A Furious Woman Stormed Into My House, Played a Video of My Wife’s Affair, and Said, ‘We Need Teach

Today's tale revolves around a wife who decided to leave her husband for her lover but the unexpected happens my 18-year-old daughter and I stood together watching as my 25-year-old wife and boss Chastity loaded the last of her suitcases into the trunk of his car he had come to pick her up that Sunday morning because they had a meeting in New York on Monday their flight was scheduled for that evening so they could Arrive on time and be well prepared for the first of many meetings with the opposing party before mediation began after 25 years of

marriage Chastity remained a very attractive woman standing at 5' 5 in she had gained a few pounds over the years but still maintained a slim figure her black hair framed her emerald green eyes and her curves remained in all the right places just 2 months ago she had celebrated her 44th birthday chastity was a woman who Embraced comfort and contentment in her life we had gotten married right after high school while I worked hard to pay for her University education I simultaneously pursued my studies online the years had been kind to her and even after

childbirth her appearance hadn't changed much when she graduated from law school we moved back to our hometown to be closer to our families by then we already had two children in her first year of practicing law our youngest Julie was born now as I watched her I couldn't help but feel conflicted standing there I was filled with irritation especially when I noticed the smug smirk on Michael's face her boss the man helping her load her suitcases his self-satisfied expression told me he thought he had outsmarted me and it enraged me from the look in his

eyes it was clear here he saw himself as the winner of some unspoken competition my fists clenched involuntarily and I Was just two steps away from lunging at him I desperately wanted to say something to confront him but I bit my tongue he wasn't worth it and honestly neither was she not anymore Chastity had explained the trip to us multiple times emphasizing it was purely professional according to her this was their last chance to settle a major civil casee before taking it to court she had been so focused on her plans that she hadn't picked

up on the subtle clues in my Words the ones that suggested I knew there was more to this trip than she was letting on the truth I did know a little bird had told me a woman named Louise whom I'd never met had contacted me she had found my number and called me at work claiming to be Michael's wife she warned me about what was truly going on she explained that St Louis was just the first stop and New York would follow that evening while their official meeting with the opposing legal team was Scheduled for

9:00 a.m. the next morning Louise made it clear that their plans weren't purely professional we had offered to drive Chastity to the airport to see her off but she declined she insisted that Michael's car was already parked at the airport and that this Arrangement was more convenient it was infuriating especially because they refused to tell us when they would return physically Michael and I weren't all that different he was only about 2 In taller than me and 6 years younger he wasn't in better shape either but I couldn't deny that he was a good-looking man

the kind of guy who radiated confidence that only made him more infuriating if it came to a fight it would have been an even match but I wasn't willing to to his level sensing my Rising anger my daughter Julie stepped in front of me she knew what I was thinking and acted quickly blocking my path every time I moved so did she Positioning herself to prevent me from confronting him she was smart too smart to let me make a fool of myself her actions weren't just protecting me from him they were protecting me from becoming

someone I didn't want to be we stood on on the porch and waved goodbye as they drove off there was no doubt in my mind that Chastity was looking forward to Wild Nights with her new lover Michael in the big city their bright future however wouldn't be as Perfect as she envisioned Chastity had joined the firm 6 years ago and two years ago she had been promoted to associate partner that promotion marked a turning point in our lives and not for the better the power and Prestige of her new position seemed to have gone to

her head unknown to Chastity Louise had provided me with detailed accounts of Michael's Behavior she described his history of having affairs with women who worked under him claiming this would be The last time he'd do it to her Louise had set a trap and she wanted me to be aware of everything once their car disappeared down the street Julie and I went back inside do you think Mom has any idea what we know about her plans dad Julie asked that Michael is just adding another notch to his belt with her probably not I replied your

mother has always struggled to see beyond the smoke and mirrors even with her sharp legal mind she ignores the warning signs If she's heard rumors about Michael's past she's dismissed them as Idle gossip she never takes those kinds of things seriously Julie nodded listening intently as I continued rumors may not always be entirely true but they almost always start with a kernel of truth unfortunately your mother has always chosen to see the world through rose-colored glasses and now she's willingly walking into this relationship Because she thinks she won't get caught for her it's out of

sight out of mind this is just an exciting Escape from the monotony of our daily lives for Chastity when she realizes she has simply become another one of the many women Michael has used it will be devastating the reality of what she has done will hit even harder my daughter looked at me seriously before asking why do you say that if you think that why didn't you try to stop it you know your mother as Well as I do I replied if I told her not to have an affair she would deny it outright she'd

accuse me of being jealous immature and childishly naive the discussion would spiral downhill into a big argument that wouldn't lead anywhere she would have left for the trip angry at me and would have gone ahead with her plans regardless she had already made up her mind nothing we said or did would have changed it does his wife know what's going to happen Julie Asked yes and so does her father I said they already have the paperwork prepared to file once they catch them this isn't the first time he's done something like this Louise has the

names of other women he's taken as his Mistresses her children are old enough now for her to manage their needs without him so she decided to tear down the facade of their marriage Michael will be served divorce papers for adultery and your mom will be served for interference with marriage Will you forgive mom Julie asked her face filled with worry not this time I said firmly I already forgave her once and that was hard enough but this is different she won't be forgiven again it's time to settle the score and move on the moment she

left divorce was already on the agenda she had her chance and she blew it I would remember the look on my daughter's face for the rest of my life neither She nor the other kids ever knew about the first time her Mother cheated it must have been a shock for her to find out now dad you'd better explain that comment Julie said frowning because it just doesn't make sense Julie I said lowering my voice you're the youngest so what I'm about to tell you stays between us the last time this happened was before your mother

found out she was pregnant with you it continued until she started showing if you had been his child I would have left her then and there luckily the blood Test confirmed that you were mine the look of shock on my 18-year-old daughter's face was priceless this was a family secret known only to three people for the sake of the family we had deliberately kept it hidden who was he Julie asked cautiously do we know him this is a man I haven't spoken to in 18 years I said your kids all call him Uncle Charles Julie

sat there processing everything suddenly things began to make sense to her if Charles was present at a Family event I was never there Chastity always drove the kids to see him but over the years she had deliberately avoided him Julie remembered that her grandparents always celebrated Christmas twice Christmas Eve with us and Christmas Day with Charles now she understood why I had never communicated or associated with her Uncle hey Julie I said sarcastically maybe you should text your uncle and let him know that Chastity Will be back on the market soon let him know what

hotel they're staying at this week with his past experiences with your mom he might see this as a chance to reconnect For Old Times Sake with that I walked to the kitchen and began making coffee I opened up the Southeastern Missouri newspaper and started scanning the classified Pages for a place to rent while I searched for something to buy I knew that until Julie graduated from University Chastity would be allowed to Stay in the house I needed to move out before she returned I also planned for the legal side of things judge Donald McDonald always

prioritized the needs of children in his decisions his rep reputation for fairness was well known and failing to appear in his court was practically signing your own death warrant knowing this I made my plans carefully as I flipped through the newspaper I heard Julie's phone ring she answered quietly speaking so softly that I couldn't make out her words they must have talked for quite some time because by the time she returned to the kitchen I had already made several calls and lined up some rental units to inspect dad Julie said walking into the kitchen Uncle

