[Music] looking back my life always felt meticulously planned as if each chapter was carefully outlined before it began I grew up in a quiet Suburban neighborhood where stability reigned Supreme my parents stayed married for over five decades and their relationship became my Benchmark for a successful partnership naturally I assumed my own marriage would follow a similar path enduring Love unwavering trust and a bond unshaken by time when I first met Joyce at a friend's wedding I believed that dream had finally started to unfold for years I thought we were building that ideal together Joyce had
a way of brightening the ordinary her laughter filling the cracks of daily routine we raised two kids built a comfortable life and created Traditions I hoped would last forever but lately I'd begun questioning Everything trying to pinpoint where things had shifted were there signs I had missed or was I just clinging too hard to what I thought we had I steered my trusty Jeep Cherokee down the open Highway The Familiar hum of the engine filling The Quiet Moments between bursts of chatter from the back seat my two kids caught up in their usual debate over
which movie to watch on the entertainment system provided a steady background noise beside me Joyce my wife Of two decades stared silently out the window her expression clouded with something I couldn't quite place she had no idea what lay ahead Joyce looks ordinary not beautiful but not unattractive her light brown hair framed her face setting off her blue eyes though her legs were a bit thick I always loved them along with her generously sized hips a feature she tried to tone down over the years but never could she was Slimmer on top which wasn't my
preference but it didn't matter I Lov Joyce Flaws and All ever since I first saw her 21 years ago back then I was 20 and she was 22 I knew she was the one I'd marry but today would be our last day together the kids knew but Joyce was clueless we were headed to our favorite state park for a final family picnic before Brian left for his sophomore year and our daughter set off for her senior year Exchange program in Europe tomorrow morning I was supposed to be leaving for a business trip but in truth
I was just leaving as the kids settled into their movie we started the 2-hour Drive Joyce Loved These picnics where we could escape the hustle at home and enjoy each other's company in a peaceful setting she liked the park even more because I never took my Mustang there it wasn't suited for rough roads and had a small back seat that wouldn't fit the kids Joyce had been jealous of the Mustang from the start calling it my third child and later my second wife I joked that I needed a second wife since she was always busy
with her events and activities I glanced at her relaxed face as we drove I reached for the radio and turned it on a Fleetwood Mac song came on and though I didn't immediately recognize it the signature beat by Mick Fleetwood and John mcv's Strong Baseline soon gave it away years ago I played Guitar and heavy metal bands before that my parents made me learn classical piano to teach me discipline and structure music became a key part of my life helping me through tough times even now I can't start my morning run without my iPod the
music I choose sets my mood and influences my daily decisions often reflecting what I'm feeling this time the song was almost prophetic Little Lies by Fleetwood Mack not one of my favorites felt painfully fitting just as Christine McVey started singing Joyce changed the station If I Could Turn the Page in time I'd turn over in just a day or two the lyrics went leave it I told her close my close my close my eyes echoed Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham Christine's voice sang of believing which mirrored our situation tell me tell me tell me lies
filled the car almost as if the band was with us in the rearview mirror my daughter caught my eye she understood the song's weight She returned to her movie and Joyce looked out the window as I thought about what those words meant to me to us I'd always loved Joyce deeply she wasn't a stunning Beauty but her personality and positive spirit drew me in when we met our shared life made me think no one else could ever matter until two weeks ago when I discovered her affair with Matt Blake Christine's lyrics about turning back time
resonated if I could I'd change the day Joyce met Matt and The day she first betrayed me but I couldn't so I gave her this day one last perfect day with the family she said she loved one more day with the husband she had betrayed trade a final idyllic picnic at her favorite spot before everything fell apart as I drove she reached for my hand I love you Bill she said with a smile sometimes I forget to show it but never doubt it my daughter let out a sarcastic snort from the back seat I couldn't
tell if it was because Of her movie or something her mom said the thought crossed my mind Sweet Little Lies I think it's because you're all so busy with school work and activities I'm stuck at home feeling like I have no life that's why my groups and Charities matter so much Joyce said why not just get a dog mom my daughter chimed in I stayed quiet lost in how Stevie nix's voice could still give me chills after all these years she still looked good too even at 50 or more you understand Don't you Bill Joyce
asked sometimes you realize you can't just watch you have to act oh he understands more than you know Jessica said from the back no arguments today Jess I replied letun just enjoy this day together no fights no negativity Joyce nodded smiling my eyes met Jessica's in the mirror she bit her lip and said okay Joyce squeezed my hand and leaned on my shoulder she moved to kiss me but I turned to read The Passing sign smoothly Avoiding it Jessica's giggle told me she noticed I had to act the part of the devoted husband for the
rest of the day if I didn't this final gift to Joyce would be ruined while we ate I wondered why she did it had she stopped loving me or did she never treat me as I treated her maybe as she said we were all busy and she wasn't but that was her choice she decided the rat race wasn't for her she chose to be a stay-at-home wife Joyce picked our house the cars the kids Schools she set the vacations and plans if she was unhappy she could have said so I also wondered what did Matt
