[Music] our journey together began with such promise from the start I was captivated by her her smile her presence everything about her lit up my world we were young and full of Hope believing that nothing could ever come between us my long work hours Were Meant to secure our future but I missed the signs that things were changing over the years I became consumed by work it wasn't that I Stopped caring about Claire but shared Vision slowly drifted into separate paths then one night everything unraveled I was half asleep when her soft voice cut through
the dark almost lost in the sound of rain but something in her tone grabbed my attention what did you just say CLA I asked feeling a sudden dread she turned on the bedside lamp her eyes avoiding mine I'm unhappy Frank she whispered and those words struck me deeply her unhappiness wasn't Just a word it carried the weight of everything crumbling between usou unhappy with me I asked my heartbreaking as tears welled up in her eyes she couldn't even look at me I don't know why Frank I just am she replied leaving me struggling to understand
frustration took over as I asked if she wanted to leave me her silence answered for her and I felt a surge of anger I jumped out of bed unable to process her world's shattering Revelation CLA reached out but I stepped back not ready to come comfort her guilt do you or don't you want to be married to me I demanded she couldn't answer and her silence told me everything exhausted I decided to sleep in my office too tired to continue the conversation but then her frustration erupted I want to feel loved she shouted I want
a man who wants me around who makes me feel zxy her words hit hard and suddenly it became clear someone else made her feel That way Doug she finally admitted and my world stopped I couldn't respond I just sat there watching her cry Doug my ex-best friend it sounds so cliche but there's no way to fully describe the devastation of discovering that your wife and your best friend have betrayed you both of them choosing each other over you amplifies the pain beyond words the only word that fits is pain no synonyms capture the depth of
it I wanted to respond but couldn't there was So much to say but it all felt meaningless instead I left the room retreating to my office office and locking the door I couldn't face Claire not trusting myself in that moment she followed me knocking and calling my name but I stayed silent overwhelmed by the pain and images of her with Doug eventually she gave up and I was left in the quiet though not truly alone sleep eluded me as my mind replayed everything trying to pinpoint when things began to Fall apart there were no obvious
signs no declining affection our relationship seemed normal if not passionate at least stable yet somewhere along the line Doug had inserted himself into our lives in a way I never saw coming I had known Doug for nearly 13 years we started out as friends and colleagues working side by side until I got promoted our friendship survived the strain but his departure for a new job ated distance I hadn't realized just how much our bond had Frayed until that night he began coming over less often but I didn't notice it at the time now I wonder
if that distance was the beginning of something more Sinister as the night dragged on sleep remained out of of reach my thoughts circled around Doug our friendship and how everything had gone so wrong before I knew it the sun was rising and I hadn't slept at all reluctantly I got up realizing that avoiding the day was no Longer an option after using the bathroom I returned to my office and considered calling in sick I had no energy for work as I lay back down I heard my alarm go off upstairs normally it would have signaled
the start of my day if I'd been in bed with CLA the alarm soon stopped CLA had turned it off I stayed still unsure of what to expect next then I heard her coming downstairs and moments later there was a knock on my office door Frank are you awake I pretended to be asleep hoping she'd leave but she opened the door and came in Frank I know you're awake we've been together for 10 years I know how you look when you're sleeping what do you want CLA I mumbled without turning around I was worried about
you I snorted at the irony she was worried after breaking my heart I'm fine go away she didn't leave instead she tried to talk about last night claiming things got messed up I finally sat up and faced Her noticing she looked just as sleep-deprived as I felt messed up you cheated on me with my best friend and want to leave that's pretty clear isn't it do you want to be married to me Claire she fidgeted nervously and responded with it's not that simple Frank our conversation was interrupted by our daughters Kelly and Stacy coming down
stairs we silently agreed to put the discussion on hold as we shifted into the morning routine despite the Tension we managed to prepare the girls for their day and then went our separate ways avoiding any more talk about the elephant in the room I decided to go to work not ready to be alone with Claire on the drive my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and exhaustion but once I arrived I focused on work pushing thoughts of Claire aside our company was on the verge of creating a new engine with greater horse power and fuel
efficiency but it kept failing the tests My mind immediately shifted to solving those problems Thomas my eager intern met me at the door with coffee ready to impress me with his ideas he mentioned trying to reach me last night but I cut him off no need to think about CLA right now we discussed his theory about the engine's cooling issue and though we were already working on it I encouraged him to keep going as I prepared for the day I stopped by my assistant Sarah's desk she noticed something was off and Asked if if I
was okay I appreciated her concern but kept it brief saying I was fine the day went on as expected including a tedious meeting with the department heads by the time I left work it was dark outside as I started my car I found comfort in the smooth quiet engine a reminder of what I loved about engineering unlike loud muscle cars I preferred the Sleek luxury of a silent powerful machine have you ever seen an ad for an Aston Martin or a Tesla Probably not because they don't need one just sitting in one boosts your status
a man's car reflects who he is muscle cars are all about showing off masculinity while luxury cars represent wealth someone might Park a Mustang or a challenger outside their apartment but a new BMW or Porsche typically sits in the driveway of a nice home right next to their spouse's luxury car that's the point I know it sounds superficial but growing up I didn't have money my dad Was a mechanic and my mom worked at Walmart we weren't poor by normal standards but the high school I attended was in a wealthy area these kids had everything
designer clothes expensive cars on their 16th birthdays and any problem they faced was solved with a call to their parents my life was different my clothes were ordinary and my first car was a neon that I worked at Best Buy to afford though I wasn't poor compared to them I might as well have Been my only Advantage was that I was smarter than 95% of the school I worked hard because I was determined to have the life I never had my kids would be the the ones others envied thinking about them reminded me of what