Charles admitted everything he asked how I found out about it what did you tell him I asked I told him what's going on in our lives right now he went silent for a few minutes and then said your dad doesn't deserve this he also Said that if you're willing to listen to his side he'll be waiting for you from my angle I had always seen their behavior back then as a complete betrayal but I stayed in the marriage for the sake of the children I was old school I didn't want my kids growing up in

a divided home I opened the liquor cabinet pulled out a 40 o bottle of Jack and said Julie I need you to take me somewhere and then bring the car back home if either of us is sober by then I'll come home if not when I wake up I'll be there he was waiting for me at our old favorite spot a little fishing spot at the back of our father's property at first we just passed the bottle back and forth in silence then finally Charles began telling me his side of the story it was the

complete opposite of what Chastity had told me years ago which made me realize the truth was likely somewhere in the middle after all these years the truth didn't Matter much anymore still it was nice to hear Charles take responsibility for his behavior given what my wife was about to do I found myself placing more blame on her now additionally I remembered that Charles had always been more of a follower than a leader even back then as the night wore on and the bottle emptied our father found us seeing the fire we had lit he had

come out with a gun assuming he'd need to drive away some local teenagers when he realized it was Just us he pulled us into the back of Charles's truck and drove us back to The Farmhouse our mother just like in the old days immediately went to the kitchen and pulled out her cast iron skillet to make eggs and fried potatoes to sober us up it had been years since I heard my father say if you boys want to get drunk and act like idiots do it here in the back 50 then with a small smile

he added thank God you did it right while we ate my mother called both Julie and Charles's wife Mary by the time they arrived Charles and I had started sobering up we weren't slurring our words anymore at least Mary looked at us in bewilderment since marrying Charles after the Fallout she had never seen us together okay you two made up Mary said Crossing her arms but after all these years I think we all have a right to know what caused the separation in the first place I was about to speak but Charles judged me Just

like he used to do when we were kids it was his signal for me to shut up while he tried to talk us out of trouble Charles had always been better at coming up with stories that people believed so I braced myself for another one but this time I was wrong Chastity and I Charles began hesitantly we had an affair while she was pregnant with Julie it was my fault I was immature and stupid my younger brother who was always more mature caught us he told me then that I Was dead to him in his

eyes and that's how it's been ever since hearing this Our Father finally understood why Charles and I had become estranged damn he muttered if I were Clint I'd have killed you what caused you to finally break the silence after all this time Mom asked Chastity flew to New York with her boss I replied according to the hotel they're staying at they only booked one room for the entire trip Louise Michael's wife and Her father have hired private investigators to follow them I'll be providing them with copies of the claims videos of them being served and

any other evidence they gather as I explained all this I realized that Julie now understood the full scope of her mother's actions it was hard for her to process especially because it was clear now that her mother had been planning this for a long time Chastity's betrayal wasn't impulsive it was deliberate Julie Looked me straight in the eyes and said I should have let you go after that idiot Dad no one said anything for a moment so I added since Chastity will be allowed to keep the house while Julie lives there and goes to University

I need to find a place to live before she comes back Dad I'm not going to to live with Mom Julie said firmly where you go I will go we'll do it together Julie was like me when she said something she meant it no matter the cost Julie come With me for a minute mom said and they went upstairs my parents house was a massive two-story Farmhouse so they had plenty of space to talk in private by the time they returned they had decided that Julie and I would move in with them for the time

time being all we needed to take with us was our clothes on the way home Julie told me off you need to stop defending Mom Dad stop defending her to any of us we're all adults now she went to New York knowing full well what she Was going to do with Michael believing she wouldn't get caught to me that shows what she really thinks about us after we got home that Monday night we began slowly moving out the items we wanted to keep each of us took only our most treasured possessions I took my rocking

chair and Julie grabbed her makeup table and mirror throughout the week Chastity called to keep us updated on her trip reporting on the slow progress of the Case but I knew better than to believe everything she said meanwhile Louise called me suggesting we finally meet in person we agreed to meet Thursday night at Logan's Roadhouse around 8:00 p.m. I arrived at the restaurant in my work clothes without a tie Louise was already there dressed in a modest yet elegant dress and skirt I recognized her immediately by the white scarf she had mentioned she would wear

I introduced myself and she greeted me warmly Louise Was pleasant to look at obviously several years younger than me and exuding health and vitality she had long blonde hair soft blue eyes and a slender figure that naturally commanded attention her curves were alluring yet she dressed conservatively which only added to her appeal Michael had truly proven himself to be an idiot in my opinion having someone like Louise at home and choosing to pursue my wife who was at least 5 Years older than her didn't make any sense to me why would anyone go for comfort

food when they had prime meat right in front of them I learned that Louise was indeed 10 years younger than me and had two young daughters aged 8 and 10 I explained that I had three children two boys and one girl ranging in age from 23 to 18 with only my youngest still living at home Louise told me she was a kindergarten teacher which explained her conservative style I Couldn't help but think that my elementary school teachers had never been this attractive active as we talked Louise shared more about Michael's schedule she explained that they

would still be in New York through the weekend though about 70% of the work on settling the case was done they still needed to translate everything into legal terms and sign the agreements before they could leave Louise assured me that Michael and Chastity would be served Late Sunday evening or early Monday morning while they were still asleep the hotel security service with approval from management would allow the private investigators into their room cameras would capture the moment documenting everything she asked how I was handling the situation I replied much better than last time we've all