Blake have that I didn't was it just his age though with his receding hairline you'd barely guess he was younger he was 35 I was 40 not a big difference I wasn't an Olympic Athlete but I stayed in decent shape Matt on the other hand was soft and out of shape so it likely wasn't about looks thankfully after my suspicions were confirmed by Investigators I did a DNA test to be sure my kids were indeed mine though it was obvious from their appearance Brian who looks just like I did at his age has already found
the girl he wants to marry Maggie Chu a petite Asian girl he met at school I wonder if he trusts her as much after our conversation about his mother Brian unlike Jessica and me struggles to hide his emotions he loves Joyce but is furious with her and can't bring himself to speak to her Jessica on the other Hand is so angry she's itching for a confrontation she's my biggest worry today Jessica promised to behave during the picnic but I doubt she'll keep it together the whole time she said to leave after I do tomorrow and
I suspect things will get interesting then she has no respect for her mother and has already told me she wants to live with me when she returns from Paris in the spring I told her she's always welcome but at 17 a judge would likely decide That during the divorce divorce the word stings it's strange how a few letters can bring down everything you've built and hurt worse than any physical blow as we arrived at the park I paid the entrance fee at the booth maybe we should get those plates that let us in without paying
Joyce suggested with the kids gone I didn't think we'd come here much I said this is our favorite spot Joyce replied we as often as we can like always just the two of us I asked Skeptically of course she smiled there's no one I'd rather come here with even as she spoke I could almost hear Stevie Nick singing tell me a lie in that deep Soulful voice within minutes we were unloading food blankets and supplies Jess don't put the blanket too close to the grill I called out okay Dad she said cheerfully I only moved
it closer to mom because she was cold no honey I didn't say that Joyce said you Must be thinking of another time Jessica now beside me whispered so only I could hear I was getting used to the weather in hell I turned and looked at Jessica realizing for the first time how much the family's breakdown was affecting the kids I knew I was heartbroken but they were suffering too Brian had Maggie for emotional support but even their relationship was strained due to Joyce's actions he trusted Maggie less and grew more suspicious of her outings Jessica
My little girl was clearly dealing with Ang I needed to talk to the program director to arrange therapy for her and strengthen our connection I also needed to move from the apartment I plan to a house Dad ready for our Stone throwing contest at the lake Brian asked it was our tradition and while he won until he was 16 I had stopped letting him win after that lately he was getting close to striking Me Maybe This Year he would Later champ I replied letun get the grill going first he nodded smiling and pulled out his
phone to call Maggie dad there's no signal here he said frustrated I just laughed Brian Let's Race to the lake Jessica shouted sprinting off before Brian even noticed for now I was alone facing the moment I dreaded all day Joyce laid out a blanket and motioned for me to join her I need to get the grill going I said but save me a spot I've been looking forward to This all morning my acting was getting better Joyce wasn't the only one who could tell sweet lies what happened next though child was one of my best
performances Joyce blew me a kiss and I caught it pretending to touch my face while subtly discarding it and stepping on it she didn't notice and smiled I wonder what youd do with a real kiss she said we'll find out later I replied those little lies were contagious I'm going to look For wild flowers she said have something ready when I get back and if you see Jess send her to join me she loves picking flowers I nodded as she walked away she paused and turned back back Bill I'm so glad you insisted I come
today there's nowhere I'd rather be we need more time like this life has gotten so busy and we take each other for granted because we think we'll always be here let's go back to doing things together she walked off smiling to pick Flowers the sweetest lie I'd ever heard a tear slid down my cheek as I remembered how much I loved her knowing that without my insistence she'd probably be with Matt now I set up the charcoal and one of the park grills soaking it in lighter fluids and self- igniting ones never work familiar routines
let my mind drift I remembered crying while watching the DVD the detectives gave me alone in my office while Joyce was at a charity meeting I Saw Matt come to our house a few days before when the kids and I were gone charity starts at home I thought bitterly Joyce after making sure no one saw eagerly pulled him inside the camera in the living room captured them on our couch drinking coffee tension palpable they exchanged Small Talk making me wonder why Matt put up with it then Joyce made the first move sealing any chance of
forgiveness she asked if her legs looked fat mentioning that I loved Them but she thought they were old and heavy he replied he couldn't judge from what he saw and she lifted her skirt higher what I see looks good Matt said with lust but it's hard to judge with incomplete information want to see the whole thing Joyce teased smiling I knew from her expression what would happen next she raised her skirt all the way oh God Matt muttered Come and Get It Joyce invited Matt leaned in and their awkward clumsy movements began there was no
Grace just an uncoordinated mess that looked almost comical I wondered if caught up in their passion they realized how ridiculous they appeared did Matt know what his actions would cost him he likely had no idea what was coming in 24 hours as for Joyce I hoped she'd find happiness in her new life I resolved to handle this gracefully without Primal reactions the better man had won my only priority was ensuring my children were secure before stepping away my lawyers Would deliver the divorce and settlement terms no negotiations Joyce would accept my offer or get nothing
