[Music] before things fell apart my life was simple some might say boring I had a routine that felt secure and comfortable with predictable days of work home and occasional outings Marty and I had been together for years our marriage wasn't perfect but it was familiar we had our ups and downs but we always found our way back to each other I remember when the changes started creeping in slowly like a fog I began feeling restless questioning if this was all life had to offer the spark in our marriage faded and I noticed things I hadn't
before Marty seemed distant buried in work and I felt more like a roommate than a wife that emptiness began to gnaw at me people often think my job is dull as a CPA leading an audit team I spend my days analyzing the finances of businesses and individuals when the IRS investigates we dive into their books sometimes for weeks while the work is usually straightforward today's surprise wasn't from the audit but from what I saw outside the window for the past 3 weeks my team and I have been auditing landmass Development Group which is under investigation
for contract mismanagement and fraudulent invoicing this is the second time the state has accused them and I'm not sure we can save them this time my team consists of three expert computer analysts red Yin and Jackie who can find anything in the data we also have have two Relentless accountants Adriana and Mandy who are thorough and won't tolerate any dishonesty my job is to manage the client relationship and compile the final audit report landmass provided us with lavish offices complete with city views and all the equipment we needed my office at one end of the
21st floor belongs to a managing partner on leave it's a grand over-the-top space filled with dark wood antique furniture and even a stuffed Marlin it gave me a sense of how landmass spent their money during a break I found myself staring out the window at the office building across the street which houses Enterprise research and development where my wife Cheryl works I couldn't see into the offices from my desk but I knew Cheryl's was on the 20th floor I eventually spotted her windows but couldn't make out anything inside that's when I noticed the giant brass
telescope in the office after adjusting it I focused on Cheryl's office I could see her Clearly Now working at her desk my mind wandered and I thought of Cheryl at home smiling down at me and then removing the black silk negl I bought her in Paris my phone rang pulling me back to the landmass audit hello I answered hey boss Mandy said want to join us for lunch red found a little cafe nearby that might become our favorite spot interested thanks Mandy but I've got calls to make could you bring me a tuna salad sandwich
and a soda maybe tomorrow sure just remember to take breaks and go home at a reasonable time we'll do thanks Mandy after hanging up I returned to the telescope this time I saw Cheryl wasn't alone a man from her Christmas party Brad was leaning against her desk I didn't like how much time he spent with her but she brushed it off saying he was a boss she had to impress to advance I didn't think much of it until now I watched as they talked seemingly about work but then he shut her office door and pulled
a chair close to her Cheryl put her feet in stockings on his knees and he started massaging them my heart red I thought I was the only one who did that for her he continued moving his hands up her legs chery's head leaned back in pleasure and he massaged her calves even spreading her knees apart what's going on I muttered Cheryl seemed to enjoy every bit of it suddenly she jumped said something to him but he kept going my heart pounded as I paced the room I finally grabbed my phone and dialed her office Cheryl
answered sweetly as if nothing was happening I just wanted to tell you I love you I struggled to speak my voice wavering that's so sweet I love you too Cheryl replied warmly yeah I was just thinking about you and can't wait to see you tonight I added trying to keep the conversation light I can't wait either but I'm a little busy now can I call you after lunch she asked her tone shifting to one of distraction sure enjoy yourself bye I forced myself to hang up then watched as Cheryl flipped off her phone while also
flipping me off in her actions she leaned back in her chair climaxing in the arms of another man all while I watched helplessly from across the street my world shattered the last thing I saw was Cheryl straightening her skirt and kissing him I must have collapsed because when I opened my eyes Mandy was beside me her face filled with concern boss what happened audriana's calling emergency Mandy said her voice urgent I don't know I think I passed out I muttered still in a Daz just relax the paramedics are on their way Mandy reassured me holding
my hand I closed my eyes haunted by chery's betrayal and began to cry Mandy stayed with me offering silent Comfort but the tears wouldn't stop later I heard voices as paramedics arrived they checked my vitals placed an oxygen mask on me and began their procedures hello Mr Hughes can you tell me what happened one of the firemen asked his voice steady and professional I was just looking out the window and everything went black I replied trying to keep my voice even have you been under stress your blood pressure is very high the fireman noted well
yes no I stammered unsure of how to respond how do you feel now he pressed I'm Okay I lied I guess I should have started that blood pressure medication sir can you sit up I'll take your pressure again he helped me to the couch and took another reading it was still high but better I insisted I didn't want to go to the hospital do you think you'll be okay now the fireman asked his tone cautious I'll be fine I'll call my doctor thanks thanks for helping I said trying to sound convincing after they left I