awaited me at home my family my unhappy wife the drive home was silent giving me no escape from replaying last night's conversation CLA didn't feel loved by me but Doug made her feel special the anger and hurt I felt last Night had now turned into a numb Detachment I couldn't avoid it anymore the drive forced me to dwell on it I dreaded the confrontation but I knew it was inevitable when I finally walked in the door it was anticlimactic the girls were in the living room Stacy doing homework and Kelly coloring CLA was on the
couch with her laptop the TV playing SpongeBob hi Daddy Stacy greeted me while Kelly remained focused on her Coloring CLA looked up with a cautious expression trying to gauge my mood hi honey how was work she asked trying to sound normal likely for the girl's sake I decided to play along for now but I wasn't going to pretend nothing happened it was work I replied flatly she nodded accepting the uneasy truce I made you a plate it's in the microwave it might be cold now since you weren't here when we ate she added her tone
hinting at resentment was this her way of Justifying her actions well I had a long day at work got to earn for the family I shot back sensing the tension we both had more to say but we couldn't not in front of the girls the ceasefire held but the real confrontation was looming later when the girls were in bed CLA approached me in my office so are we finally going to talk about this she asked from the doorway I turned to face her inside fine I said watching as she came In and closed the door
she sat on the couch that had become my temporary bed I'm sorry Frank I never wanted to hurt you things have been off for a while and I don't know what to say start by telling me about you and Doug I demanded my voice surprisingly calm I don't need apologies just tell me about your relationship with my ex-best friend the anger I'd buried all day was starting to rise and I was oddly relieved to feel something again it Started about a year ago she said tearing up Doug has always been there but I didn't start
seeing him differently until then you were gone so much after your promotion and I felt overwhelmed doing everything alone Doug started helping out just being there to listen he was sweet she even smiled nostalgically which only fueled my anger sweet is that how you justify this I forgot your birthday so you slept with my best friend does that make us Even we didn't have Zex that night he just listened while I cried about how you were never around so when did listening turn into Zex don't try to blame it on me forgetting your birthday she
stood up her voice hardening you think this is just about one birthday what about all the anniversaries date nights and vacations you miss because of work all the times you were physically here but mentally absent you still haven't answered when did the affair Start around April she said quietly 6 months ago right when Doug stopped coming by where in my bed on the couch a hotel yes she admitted meaning all of the above do you love him I asked my voice cracking as the her I'd been holding back began to surface I think so she
replied looking away do you still love me another vulnerable question yes but it's not the same not like it should be not like a wife should love her husband I Finished for her tears streamed down her face as she nodded we sat in Silence the weight of the situation pressing down on us finally she asked softly so what do we do now I sighed my voice full of pain what do you think we do I knew what she was really asking she wanted me to make it okay to give her permission to move on but
I wasn't going to make it easy for her I refused to clear her conscience or accept her betrayal you Want to leave end the marriage fine you take the lead find a lawyer serve me divorce papers move out and explain to the kids why our family is falling apart you started this mess you finish it Frank don't Frank me what did you expect me to say that I hope you find happiness that I'm sorry for forgetting your birthday you cheated and now you want to talk like adults adults don't cheat Claire now get out before
I say something you'll regret hearing she left My office after that if life were simple I'd have been served divorce papers the next day but it wasn't that easy about a week later Claire started looking for a lawyer and watching her do it was painful seeing her intensely searching online then leaving the room with her phone made it clear she was serious I realized I had to find a lawyer too my assistant Sarah referred me to Terrence Ross our company's lawyer though not a divorce lawyer he could connect me with The right person I met
him at his office and after some small talk he asked about my situation my wife's filing for divorce she cheated on me I explained Terren or Terry sympathized I went through a messy divorce myself it's tough so what do you want out of this do you want to end things peacefully or destroy her he described two options Mike the Navy SEAL who resolves things quietly and efficiently and Phil the Marine who Scorches the Earth and leaves nothing behind both had their merits depending on how much I wanted to fight I'm not sure yet I admitted
it depends on her Terry advised me not to wait too long in divorce cases the one who strikes first usually gets the upper hand don't let indecision leave you at a disadvantage I left his office feeling worse than when I arrived by putting the burden of the divorce on CLA I secretly hoped she might change her mind but Seeing her pursue it so seriously made me realize she was done with me now facing my own decisions I wondered if she ever really loved me while I hesitated CLA was moving full steam ahead wanting to be
free of me what were my options try to win her back quit my job or follow my logical side protect my assets and prepare for the inevitable my brain gave me a clear Todo list but hope held me back I waited for her next move leaving space for her to change her mind I didn't want to make things worse if she was unsure hope both of strength and a weakness the next morning I quietly dressed for work in the bedroom we used to share looking at Claire asleep in just a t-shirt I realized how beautiful
she was and how much I'd taken her for granted suddenly I wanted her in a way I hadn't in a long time I touched her waist gently but then she murmured yes Doug yes I've never gone from a rouse to crushed so fast my heart felt like it Was being stabbed the bond of Hope finally broke I knew I had lost her our marriage was over with tears in my eyes I left the room ignoring her as she tried to call out to me I locked myself in my office and cried harder than I ever
had Claire came in apologizing but I pushed her out slamming the door fueled by rage I drove to Doug's Place pounding on his door ready to confront him neighbors peaked out but I didn't care my only goal was to hurt him as Much as I was hurting then my phone rang Claire she warned me that Doug had called the cops and they were on their way she told me to think about the girls and my job despite my anger I knew she was right I couldn't lose everything over this I left but not before yelling
one final threat at Doug driving away I tried to suppress the tears I was exhausted tired of hoping tired of praying for a miracle Clare wanted Doug not me as I sped through a stop sign I Nearly hit a mother and child the close call shook me to my core I pulled over realizing I wasn't in the right State of Mind to drive it was time to accept the truth my marriage was over there was no saving it I took out Terry's card the lawyer who had offered me two options peaceful or aggressive I called