I offered Joyce very little in the settlement if we went through a full-blown divorce her reputation would be completely ruined I would make sure her standing in the community was destroyed forcing her to step back from her committees and chair ities the kids wouldn't be affected Brian would be across the country at school and Jessica would be in Paris it Would be easiest for Joyce to accept my terms and move on while I did the same that day sitting in my Den I was so engrossed in the scene unfolding on the screen that I didn't
hear Jessica come in until she was right behind me she gently wiped the tears from my face now you know she whispered I nodded silently unable to find my voice I wanted to tell you Dad but but I couldn't do it without hurting you Jessica confessed how long have you known I managed to ask my voice Tight since the beginning she said they flirted for months but it only lasted 2 weeks I overheard mom telling Susan she was going to end it so it should be over soon it's too late I said the weight of
my words settling heavily between us things changed the moment it started can't you forgive her dad Jessica's eyes searched mine hopeful yet cautious sorry Angel I'm not the forgiving type I admitted a small bitter smile crossed her face good I'm not going to forgive Her either Jessica we need to handle this calmly I said my tone firm don't tell anyone or treat your mother differently a penny for your thoughts Joy's voice startled me I hadn't heard her approach maybe don't light this yet she said noticing the soaked coals I took my second bag removed the
saturated coals tossed them in the lake to prevent a fire and set the fresh coals in the grill lightly dousing them before lighting them come sit with me while we Wait for the fire Joyce said smiling I sat beside her and she held my hand bill on the way here I had a thought she said we haven't discussed this but we're starting a new chapter we've had a great life so far and I'm looking forward to the next phase I don't think it's over yet I looked at her like I didn't really get her Point
truthfully I just wanted to be as far away from her as possible I probably shouldn't have let my mind drift to watching that video of her and Matt just looking at her made me feel sick all right honey I can tell you're confused she said being here with the people I care about the most has given me A New Perspective and to be honest what Jess said made me think our kids had grown up and moved out and I felt old unattractive and useless I guess I needed to bring some excitement back into my life
I was stunned I couldn't believe what I was hearing was this woman really about to MIT to an affair I'd never encountered anything like this before what about my plans what about my revenge damn this ruined everything so I joined all these pointless committees thinking they'd make me feel better but they only pushed us further apart whether we like it or not we've grown distant over the past few weeks hm I muttered pretending to ponder her words just get to the part where you started hooking up with the bald 35-year-old janitor who still lives with
his mom I Thought it's been 2 weeks since ' had Zex you know she said looking at me for a reaction of course I thought why on Earth would I touch you after seeing that video with Matt no honey I hadn't noticed I said playing along with my own small eyes well I know you've been waiting for the day we could run around the house without clothes she said you always joke about burning my clothes so I'd always be without clothes for whenever you want me she smiled but I Guess that we'll have to wait
that'll have to wait until hell freeze is over I thought we're not old enough to retire just yet Bill she said with a smile I love you and I want us to have another child suddenly I couldn't breathe I started choking and coughing Joyce patted my back trying to help me catch my breath a whirlwind of thoughts raced through my mind maybe she was already pregnant with Matt's child and wanted to pin it on me I dismissed that it was too Soon to tell maybe she planned to get pregnant by Matt and pretend it was
mine maybe she felt guilty and wanted to revive our bed life which she had knowingly wrecked I didn't know I didn't care I just wanted to get through this last day and then move on surprisingly Christine mcv's song popped into my head and I found the answer there the second verse goes even though I don't make plans I hope you understand there's a reason why Joyce let's not make plans Right now I hope you understand there's a reason I don't want to plan anything at the moment I said echoing the song's words oh you want
me all to yourself for a bit she said with a smile that's so selfish have you been having naughty thoughts about what we'll do when the kids leave I just nodded and smiled like the song says we'd be better off breaking up let's give that a try lately Joyce brought out the worst in me she placed my hand over her heart and pulled It to her chest right on Q Jessica appeared are we going to grill anything or what she asked Dad should my stomach suffer because of your hormones all day I nodded thankful for
her Interruption and went to the grill I put hot dog Burgers steaks and some chicken breasts on it along with a couple of salmon filets wrapped in foil maybe I understand why you want just the two of us for a bit Joyce said sneaking up on me again Dad the Lake's waiting Brian Called I Shrugged and followed him Jessica trailing behind as the self-appointed judge Brian's first stone almost hit a log some kids had dragged to the middle of the lake it was a solid throw and he grinned at it top that Dad he said
smiling I picked up a rock still thinking of Matt's bald head and pale face when I threw it I pictured punching him Square in the face whoa dad Brian shouted where did that come from your rock Flew Over the log it went halfway Across the lake both he and Jessica stared at me surprised let's eat I said trying to sound upbeat we shouldn't leave your mom alone for too long yeah or we might catch her with the Forester Jessica joked I was startled but Brian just laughed back at Camp only the hot dogs were ready