talked about it and I've realized that the main difference between then and now is that this time it's intentional last time things seemed So black and white do you know who the first person was Louise asked yes I said it was my older brother over 18 years ago it happened before my youngest child was born until this week we hadn't spoken in 18 years but we made peace last Sunday after I told my daughter Julie about it she actually made us work the way we did when we were kids I had the worst hangover I've

had in years Louise laughed and I added it was even worse because our father caught Us just like he did when we were teenagers he dragged us home like we were still wet behind the ears Louise found it amusing but noted how nice it must be to be around my parents I told her that my youngest daughter and I would be moving in with them until I could find a new home I had already taken my tools some sporting equipment weapons and clothes the rest I left behind I plan to keep Chastity's cell phone active

until Sunday evening after After which I'd block her number permanently before we parted ways that night Louise and I went to a nearby bar and danced a few times it was an enjoyable evening and I went home in good spirits all things considered when I arrived my daughter Julie immediately started questioning me she knew or at least should have known everything by that point the next day as we were getting ready for the day Julie continued to tease me repeating over and Over Daddy has found a new girlfriend Julie and I enjoyed a fantastic Sunday

dinner at my parents house where we had already settled in it was a special time for my mother who was delighted to cook for a group again both Julie and I ate so much that there were barely any leftovers at 1:00 a.m. a call woke me from a sound sleep it was Louise confirming that the hotel detective had let them into the room while Michael and Chastity were still asleep cameras had Recorded everything as they were served the legal documents in bed Louise sent me a temporary copy of the video I got out of bed

put on trousers and went downstairs to make some tea as I sat down with my cup of hot black tea my mother joined me in the kitchen is the water still hot she asked I got up to make her a cup and showed her the video Louise had sent me I watched as my mother's expression changed as she processed the footage the video showed Chastity and Michael caught without clothes under the sheets their recorded voices expressed shock and both looked like deer caught in headlights no one who saw it could claim what they were doing

was innocent my mother immediately sent a copy of the video to her own phone before setting mine down we're done with Chastity she said firmly I love the complete shock on her face when she was served with the civil suit Julie and I blocked her phone number tonight I Replied I was warned that they would be served with lawsuits tonight so it's done it was a Bittersweet moment for both my mom and me as we sat together sharing tea and memories the next morning at work I walked up to the receptionist and said block all

incoming calls from my wife I don't want to talk to her by 11 :00 the receptionist came back to me looking frustrated listen she calls here every 20 minutes how can we stop this what's your mobile number I Asked she gave it to me and I said I'm texting you a video clip the next time she calls and asks to talk to me ask for her cell number if she gives it to you send her this video let her know that Julie and I received it last night later the receptionist reported back I did what

you asked once she got the video there were no more calls she paused and added it intrigued me so I looked it up if your daughter or you need anything just let me know okay I nodded in thanks Appreciate it she said before walking away I deleted the video from my phone and didn't mention it to anyone while my mom was preparing dinner and Julie was helping her I told my daughter about what had happened at work Julie suddenly mentioned that she had received a strange text message from a number she didn't recognize it's for

Mom she said it asked me to call her but it didn't take long to realize it was probably Michael's number I think your brothers Will call us around 8:00 this evening I replied your mother will probably call them too I'm sure they've already been to the house and realized we're gone if they do call they'll be shocked Julie grinned mischievously let's turn off our cell phones dad so my brothers will have to contact Grandma and Grandpa to find out what's going on and that's exactly what we did for Julie and me it was a peaceful

night for others it was not later we learned what had happened my Sons Jason and Justin had gone to our former home the moment they stepped inside they noticed my favorite rocking chair was gone this discovery sparked a search of the entire house and it quickly became clear that Julie and I had moved out it was only when they entered the kitchen that they found a note left by their sister when they tried to call us all their calls went straight to voicemail which frustrated them even more they ended up calling Their mother who claimed

she didn't understand what the note meant or why we had moved out desperate they called all over the city trying to locate us but to no avail finally they reached out to their Uncle Charles when Charles answered he told them after what your mother did for the second time maybe my brother doesn't want to be found Jason and Justin explained the note they'd found prompting Charles to add all I can say is that Michael is your mom's boss And they've been sharing a hotel room in New York York for over a week you're old enough

to draw your own conclusions from that the boys were so shocked by this information that they forgot to ask themselves how and why Uncle Charles knew about it their search for Julie and me spread news of my wife's betrayal faster and more widely than gossip Ever Could by the end of the next workday my secretary forwarded me a call from my oldest son Jake after the usual Greetings he got straight to the point what's going on Dad where do you and Julie live now not much considering that in today's world what's wrong is right and

what's right is wrong I replied cryptically Dad let's not get into religion Jake said his frustration evident just tell me the facts check your text messages for what I just sent you I replied that will answer your question send it to Jason if you want to talk talk come see me at Grandpa's house After dinner with that I hung up texted him the video and send a message to Julie to let her know what I had done less than 10 minutes later Jake texted back damn I'll be at Grandpa's at 8 that evening my parents

left us alone to have a serious conversation about the current state of our family Julie and I listened as my sons shared their thoughts on what I should do do next however their opinions shocked me the boys didn't see their mother's actions as a serious Problem instead they insisted I should just get over it we all make mistakes Dad they said look how many times you forgave us when we were growing up this angered their younger sister Julie you may be my brothers but you're both idiots she said her voice sharp with anger this wasn't

a damn accident mom and Michael planned everything the hotel room was reserved under mister and Mrs D Michael booked it a week before they even left she wasn't sorry she was Excited we watched mom leave the house that Sunday afternoon she left knowing exactly what she was going to do with Michael dad even offered to take her to the airport but no she wanted Michael to pick her up just to rub it in our faces they were probably laughing about us on the way to New York she didn't even realize that we knew and she

never suspected we were watching everything Julie's words silenced her brothers leaving them without a response through Their facade Julie asked me why I hadn't stopped her mother I told her she would have lied and denied it your mother's actions made it clear that she was leaving the marriage this wasn't an accident it was planned and intentional dad and I knew about it 2 weeks before she left Julie added Michael's wife warned us that's why we had the video within an hour of them being served with the lawsuits boys you need to understand that your mother

