Lily believes Mark wants to sell their cherished home to make room for their future family. But a cryptic message from his ex-girlfriend leads her to the attic, turning her world upside down.
“We need more space if we want to start a family, Lily. This place is just too small,” Mark said earnestly.
I sat on the porch swing, swaying gently as the sun set behind our cozy suburban house. This home was a gift from my parents when we married a year ago, and I adored every corner of it.
“But Mark, this house is perfect,” I replied, feeling sadness creep in.
“I know it’s hard, but think about the future. A bigger house means more room for a nursery,” he said, painting a beautiful picture of our future.
A woman on a swing | Source: Midjourney
“Are you sure this is what we need to do?” I asked, searching his eyes.
Mark squeezed my hand. “We’ll create new memories in the new house.”
I trusted him, even though selling this house felt difficult. “Alright, we’ll sell the house. For our future.”
As we packed, my heart felt heavy. The living room was filled with boxes, each one holding a piece of our life. I picked up a framed photo of our wedding day when my phone buzzed.
It was a message from an unknown number: “Hey, Lily. I’m happy Mark finally confessed to you. You deserve to know the truth.”
“Who is this? What confession?” I replied, shaking.
A moment later: “Ummm… It’s Claire, Mark’s ex. YOU NEED TO CHECK THE ATTIC.”
I dashed to the attic, hesitating at the dusty door. Inside, I found a small wooden chest. Unlocking it, I discovered stacks of documents detailing huge debts Mark owed to various creditors.
One document was a business plan for a failed tech startup he had tried to launch. He had invested heavily, hoping to prove himself to his father, but ended up with massive debts.
Tears welled up as I read how he had put part of his debts in Claire’s name. “Mark, why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered.
He hadn’t wanted a bigger house for our future children. He needed the money from the sale to pay off his debts.
I called Claire to meet at a café. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I asked.
“I thought he had changed,” Claire replied. “But when I heard about the house, I knew you needed to know.”
Leaving the café, I drove home in a daze. When Mark walked in, I confronted him, holding one of the documents. “What is this, Mark?”
His face paled. “Lily, I can explain…”
I stood up, shaking with anger. “There’s nothing you can say that will undo this betrayal. You used me.”
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“Sorry isn’t enough. I deserve better. Our life together is over,” I said and left the house.
