I’ve given everything to my family, but my husband’s cheating and the kids are on his side. At one of his parties, I stepped out for air and ran into someone unexpected—my first love. Then came an offer that left me breathless…

I stood at the stove, stirring soup, lost in thought. Jack came through the front door, his usual routine of ignoring me in place. “There’s another event next week,” he said. “You’re coming.”

“I don’t want to go,” I replied softly, but Jack didn’t acknowledge my response.

Dinner was tense. Lucas, our 17-year-old, barely looked up from his phone, and Mia, our 14-year-old, was the same. “I’m going to Katie’s after dinner,” Mia announced.

“No, Mia, you can’t…” I started, but Jack quickly overruled me. “Sure, it’s fine.”

Jack didn’t notice or care about the rising tension. “Be ready by six,” he instructed. “We’re going to the party tonight. Smile. I need to impress my partners.”

I felt invisible.

The party was overwhelming. I watched Jack mingle while I felt like mere background décor. Then I saw her—Claire, always too close to Jack. My stomach churned.

Needing air, I slipped out to the balcony and there he was—Daniel, my first love. “Emily?” he said, his eyes still kind.

“Daniel… I can’t believe it’s you,” I replied, astonished.

We talked, and it felt like slipping into a familiar, comforting space. “You seem tired,” Daniel noted. “Maybe we should meet again. It’s good to talk.”

“I’m married now,” I said, though his offer felt like a lifeline.

Daniel handed me a card. “If you need to talk, call me.”

I stared at the card, feeling a glimmer of hope before shaking it away. No, I had to focus on my family.

Back inside, Jack was with Claire, oblivious to my presence. “Ready to go?” I asked, trying to sound normal.

Jack glanced at his watch and said, “I called a taxi. You’re clearly ready to leave.”

“What?” I asked, bewildered.

“You always want to leave early,” he shrugged. “I’ll stay.”

Confused and hurt, I climbed into the taxi, feeling more alone than ever.

The next morning, Jack’s side of the bed was cold. His text read: “Stayed at a friend’s. Late night talking.”

My heart sank. I wanted to believe him, but something felt off.

Mia came downstairs, grabbing her phone. “I’m staying at Olivia’s tonight.”

“No, Mia,” I said firmly. “You’re staying home.”

Her face reddened with anger. “Dad lets me do what I want. You’re always ruining everything!”

“You’re always making things harder!” Lucas chimed in. “Dad’s seeing someone else because of you.”

His words struck deep. I felt like a failure, losing Jack and my children.

I glanced at Daniel’s card on the counter.

Later, I called Daniel. Meeting him felt like a release. “Jack’s been slipping away for years,” I confessed. “I’ve lost myself in trying to keep everything together.”

“You deserve better,” Daniel said softly.

As we talked, I saw Jack and Claire in the distance, kissing. My heart sank. Whatever feelings I had left for Jack vanished.

Daniel noticed my distress. “Maybe some distance will help. I’m flying to Florida tomorrow. If you need a break, come with me. No pressure, just time to clear your head.”

The idea of escaping was tempting, but I was scared. “I’ll think about it,” I said.

Without waiting for a response, I hurried away, overwhelmed by the weight of my choices.

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