Didn't just do this to me I said she did it to all of us then I added I'm going to the doctor tomorrow to get tested for TDS all three of my children stared at me their eyes wide with amazement I'm doing this because I can't be sure she didn't have other lovers on the side I continued this may just be the first time she's been caught she's been going on business trips quite often over the past few years and her behavior makes me wonder if these trips had a different Purpose dad you can't be

serious Jason protested there's no chance mom had other lovers based on what we've learned can we at least agree that we'll never get the full truth out of her I asked the truth doesn't matter I added the facts do if I don't have an STD then maybe what you believe can still be true but I'm not going to trust assumptions when none of them responded I stood up it's time for me to get a cup of coffee in the kitchen my par parents had been Listening to the entire conversation my father spoke up first Clint

you're handling this the right way he said I wouldn't have thought about the possibility of others but as an attorney at a firm that partly deals with lawsuits against the medical industry and pharmaceutical companies it's definitely plausible she was always flying off somewhere and there have always been mediations before court if she had a separate number or way to Communicate on these trips it wouldn't be hard to conceal it you're smart not to trust everything she's been saying at that moment my phone rang it was Louise I excused myself and stepped out onto The Veranda

to take the call hi Louise good to hear from you I said what's happened I talked to Michael she said her voice tense it didn't go well he doesn't understand why I'm filing for divorce he thinks I should just for give him and move on like before I told him My daughters are old enough now and I don't need him in their lives anymore that's when he finally realized that I no longer love him he killed that love with his lies and betrayals Chastity though seems to be in a bad place now she's trying to

figure out how things got to this point it looks like they'll be back home on Thursday afternoon now that an agreement has been reached Julie and I blocked her number I explained I even told the receptionist at work to Stop taking calls from her it got so bad that she asked me to make Chastity stop so I gave her a copy of the video you sent and told her to forward it to Chastity that stopped the calls my wife now knows that we all know what happened it must be hard for her to realize that

she no longer controls the situation I told Michael his belongings would be kept in the garage until he picks them up Louise said and I've already changed the locks on our house I just wanted to See how you're dealing with all of this I just had a long conversation with my kids I replied I explained that this might not have been her only betrayal that's why I'm going to get checked out when they asked me why I thought it was necessary I told them do you think your mother would honestly admit if she had other

lovers at this point I'm just taking it one day at a time Julie and I moved out so now it's about moving forward we talked a Little more before wishing each other good night when I returned to the kitchen all five of them my parents and three children were waiting for me as if expecting me to say something I'm taking the day off tomorrow I said I have an appointment with a lawyer at 9:00 in the morning since the two of them may be returning home on Thursday I want them to be served with their

lawsuits the moment they step off the plane that seemed to be the moment my sons finally Understood the gravity of the situation tears welled up in their eyes as the reality sank in my father broke the silence Jake Jason Michael wasn't the first man your mother was caught with but he will be the last Clint is a stronger man than I am because I would have killed the first son of a dad Jason interrupted mom said she had never cheated before until we showed her the video she denied everything you're idiots my mother snapped why

do you Think your father never spoke to your Uncle Charles until this week they just made piece about it last Sunday that night the boys were amazed as they looked at their sister Uncle Charles admitted it she said he told me that Dad didn't deserve what happened but he did Apologize when I told Dad that Uncle Charles and I had made up it was emotional for everyone involved I got up and put the kettle on all three of my children were dealing With the consequences of their mother's actions in their own way as their father

all I could do was be there for them I knew that this situation would change their lives in ways they might not immediately see how they processed and responded to this would ultimately shape the kind of people they became the boys decided to head home to prepare for work the next day by the time they left the kettle was boiling I prepared a cup of hot tea for myself and my mother it was Nearly 11:00 when Julie climbed into bed leaving me with a chance to talk privately with my parents they'll be watching you mom

said how you handle this will guide them I know Mom I replied I'm going to try to stay calm to do that I need to leave it to the lawyers I can't go back in time and change what happened other than killing her the rest is out of my hands for some that would be their final decision my father admitted honestly but you're Right Chastity isn't worth going to jail for neither is Charles I added my father looked at me with pride you are a better man son he said your mother and I must have

raised you right the next morning I met with the lawyer I had contacted she listened intently as I recounted the events that had led me to her office it was interesting to watch her take notes when I mentioned the company where my wife worked her expression shifted her eyes lit up Mr Clint Walker did you know I once worked for that firm she asked they have a strict code of ethics that's written in their HR manual I still have a copy of it noticing my interest she added this opens up an opportunity we might not

only Sue The Firm along with both of them but we could make things very difficult for Brenda Ferguson the senior partner we might not get much Beyond legal fees given the way state judges approach these cases nowadays but it would certainly create serious Problems for both your wife and the company let's do it I said firmly as far as I know they're returning from New York on the first incoming flight from St Louis on Thursday afternoon after I left a deposit for her Services the lawyer smiled and said I'm looking forward to this when they

fired me they said I didn't have the drive to follow through they'll soon learn how wrong they were as I left her office I couldn't help but feel like David going Toe-to-toe with Goliath my wife's company was the largest in the area with four divisions later I visited our family doctor he was visibly shocked when I explained why I needed to be tested for STDs he had been our doctor throughout the years while the kids were growing up and had never expected something like this still he agreed it was better to be safe unbeknownst to

me my oldest son Jake called called his mother after leaving my parents house When he told her that I was getting tested to ensure I was clean she demanded to know why he answered bluntly between Uncle Charles and Michael no one in the family can say for sure that there weren't other lovers while you were traveling she started to argue but Jake Cut Her Off don't bother trying to explain anything right now mom he said you've been caught lying too many times give it some time to cool off anything you say now will just seem

like another Lie meanwhile things were moving quickly the company where Chastity worked was fined and the lovers were served lawsuits while they were still on the road my lawyer filed a $10 million suit and made it clear that the dismissal of the senior and Junior Partners would be considered an admission of guilt when the two lovers stepped off the plane Thursday afternoon they were met by a cedral officer according to Witnesses they did not appear to be a happy couple My wife had to take a taxi home alone a few days later the doctor called

me to come in for a follow-up appointment unfortunately the test showed that I had contracted a mild STD because it was mandatory to report it to the county health authorities Chastity was summoned and forced to disclose all of her intimate partners that same evening the news broke my lawsuit became public on the 6 p.m broadcast and Chastity and Michael's Behavior was revealed to the world Brenda Ferguson the senior partner at their firm began taking decisive action to mitigate the Fallout Julie called me between classes after reading my text message I told her what the doctor