so he ate those after lunch Brian said he was full and went to nap in the Jeep Joyce wanted to show Jessica the wild flowers but Jessica asked me to walk with her instead Joyce Never one for hiking set off to pick her flowers as we walked I tried to explain to Jess that what was happening between Joyce and me had nothing to do with her I told her that we would always be her parents and that we both loved her I also tried to make her understand that her mother would need her support in
the days ahead because it would be hard for her when she realized I was gone why should I help the woman who destroyed our family Jessica asked I Didn't really have an answer so I just said because she's your mother and you love her dad men don't notice anything Jess said if there's something right in front of them they don't see it unless it's work football or cars but girls and women notice the smallest things probably half the girls I know see it too it's embarrassing I stopped and just looked at her I love you
daddy she said in the spring when I come home from school and during Christmas break I'll Come stay with you the rest of the day flew by we played a lot of family games tossed a frisbee around and looked at the clouds trying to spot shapes we ate a lot and even went with Joyce to see her favorite wild flowers when we were tired from picking flowers we returned to camp for dinner my son almost ruined everything himself it's hard to believe wek never do this again Brian said of course we will Joyce said and
Brian Jess and I stared at her In shock but what I meant was Brian tried to correct himself I know what you meant honey Joyce said maybe next time you can bring Maggie and maybe Jessica will bring someone too then maybe you and Maggie will make me a grandmother but we'll always come here it's a family tradition she nudged me with her elbow and added so that might make it even better Brian smiled relieved he hadn't spilled the secret Joyce leaned in to Kiss Me Not not noticing the angry look Jessica shot at her older
brother I've lost count of how many times I kissed Joyce over the years but this kiss felt different it was like the sadness in Brian's words made her put more into it as if she believed our whole relationship depended on this one moment have you thought about my proposal she asked her eyes full of hope her eyes were so full of love adoration and passion that for a split second I almost forgot my anger they say the eyes Are the windows to the soul when I looked at into Joyce's eyes I saw love for a
fleeting moment I thought about having one last night with her maybe her wish could come true but then I realized that if she got pregnant I'd never be able to walk away from my child besides I hated the idea of her raising my kid in Matt's mom's basement as we loaded the Jeep the sky grew darker we yawned as we set off for home the return trip would take longer since we needed to Drop Brian at the airport he was catching a Redeye flight back to college to spend an extra day with Maggie before classes
resumed Maggie had already returned that afternoon and I don't think she knew he was coming I suspected Brian wanted to surprise her late at night to see if she was there and more importantly if she was alone damn Joyce for shattering our children's lives with her deceit her insecurities and boredom had caused so Much damage none of us would ever be the same our family was broken I really hoped Matt was worth it can you drive sweetheart Joyce asked I'm fine I replied I I just have a lot on my mind oh she said have
we made a decision I was thinking about other things but I decided one more sweet lie wouldn't hurt I wanted to make her as happy as possible for this last day together the whole point of today was to capture a glimpse of the life we should Have had to create one last memory of the love that had defined most of our adult lives I'm trying to think of names I whispered her expression was priceless it was a mix of Love adoration and passion the look she always gave me until 2 weeks ago when she started
her affair with Matt after that all I saw was guilt and doubt are we starting tonight baby she whispered we should probably wait until I get back from my trip the day after tomorrow I said we Don't want Jessica to hear us and that would be awkward as we drove home and stopped at the airport I felt conflicted Joyce seemed like her old self again the way she kept holding my hand showed that despite everything she still loved me maybe as she suggested it was just boredom and loneliness that had made her lose sight of
what truly mattered was this a forgivable mistake in a strong marriage that I was blowing up due to my Pride and insecurities I needed to sort out my feelings most men myself- included don't process emotions well women do men react on Instinct first then analyze and follow logic my first instinct was to cut Joyce out of my life completely and my logical side told me that if she did it once and got got away with it she'd probably do it again both Instinct and logic were urging me to move on no matter what my heart
said I wasn't willing to spend my life at the Mercy of her whims Life's Too Short not to be happy at the airport Joyce and Jess dozed off while I dropped Brian off I slipped him some cash even though he already had a debit card for expenses I hugged him tightly Dad don't forget email me as soon as you know which office you're transferring to Jess and I are planning on going to Hawaii I'll bring Maggie for Christmas but we'll be at her parents for Thanksgiving that should give you time to get the new Place
ready he said but keep me posted Thanksgiving on the beach sounds awesome Brian what if your mom and I are still together I asked he gave me a skeptical look then Christmas will probably be awkward with you checking under the tree to see if her boyfriend left her gifts or if she invited him over counting chairs at the table and constantly watching the chimney to make sure she's not flirting with Santa Claus I love you Dad just do what you need to do we'll Support you whatever you decide he gently stroked Jessica's head and kissed
her lightly don't tell her I did that he said with a grin then walked to the terminal no longer just my son but a grown man I got back in the car and started driving home Joyce half asleep reached for my hand and Jessica snored softly in the back even in her sleep Joyce instinctively reached for me love you Billy she murmured this only deepened my confusion How could a woman Tell me she loved me even in her sleep could that be faked another thing struck me the way she acted around Matt was different from
