Ten years of marriage and a seemingly solid relationship were shattered when I discovered my husband, Mark, was having an affair. His recent obsession with gym routines, expensive cologne, and late-night texts were red flags I couldn’t ignore. When I found a message on his phone reading, “Can’t wait to see you tonight, Jess,” my worst fears were confirmed. Jess was actually Jessica, a young woman from a local gym.

Determined to catch them in the act, I devised a plan. I knew Mark loved surprises, so I decided to use this against him. I sent Jessica a gift that looked luxurious but contained the tackiest lingerie I could find—neon green with lace in all the wrong places. The note inside read, “Wear this for our date. Can’t wait to see you in it. Love, Mark.”

I also fabricated a work trip to ensure Mark believed I was out of town. I packed a suitcase and showed him a fake flight confirmation, leaving him eager to enjoy the evening with Jessica. Instead, I checked into a nearby hotel and waited.

As night fell, I watched from a distance as Jessica arrived at our house, dressed provocatively. Mark greeted her warmly, and they quickly settled into a romantic dinner. I crept in as Jessica went to change into the lingerie I’d sent her.

When she emerged, Mark’s reaction was immediate and harsh. “What the hell are you wearing?” he exclaimed. Jessica’s attempt to seduce him in the hideous outfit was met with disgust.

That’s when I walked into the room, announcing, “Surprise.” Mark and Jessica were stunned. Mark’s attempts to justify himself fell flat. “Pack your things and get out,” I told him firmly. As he trudged upstairs, I felt a mix of relief and sadness. The truth was out, and my marriage was irrevocably changed. Now, I was ready to move forward, focusing on my own healing.