had said she in turn called her brothers and informed them saying this confirms it Mom must have had more lovers that explains everything that evening I sat with my parents and daughter while they ate dinner I declined to join them Because I had a dinner date my always curious daughter couldn't resist teasing me is it with the same person as last week she asked smiling slightly when I answered yes her smile widened as I was leaving for dinner Julie winked at me and sent a text that said Daddy has a girlfriend despite everything happening it

made me smile I was pleased that she could still find humor in it when I arrived at Red Lobster Louise smiled warmly as she saw me walk in this time I Had dressed informally and so had she you don't do small things do you Louise said with a laugh my dad says you're a rock star and he loves it if that doesn't take Michael down a notch nothing will the lawyer I hired used to work for the firm I replied and she's using my case to get back at them with my full permission she still

has a copy of their HR management policies which clearly outline the ethical violations that's how we're able to sue them for Not following their own rules I'd love to be a fly on the wall in their office tomorrow Louise said it won't be a good day for them the waitress arrived and showed us to our table we both ordered drinks and then Louise handed me an envelope inside is a certified statement from five of Michael's former subordinates she said they all worked at the firm during his tenure their statements make it clear that they were

forced to satisfy his intimate needs oh My case just got a lot stronger I said amazed to be honest when my lawyer suggested this course of action I thought we'd be lucky to just cover her legal fees but these statements they might go a long way toward establishing a long-term pattern of behavior as the night went on Louise and I talked more we were both going through divorces and slowly we started to develop a genuine friendship I even began to enjoy the time we spent together by the time I Returned to my parents house it

was nearly midnight I sat in the kitchen waiting for for the kettle to boil so I could make a cup of tea before bed the quiet gave me time to reflect on everything that had happened since Chastity left for her trip I was pouring the hot water into my cup when I heard Julie's voice behind me daddy make some for me too please I turned and saw my daughter standing there tears streaming down her face it's okay to cry I said Softly it's part of healing honestly I'm surprised you lasted this long she threw herself

into my arms sobbing I held her tightly until she calmed down by the time we sat down with our tea she seemed more settled how was your dinner with Louise she asked honestly we're just getting to know each other better I replied but it looks like it'll turn out to be a good friendship Julie asked a few questions about Louise and I answered them as best as I could the Next day at lunchtime I took the statements Louise had given me to my lawyer later that afternoon she called me with an update I've been busy

collecting certified statements about another senior partner at the firm she said given what we've uncovered I'm planning to file this as a class action on behalf of all the women involved this will mean resubmitting the lawsuit and asking for a significantly larg larger amount go ahead I told her before we Ended the call she added by the way I've heard from a friend at the firm that today has been a very difficult day for Chastity and Michael even though they brought home a huge settlement and made Millions for the firm no one is celebrating the

partners are Furious and there's no mention of the success at work my colleagues and Senior Management were supportive which I deeply appreciated on the way home I stopped at the bank and withdrew $1,000 in cash When I got back I hugged my mother and slipped the money into her apron what's this for she asked giving me a look only a mother can give her son just consider it a donation to help cover the extra expenses while we're living here I said anywhere else it would have cost me a lot more she was about to argue

but I cut her off mom just this once Let It Go okay understood she said nodding but don't expect it to happen again I'm grateful You let me get away with it this time I replied smiling meanwhile Chastity returned to an empty house having survived a day where she was treated like a pariah both she and Michael had become unwanted guests at the firm she couldn't understand how I had managed to find a disgruntled ex-employee who would never have made partner to represent me it wasn't the lawsuit itself that bothered her most it was the

fact that I had chosen someone who knew all the Tricks they try to minimize my claims put the firm at a disadvantage from the start that evening with a drink in hand she sat down and read the divorce petition for the first time she realized that both Julie and I had known about her plans all along she now saw that this was truly the end of our marriage the realization hit her hard there was no way to undo the damage she had caused Chastity sent me and Julia message but this time it was clear she

knew we Weren't going to respond even if her message was genuine no one would believe her anymore her best defense she decided was to stall and wait hoping I'd eventually calm down enough to talk as she reflected on everything she realized Jay had been right every action she took now seemed like a lie in the eyes of everyone who knew what she had done none of it had been worth it not what she had done nor the pain she had forced everyone to face still in a days Chastity walked out the front door to get

the mail she thought things couldn't possibly get worse until they did sorting through the junk mail Chastity found an envelope addressed to her from the county health department opening it she discovered the shocking news I had contracted an STD the letter requested that she come in for a checkup Chastity sat down overwhelmed and started crying this was turning into a real nightmare for her the encounters on business trips Over the years were now coming back to haunt her she realized that Clint would eventually share the results with their children and they would think of her

as nothing more than a Serial cheater meanwhile Michael trusk was sitting at the counter of a cheap dark bar on the wrong side of town drowning his Sorrows he couldn't understand why his wife Louise had filed for divorce this time she had forgiven him for all his other Affairs which is what made this betrayal Feel so different why had she drawn the line now lost in thought Michael didn't notice when a man sat down on the stool next to him a commotion broke out at the other end of the bar a loud argument escalating into

a fight Michael turned to look just like everyone else but before he could process what was happening he was struck hard in the face not once but three times a deep commanding voice cut through the noise I'm a friend of Chastity's husband Clint Every time I see you I will do this again what gave you the right to destroy the life of a good man through the blood and pain Michael barely managed to Glimpse his attacker a massive African-American man then everything went dark back at my father's Barn that Saturday afternoon I was cleaning out

a couple of paddocks when my eldest son Jake approached me he was stubborn like I had been in my youth and once he made up his mind about Something it was nearly impossible to change it Jake had visited his mother earlier that morning Chastity had taken it badly spending hours crying on his shoulder now Jake believed that the best solution was for me to take her back so we could all live as though nothing had ever happened I let him talk not interrupting until he had fully let out his thoughts then I finally spoke Jake

if you were married I said and found out that your wife was sleeping with other Men would you take the advice you just gave me he fell silent unable to respond you came here and told me to take her back I continued you think I should shut up and just enjoy her presence in my life do you realize what that means in your eyes I'm a non entity someone everyone can trample on his face turned white he had never never seen me like this and the gravity of my words hit him hard I took a