his office and asked for the Marine Frank what happened Terry asked she called out Doug's name while I was touching her I said my voice filled with humiliation Listen Frank you need to take a step back go to a hotel clear your head Now isn't the time to make decisions he advised I hesitated feeling the weight of his words he reminded me that decisions made in Anger are often regretted Terry was right I cared about what happened next I needed to think clearly before making any moves I started calming down realizing Terry was right the
last thing I wanted was to turn this into a war especially with my Kids caught in the middle despite everything I still loved my girls and didn't want to make things worse for them but I still wanted Clare and Doug to face consequences for what they did what do I do Terry I'm falling apart here my heart shattered and they're acting like I'm the bad guy what do I do I slumped over the steering wheel overwhelmed by the chaos in my life for someone used to being in control this was the worst feeling Terry's voice
Broke through my thoughts I'm going to do something unconventional I'm texting you an address meet me there you need a drink I'm not sure Terry this isn't Up For Debate I'll be there in 15 minutes he hung up leaving no room for argument minutes later I got a message Mario's gentleman Lounge a strip club my life's falling apart and he thinks a lap dance will help inside the club a glittery woman with a seductive voice greeted me her minimal outfit and Flawless Beauty my attention despite my mood I'm here to meet Terry I stammered you're
Frank I'm Starlet Terry told me to bring you to him she led me to the VIP section her hips swaying as I followed Terry greeted me with a drink surrounded by beautiful women unlike the chaotic downstairs the VIP area was calm with soft lighting and jazz music Starlet took my hand and led me to a secluded corner where she straddled me her touch sending Shivers through me This your first lap dance she asked softly her eyes locked on mine yeah that obvious I replied trying to relax she laughed I haven't even started yet sweetie as
the music played I let myself get lost in the moment for a while my worries faded Terry's plan to clear my head was working after an hour Terry cleared the room and got serious now that your mind's clear let's talk think about what you want when all this is over what can you live with I took a sip Of warm beer considering his words I just want what's fair but most of all I want to protect my kids Terry nodded and handed me a card call Mike tomorrow I'll let him know to expect you as
Terry prepared to leave I asked do you miss your ex Terry do you wish things had worked out he paused a sad look Crossing his face every day he then shared his own regrets admitting he cheated on his wife and destroyed their marriage she's better off now married to a school Teacher I'm a lawyer with money but she's happier with him Terry shook off his memories and mentioned the Starlet offered more than just lap dances hinting at her other services have you I asked trying to wrap my head around it not for money he replied
with a grin but we've had our moments she's great at relieving stress Terry's words hung in the air as I processed everything I wasn't sure what to make of it but one thing was clear I needed to move forward I have to admit after hearing what Terry said about Starlet I saw her differently I knew she was a dancer but I didn't expect her to also be a promiscuous I thought there was some kind of connection between us chemistry maybe not that I was thinking of anything serious but it felt like there were Sparks the
flirting handholding the way she looked at me it seemed like it meant something but maybe I was just projecting after all flirting is part of Her job right the idea of being with Starlet was tempting she was gorgeous and I hadn't been with anyone in a while but paying for it that felt wrong especially with everything else going on so when Terry asked if I wanted her to come up I declined nah I need to head out thanks for caling me down Terry I appreciate it anytime Frank good luck the next morning Doug walked into
his office and nearly lost it when he saw me sitting in his chair what the morning Doug I said overly cheerful Frank how did you get in here you've got 10 seconds before I call security he said grabbing his phone put the phone down Doug I just want to talk you owe me that much he hesitated I don't want any trouble Frank if you want to talk fine but this is my job don't mess that up for me I wanted to knock him but I knew that wouldn't help I needed answers and violence wouldn't get
me any you've got a lot of nerve talking about not making Trouble after what you did at least he looked a little ashamed I'm sorry Frank I really am it's been eating at me I struggle to stay calm eating at you you're sorry what exactly are you sorry for Doug for stabbing me in the back ruining my marriage breaking up my family 133 years of friendship down the drain what part of that are you sorry for he tried to explain but his apologies sounded Hollow Frank I know I betrayed you I regret it but but
what You were never there for her she needed you and you weren't there I stood up and got in his face he didn't back down is that what you tell yourself to sleep at night that I had this coming because I was working hard to support my family Doug kept pushing you didn't want a family Frank you could have made time for her but you didn't his self-right ious attitude infuriated me you think you know what it takes to be a husband because you whispered sweet things to my Wife you know nothing you think because
you've been with her for a few months you understand what it means to be a part of this family I challenged him with personal questions about my daughters questions he couldn't answer you don't even know my girls Doug you only know what happens in bed with Claire but marriage is about everything after that Doug tried to respond but his voice lacked the confidence it had before Frank I save it Doug if you could Betray me after 13 years of friendship how do you think you'll manage a marriage you don't understand what it means to protect
a family as I walked out Doug said I love her Frank whether you believe it or not I love her I stopped and shook my head I don't ever want to see you again Doug this is your only warning one day you'll answer for this maybe not today or tomorrow but it'll happen then I left him at least for now as months passed The divorce process gained momentum CLA had found a decent lawyer which brought some relief we both continued living in the house with me using my office as a permanent sleeping space we reached
a truce of sorts while the pain and anger lingered they became more of a dull ache occasionally something would trigger a flare up like overhearing her giggling on the phone or seeing a gift I didn't give her but those moments became less frequent we interacted when necessary Mainly for the girls keeping up appearances for their sake we were friendly on the surface but closeness was off limits it was the best possible outcome in a bad situation I know it's cliche for a divorced man to throw himself into work but for me it wasn't much different