how she was with me maybe she was pretending with him or had she been pretending with me for nearly 20 years was I really about to throw away 20 years of Our Lives because she'd slept with some loser twice I started doubting my plan it felt cowardly to leave without telling her why even a dog gets a newspaper smack to know not to Mess up didn't Joyce deserve an explanation after 20 years didn't she deserve a chance to respond maybe it was my rational side coming through the best way might be to make some coffee
invite Matt over and have an adult conversation what on Earth was I thinking she cheated she didn't deserve anything wake me up when we get to the airport so I can say goodbye to Brian she mumbled uh we left the airport 20 minutes ago I said wek be home in about 15 minutes Joyce's eyes Widened Brian's gone she asked I nodded but he didn't even say goodbye to me she said clearly hurt he kissed me goodbye Jessica said twisting the knife it's hard to pretend to sleep when your monkey Brothers licking you I guess that's
his way of showing love go back to sleep Jess I said her smirk in the rearview mirror showed she had gotten what she wanted he knew you were tired honey I told Joyce he wanted to let you rest he knows Youk have to work even Harder on those committees since you took today off to be with us I need to be with you she said no committees no charity events no projects just the one we're going to do together was this just another lie or was she being honest I couldn't tell the difference anymore I
pulled into the driveway and carried Jessica to her room love you daddy she murmured forever and ever I love you too my little angel I said as I turned to leave don't forget to call me when my Plane lands so I can hear how she reacted she said suddenly her eyes were wide open and Alert and Dad I'll live with you in our state kids over 13 can choose which parent they want to live with I'm 17 so pick Hawaii because I look great in a bikini Claudia and I get along great I wondered why
she mentioned Claudia Jess if you weren't asleep why did I need to carry you up the stairs I asked because today is the last time for some things she said softly I remember When I was little and felt so safe when you carried me up those steps and tucked me in neither of us will ever be in this house again after tonight so I wanted to feel it one last time I just nodded maybe it'll be another house or maybe someday you'll see me carrying my granddaughter up the stairs in your house I said yes
that would be great dad and you can tell her why she doesn't have a grandmother she said bitterly who knows I said maybe we can still fix this No Dad she said seriously you can't you're not that person and if you were you wouldn't be the dad I love and respect it's time for you to start fresh with someone who truly loves you maybe someone's already waiting for you I returned to the car where Joyce was still snoring I opened the door and lifted her out her arms instinctively wrapped around my neck as I carried
her to our room I laid her on the bed undressed her covered her with a blanket And kissed her one last time as the day came to an end love you Billy she said as I lay beside her is it true or just a sweet lie it didn't seem to matter anymore love you too Joyce I said as The Last Tear I'd ever shed for her rolled down my cheek I lay in the bed we'd shared since the start of our marriage it felt symbolic to be here considering the end almost as if I was
closing a chapter questions raced through my mind as I Tried to sleep was I being rational should we try to fix things did I love her enough to try had she and Matt been in this bed the thought made me Furious did she really choose that loser over me or was he just there when she was vulnerable I had worked my entire life to give her everything she wanted and this was how she repaid me somehow I fell into a Restless sleep I dreamed of Joyce and Matt living in my house with my kids while
I was stuck in his Mother's basement I was up Before Sunrise showered dressed and packed my suitcase with all my personal items I walked quietly down the hall and hugged my daughter goodbye I love you Dad she said forcing herself to wake up the adventure begins she smiled see you in a couple of months or maybe sooner say hi to Claudia for me Jessica would head to the airport in about 3 hours after that Joyce would be alone for the first time in her life I hoped that whatever came Next Matt could make her happy
the surprises I had planned for them would test that love I thought with a grin I climbed into my Mustang took one last look at the house and started the car the powerful engine roared and a part of me felt sad the end of my marriage felt like failure but I was also ready for what the future might hold on the way to the airport I called the office I planned to leave a message for Claudia my former assistant but couldn't reach Her voicemail I dialed the main office number and surprisingly got an actual person
instead of a recording this is Ellen magneson telephone operator and receptionist she said I was shocked she was at the office at 6:00 a.m. I'm always here at this time she added Ellen I need to leave a message for Claudia Denton I said Claudia no longer works here Ellen replied she left yesterday where did she transfer to I asked I don't have that information she said This surprised me Claudia had been almost like a second wife for the past 10 years I'd hired her right out of college and she was the perfect assistant I regretted
treating her poorly I'd been too caught up in my issues with Joyce to realize it I decided I'd take a few days to find out where she'd gone and get in touch with her with that resolved I drove to the Transport company I'd contracted with naturally I chose the Honolulu office as My new location Jessica had no influence on that decision but I was glad it would make her happy I drove my Mustang to the Transport company near the airport they were supposed to ship my car to the coast and Ferry it to the island