slumped on the couch with Mandy still holding my hand I forced a smile are you going to be okay Mandy asked softly concern etched in her features I don't know I think I'll take the rest of the day off I replied feeling utterly drained I don't think so Adriana interjected firmly from her position by the window you're not going anywhere until you tell us the truth we're your friends Marty now spill yin and Jackie gathered around all looking concerned nothing happened I just passed out I insisted weakly nonsense Adriana shot back pointing at the telescope
by the window what did you see all the sadness and panic came rushing back and I started to hyperventilate Marty relax Mandy whispered trying to soothe me whatever it is we're here for you no it won't be all right I mumbled my body trembling Audriana joined Mandy on the couch her arm around my shoulders trying to comfort me red get some ice and water Yin put the in conference sign on the door Jackie get some chairs we're having a team meeting Adriana instructed taking control of the situation soon we sat in a circle Mandy and
Adriana kept their arms around me as Mandy gave me ice water Adriana gently turned my head to face her okay Marty no more BS what did you see I told them everything leaving nothing out at the end I was too exhausted to cry just staring at my hands thinking about my ruined life what do you want to do Marty Adriana asked softly I loved Cheryl deeply and didn't want to lose her but what I saw through that telescope changed everything I needed to know the truth about our marriage guys I have a problem but I
don't want you involved I said but Marty Jackie interrupted looking me in the eyes we're a team and more than that we're friends will help you through this short of liquidation that is Mandy added she's right Marty you might feel like you want to die but as long as you have friends there's hope we'll be by your side just lead us like you always do silence filled the room as I thought I needed to know the truth everything Cheryl was hiding only then could I decide what to do I need to know I finally said
everything who how long how many times and why why did she do this is it something wrong with me don't blame yourself Audriana said you've always been a gentleman and a friend we'll get to the bottom of this and no matter what we'll be here for you guys we need a plan Mandy said red Yin and Jackie focus on what's happening at her work Adriana and I will handle the personal stuff let's regroup at 4:00 Marty go lie down in my office stay away from that telescope you've seen enough I lay down on Mandy's couch
but all I could think about was Cheryl with that man the image of her flipping off the phone and me burned in my mind at 4:00 Yin popped in and told me the team was meeting in my office I've always liked Yin quiet but wise Beyond her years she took my hand and walked me down the hall back in our seats Adriana led the meeting taking notes as we planned to uncover Cheryl's Secrets it felt strange to be plotting this but I didn't say anything I mostly listened while the team discussed the plan when it
was done everyone went off to their tasks like on any audit my job was to pretend to work and hand over my credit card for supplies Marty can you go home tonight Mandy asked I don't think I can face her I muttered I'll stay here until she's asleep then sneak in I don't trust myself not to say something I'll regret could you take a business trip she suggested maybe I need to think of an excuse to avoid her this weekend if you need a place to stay you can use our guest room she offered I
stared through the telescope at Cheryl's empty office replaying the painful images in my mind I left the office after 9:00 and drove home late relieved that Cheryl was already asleep I quietly got my clothes ready for the next day and showered without waking her then I slept in the guest room I left before Dawn unable to face her and arrived at the land mass office before anyone else I made coffee but avoided the telescope by 9:00 I checked in on Yin who was busy at her computer she smiled at me but didn't say much around
10:00 red arrived with boxes of equipment he silently set up a new high-tech telescope that connected to a computer monitor allowing me to read Cheryl's emails clearly as he worked red explained that soon thanks to yin's hacking skills we'd have full access to Cheryl's work Network allowing us to monitor everything without needing the telescope red also set up a 60-in monitor and left a big red button on my desk press it he said when I did all the screens switched to fake audit data disguising our activities from anyone who might walk in satisfied he left
just before lunch Adriana and Mandy arrived and took over the telescope computer they focused on Cheryl's office where an older man with white hair entered I watched dreading that he might be there for the same reason as the man before Mandy looked at me with concern Marty maybe you should go to my office for a while you might not want to watch things happen like yesterday I don't want your blood pressure spiking again I didn't say anything just got up and left an hour later Mandy joined me at her computer where I was playing Blackjack
she put her arms around me and rested her head on my shoulder Mandy I both don't want to know and need to know did anything happen she nodded and my heart sank what I asked quietly she hesitated before saying softly BJ it felt like a hammer hit my chest one word and I was a mess again Marty we recorded everything red set it up in case you need it later maybe for a lawyer but I suggest you don't watch it it'll just hurt more let's get you something to drink Mandy guided me back to my