deep breath and added if you don't respect me as a person as Someone capable of making my own decisions then don't come here again I turned and walked away leaving him standing there stunned and grappling with what I had said Jake was young and foolish just as I had been at his age he reacted impulsively and without understanding and now he had to face the consequences of his behavior still confused Jake went to talk to his uncle Charlie after hearing what had happened Charlie told him Jake this reminds me of How foolish I was at

your age your mother was after me and I fell in love with her it cost me 18 years of separation from my brother you need to understand Charlie continued that there are always two sides to every story story both parties Express their emotions and everything they say is colored by their own perspective but in this case your father is right your mother didn't get the STD from Michael so whoever it was she brought it home And shared it with your father to me this proves that she saw my brother as nothing someone to use and

discard Charlie sighed and added after everything your father did for his family this is his final reward you need to fix this Jake if you don't you might lose your father forever our father always said to give someone one chance when they hurt you if they do it again they're done your mother took her chance with me and it's sad that her behavior Shows she never learned anything on Monday morning at the firm where Chastity and Michael worked things seemed to turn around for them my lawyer had dropped the lawsuit against the firm so so

both of them were returned to good standing throughout the day they were praised for the outstanding settlements they had achieved for their clients bringing in millions for the firm however Michael looked terrible with two large Bruises And A Cut Above his left Eyebrow at one point he walked into Chastity's office to tell her what had happened at the bar and what was said later that day as I was leaving the nursing home Chastity was standing by my car she looked tired and exhausted clearly struggling to hold herself together as I approached she spoke first call

off your dogs Clint she said Michael has enough problems of his own without your thirst for Revenge I don't know what you're talking about I replied Honestly he was beaten Chastity continued her voice strained the man said he's your friend and that every time he sees Michael he'll do it again I couldn't help myself I started laughing it was without a doubt the best news I'd received in weeks after calming down I replied if I knew who it was Believe Me i'ed by that man a large bottle of whiskey as a token of my gratitude

honestly I think your lover got off easy if it were me he'd already be dead as I Finished speaking my phone buzzed with a text message I checked it and saw it was from Louise she wrote that I should come to her house as soon as possible because it was important a moment later another message followed providing her address I replied that I was already on my way I've never seen you so cold and cruel Chastity said her voice wavering it shouldn't be like this get your damn lawyer and let's get a divorce already I

didn't say another word I got into my Car started it and drove away leaving her standing there I was done with her lies and her warped sense of morality forever when I arrived at Louise's house she was standing at the door clearly upset what's happened I asked as I approached is there something I can help solve my Dad's friend had his cousin beat up Michael Louise said her voice tense and he used your name to send a message I couldn't help it a huge smile spread across my face seeing this Louise Looked relieved you're not

angry or worried she asked a hint of curiosity in her voice not at all I said shaking my head I just wish I knew where he lives so I could send him that thank you whiskey my response was automatic but seeing her reaction I couldn't help but hug her for a moment Louise didn't resist reluctantly I let her go and was about to apologize but she stopped me with a kiss on the cheek they're both inside and want to work things out with You Louise said taking my hand we held hands as she led me

to the kitchen on the way I saw her daughters peeking out from one of the bedrooms I winked at them and they smiled and winked back Louise's father who was a little younger than mine greeted me respectfully then I saw the huge African-American man sitting in the kitchen recognizing him immediately I smiled if you were of age I said extending my hand in Friendship I'd send You that large bottle of whiskey as a token of gratitude he shook my hand and replied next time you want to do something stupid ask yourself if it's worth going

to jail my father told me that when I was your age and it saved me a lot of trouble the tension in the room dissolved after that formal introductions were made and soon after Louise's father said it was time to take the young man home that left me alone with Louise and her two daughters the Girls came out of their room and introduced themselves Livia was 10 years old and Lori was eight I crouched down to their level and asked what's your favorite restaurant they quickly replied that it was an all you can eat pizza

place called Zeiss smiling I said would you young ladies allow me to invite you and your mother there for dinner maybe it was the way I was dressed in a suit but without a tie but they immediately said yes well There's one thing I need to do before we go I said what is it the girls asked curious I need to call my mom and let her know I won't be home for dinner they thought that was hilarious and burst into laughter by the time we arrived at Zeiss Louise and I walked in while the

girls ran ahead to explore once seated we chatted while enjoying our food at one point Louise got up to get more pizza and a colleague stopped to talk to her meanwhile Livia turned to me and Asked are you mom's boyfriend I'm a guy and I'm her friend I replied SM smiling not sure where she was going with this did you go on a date with her Livia asked persistently I haven't invited her yet I replied honestly but I would have to get permission from someone else before I could do that from whom Lori asked curious

from you and your sister I said with a grin the girls laughed before exclaiming in unison you can Mom already says she likes you when Louise Returned to the table she found us laughing and talking as if we had known each other for years later when I got up to grab more food Lori decided to join me she was ready for dessert so I helped her fill her plate to my surprise she waited for me to finish before heading back to the table together after dinner I escorted Louise and her daughters back to their front

door as Louise unlocked it I crouched down to thank Livia and Lori for having dinner with me good Night ladies I said with a smile the girls ran inside giggling as they got ready for bed I turned to Louise ready to say goodbye since I was extremely inexperienced in dating I figured it was best to keep things simple good night Louise I said stepping back come back here Louise called stopping me in my tracks I turned turned on the steps so that we were face to face Louise leaned in and kissed me softly on the

lips surprised but unable to resist I Reciprocated her feelings my daughter said you were going to ask me on her first date Louise teased with a smile Olivia made a mistake Louise added laughing she had caught me off guard so I quickly began explaining what happened while she was talking to her colleague we ended up sitting on her front porch talking like teenagers about the situation took us a while but eventually we both admitted that we were interested in each other at the same time we Acknowledged the challenges we were facing and agreed to take

things slow since it was almost the end of September we decided to take her daughters to the Town Fair the following Saturday and see how things unfolded from there it was nearly 10 p.m. by the time I returned to my parents' Farm as soon as I walked in Julie immediately noticed my good mood dad has a huge happy smile on his face Julie said the meeting must have been really important for him to be this Happy I smiled and told my parents and Julie about the day's events my father couldn't stop laughing when I mentioned