where it would arrive about a day after me I took a shuttle from the transport office to the airport checked in and waited at the terminal for my flight about 15 minutes later a woman sat beside me without looking up from my magazine I Noticed she had a familiar pleasant scent her legs were slim and well toned not as thick and hot as Joes but likely more appealing to most men my gaze traveled up to her small waist and larger chest proportionally accentuated on her petite frame it's not polite to stare at a stranger's chest
she said besides aren't you married I was I replied now I'm open to New Opportunities shouldn't you be at work Claudia I smiled you were the best Assistant anyone could ask for I know she said smiling but now I'm open to new possibilities Claudia you didn't need to leave the company because of me I started I didn't leave she said I'm just transferring to where you're headed how did you know when I was leaving and where I was going I asked first I handled all your paperwork remember she smiled second Jessica told me what was
happening she thinks we could be a good match and Didn't want you to face this alone I looked at her with suspicion but she just smiled Bill I've wanted to be more than just your assistant for a long time she said don't I deserve a chance too I'm not asking for marriage or a commitment just for us to take things one day at a time I smiled and held out my hand Joyce woke up when the phone rang for the fourth time it went to voicemail after three rings whoever was calling so early Really wanted
to talk she wondered why Bill wasn't answering he should have been up by now for his trip to the airport she'd been having a wonderful dream about what she would do to Bill when he came home she couldn't believe she'd managed to keep her relationship with Matt hidden she had it all a husband who supported her lifestyle and a young man who adored her life was perfect hello she answered sharply Joyce it's me Matt came the Voice on the other end I can't come today maybe never he slurred damn he sounded drunk why is he
drunk so early she thought to hell with it I decided to end things with Matt yesterday anyway there was no future with him she loved Bill deeply the picnic had remed her of that now that they were planning another child she didn't need the distraction Matt provided it had just been a midlife crisis maybe there would be others but as long as she was careful bill would Never know I love you Joyce Matt said his voice breaking are you crying Matt she asked great she thought just what I needed this fool is trying to make
it difficult to break up it's so annoying some people can't recognize when it's over and ruin everything thinking they can hold on forever just because they want to he needs to move on it's over Joyce I feel terrible he whined what's wrong Matt she asked just to be polite are you sick hurt she was relieved her Husband wasn't as pathetic as Matt what did I ever see in him he's not attractive fit or smart he has no ambition and still lives with his mom and he's awful in bed she'd chosen him because no one would
suspect her and he posed no threat to Bill she thought she could teach him to satisfy her but before anything serious started she realized she loved bill too much to go through with it my mom's going to eliminate me Matt said we have a problem Joyce I love you but I can't take this anymore it's not worth it what are you talking about Joyce wondered now irritated this morning I went in for my shift at the supermarket I thought I could earn an extra 10 bucks helping unload trucks Matt explained I wanted to use that
money to buy you a gift to show how much I care but when I got to work they sent me to the manager's office his voice wavered he said they have a policy against employ EMP es fraternizing with Customers especially married ones and they had to fire me to avoid a lawsuit I lost my job Joyce I'd worked there since high school and they just let me go he started crying again as I rode my bike home I started wondering if someone had found out about us and was trying to stir up trouble I had
just passed the alley behind the store and began pedaling faster when out of nowhere a big teenager came out of the alley and hit me so hard I fell off my bike when I Got up he was gone and so was my bike I headed home but not long after two large men attacked me they knocked me badly the entire time they kept saying I should have known better than to mess with a married woman I woke up in the hospital and my mom was there she told me to call you and tell you to
stay away from me Joyce but I'll Always Love You the call ended leaving Joyce with nothing but a dial tone she didn't know whether to laugh with relief or cry out Of guilt for what had happened to Matt she was certain Matt's mother was behind all of it it seemed like her version of tough love she must have discovered Joyce was married and took it upon herself to teach her son a lesson instead of grounding him or taking away privileges she got him fired arranged for his bike to be stolen and since he was too
old for a spanking hired thugs to knock him up maybe this was for the best she Thought because her heart belonged to the only man who truly mattered to her there was no place for Matt in her life she decided to make breakfast maybe I'll take Jessica to the airport myself Jess wanted to prove she was Independent by taking a cab but we needed time to bond Joyce had felt some tension between them during the picnic and wanted to address it until recently they'd been a close family but now something felt off at least things
seemed better with Bill Yesterday had been perfect and she had done everything she could to show him she loved him wholeheartedly after a couple of weeks of flirtation with the idea of an affair she felt sure he trusted her again when Joyce entered the kitchen she noticed a large envelope on the table just as she started to open it a car horn sounded outside she looked out the window and saw a taxi waiting Joyce opened the envelope as she heard footsteps from upstairs Jessica was Coming down as Joyce read the note inside a chill went