I just didn't feel guilty about it anymore I hadn't heard from Doug since our confrontation and a part of me missed the camaraderie we had making friends wasn't easy for me and Now I had no one but work Claire meanwhile seemed to be moving on I suspected she was still seeing Doug though I didn't ask she'd go out with flimsy excuses and while she wasn't trying to hide it she also wasn't rubbing it in my face I appreciated that but it didn't ease the lingering anger and jealousy she had the chance to move on and
I was stuck alone it burned life probably would have continued like this until the divorce was final but one Evening Stacy came into my office daddy Mrs Benson needs the money for my cheerleading uniform tomorrow mommy forgot to give it to me I vaguely remembered CLA mentioning cheerleading but I hadn't realized it had progressed this far when I asked how much it was Stacy proudly announced $98.99 I almost choked after she left I was hit with a wave of guilt I didn't even know she was in cheerleading what kind of father was I that thought
Haunted me I realized that Claire had likely been covering for me making excuses to the girls about my absence but I wasn't a soldier away on duty I was here just choosing work over them the truth was I enjoyed work more than I enjoyed being at home I'd always Justified it as working for them but I couldn't keep lying to myself I didn't have to work 80 hours a week I did it because I wanted to facing this truth was hard I realized I'd been hiding Behind work avoiding the responsibilities of being a father and
husband I closed my laptop and decided to change that girls who wants pizza and ice cream I called out and their joyful screams were music to my ears later as we sat in a restaurant with half-eaten pizza and empty ice cream bowls I got a panicked text from Claire emergency call me immediately the girls are gone I thought you were staying home with them please get home so we can find them I Quickly replied letting her know they were with me thank God she responded then another message came through you took the girls out I
didn't reply my daughters were too busy serenading me with Let It Go from Frozen and I recorded the moment as the whole restaurant cheered them on for the first time in a long time I felt connected to my girls what my daughters did next completely floored me instead of getting embarrassed when they realized they had An audience Stacy stood up and took a bow soon joined by Kelly they bowed and blew kisses as if they had just finished a Broadway performance it was both hilarious and heartwarming watching them I realized how much I had missed
over the years while I was busy with work if I hadn't taken them out tonight I would have missed this this Precious Moment too I didn't want to look back years from now and regret not having memories like this when my girls bring home Boyfriends or fian I want to embarrass them with stories like tonight after the excitement died down I paid the bill and we headed home as we got in the car Stacy said thank you for the ice cream Daddy I like it when you take us out you're welcome sweet pee thanks for
the song I replied you're the best daddy ever she giggled before both girls quickly fell asleep I drove home in silence reflecting on her words kids rarely see their parents flaws when They're young even when they neglected when we arrived I texted CLA in driveway girls asleep need help she soon came out and we carried our daughters to their rooms afterward we met in the hallway so you stopped working long enough to take them out I bet they loved that what did you guys do she asked surprised we had pizza and ice cream and then
they sang for me you should have seen them Claire they were amazing the whole restaurant cheered them on they even Took a bow I laughed showing her the video we shared a moment but it felt strange being that close to her after everything she stepped back clearly feeling it too I'm glad you spent time with them you should do that more often she said her voice trailing off yeah I know tonight was a wakeup call I don't want to miss out on their childhood I've already lost you I don't want to lose them too she
looked at me strangely trying to gauge if I was sincere after a Pause she said no matter what you do they'll always love you that's how kids are too bad adults aren't like that I muttered unintentionally loud enough for her to hear regret crossed her face and she said Frank don't start I felt the urge to apologize but held back why apologize for the truth instead I asked was I really that bad CLA bad enough for you to stop loving me of course I feel bad every time I think about the plans we had the
memories we're going to have To tell the girls soon and it'll break their hearts and it was my decision that set all of this in motion so why did you do it I asked seeing Tears In Her Eyes I was lonely Frank I had everything nice clothes a fancy car but I was miserable I just wanted some time with you small signs that I mattered but you always made time for everything else and Doug gives you that she nodded yes he makes me feel wanted He texts sends flowers likes being around me is that what
you wanted to hear it wasn't but I needed to know well soon you two can be together and ride off into the sunset I said bitterly don't do this Frank what's done is done talking like this will only cause more pain I couldn't help but laugh at the irony you set us on this road CLA now you want to avoid the pain her expression hardened in case you forgot you neglected me First I snapped I'm so tired of that excuse you cheated on me with my best friend does anything I did justify that she had
no answer and her silence spoke volumes I pressed on tonight made me realize how I contributed to this mess but you didn't try to fix it Claire did you ever suggest counseling did you do anything to save our marriage I came to you and you ignored me so your next step was to cheat if you cared about this marriage why didn't you try harder Instead you gave up and found someone else she started crying I couldn't do it anymore I was drained I'm tired too CLA I'm going to bed with that I went to my
office and closed the door a few weeks later the divorce papers arrived it was official my marriage was over the divorce itself was relatively amicable though that didn't make it any less painful the material assets were split fairly with Claire getting the house since she had primary custody of the Kids I agreed to child support but paying spousal support to the woman who broke up our family felt like a slap in the face still it could have been worse thanks to my lawyer I avoided losing even more financially I was okay but emotionally I felt
like I had taken on the heavier burden Clare may have walked away with the house but I was left with the weight of it all as I thought about my girls I questioned the wisdom of keeping the truth from them why had we Chosen to pretend everything was fine instead of gradually preparing them we'd be blind sighting them with the reality of our situation I can't claim that our secrecy was out of Love It Was Fear I was done hiding behind excuses pretending my bad decisions were made to protect others in reality I was just
a coward CLA likely had similar reasons but I couldn't let her self- rationalization dictate my actions anymore my dad used to say tomorrow's Man is made by today's choices back then I didn't grasp the meaning but now it was my guiding principle the man I am today is a result of prioritizing work over my family yesterday if I don't like that man I need to change him today I wanted to be a good dad and successful at work why couldn't I have both it was time to rebalance my life no more choosing work over my
