The kitchen was quiet, the only sound being the bubbling soup on the stove. I stood there, stirring it slowly, but my mind was far away. The house felt empty, like it had been drained of life, and the silence was unbearable.
Jack walked in, his face as cold and distant as ever. He didn’t bother to greet me, didn’t ask how I was doing. Instead, he just tossed his jacket onto a chair and started talking about work, like I wasn’t even there.
“There’s another event next week,” he said flatly. “You’ll be coming with me.”
“I don’t want to go,” I whispered, even though I knew it wouldn’t matter.
Jack didn’t acknowledge my words. He never did. All he cared about was his career, his image, and the admiration of others. I was just there, a piece of his perfect picture.
Dinner wasn’t much better. Our son Lucas, now 17, was glued to his phone, barely looking up. When I tried to talk to him, all I got was a mumbled, “Maybe later,” before he went back to his screen. Jack seemed satisfied, as if this was normal, grinning like the fun dad who gave Lucas everything—money, cars, and freedom.
Our daughter Mia, sitting across from me, was no different. She barely acknowledged me anymore. To her, Jack was the easy parent, the one who let her do whatever she wanted without any rules or restrictions.
“I’m going to Katie’s after dinner,” Mia suddenly declared.
“No, Mia. You’re staying home,” I said, trying to assert myself.
But before I could even finish, Jack interrupted, not even looking at me. “She’s fine to go.”
My authority, once again, was ignored. I was the strict one, the one who always said no, while Jack drifted through life, oblivious to the cracks forming in our family.
“Be ready by six,” Jack added, almost as an afterthought. “We’re going to a party tonight. And try to smile, for once. I need to make a good impression.”
I looked down at my plate, the weight of his words sinking in. I felt more invisible than ever.
The party was no different from the others—loud, extravagant, and draining. Jack was in his element, shaking hands, charming everyone around him, as if I didn’t exist. I stood alone, watching the same scene play out for the hundredth time.
That’s when I saw her—Claire. She was always near Jack, too close for comfort. Her smile lingered every time he spoke, and it made my stomach churn with doubt.
I needed air. Slipping away quietly, I stepped onto the balcony, the cool night air hitting my face. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
Then I heard a voice that stopped me in my tracks.
“Emily?”
I turned and there he was—Daniel, my first love. He looked almost the same as the day I last saw him. His warm eyes and gentle smile brought memories rushing back, and for a second, I forgot everything else.
“Daniel… I can’t believe it’s you,” I said, my heart pounding in my chest.
We started talking, and it felt like no time had passed. For the first time in years, I wasn’t just Jack’s wife or Lucas and Mia’s mom. I was Emily again.
“You seem tired,” Daniel said softly, his eyes full of concern. “Are you okay?”
I smiled weakly, not knowing how to explain everything. “Life… it’s been a lot lately,” I confessed.
“Maybe we should catch up again,” he suggested. “Just talk. It might help.”
“I’m married now, Daniel,” I reminded him, but my voice wavered.
“I know,” he said gently. “I’m just offering a conversation.”
Before he left, he handed me his card. I looked at it, feeling something stir inside me—hope, a spark I hadn’t felt in years. But I pushed it down. I was married. I had a family. That’s where my focus needed to be.
When I went back inside, I searched for Jack. I found him, and as I feared, Claire was right there beside him, laughing at something he said. My heart sank.
“I’m ready to go,” I said quietly, trying to steady my voice.
Jack didn’t even glance at me. “I called a taxi for you,” he said dismissively. “You’re always rushing to leave. It’s fine—I’ll stay.”
“Jack, why is she always with you?” I asked, my voice trembling.
He chuckled. “Emily, stop. You’re the one leaving.”
It was always my fault. Always.
I left the party alone, feeling more isolated than ever.
The next morning, Jack was gone. He hadn’t come home. A text sat on my phone, a weak excuse about staying at a friend’s place. My heart broke.
Downstairs, Mia stormed in, already making plans for her evening. When I told her no, she lashed out.
“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 was gone. Lucas, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke.
“She’s right, you know. Dad’s seeing someone else… because of you,” he said coldly.
His words took my breath away. My own children blamed me. I had lost everything.
That afternoon, I picked up Daniel’s card and made the call. I needed someone to talk to. When we met, the weight I had been carrying for so long began to lift. For the first time in years, I talked about the betrayal, the loneliness, and how I had lost myself.
“You deserve better,” Daniel said gently. And for the first time, I started to believe him.
Later, we saw them—Jack and Claire. They were kissing, oblivious to the world around them.
Something inside me snapped, but it wasn’t anger. I was just done.
Daniel looked at me kindly. “I’m flying to Florida tomorrow. If you need some space, you’re welcome to come with me. No pressure, no strings. Just time to think.”
The offer was tempting, but I didn’t know if I had the courage to leave. Still, as I walked away, I knew something had to change.
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