down her spine press play on your DVD player then read page two it said Joyce pressed play and watched in horror as footage of her latest encounter with Matt played on the living room TV Jessica walked past and said goodbye Mom I hope you enjoyed your last day with dad he wanted you to have a beautiful memory but you won't see him or me again Joyce looked back at the letter At first she thought it was from Matt's mother but as she continued reading her worst fears came true goodbye Joyce I hope Matt was worth
losing your husband your marriage and your family I loved you deeply and your betrayal broke me in a few minutes someone will arrive with divorce papers you need to sign them as soon as you get them if you sign we will proceed with an uncontested divorce citing irreconcilable differences my lawyer will reach out about custody Arrangements for Jessica you'll receive 25% of our shared assets including the house which is already up for sale you have 30 days to find a new place to live I sincerely hope Matt has room for you in his basement if
you refuse to sign I will ruin your reputation so badly that staying in this town won't be an option the money is generous considering the life we had that you destroyed for reasons I can't fathom I don't want to see hear from or talk to you ever again Again so I'll never know why you did it and it doesn't matter yesterday was bittersweet and I struggled to consider if we could make it work I thought I might be able to forgive and I never stopped loving you Joyce but I can't forget what you did I'll
never trust you again I couldn't live constantly wondering if meetings or shopping trips were excuses to see someone else you've done this many times haven't you Joyce maybe not with Zex until recently but You lied to my face kissed me and betrayed me in the end it wasn't a lack of Love or my unwillingness to forgive that ended us it was the lies all those Sweet Little Lies Joyce felt Hollow after reading the letter she never expected this outcome or wanted it the affair had only been out of boredom her lifelong dream was to be
a wife and mother and when she met bill in college she felt her dreams had come true but as she got older she felt life slipping by The last few years were especially hard the kids were almost grown Brian already was and Jessica was nearly there they didn't need her anymore Bill had his career and even though he made choices to limit work travel so he could spend more time with the family he was gone every weekday he had Claudia who managed everything for him at work so efficiently that Joyce never had to assist with
anything related to his job after Claudia's first couple of years Working for Bill Joyce's jealousy grew so strong she stopped inviting her to parties and social events it didn't help that Claudia was younger and more attractive one of Joyce's biggest frustrations came at a company dinner when someone asked are Bill and Claudia married they look great together someone else commented and they work so well together too added another Joyce began to suspect Bill might be having an affair with Claudia the way Claudia Looked at bill made Joyce sure that if given a chance Claudia would
pursue him Joyce hired a private investigator to find out the truth after 3 months and spending a large portion of the money her late father left her on 24-hour surveillance the agency concluded that bill and Claudia's relationship was purely professional and friendly there was nothing more between them Joyce felt torn between relief and frustration she had wasted so much money to confirm what She had always known that bill was faithful he loved her and their kids too much to risk their family yet she sometimes questioned why he loved her so deeply most of the time
Joyce knew she was smart but she also knew she wasn't what men fantasized about her chest was average at best she had a large backside and her leg were so thick she needed custom-made boots but Bill adored those traits he would often whisper wrap those thick legs around me while we make love His desire for her seemed endless until two weeks ago suddenly she realized she hadn't been discreet at all Bill had probably known her suspicions from the start and she was too naive to see it she felt lost she heard the sound of a
car door closing outside looking out the window she saw the taxi driver shutting the trunk after loading Jessica's suitcases if anyone knew where Bill was and how to reach him it was Jessica she and her father were always close Bill Loved their son but he cherished their daughter and she loved him just as fiercely maybe that's why Jessica had been so cold and sharp with Joyce lately it was clear she knew about Joyce's betrayal and expressed her disapproval through her Frosty demeanor and biting comments Jessica wait Joyce called as her daughter stepped into the taxi
Jessica turned looked at her mother and simply raised her middle finger without a word she got in and shut the Door the taxi drove off and Joyce still in her robe ran after it down the street she stepped on a sharp Rock and cut her leg hobbling back to the house just as she reached her front door she heard a whistle from a neighbor's house the old man across the street waved I need your help Joyce said pulling her robe closed can I use your phone you've had your cheap thrill looking so you owe me
that the old man stood and walked to his house Joyce followed still glancing Around wary of any eyes on her the phone's there the old man said Joyce found the phone book under the table where the phone sat she reached for it but before she could open it he closed it she stared at him in Surprise what she asked I a question for you he replied she nodded for him to continue what's the opposite of good it's bad she said no he answered the opposite of good is better I had a good life and I
ruined it trying to make it Get better he handed her a key what's this she asked examining it the key to your house your husband gave it to me to water your plants and pick up your mail while you were on vacation Joyce looked at him and said thank you she hurried back across the street and unlocked her door she went straight to the phone and called Bill's cell it went to voicemail she wanted to leave a message but didn't know what to say she knew she had limited chances to tell him how sorry She