daughters so I did what I do best I made a plan I realized that if balance was my problem there was An equation to solve it with 168 hours in a week I had been spending 80 at work leaving leaving only 88 for everything else including sleep no wonder I'd been failing as a father I needed to allocate my time better I owed it to my daughters to be worthy of their love as I reflected I heard Claire crying in the room we once shared she was lying on the bed sobbing the divorce paper nearby
seeing her finally Express emotion over our failed marriage didn't hit me as Hard as it once would have I've been dealing with the end for a while ever since she called out Doug's name in bed now reality was catching up with her too I quietly closed the door and let her have her moment things were about to get harder we still had to tell the girls needing a distraction my mind drifted to Starlet the woman from the club despite Terry's claims about her I felt a connection with her so I drove to Mario's gentleman's Lounge
where I was Greeted by a young woman I asked if Starlet was there and she went to find her when Starlet arrived she didn't seem to recognize me which was disappointing but expected I told her I'd come in a few months ago and she made me feel better with her dances she smiled and offered me another dance leading me to a private area as she held my hand I realized how much I craved that connection again upstairs in the champagne room she asked what I wanted I Was honest I wasn't sure she straddled me whispering
in my ear asking if I wanted more than a lap dance when I admitted I wanted her she smiled and made her terms clear a room a ride after work and $300 it was a moment of decision and I had to choose what came next that's exactly what happened I booked a room by the beach with a balcony overlooking the ocean it was peak season so it cost $350 a night I didn't want it to be too flashy but Still nice enough to avoid seeming cheap she came out of the club around 2:30 spotting me
by my car as she walked over I noticed she looked different still zxy but more real gone was the exaggerated makeup replaced by glasses and a simple ponytail hey Frank I almost didn't expect you to show up she said with a smile that seemed a little off I opened the car door for her and once I got in she gently touched my hand do you have something for me I handed her an Envelope with the money which she quickly tucked away as we drove off she complimented my car and asked about my job I told
her I was an engineer and had designed the engine in the car she seemed impressed but when she mentioned how good I was at my job it made me think of the sacrifices I'd made to get there sensing the change in mood she asked if she'd said something wrong I brushed it off and we sat in silence for a bit when I asked if she was hungry she Declined preferring to get straight to business her words felt cold like this was just a transaction which of course it was when we got to the room she
shifted into her seductive Persona asking what I wanted to do but now I saw through the act it wasn't her it was just a performance the fantasy had shattered and I wasn't interested anymore as she tried to initiate I stopped her confused she asked what I wanted but I just wanted to talk Frustrated she eventually demanded I take her back to the club she saw Right Through Me realizing I was looking for a girlfriend experience not just Zach when she mentioned my wife the tears I'd been holding back finally flowed she softened realizing what was
really going on after I broke down she comforted me and we sat in silence for a while when I was done crying she apologized but made it clear she couldn't give me what I wanted only Z not emotional connection I understood And didn't push it as she prepared to leave she tried to return the money but I insisted she keep it despite no Z she had helped me that night in a way I didn't expect as we drove back to the club she suddenly suggested we grab a bite at IHOP I agreed joking about unlimited
Pancakes on the way I asked her real name after a pause she revealed it was Cassandra or Sandra for short we shared a light-hearted moment and as I caught a glimpse of her smiling in the Car window I realized it really was nice to meet her I watched in amazement as Sandra devoured every bite of her food pancakes eggs bacon all gone she must have noticed my gaze because she looked up with an irritated expression what she asked her mouth full of food nothing you just eat like a starving person I was about to give
you a dollar and ask you to wash my windshield she smirked or at least tried to considering her mouth was full after swallowing she replied oh so You're funny now weren't you just balling like a little girl an hour ago something must have Shone on my face because her expression softened Frank I'm sorry I was just joking I didn't mean I waved it off it's fine you're not wrong I'm just dealing with a lot she nodded taking a sip of her orange juice an awkward silence followed do you want to talk about it I might
be a dancer and promiscuous but I'm also a good listener she she offered with a self-deprecating Laugh for a moment I glimpsed a vulnerable side of her but it vanished quickly despite everything I felt comfortable around her like I understood her even though most of our interaction was superficial there was a connection it's a long boring story trust me you don't want to hear it she smiled warmly you paid me $300 and bought me breakfast I'm pretty sure Zex is off the table so think of this as getting your money's worth we both laughed at
that and then I Found myself telling her everything from the night Claire revealed she was unhappy to the night I met Sandra she listened without interrupting when I finished she broke the Silence with if you don't mind me saying your ex-wife is a real witch surprisingly it felt good to hear someone take my side for once she continued I get her frustrations but to sleep with your best friend that's low no one gives you a reason to fight for something you do it because losing It is worse than the struggle that's the difference between love
and everything else love is its own reason to fight I was amazed by her Insight she noticed and laughed what a dancer can't be deep I laughed too I guess you know more about life than most people her expression darkened more than normal people what's that supposed to mean you think I'm damaged because I'm a dancer I quickly clarified no I just meant you've probably encountered all kinds of people With their stories you knew exactly what I was after when I walked into that club which means you've seen others like me whatever she muttered looking
down at the menu after a pause her mood lightened again she looked up at me with a playful glint in her eye would you let me get a slice of apple pie if I blow you I noticed how easily she switched personas Sandra had built walls around herself using different identities to keep people at a distance but I saw Through that and found her intriguing enough to try and get to know her better have you ever been in love I asked she stiffened and her face clouded with a sadness she couldn't hide her reaction was
enough to answer my question clearly she had been hurt before I wanted to know more about her past but she changed the subject Frank it's late I need to get home and sleep 5:00 a.m. is way past my bedtime she said redirecting the conversation I hadn't realized how late It was wow it's 5 already I checked my watch time had flown by yep time flies when you're with me I have that effect she teased frustrating is more like it we spent all night talking about me and I still don't know anything about you for a
