifted through life, oblivious to the growing tension within our family.
“Be ready by six,” Jack added. “We’re going to a party tonight. And please, try to smile for once. I need to make a good impression.”
I stared at my plate, feeling more invisible in my own home than ever.
The party was the same as always—loud, extravagant, and exhausting. Jack mingled effortlessly, shaking hands and charming his business associates, entirely forgetting I was there. I stood alone, feeling unnoticed as the same scene played out.
Then I spotted her—Claire. She was always hovering near Jack, too close for comfort. The way she leaned in while he spoke and the lingering smile on her face were impossible to ignore. My stomach churned with suspicion.
I needed to escape. Slipping away unnoticed, I stepped onto the balcony, letting the cool night air clear my mind. But when I looked up, I froze.
“Emily?”
Daniel stood there—my first love, looking nearly the same as when I last saw him. His warm eyes and gentle smile felt like a long-lost memory coming to life.
“Daniel… I can’t believe it’s you,” I said, my heart racing.
We began to chat, and it felt so easy, so natural, as if we were transported back to a happier time. For a brief moment, I remembered what it was like to simply be me—not Jack’s wife, not Lucas and Mia’s mom, just Emily.
“You seem tired,” Daniel observed, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
I managed a weak smile, uncertain how to explain the burden I was carrying. “Life… it’s been a lot lately.”
“Maybe we should catch up again,” he suggested gently. “Just to talk. It might help.”
“I’m married now, Daniel.”
“I know,” he replied softly. “I’m just offering a conversation.”
He handed me a card before leaving. As I looked at it, something inside me shifted—a small spark of hope, a feeling I hadn’t allowed myself to experience in years. But I pushed it down. I was married. I had a family. That was where my focus needed to be.
Returning to the party, I searched for Jack. When I finally saw him, Claire was at his side, laughing at something he had said. My heart sank.
“I’m ready to go,” I stated, keeping my voice steady.
Jack didn’t even look my way. “I called a taxi for you. You’re always rushing to leave. It’s fine—I’ll stay. This is important.”
“Jack, why is she always with you?” I asked, my voice trembling.
He laughed it off. “Emily, stop. You’re the one leaving.”
It was always the same. No matter what, it was my fault.
I left the party alone, feeling more isolated than ever.
The next morning, Jack was absent. He didn’t come back. I stared at a text on my phone—an inadequate excuse about staying at a friend’s place—and my heart shattered with a truth I could no longer ignore.
Downstairs, Mia stormed in, sharing her plans for the evening. When I said no, she exploded. “Dad said I could! No wonder he doesn’t love you anymore—you ruin everything!”
Her words cut deep, but before I could respond, she left. Lucas, who had been sitting quietly at the table, finally spoke. “She’s right, you know. Dad’s seeing someone else… because of you.”
His words took my breath away. My own children blamed me, just like Jack. I felt as though I had lost everything.
That afternoon, I picked up Daniel’s card and made the call. I needed someone to confide in. When we met, the weight I had been carrying began to lift. I spoke about the loneliness, the betrayal, and how I had lost myself in a life I no longer recognized.
“You deserve better,” Daniel said softly, and for the first time, I allowed myself to believe it might be true.
After that, we saw them.
Jack and Claire. To my disbelief, they kissed, completely unaware of my presence.
Something inside me shattered. I was no longer angry. I was simply done.
Daniel turned to me and made an unexpected offer. “I’m flying to Florida tomorrow. If you need space, you’re welcome to come with me. No pressure, no strings attached. Just some time to think.”
The offer was tempting but frightening. I wasn’t sure I had the courage to leave. But as I walked away, I knew something had to change.