office which now resembled a war room with screens showing various views of the building across the street Yin explained that's a display of the security cameras on the 20th through 24th floors we can see almost everything except the bathrooms and some manager offices we can control the cameras and record whatever we need red then called me over you're watching your wife on her computer we can see everything she does right now she's working on an email no big deal but I'm downloading all her emails from the past 5 years her schedule is synced with her
phone so I copied that too their security is terrible I sat down at my desk feeling overwhelmed by everything that had happened then my phone rang quiet everyone red instructed the room go on boss I answered the call trying to steady my voice hello hi honey it's me Cheryl's voice came through I quickly glanced at the monitor seeing her sitting alone at her desk hey what's up I asked attempting to sound casual you worked late last night and I missed cuddling with you Cheryl said with a hint of longing are you going to be late
again tonight I couldn't face the truth so I lied probably this audit is tough and I might have to help my dad with his Plumbing this weekend sorry oh I was hoping for some one-on-one time Cheryl sigh I bought a new outfit and I wanted you to be the first to see it maybe next weekend sounds nice letun plan something special then I replied trying to sound enthusiastic despite the heaviness in my chest okay love you bye Cheryl said her voice softening I couldn't bring myself to say love you back I watched her hang up
noticing that this time she didn't flip off the phone it struck me that it was because she wasn't with anyone else during the call just then Jackie burst into the room looking triumphant someone bring up the second camera partition she exclaimed tossing me my keys I just finished wiring your house for pictures and sound we can now monitor everything that happens there yeah neat I replied sadly unable to share in her enthusiasm everyone spent the day working at their computers likely splitting their time between monitoring Cheryl and the audit I hope they were still focusing
on the audit one by one they said good night and left Mandy was the last to go Marty you should go out and eat she said standing in front of my desk don't drink too much but do something to take your mind off things maybe see a movie tomorrow's Friday and I'll be in early to finish my part of the audit get away this weekend and think about what you want to do we'll talk Monday remember you're not alone you have friends good night after she left I thought through my options even writing down possible
solutions with their pros and cons but the emotional weight was too much in the end I left the paper on the desk and went home at midnight I took M's advice and went out for dinner but I couldn't eat much of the steak I ordered when I got home Cheryl was sleep again I quietly packed clothes for the weekend showered and slept in the guest room I left before she woke up avoiding her as best I could at the office I watched Cheryl arrive through the telescope she had her usual coffee and bagel and reviewed
her schedule at noon I noticed the words all four marked on her calendar and Dread filled me given her recent lunchtime activities I knew this couldn't be good despite my team's concerns I decided to watch whatever happened today I gathered them for a quick meeting I can't take this much longer I said I'm going to watch today alone if possible but someone should be nearby in case I don't handle it well this weekend I'll figure out what to do and I may need your help but if things get bad I want you far away from
the Fallout no discussion on that also we need the audit done by next Friday and all this equipment gone everyone returned to their desks and I monitored the situation as noon approached I grew more anxious at 11:30 Cheryl disappeared from View Marty I'm here to babysit Mandy said locking the door everyone wanted to but I insisted we all here for you her words gave me some comfort a few minutes later Cheryl reappeared on the screen now wearing the little black dress she described on the phone it was stunning but not something I'd want her to
wear in public she looked incredible but I knew she wasn't dressing up for me she was doing it for someone else Mandy took my hand and I felt her trembling as we watched Cheryl prepare she was waiting in for someone and soon the first man arrived the same one from before they kissed passionately then another man entered followed by a third and finally a fourth now I understood what all four meant I watched in disbelief as Cheryl kissed each man in turn they stood around her laughing and talking with Cheryl at the center clearly enjoying
the attention Mandy whispered that one of the men was the same as the day before and the word she used burned in my mind we continued to watch as Cheryl reveled in the moment with her co-workers while my heart shattered the four men sat down two on the couch and two in office chairs facing Sheryl who stood by the window she started dancing swaying to music I couldn't hear I'd seen her dance solo before just for me but now it was different she danced around the room brushing her fingers across the men's shoulders and instead
of excitement all I felt was dread back in the corner Cheryl undid her halter top letting the dress fall to the floor smiling she moved mov through the men who reached out to touch her each time they did I flinched Mandy gripped my hand tightly as Cheryl stood in the middle smiling and touching her own body clearly enjoying the attention it crushed me then they started having ZX I couldn't take it Mandy whispered itk be over soon while comforting me when I looked back I saw Cheryl with each man in turn Mandy held me crying
for me as I watched afterward Cheryl picked up her dress wiped herself down with a towel and changed into her usual business attire as if nothing had happened but everything had changed our marriage was over though my heart raced I remained surprisingly calm Mandy's soft sobs brought me back to the moment it's all over Mandy I said quietly she asked me how I was doing not great but better than the other day I'm numb I admitted this weekend will be rough what can I do to help she asked her concern evident I'm not going home