moment her guard dropped her eyes softened and she replied it would cost you a lot more than $300 to learn about me what about $300 in breakfast I joked she laughed a real genuine laugh Frank we need to go I need sleep some of us Have to work for a living she said sliding out of the booth and grabbing her purse signaling that our conversation was over um I do work a lot that's the main reason my wife left me well when you do your job in 6-in heels and a lingerie we'll compare notes she
quipped making us both laugh the waitress brought the check and after paying and tipping we left the drive back to the club was quick and soon we were parked by her car Well Frank it's been a while since a man has lasted all night with me you've got some stamina she joked falling back on her usual playful banter but I wasn't going to let her dismiss the night with humor Sandra you helped me tonight I don't let many people in but I'm glad I let you in thank you for the first time her guard completely
dropped she genuinely looked into my eyes and said Anytime Frank I hope everything works out for you you're a good guy you Deserve better she kissed me softly on the lips a gentle friendly kiss then got into her car and drove off I headed back to my hotel deciding to extend my stay for another night as I slept I felt a sense of relief I hadn't experienced in a long time the pain was still there but it was starting to ease about a week later back at my house Claire knocked on my office door sounding
apprehensive after my nights in the hotel I felt clearer like I'd turned To corner I found it amusing that Claire seemed concerned about where I had been as if I owed her an explanation of course I reassured her that nothing happened but honestly I didn't care what she thought anymore I started preparing to leave my home renting a storage unit and moving some of my belongings there I also began searching for a new place to stay considering a condo near work or a town house close to CLA and the girls it felt like I was
finally nearing the end Of this ordeal until tonight what is it CLA I asked flatly not really wanting to deal with her despite my tone she took my acknowledgement as an invitation and walked into my office when I turned to face her it was clear she had been crying her face was puffy with dried tear stains I just wanted to check on you see how you were doing how sweet I replied sarcastically the truth was I was furious with her tonight we had broken the news to the girls about our Divorce telling a five and
8-year-old that their parents were splitting up was heartbreaking and I had to be the one to shatter their world Claire's unhappiness felt insignificant compared to the pain I had to put my daughters through so yeah I'm just peachy thanks for asking Frank what Claire what do you want from me I snapped tossing the pen I was holding onto the desk it skitted off the edge with more Force than I intended you wanted freedom I gave you that you Wanted half of everything except what you didn't know about I gave you that alimony child support our
kids I gave you everything what more do you want from me I just wanted to talk I laughed bitterly talk now you want to talk too late I had to break our daughter's Hearts today tell them that Mommy and Daddy can't get their act together because Mommy slept with Daddy's best friend so no I don't have any sympathy left for you if you need comfort find Someone who doesn't care that you destroyed our family maybe your boyfriend she looks shocked do you have to be like this now Of All Times can't you just be human
I was there too I know you're hurting Frank and so am I who cares if you're hurting I shot back you made this mess and we're all suffering because of it go find Doug spread your legs and let him comfort you he was so helpful when you needed to move on from me I'm sure he can help you forget the Pain you've caused our daughters we both put them through this Frank we both played a part oh yeah I worked too hard and you slept with my best friend totally equal I couldn't stomach her excuse
you're delusional if you think I'm going to accept that I was lonely excuse you're such an a-hole she snapped before storming out of my office at least I'm not a cheater I yelled after her she didn't respond but I knew she heard me was I being child ish sure did It feel good not really it was just a way to vent my frustration the pain of looking into my kids eyes and breaking their hearts is a kind of Agony that few things can compare to that night with Sandra had helped me take a step forward
but tonight I took a giant leap backward the next day at work I was summoned to another meeting with the higher ups I groaned when Sarah my assistant delivered the news we had just had a meeting not long ago what could they Want now calm down Mr Underwood you know how they are a bunch of pencil pushers don't let them see your frustration Sarah advised what more could they want I just gave them a progress report can't they just let me do my job she hesitated then leaned in I don't think this is about the
engine I was intrigued Sarah always seemed to know things before I did what's it about she smiled slightly your old friend Mr Stamper Doug she nodded knowingly I wondered how much she Knew about my situation she was aware of my divorce because she had referred me to Terry but I hadn't shared details yet now she spoke to me like we were on the same side against Doug how did she know so much why would they be meeting with me about him I asked she lowered her voice I heard he stole some company Secrets when he
left they might be planning to sue him or something hearing that Doug might be in trouble actually brightened my day a bit Still I couldn't believe he would be that foolish why involve me I asked she Shrugged but looked like she wanted to say more when someone approached from behind me excuse me I'm looking for Frank Underwood a young man's voice said I'm Frank how can I help you he introduced himself as Jason Morrison from the security company contracted to upgrade our system he needed access to passwords security logs and other information and Would be
around for about a week I sighed look Jason I'm swamped my assistant Sarah can help you with whatever you need Sarah didn't seem to mind at all and I left them to it as I walked away I almost laughed to myself watching Sarah's infatuation with Jason reminded me of how things started with CLA love begins with infatuation all excitement and butterflies until it all goes downhill I was brought into the Boardroom and it was clear this meeting wasn't just a progress report along with the usual company heads ter and a few other lawyers were present
adding to the tension good morning Mr Underwood I'm Terrence Ross we have a few questions about a former associate of yours Mr Douglas Stamper you worked together for years and became good friends correct Terry knew I remembered Doug I had already told him everything but he was doing his job making things clear for Everyone present including the stenographer typing away yes I remember him we worked together and we friends but I haven't spoken to him in months what's this about I expect Ed Terry to mention Doug's involvement in my divorce but he kept the issues
