The soup simmered quietly on the stove, but the warmth it brought to the kitchen couldn’t reach my heart. I stared at the pot, stirring absentmindedly, while my mind wandered far away from the present. The house was silent, except for the echo of the emptiness that had settled in since everything began to fall apart.
Jack walked in, his face cold and distant like it had been for months. He didn’t greet me, didn’t ask how I was doing—he never did anymore. He threw his jacket on the chair, not even glancing in my direction, and began talking about work as if I wasn’t there.
“There’s another event next week,” Jack said. His tone was as indifferent as always. “You’ll be coming with me.”
I hesitated. “I don’t want to go,” I whispered, knowing it wouldn’t matter.
But Jack didn’t acknowledge my words. He was already focused on himself, on his job, on maintaining the perfect image for everyone but me. I was just the background in his life.
Dinner was no different. Lucas, our 17-year-old son, sat across from me, glued to his phone. I tried to start a conversation, asking how his day was, but all I got was a muttered, “Maybe later,” before he turned back to his screen.
Jack gave a faint smile, as if Lucas’ coldness wasn’t a problem. He was always the fun parent—the one who gave Lucas everything he wanted: a car, money, freedom. And our daughter, Mia, wasn’t much different. She sat silently at the table, also absorbed in her phone. We rarely talked anymore; she saw Jack as the easy one, the one who let her do whatever she wanted.
“I’m going to Katie’s after dinner,” Mia said suddenly, breaking the silence.
“No, Mia, you’re staying home tonight,” I said, trying to regain some sense of control.
Without even looking at me, Jack said, “She’s fine to go.”
Once again, my words meant nothing. Jack always undermined me. He was the carefree one, letting everyone do as they pleased while I was the one left to worry and be the “bad guy.”
“Be ready by six,” Jack said, looking at his watch. “We’re going to a party tonight. And please, try to smile this time. I need to make a good impression.”
I stared down at my plate, feeling more invisible in my own home than ever before.
The party was just like all the others—loud, flashy, full of people Jack wanted to impress. He worked the room effortlessly, shaking hands, laughing, forgetting I was even there. I stood in a corner, watching him, feeling like a stranger in my own life.
That’s when I saw her—Claire. She was always close to Jack at these parties, standing just a bit too near, laughing a little too long at his jokes. I couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in my gut. Something was wrong, and I couldn’t shake it.
Needing a break, I slipped outside to the balcony. The cool night air hit my face, offering a moment of relief. I breathed in deeply, trying to calm the storm inside me.
“Emily?”
I turned around and froze. It was Daniel—my first love. He looked almost exactly the same as the last time I saw him. His warm, kind eyes seemed to bring back memories of a happier time.
“Daniel… I can’t believe it’s you,” I said, my heart racing with both surprise and something I hadn’t felt in years—hope.
We started talking, and the conversation flowed so easily, like no time had passed. For the first time in years, I felt like myself again—not Jack’s wife, not Lucas and Mia’s mother, just Emily.
“You seem tired,” Daniel said gently. “Are you okay?”
I tried to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “Life… it’s been a lot lately.”
“Maybe we should catch up again sometime,” Daniel suggested. “Just to talk. It might help.”
“I’m married now, Daniel.”
“I know,” he said softly. “I’m not offering anything more than a conversation.”
He handed me his card, and for a moment, a small spark of something stirred inside me—hope, possibility—but I quickly buried it. I was married. I had responsibilities.
When I went back inside, I saw Jack again—this time, Claire was right beside him, laughing too hard at something he said. My heart sank.
“I’m ready to go,” I said quietly, trying to keep my voice steady.
Jack barely glanced at me. “I called a taxi for you. I’ll stay. This is important.”
“Why is she always with you, Jack?” I asked, my voice trembling.
Jack chuckled, dismissing me. “Emily, stop. You’re overthinking things.”
As always, my feelings were brushed aside. I left the party alone, feeling more isolated than ever.
The next morning, Jack hadn’t come home. I stared at a message on my phone—his excuse about staying at a friend’s place was as hollow as my heart felt.
Mia stormed downstairs, telling me about her plans for the evening. When I said no, she snapped. “Dad said I could! No wonder he doesn’t love you anymore—you ruin everything!”
Her words cut deep, but I had no time to react before she stormed out. Lucas sat at the table, quietly, until he finally spoke. “She’s right. Dad’s seeing someone else… because of you.”
His words took my breath away. My own children were against me now. I had lost them, just like I had lost Jack.
Later that day, I picked up Daniel’s card. I needed to talk to someone. When we met, I let it all out—the loneliness, the betrayal, the weight I’d been carrying for so long.
“You deserve better,” Daniel said softly. And for the first time, I started to believe he might be right.
Then, it happened—I saw Jack and Claire together. They kissed, completely unaware I was watching.
Something broke inside me. I wasn’t angry anymore; I was done.
Daniel turned to me. “I’m flying to Florida tomorrow. If you need space, come with me. No pressure, no strings.”
The offer was tempting, but terrifying. Could I really leave? As I walked away, one thing was clear—something had to change. My life couldn’t stay like this anymore.
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