I replied making a decision I'll go to my dad's heun's always been rational maybe he can help me make sense of all this we're here for you just ask she offered thanks Mandy and thank everyone else for me I said appreciating the support Mandy nodded and left the room a short while later red came in and quietly started working at the computer about half an hour passed before four pictures appeared on the large screen accompanied by an organizational chart of Cheryl's companyes are the four guys red said breaking the silence they're all her immediate supervisors
two levels below top management I've got their personnel files and we'll add more details soon it'll all be on your computer I didn't respond I just stared at the faces of the men who had been with my wife I couldn't blame them any man would want Cheryl anyone but me that is I wasn't in my right mind anymore Adriana was the last to leave stopping by to check on me and wishing me well for the weekend once alone the pain hit hard tears fell onto my desk I I knew I had to get away I
watched Cheryl packing up her dress then called home leaving a message that I was going to my dad's I called my dad next and he sensed something was wrong telling me to come 15 minutes later I was on the road by Monday morning I returned to the office with more energy and Clarity than I'd had in days my dad helped me navigate my thoughts and I finally knew what I needed to do now I just needed my team to make it happen Jackie approached me as I made coffee her eyes full of concern you are
okay boss she asked I'm okay thanks for asking without a word she hugged me tightly her rings and studs pressing into my chest but I didn't mind we broke apart when Yin appeared at the door smiling as she walked me to my office when red arrived I asked him to gather everyone we needed a war council once everyone was in my office I shared my plan guys I've made a decision with some help from my dad I'm seeing a lawyer today to start the divorce I'll have the papers served at Cheryl's office during lunch hoping
to catch her in one of her little trist then I'll call her and tell her I've been watching everything I'll give her a choice me or her lovers if she chooses me she must do three things file a exual maltreatment suit against her supervisors resign from her job and explain why she did this if she agrees I'll pause the divorce and see if we can work things out though I'm not sure we can if she refuses I'll email videos of her actions to everyone at her company and send the videos to the wives of her
supervisors I know it's vindictive but I need them them to feel some of my pain now I need all the spy equipment removed from here in my house pack up everything related to Cheryl separately for Adriana to hold red can you help with the emails if it comes to that already done boss it'll be untraceable just press a button thanks red let's keep it simple I hope I don't have to use it red then added I found out more Cheryl started this with her boss Brad Paxton after he mentioned a promotion it looks like it
began last October and over time other managers joined in each getting a spot on her lunch schedule she's not involved with anyone else just these four I've copied everything to your computer also she spent a quiet weekend at home no activity with anyone else thanks red I said processing the information I appreciate all of you for being there for me they smiled at me and I smiled back let's get busy I want the land mass audit on my desk by 5:00 I'm heading home this afternoon to get some things so someone needs to keep an
eye on Cheryl and call me if she leaves Mandy and Adriana both spoke up at once no Mandy continued you're staying in our guest room I've already changed the sheets once you get what you need from your house you'll stay with us no arguments I knew better than to argue all right I'll call when I'm done the meeting ended and everyone got to work red stay at his computer setting up the email blast while Yen and Jackie dismantled and packed up the equipment leaving only the telescope and monitor for when things would escalate Mandy and
Adriana gathered the landmass paperwork and became clear we wouldn't be able to save landmass from their financial mess I scheduled an appointment with a divorce attorney for that afternoon at lunchtime Adriana handed me my phone in yin's office I avoided the telescope monitor I'd seen enough Marty call Cheryl we need to see if she reacts the same way as last time Audriana said reluctantly I called her office Cheryl answered sounding out of breath my mind filled with painful images after we hung up Audriana confirmed they got the video they needed Monday and Tuesday nights I
stayed late at work to avoid Cheryl Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. everything was set to unfold I prepared the final report for landmass but left it on my desk until I finished my personal matters red informed me he could remotely unlock Cheryl's office door using their buildings electronic lock system he was pleased with himself smiling more than usual Wednesday morning was quiet and tense we had breakfast together and then returned to my office at landmass at noon Cheryl's lover Brad arrived we watched as they talked and began their Affair I grew anxious worried the process server
might be late suddenly the lovers panicked and scrambled to dress as a man in a suit entered the office he handed Cheryl a large envelope and left Cheryl sat down stunned while Brad looked confused when she opened the envelope papers and photos Spilled Out one photo showed her flipping off the phone and another captured her in a compromising position with an older man Cheryl rushed to the window her face filled with Terror as she looked toward our building realizing she was caught I called her office she hesitated before answering with a trembling voice tell Brad