was she decided she would leave a message later once she gathered her thoughts if she accepted Bill's terms she would be okay for a while their house was worth over 30000 and 25% of that would be $75,000 it would sustain her temporarily but it wasn't enough for long-term survival she'd need to find a job in a new home the money wouldn't last buying a comparable house would eat up her share within a couple of years and her Savings would run dry shortly after Joyce had never worked what could she even do her life was falling
apart over nothing she needed a way to get Bill to forgive her the doorbell rang and she stood up to answer it Joyce Williams asked a young woman with a briefcase yes Joyce said wondering what she was selling you've been served the woman said what Joyce said no it's too soon I'm not ready I don't know what to do I need to Return these papers with your signature the woman said looking bored Joyce thought about everything she had done and all the people she had hurt with her careless actions if Bill had dragged her reputation
through the mud more people would have been affected she did the only thing she could do she signed the papers she closed the door behind the woman and collapsed at her desk crying uncontrollably 2 days and 4,563 Mi later Claudia stepped out of Their hotel bathroom and touched Bill's shoulder as he cried over what Joyce had thrown away things will get better dear she said trying to comfort him though she knew most people never truly forget their first marriage or the other parent of their children in time she and Bill would build a life together
maybe even have kids but Joyce would always be a memory so telling him it would get better was a little lie on December 24th Joyce walked Through her old neighborhood ignored by former friends and neighbors even her best friend's next door avoided her while putting up Christmas decorations Bill had kept his promise not to spread what she did but Matt's mother told everyone painting Joyce as the older woman who seduced her son the gossip spread fast leaving Joyce in Outcast only approached by unwanted suitors Joyce knocked on the door of her last friend an old
lonely man who welcomed Her in trouble Loves Company E Joyce he said weren't you supposed to have your kids over for the holidays I hoped so Joyce replied bitterly in just 3 months she had become a stranger to herself a far cry from the woman who had cheated on Bill Brian's grown now she continued he and his fiance decided to spend Christmas with Bill in Hawaii they're enjoying the beach he said he loved the idea of Christmas on the sand with the whole ocean to throw stones into with His dad and Jessica the Court ruled
we alternate holidays so I had Thanksgiving and Bill got Christmas Jessica asked to spend part of her holiday with Brian and Maggie so she'll be with them for New Year's Dan who had been listening intently raised an eyebrow so Jessica didn't care Joyce snapped she came because the court ordered it she arrived Wednesday went straight to bed barely spoke Thursday and left right after dinner she flew to Hawaii not back to Paris to join them I only found out when I called Brian and spoke to Maggie who didn't know to keep it quiet Joyce's eyes
welded up Maggie said it was the first time they'd all been together since Thanksgiving they celebrated on Friday when Jess got there even watching recorded football games together I invited Bill to Thanksgiving imagining Him Lonely but instead Maggie mentioned how great Claudia looked in a bikini they celebrated on the deck of the house Bill bought for them Claudia not only built like a model is also an amazing cook she paused biting her lip I must be Clairvoyant I always knew that woman wanted bill so I hired detectives to watch them they never met and wouldn't
have if I hadn't pushed him to her I sent Bill a Christmas gift to remind him I was still here but it was returned unopened with a big green sticker saying Parcels from this address are not accepted Joyce's voice dropped I called Bill's cell which he had given me for discussing Jessica's matters since we share custody though she chose to live with him he waved child support because I don't work which I thought was kind at first but really it was so he wouldn't have to speak to me he avoids any contact Jessica's court-ordered visits
are all I have but she barely speaks or interacts when she's here Joyce continued I called Bill's phone and Claudia answered I knew he was there and Had handed her the phone I heard Christmas music and people chatting clearly having a good time I asked Claudia if she was still Bill's assistant I would never work for anyone else she said I asked what else she does for him and she said whatever he wants I almost cried but tried to be gracious I asked if they got the gift I sent and she said it might have
been lost in the mail downplaying it to spare my feelings then I realized I was on speaker phone Because when I asked for Jessica I heard her whisper no I swallowed my pride and asked if I could visit for Christmas with their gifts Claudia just said oh wait there's Jessica Jess took the phone and I told her I hadn't heard from her in a month she said she'd been busy with school when I asked what she wanted for Christmas she said nothing she told me she wanted me to keep being the best mom I could
and her dad and stepmom would Handle the rest even though Bill isn't married to Claudia she's already more of a mother to Jessica than I am my own mom blames me me too always saying I was out of my mind maybe it was a midlife crisis hormonal imbalance or temporary insanity Bill loves you my mom said give him time but time is running out and he's moving on now my mother blames me for not seeing her grandchildren Claudia even flew my mom to Hawaii for Christmas since Bill's parents were there for Thanksgiving Maggie meant the
entire family when she said everyone would be together Joyce's voice grew faint deep down I believe Bill still loves me that's why he hasn't married Claudia yet but he's trying to forget me he's with a younger prettier woman yet he still struggles to let go he must have loved me deeply he always said so how did I get bored with that kind of love now I'm sitting here bitter and gaining weight knowing it's only a matter of time until He forgets me completely and marries Claudia she sighed Bill always said he could forgive the ACT
but not the Betrayal I lost my perfect life over a few small lies [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