Chastity asking me to leave Michael alone because he already had a lot of problems on Friday my lawyer filed a new lawsuit against the firm this time it named four senior partners and 16 female victims tying them all together in a joint case copies of the claim were delivered to the senior Partners homes for three of the older Partners this led To an immediate backlash each was told by their spouse not to return home meanwhile Brenda Ferguson continued her campaign of calling Chastity daily trying to find out who her divorce lawyer was before I returned

home home that evening my mother sent emails to many of Chastity's relatives she attached a copy of the lawsuit filing and the video of Chastity and Michael being served the text accompanying the email read this wasn't Chastity's first Lover on these so-called business trips it's just the first time she got caught Clint contracted an STD the next day as I was getting ready to pick up Louise and the girls for the fair Julie stopped me you really love Louise don't you she asked Julie the sad fact is that since the divorce started a lot of

the friends your mom and I had over the years have disappeared I said Louise and I bonded over shared experiences and because of that it's been easy to trust each other It's too early to tell where this relationship will lead but I'm open to it Dad if you need dating advice don't hesitate to ask Julie said with a mischievous smile just promise me you'll introduce us to her before things get too serious at the fair I learned that Louise was afraid of heights so I spent about an hour riding the ferris wheel with her daughters

at their age it was their favorite ride and they couldn't get enough of it afterward We all played it by ear just enjoying the moment the four of us eventually headed to the food area when the girls decided they were hungry Lori tired from all the excitement sat on my shoulders as we walked while we were waiting in line for food I spotted my brother Charles and his wife Mary they were there with their two youngest children their older ones were off somewhere with friends introductions were made and to my surprise Mary and Louise hid

it off right away after I set Lori down we all sat to eat together the four children quickly bonded finding company in each other while the adults followed their lead considering the cost of fair rides these days it didn't take long before I had spent a couple of hundred dollar before we left Charles and Mary invited Louise and her daughters to a family gathering on Sunday Louise said she'd love to come but explained that her daughters would Be spending the day with their father for the first time since he had left for New York by

6:00 p.m. the children children were tired Louise had bathed her daughters and put them to bed when Michael called her he informed her that he wouldn't be able to pick up the children on Sunday because he was in the emergency room receiving Medical Care it looks like he's been beaten again Louise told me he accused you of being behind it that's impossible she continued Before I could respond I told him you spent the whole day at the fair with me and the kids Michael was clearly unhappy but I let it go I called my brother

to let him know the kids wouldn't be coming on Sunday I reluctantly left Louise's house around 900 p.m. we had decided to officially start dating the next day and I was already looking forward to it at 2: p.m. on Sunday I picked up Louise and her daughters and went to my brother's house Julie and her current boyfriend were already there along with my parents and Charles's entire family my two oldest children arrived last making it a full house for Charles it was a significant event it was the first time in his entire married life that

I had been in his home Mary was delighted to introduce Louise and her daughters to everyone and it didn't take long before they were fully accepted into the family what stood out to me was when my oldest son Jake pulled me aside and said we need need to talk we walked to the edge of Charles's property away from everyone else dad I was wrong Jake began I fell for Mom's manipulations she set me up when I came to you last week Uncle Charles and several of my colleagues have since explained everything to me what lesson

did you learn I asked looking him in the eye Jake hesitated but then said when it comes to family first of all Jake said the best thing to Do is to stay away no matter what you do you're only making things worse you need to let them figure it out on their own in their own time not yours you're right I replied but this is one of the hardest things to do because we care so much your mother and I might be able to talk to each other someday but that day is still far away

because of the way she behaved Behavior Jake repeated thoughtfully yes Behavior I continued because behavior is the one Thing that can't be argued or explained away look at Louise she stayed in a Loveless marriage until she knew she could raise her daughters on her own she chose to be patient and waited until the time was right for her her behavior says more about her character than anything else your mother's behavior on the other hand stun your sister and me because of the cruelty with which she did it no matter what she says now her behavior

makes most of her words a lie one of the Things your grandfather taught us when we were young was this if I'm not worthy of honesty then you're not worth lying to Dad Jake said sadly the question has to be asked what else did she lie about that's a question that will never be answered I said there's no point in wasting time looking back son all we can do is learn from it and move forward I like what I see in Louise but the more I learn about Michael and your mother the more I think

they deserve each other at That moment Julie came up to us and said your conversation is starting to attract attention maybe you can leave the rest for later we're done sister Jake said I just needed to apologize to Dad Jake walked away and Julie turned to me what was that about she asked a bad case of foot and mouth disease I explained it's good to see that he had the sense to admit it Charles and Mary hosted a wonderful dinner that evening Mary took countless photographs of everyone Together and everyone enjoyed how Lori kept a

close eye on me when the kids started a water fight I couldn't resist joining in of course I ended up up soaking wet as it was four against one eventually the kids grew tired and I sat in a lounge chair to dry off Lori climbed into my lap and quickly fell asleep from the corner of my eye I noticed Mary and Louise talking quietly likely about the developing relationship between me and Louise's daughters my Father sat down next to me and said this little girl has already chosen you be careful Clint and make sure you're

not getting into this just to get revenge on Michael I nodded and said Dad I've told you everything about our relationship since the day Louise first called me he smiled and replied I should have listened to my thoughts on this sooner your mother asked me to have this conversation with you whatever you decide in the future you have our Support Dad look at our society as a whole I said Shifting the conversation it's like this imagine one of this country's greatest democratic presidents someone like John F Kennedy denies his Democratic party membership runs on the