to leave I ordered Cheryl collapsed in her chair before telling Brad to go when he resisted she shouted at him to leave warning him that I knew everything after Brad left Cheryl turned to face the window Cheryl listen carefully I said you have one chance to fix this first quit your job second file a sexual maltreatment lawsuit against your four lovers in Enterprise third explain to me why you did this you have 5 minutes to start with the first step I heard her sobbing and I hovered over the enter key ready to send the videos
to everyone at Enterprise if she didn't comply I waited giving her time to respond the first words I heard on the phone were but Marty I've got a lot invested in Enterprise I'm going to be I pressed enter and hung up okay everyone I said letun pack up the rest of the equipment and head home take the rest of the day off I have a meeting with lass at 2 to deliver the bad news see you all back at the office tomorrow I glanced at the telescope display and saw Cheryl screaming on her office window
red mercifully turned off the monitor but I couldn't stop staring at the blank screen before I could react my entire team my expert accountants computer geeks and closest friends came over and embraced me even R they understood what had just happened and shared in my sadness in that moment I felt more love and compassion than ever before with them by my side I knew I could get get through anything I let my emotions go and allowed the tears to fall for the past year my life has been a mess and it's all my fault I
ruined my marriage my career and my sanity there's no getting any of it back but I'm determined to try a year ago while I was with my boss a man walked into my office I thought the door was locked Brad and I scrambled to dress as the man smirked and handed me an envelope Madam you are served he said that was the moment everything fell apart since then I've been living in a fog haunted by the past and lost in the present only recently with therapy have I started to understand what went wrong now I
need to revisit every painful detail to rebuild my life as the flight attendant droned on with instructions I tuned out focused on sorting through my thoughts before landing where did it all begin my therapist says it started in childhood but I'm focused on the events that led to cheating on my husband it was a cloudy Friday in October my supervisor Brad Paxton called me into his office before lunch he smiled and asked me to close the door after working under him for 8 years I was surprised when he told me I was his Top Choice
to replace Ambrose St John who was retiring as Logistics supervisor excited I asked what I could do to prove I was the best choice Brad suggested discussing it over lunch at lat a fancy Boston restaurant the following Wednesday at lunch Brad had wine ready and asked me about my life dreams and Ambitions then he leaned in and asked what are you willing to do for my recommendation I work hard I replied trying to keep things professional but Brad hinted at something more back in my office I realized he was implying Z I spent the weekend
wrestling with the idea weighing the pros and cons but by Monday I convinced myself I could separate work and personal life at lunch I asked Brad directly did you mean zeex by anything Brad grinned and confirmed it but I set conditions only at work during lunch no one else would know and it would end when I said so Brad agreed and that's how it started our first time together wasn't memorable Brad and I were nervous fumbling through it afterward I cried for the first time since getting married but I convinced myself it was for the
greater good advancing my career I rationalized it by pretending my marriage was in trouble a mind game to ease my guilt over time our meetings became routine one time Marty called while Brad and I were together I hurried through the conversation and flipped off the phone afterward lying to Brad that Marty and I weren't getting along then Ambrose found out he threatened to expose our Affair unless he could join our meetings with no choice I complied now I had two office lovers later I learned Ambrose had no real evidence but by then it was too
late he had manipulated me into it in January Ambrose brought another manager Tom into the mix and they both took turns now I had three Lovers by Monday I dreaded the week ahead especially Tuesday but when Tom arrived I realized I wanted him more than expected afterward guilt overwhelmed me and I couldn't look him in the eye did I hurt you Tom asked concerned I forced a smile saying no I'm okay though tears welled up Wednesday it was Brad and Thursday Ambrose I began to wonder if they were comparing notes then one Friday all three
showed up together and I entertained them simultaneously the only manager not involved was David Loretta but that changed when he came by on a Monday expecting the same now I had four lovers that evening Marty messaged me saying he was going to his father's for the weekend I didn't think much of it made dinner watched TV and realized how much I missed him without Marty it felt like a piece of my heart was missing before bed I took a bubble bath and fantasized about Marty on Wednesday my world crumbled Brad and I had just started
our status meeting when a man in a cheap suit walked in I locked the door I exclaimed as we scrambled to dress the man smirked standing by my desk what do you want I demanded are you Cheryl Hughes he asked calmly yes that's my name who are you he handed me a manila envelope after a moment I took it Madam you are served he said and left I collapsed trembling as I opened the envelope a divorce petition was on top too stunn to speak I tried to grasp what was happening Brad asked what it was