separate do you recognize this he asked sliding a paper over to me it was a schematic and my heart sank I knew this drawing it was the propulsion System schematic Doug and I had stolen from another intern Donald This was bad news I think I've seen this before but I'm not sure why are you asking me this I replied nervously feeling the weight of past mistakes catching up to me we believe Mr Stamper developed this while working here using company resources he recently patented it and his company plans to launch it soon if he created
it here we could claim it as ours wait Doug developed this I asked stunned Doug didn't come up with the design Donald did we stole it To prevent Donald from outshining us but I thought Doug had returned it after we got hired apparently he didn't now I faced a moral dilemma should I expose Doug for stealing the design I thought about how he betrayed me and the choice became easier my conscience would be fine I recognized this schematic Mr Ross but Doug didn't create it he stole it from another intern the room fell silent no
one not even Terry expected that so Mr Stamper stole this design and passed it off as his own one of the company heads asked Terry eyed me cautiously yes that's exactly what happened I confirmed the stenographer fingers flew across the keyboard who was this intern someone asked his name was Donald I don't remember his last name did you witness Mr Stamper stealing the schematic Terry asked his tone urging caution yes I saw him do it I replied Terry winced slightly but continued taking notes Terry summarized you Mr Stamper and the intern went out for drinks
got inebriated and then Mr Stamper stole the schematic from the intern's laptop is that correct yes I confirmed though I carefully distanced myself from the laptop destruction and theft I admitted I knew about Doug's plan but claimed I had warned him against against it the heads seemed satisfied and even Terry looked convinced thank you for your honesty Mr Underwood we'll contact Donald to verify your story and decide our next steps we appreciate your willingness to testify against a former friend one of the heads said with a hint of sarcasm to which Terry responded with a
smirk I returned his look with an innocent expression if we can challenge the patent and get it revoked we could claim the design we need to find Donald immediately another head said clearly excited by the potential he might have emailed the design to Himself using his company email I suggested they nodded discussing their next move Frank could this design help solve our current engine issues someone asked maybe if we bring Donald on board I'm sure he could contribute more ideas I replied noticing the satisfied Smiles around the table in the end I helped the company
while delivering Justice to Doug after all who wouldn't enjoy putting a backstabbing former friend in his place about a week passed before I heard Anything more about the situation by then I had decided to bid on the townhouse near my daughters I realized that living closer to them would help me stay focused on what truly mattered moving to the condo near my job might lead me to overwork and lose sight of my priorities passing by my old house daily would remind me to prioritize my girls I was at an amusement park with my daughters when
Doug called my girls were busy indulging in snacks so I stepped Away to answer knowing this conversation likely wouldn't be kidf friendly what do you want Doug I asked curtly you backstabber I know you ratted me out about the schematic his anger amused me Doug you sound upset is there a problem I replied enjoying the opportunity to rub it in he accused me of being an a-hole but I remained calm recognizing his desperation hello pot I said reminding him of his own betrayal Doug tried to defend himself but I dismissed His arguments you're the one
who tried to pass off stolen and work as your own maybe if you'd focused more on your job instead of seducing my wife you wouldn't be in this mess he then tried pleading with me asking for Mercy Frank please this is my livelihood you're not like me don't let my actions change who you are his graveling was almost too good to be true I decided to toy with him okay I'll help you but you have to stop seeing Claire he was stunned after a long pause He reluctantly agreed saying you win but I wasn't planning
to help him at all you really thought I'd help you have a nice life Doug I said before ending the call with a smile weeks passed filled with work time with my kids and the ongoing battle to close on the townhouse I was in a bidding war with a young couple but I was determined to win for the sake of my daughters the townhouse symbolized my commitment to them one evening while eating a meal Claire had prepared she Came into my office despite our divorce she still cooked for me which I found surprising Frank can
we talk she asked struggling to find the right words she eventually broke down in tears apologizing for everything I'm sorry for what I did with Doug I was so unhappy and I just wanted to feel better I made a mistake she confessed that what started as a fling turned into something more complicated when Doug said he loved her I listened Nodding as she admitted that she had fallen for him too crying as she spoke I processed CL words noticing more how they didn't affect me than what she actually said months ago her confession would have
devastated me but now the pain just wasn't there she admitted that realizing she loved Doug made her unhappiness with me grow yet she still loved me she hadn't planned to leave me when she confessed her affair she had wanted to work on our marriage but ended Up going along with the breakup when things got Twisted I found it hard to believe you say you didn't plan on leaving but I asked if you wanted to stay and you didn't fight for us I replied she sniffled I know I would have fought for the marriage for the
kids sake if you had but I was also okay with it ending I thought about our past conversations maybe it could have been different but we'd never know now you Didn't say that back then who knows if it would have changed anything especially after you slept with my best friend she nodded wiping her nose I know I'm sorry for everything you didn't deserve that I regret my choices I should have come to you before cheating with Doug suggested counseling or something I owed it to our marriage and the kids to try I appreciate that it
means a lot I said and it did she finally seemed to understand the depth Of her betrayal she couldn't undo what she did but acknowledging it was all I could ask for curious I asked what made you change your mind when I first read the divorce papers I realized it was my doing telling the girls made it worse I just knew I had to own up to my mistakes to move on she explained I nodded I've been there too realizing how much I neglected you and the girls through her tears she smiled you've been trying
hard and the girls love the extra attention You're a great dad even when you were busy well you were a good mom even though you cheated we may have been lousy spouses but our girls are proof we didn't completely fail I joked we laughed and then she pulled me into a hug that's when I started to truly forgive her the anger and hurt were gone replaced by a sense of nostalgic regret for what we once had now she was simply the mother of my children someone I would always care about later at work Sarah greeted