but I didn't respond I saw photos of me with Ambrose and the reality hit hard how did he get these I muttered staring out the window across the street another building loomed and I realized the photos were taken from there Panic set in as I pressed my hands against the glass the phone rang I knew who it was slowly I answered trembling tell Brad to leave Marty growled Brad go away I whispered it's my husband Brad hesitated but I snapped just go he knows everything after Brad left I waited for Marty to speak Cheryl his
voice was cold you have one chance to save everything understand yes I sobbed quit your job file sexual maltreatment suits and explain why you have 5 minutes to start I hesitated but Marty I've invested so much in Enterprise I'm about to be the first female manager but the line was dead desperate I screamed at the window real realizing I destroyed everything Marty knew and he was divorcing me what have I done I wailed a knock interrupted my breakdown Ambrose stood there glaring the whole office watching you filthy liar he spat before slapping me hard knocking
me down Tom and Brad quickly dragged him out a cooworker sneered now I'm sure to get the promotion everyone knew all I understood was Marty was leaving me I tried calling him repeatedly but he never answered then I saw an email hoping it was Marty I opened it it was a video of me with Brad horrified I watched as it ended with Porky Pig saying That's all folks I collapsed sobbing security came in giving me an hour to pack and my termination letter through tears I packed my things realizing 9 years of work at Enterprise
vanished I'd messed up not just at work but with Marty too I rushed home hoping to talk to Mar but he was gone leaving a note Cheryl don't contact me call my lawyer sign the divorce papers and let's end this quickly you've done enough damage Marty devastated I cried for days the divorce papers cited irreconcilable differences instead of infidelity a week after leaving Enterprise a lawyer contacted me about a sexual maltreatment suit against the company somehow he had all the evidence and I suspected Marty was behind it we we settled for $100,000 Enterprise fired three
managers and Ambrose retired afterward I called Marty's lawyer asking when we could talk his response was cold why did you flip off the phone I called again but each time he asked the same question until I gave up a month later I called my cousin in Cincinnati she invited me to move in with her after a week of thinking I signed the divorce papers packed and left most of my belongings for Marty I left a note asking him to call me but he never did in Cincinnati I spiraled into depression and even attempted to end
my life my cousin found me and called paramedics in the hospital I started therapy slowly coming to terms with my actions I realized I didn't want to die I wanted to live and maybe get Marty back my therapist helped me create a plan to understand why I did what I did and rebuild my life though he warned getting Marty back might not be possible 4 months after leaving Boston I received the final divorce papers the settlement gave me $100,000 but no alimony or part of Marty's business we agreed to sell the house and split the
profits after 2 months of therapy I felt like I was still standing in the ruins of my old life as I flew back to Boston I replayed everything in my mind knowing I'd made huge mistakes but also recognizing how far I'd come in understanding them I hoped Marty would listen to my my story though I knew it was unlikely the plane ride felt endless as we neared Landing I kept hoping for a different outcome but knew I had to Face Reality the captain announced our descent waking me from a brief nap I realized I'd been
crying a woman beside me handed me a tissue and gently said whatever troubles we have God watches over us just talk to him as the plane landed I reflected on everything again I had hoped to find Clarity but nothing had changed I'm a liar a cheat and I've ruined lives all because I wanted to be important now I'm nobody my name is Cheryl Smith again after the divorce losing my married name hurt more than anything I didn't want alimony the condo or savings I just wanted Marty but that wasn't possible I rented a car and
drove toward walam where my old home was the drive took 25 minutes but once I arrived I couldn't move I sat in the car too scared to face what I'd come all this way for I rehearsed how to greet Marty settling on hi Marty I'm here to apologize can we talk I took a deep breath and approached the door everything looked the same except the aelas I'd planted were gone I rang the doorbell and waited nervously a tall man answered yes he asked puzzled this wasn't Marty where's Marty I blurted out heart sinking another man
heavier and also in a robe joined him can we help you I'm looking for Marty Hughes Mr Hughes moved 6 months ago the second man replied we moved in after the new year I stood there speechless finally I said I'm his wife well I used to be I came to talk the men exchanged awkward looks we heard about you one said apologizing they kindly offered to let me in for coffee but I declined asking if they knew Marty's new address they didn't I thanked them and walked back to my car another tear falling I drove
off unsure where to go I ended up at a small restaurant Marty and I used to visit as I drank coffee I thought about finding Marty at his office I hurriedly finished my coffee and headed downtown feeling anxious as I passed my old workplace the last time I was there was during the legal meetings for my sexual maltreatment case a memory filled with pain and regret I parked near Marty's office and entered the building the security guard at the front desk gave me a look of mild recognition I don't think he's here the guard said
but you can check Marty's office door was locked and the lights were off the door now read Hughes and Associates instead of M Hughes CPA I wondered what that meant back in the car I debated my next move I decided to contact one of Marty's employees Mandy who I still had as his emergency contact I entered her her address into the GPS and drove off hoping she might help when I arrived a young girl in a soccer uniform answered the door and called for her mom after a wait Mandy appeared her eyes full of anger
what do you want she asked coldly I took a deep breath I'm looking for Marty I came to apologize and talk to him do you have his address Mandy's eyes flared with anger yes but I'd never give it to you you've caused enough pain Mar's moved on and you're just a bad memory now leave she slammed the door in my face all hope vanished as I drove away sobbing uncontrollably I had to pull into a fast food parking lot to calm down a concerned older man eventually tapped on my window asking if I was okay
I managed to reply that I'd be fine though I wasn't sure if I believed it thinking of Marty's father I decided to drive to his house but when I arrived there was a for sale sign on the lawn the house was empty desperate I approached a neighbor who informed me Marty's father had passed away 3 months ago feeling defeated I drove to the cemetery where Marty's father was buried I found a fresh inscription on his headstone and a basket of flowers from Marty and his sister a florist's card was attached so I decided to stop
by the shop thinking it might be my last chance to find Marty at the florist a young man politely told me they couldn't give out customer information desperate I offered him a $100 bill he hesitated but eventually wrote down Marty's address asking me not to mention where I got it I followed the GPS to a pretty white Bungalow the mailbox confirmed it was Marty's place but no one was home I decided to wait sitting on the porch as I wandered around the house I saw traces of Marty everywhere plants from our old home a Sund
dial with his favorite quote but this was life now not ours I walked to a nearby park and sat at a turtle-shaped table thinking about the life we once planned but would never have overwhelmed I broke down in tears feeling that life without Marty wasn't worth living suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder I turned to see Marty standing behind me his hand gently resting on my shoulder I jumped up sobbing and repeating his name telling him how much I missed and love loved him he held me as I cried but nearby Mandy Adriana
and another woman watched with icy Expressions hi Cheryl Marty said quietly would you like to come in I clung to him and he gently led me back to the house inside he suggested I freshen up in the bathroom while there I washed my face and tried to regain my composure when I came out Marty was waiting letun go out onto the deck he said softly we need to have that talk as we passed through the kitchen the women were busy preparing food watching us in silence we sat on the deck and for what felt like
an eternity neither of us spoke finally Marty broke the silence how have you been Cheryl I'm better now Marty how about you I replied trying to steady my voice good but I don't think you came here for small talk tell me what's been going on since everything fell apart I took a deep breath and began Marty I'm not sure how much you know so I'll tell you everything the sexual maltreatment case against Enterprise settled out of court and I used the money to start over in Cincinnati I've been working for a software company and it's
a good job I paused but Marty stayed silent listening I've been seeing a psychologist since I left Boston I continued he's helped me understand that everything that happened was my fault you did nothing to deserve this I'm to blame I struggled to keep my composure I know I've apologized before but I mean it now more than ever I'm so sorry Marty for everything I fought back tears and pushed on I was a mess after you found out I even tried to end my life once but my therapist helped me realize it was a desperate act
not meant to hurt you further Marty shook his head his eyes filled with emotion my therapist helped me see that my low self-esteem led me to make terrible decisions I thought sleeping with Brad would guarantee a promotion but I later learned I was already recommended it spiraled out of control and I made horrible choices Marty shifted in his chair but didn't speak I'm not making excuses I wasn't coerced I did it willingly and when you sent that email I realized how deeply I'd hurt you I would have accepted any punishment if you just listened to
my apology I paused trying to gather my thoughts I destroyed the lives of those men and their families just like iy destroyed ours all because I wanted that job I took a breath the lies I told you were hateful and for that I'm deeply sorry I hope you can someday trust me again but I'll understand if you can't I took a deep breath trying to steady myself before I start crying again I need you to know something the zeex I had with those men meant nothing compared to one night in your arms with them it
was just Zex but with you it was love three of them used me one was kind but none of it compared to being with you tears streamed down my face as I looked at Marty I never told them I L them I only said that to you and I always meant it the past year has been Hell Without You I'll do anything to make things right whatever it takes just let me back into your life please Marty I love you I broke down unable to continue Marty sat quietly giving me time to regain control R
I'm sorry I whispered I wasn't going to cry Marty I'm sorry about your father he was a great man and I paid my respects at his grave that's how I found where you live if you can please forgive me if there's any feeling left for me please let me come back I want to be with you again I love you I covered my face with my hands letting the tears flow the whole time Marty listened without saying a word I couldn't look him in the eye unsure of what he was thinking just then Adriana appeared