me with an extra bright smile I couldn't help but ask what's got you glowing today she beamed oh just went out on a date with Jason the security upgrade guy I was surprised but happy for her she shared all the details and it was clear she was smitten I'm happy for you Sarah you deserve it I told her sincerely she then offered her sympathy for my situation with Doug I knew about it but didn't bring it up because I figured you didn't want to Talk about it I appreciated her discretion and made a mental note
to one day ask how she always seemed to know everything the day flew by with work and before I knew it it was 8:00 p.m. time to head home and see my girls as I walked to my car I felt someone behind me suddenly I was tackled to the ground and Doug was on top of me punching and shouting about how I'd ruined his life his punches weren't Landing well but his anger was clear I managed to push him Off and stand up Doug was breathing heavily rage in his eyes Donald is suing me and
your company is giving him a job they're taking the design from me and it's all your fault he lunged at me again we weren't Fighters just two middle-aged Engineers with pent up anger we ended up brawling like kids each punch fueled by betrayal and regret trying to make the other feel the same pain we did the fight between Doug and me lasted maybe 5 minutes tops we were So out of breath you'd think we were reenacting a battle scene from Troy security soon pulled us apart Doug was Furious and it took one guard practically pinning
him down to calm him the guard holding me back seeing I was calmer warned me to stay put before going to help his partner with Doug did I feel better a little violence doesn't solve everything but sometimes it feels satisfying civility doesn't always work just ask history and sometimes punching Someone just feels good if it didn't action movies wouldn't be so popular ER my face hurt and my right hand was probably swelling but I felt like I needed that release watching Doug get restrained while he cursed at me only added to my amusement the more
irrational he got the funnier it became he only stopped when the guards threatened to arrest him they told him if he returned he'd be charged with trespassing funny how life works not too Long ago I was the one nearly arrested for confronting Doug at his home now the tables had turned a month later I won another battle this time the bidding war for the townhouse near my girls I paid $110,000 over the asking price but it was worth it it wasn't as big as the house I shared with Claire but it was perfect for me
it had a decent backyard a nice park down the street and a bike trail leading to the beach moving day was bittersweet excited for a fresh Start yet nervous about the future luckily Terry was there to help a reminder that I wasn't the worst husband in the world he may have played a bigger role in his Mar's downfall but that made him more relatable as we loaded the last box CLA teared up so this is it she said softly yep I'm finally out of your hair a tear rolled down her cheek yay she joked weakly
For a Moment I Saw the CLA I married years ago but life had changed us the people we once were no longer Existed now we were older wiser versions of ourselves ready to part ways you know Claire I never apologized OLED for neglecting you all those years you deserved better I admitted tears flowed freely as she hugged me crying on my shoulder well at least you won't have to worry about the toilet seat anymore I joked to lighten the mood she laughed weakly as we let go as I got into the moving truck she hesitated
before saying Frank you can't cook worth a damn if You're ever hungry feel free to come over for dinner it would be good for the girls I hesitated then replied I don't think that's a good idea a especially if Doug's around oh you don't have to worry about Doug we're not seeing each other anymore that was news I wasn't upset to hear it what happened if you don't mind me asking Doug and I were doomed from the start his anger toward you and everything else just made it worse I can't have that negativity around the
Girls I thought about telling her that Doug had chosen his job over her when I gave him the ultimatum but she didn't need that right now instead I hugged her one last time and got into the truck as I drove away Clare waved goodbye and I headed to my new home after moving in Terry and I decided to grab a beer want to go to mari's he asked thinking of mari's made me think of Sandra I hadn't seen her since that night at IHOP I thought of her often nah let's hit a Sports bar I
replied the truth was I couldn't face seeing Sandra in her Starlet Persona again the real connection I had made with her wasn't at the club but during that late night Conversation Over pancakes and through her comforting me when when I was at my lowest the real Sandra was a complex caring person who hid behind a tough exterior a heart that had been hurt too many times but still couldn't help caring later that night I found myself Standing in the parking lot outside Mario's when I heard starlet's voice call out James if that's You by my
car you better walk away if I have to call Bruno it won't end well I quickly raised my hands and surrender Sandra it's me I'm sorry for scaring you Frank yeah she relaxed and wed over to me what are you doing lurking around my car it was late around 2 a.m. but the street lights and Mario's neon sign gave enough light to see her face I didn't know how else to See you who's James I thought I saw a hint of a smile before her serious expression returned no unimportant why didn't you just come inside
I nervously shoved my hands into my pockets I didn't want to see Starlet I wanted to see you Frank no Sandra just listen I feel something for you I don't know what it is but it's something you were there for me when I needed you Frank I know what you're going to say you don't do the girlfriend thing you're not built for it But those are just excuses and you know it she didn't respond just brushed past me and started getting into her car so you're just going to walk away I asked she turned and
glared at me yes because I know how this ends what do you see for us romantic dates and love in the Moonlight then what I go to work giving lap dance and getting groped then crawl into bed with you like everything's normal are you going to introduce me to your parents your kids tell them how we Met I've been down this road Frank it doesn't end well for me she got into her car but before she could back out I jumped in front of it get out of the way Frank she shouted I stood firm
until she angrily got out Sandra I don't have all the answers but I feel something for you and I think you feel it too we don't have to date we can just be friends I just want to get to know you she crossed her arms and looked away thinking I stayed silent knowing I'd said enough God you're annoying she finally muttered so is that a yes I asked cautiously she didn't reply but handed me her phone put your number in before I change my mind really yes hurry up I smiled entering my number her demeanor
had softened the anger fading she stood with her hand on her hip but the irit a was gone you promis to call I asked as she took her phone back stop being a little girl I'll call now move before I run you over she said heading back to her car I stepped Aside and as she backed up she paused she gave me a look not quite a smile but something softer it wasn't Starlet or the cold exterior it was Sandra then she looked away and drove off into the night [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