at the door excuse me dinner's ready if you want to eat Marty looked at me gently do you want to take a break we can get something to eat I'd like to clean up first I said wiping a teer Marty led me to the bathroom and after freshening up we headed to the dining room five people were now at the table all watching me with a mix of curiosity and judgment dinner was awkward and Silent the food tasted like cardboard as I nervously forced down a few bites Marty sat across from me his expression unreadable
after dinner the tension returned Mandy and Audriana cornered me by the fridge Mandy glared at me I want you gone as soon as you're done if you H him I'll make sure you regret it Adriana added if he sheds a tear because of you I'll find you and make you pay he's moved on so leave him alone the others stood by watching I felt trapped but knew I had to stay for Marty Marty returned rescuing me Cheryl letun finish our talk outside he said calmly I followed him relieved to escape the hostility we sat back
on the deck Cheryl I appreciate your honesty today Marty began I sense a change in you but I need an honest answer to a question then we can talk about us I braced myself knowing it would be tough okay I whispered Marty looked directly at me why did you give me the finger after our call when you were with those guys I knew this question was coming Marty I've done a lot of stupid things but that was the worst I convinced myself and the man I was with that you were a bad husband to justify
my actions it was all a lie I'm sorry you ever saw it Marty nodded slowly I believe you're being honest but that act of disrespect hurt more than anything else else it may getting past what you did impossible his words crushed me is that why you wouldn't talk to me I asked softly partly Marty admitted I was so angry I didn't want to hurt either of us more it took my friends a long time to get me to this point we both took a moment to breathe okay Cheryl Marty said finally I'll give you the
short version of my life over the last year I listen listened closely as he began to share his side of the story when I hit send on those emails with the videos of you and your lovers I was Furious angrier than I'd ever been I felt like I could eliminate someone even you he said bluntly on the outside I seemed calm but inside I was a volcano I wanted to hurt you to destroy everything you cared about including me he paused looking down at his hands I wanted you to feel the same pain I did
sending those emails to your supervisor's WI was my way of getting back at the men who took you from me and helped ruin our marriage I blamed you but I blamed them too everyone paid for it including me Marty sighed after that I got threatening calls and emails some from your co-workers and Friends of those men I tried apologizing to their wives but they were too hurt to listen one even spit in my face still they used the footage in their divorce cases he looked at me pain in his eyes I stayed at my dad's
for a while trying to get my head straight he helped me calm down but eventually I had to deal with things on my own by the time I got back you were gone I didn't try to find you or call I was glad you were gone even though it left a huge hole in me his voice softened I cried for days until my friend staged an intervention Mandy and Adriana practically mothered me and Yin made sure I ate exercised and kept my work in order even Jackie tried to get me out of my comfort zone
red brought over DVDs and beer and we had a guy weekend it was cathartic after 3 months of self-pity I finally started Living again Marty took a deep breath I sold our condo after you signed the divorce papers it took a while but by then I was already living here moving here was a fresh start something I desperately needed when I got the final divorce notice I almost slipped back into depression but Yin helped me stay on track he paused then added oh and I should tell you your video ended up on an amateur site
red found it but I didn't post it I'm sorry it got out I'll give you the URL Marty sighed again his expression Resolute I put your share of the condo sale $22,000 in the bank I'll write you a check tonight I didn't send it before because I didn't want to face you he looked me in the eye now you asked me to forgive you Sher I forgive you not for your sake but for mine I can't carry that hate anymore but I don't love you anymore either his words hit hard forgiving you doesn't mean forgetting
he said softly what I saw in those videos destroyed every good memory we had our hopes dreams everything gone I've let go of the hate but I'm also done with love I'm moving on Sheryl and there won't be a Mrs Marty Hughes with your name I sat there devastated sobbing quietly my life felt over Marty handed me tissues and left me alone when I looked up I saw him in the kitchen surrounded by his friends the young Asian woman leaned her head on his shoulder and I finally understood he had moved on I cried until
it grew dark then composed myself enough to head out in the living room Marty handed me an envelope with my share of the condo sale and the video's URL on the back just like that it was over my hopes of getting him back were gone along with the last bit of my self-respect I had to start over without him Marty walked me to my car I held his hand One Last Time whispered goodbye and kissed his cheek as I opened the car door I hesitated then turned to look back what I saw shattered me Marty
stood with his arm around the young woman's waist and his friends were behind him each flipping me off the message was clear screw off now I truly understood Marty's pain [Music] [Applause] [Music]