Republican ticket and wins in the next election the most conservative members of Congress refuse to run again what's left of the Republican Party looks more like Kennedy's original values yet the media fills the airwaves with hatred Propaganda Amanda and lies labeling him a traitor to the Democratic cause he hasn't changed he's still a Kennedy Democrat but because public opinion has shifted he's suddenly an enemy what's the point of this statement my father asked it's the same with Mom I said she shares the same idea of Truth honesty behavior and morality as these people those who

don't align with her way of thinking are discarded just like how the media attacks what doesn't fit their Narrative truth honesty and good behavior mean nothing to them until they're forced to face consequences then and only then they claim they're sorry but it's always too little too late my father chuckled people need to learn to flush 100% of the garbage they see in the media and on social networks down the toilet finding honesty in real life is hard enough as it is but most people are too foolish to understand that he continued it's funny isn't

it we're Seeing two versions of Democrats fighting each other that simple truth explains a lot about what's going on exactly I said when you look at all the accomplishments this so-called traitor has achieved it's no wonder their hatred grows it's not just hatred it's incompetence his achievements make theirs look small even even after years of being in power most of them have spent decades doing nothing except getting reelected damn Clint that's a Strong statement my father said it just goes to show how effective the media is as a propaganda machine on Monday while I was

in my office a detective came by to speak with me about the ongoing problem with Michael trusk it took about an hour to explain everything I knew and to provide him with the list of the women whose spouses had just discovered Michael's affairs with their wives it had been more than 6 weeks since I first learned about Chastity's relationship With Michael Louise Michael's wife had called me to tell me what they were planning and it had been at least four weeks since their so-called romantic trip I met Louise for the first time while Michael and

my wife were in New York since then due to the shared pain caused by our spouses Louise and I had grown closer now we were in a relationship though we were still figuring out where it was going that definitely paints a different picture The detective said Michael trusk seems to blame you for ruining his marriage rather than taking responsibility for his own behavior I'm starting to think he's one of those people who can't accept responsibility and always looks for someone else to blame after the detective left I called Brenda Ferguson to tell her what had

just happened she wasn't surprised Michael is exactly the type of person who would set others up she said in fact I've always believed He was behind my dismissal from The Firm Brenda also informed me that chasty had finally found herself a lawyer when I got home to my parents Farm I learned from my mother that it was her letter to Chastity's relatives that had made Chastity finally give up until then she had still thought there was a chance we could work things out once I cooled down I realized that Chastity must have believed I sent

that letter out of Revenge on Wednesday Julie and I took Louise and her daughters to dinner at Olive Garden where we were joined by my sons during dinner I revealed to everyone that Chastity had officially hired a lawyer to negotiate the terms of our divorce Louise's daughters seemed particularly drawn to Julie for some reason and Julie jie was more than happy to give them her full attention overall Louise and I thought the dinner was a success two months had passed since our last family meeting on Friday afternoon I sat beside Brenda Ferguson waiting to be

called before judge Donald McDonald across the hall sat my soon toe ex-wife and her lawyer a divorce attorney from the same firm Michael had worked for we had already agreed on the division of property and and since there was no mortgage on the house it was straightforward Chastity agreed to buy out my share of the house based on its current appraisal and give me half of our joint savings when we were called Before the judge each of us had to confirm that we agreed to the terms once we did the divorce was finalized as I

walked out toward the parking lot Chastity stopped me on the front steps she looked defeated I ruined myself she admitted I finally confessed everything to our sons Julie still refuses to talk to me because she thinks what I did was intentional I only wish I had seen earlier what kind of message I was Sending I would accept that explanation from our daughter because of her inexperience in life I replied but from an adult it sounds superficial and self-serving Louis's divorce had already been finalized she had negoti apprciated everything she could from Michael He was ordered

to pay $3,000 a month in child support dollar one 500 for each daughter until they turned 18 plus half the cost of their postsecondary education their house was to be sold and the profits Divided equally for some reason Michael had left the company and moved to another city to open his own business it seemed his constant run-ins with angry spouses and their fists had finally gotten to him with the share he received from the company he was set for life later that evening my parents invited Louise and her daughters over for dinner what we didn't

know was that they had also invited Louise's parents given the developing relationship between Louise And me they felt it was time for the families to meet in case things became more serious Brenda Ferguson was also making progress on our joint lawsuit she had negotiated with the firm's liability insurance provider and it looked like the case would be resolved out of court after paying her 30% share each of us involved in the suit was set to receive more than 3/4 of a million dollar we all sat around my mother's formal dining room table which was being

used for the First time in years relaxing after a big dinner suddenly I stood up pushed back my chair and got down on one knee pulling a small ring box from my pocket I said Louise will you take a second chance at love and marry me Louise completely shocked covered her mouth with her hands yes she whispered tears streaming down her face then louder she said yes that's when the real celebration began my mom immediately called Charles Mary and my two sons to Share the news within half an hour they had all arrived to join

in the excitement amidst the laughter and congratulations I noticed Lori sitting on the floor crying quietly concerned I walked over sat down next to her and gently asked what's wrong baby nothing Lori said climbing into my lap I'm just happy that you're going to be my dad overwhelmed I held her close as tears welled up in my own eyes I looked over at Louise who was watching us with tears Streaming down her face as well standing up with Lori in my arms I walked over to Louise everyone in the room could see how much this

moment meant to both of us mom Olivia said breaking the silence when you and Clint get married will we take his last name too as soon as the court allows it I replied with a smile Livia and Lor's faces lit up with joy my father added warmly from now on you two are part of this family my only thought was how much time my new Daughters would spend with my parents I reflected both girls seemed excited about the idea of spending time on the farm my father had already mentioned teaching them how to ride horses

and I knew knew they'd take to it in no time later in private Louise asked me how are you going to convince Michael trusk to let you adopt the girls and legally change their last name to yours leave it up to me I said confidently the search for a new home began in Earnest the plan Was for Louise and the girls to move in before the wedding about a month later I decided to take a bold step and showed up unexpectedly at Michael trusk office his secretary informed him of my arrival and told me to

go in I walked in and closed the door behind me Michael's face had begun to heal but his appearance had changed significantly he had been beaten eight times since leaving New York and although the detective had interviewed many of his former lovers and their Spouses there were still no firm suspicions about who was responsible I decided to take the risk that Michael believed I was the one behind his injuries I think you've heard that Louise and I are getting married I said Michael's face went pale as he looked up at me clearly convinced that I

was the one responsible for his beatings what do you want from me he asked fearfully I need your permission in the form of a legal document to adopt your daughters So they can take my last name I replied this isn't just my wish it's what Livia asked her mother and me for this document must legally recognize us both as their fathers but allow them to change their last name to mine why should I even consider this he said his voice trembling because this will get you away from me forever I said flatly if you don't

agree you and I can meet often it took him half an hour to type and print the document I requested I Knew he didn't truly care about his daughters he hadn't seen them since leaving for New York his secretary who was also a notary certified the document and stamped it according to Louise Michael had only married her because she had gotten pregnant and his family pressured him into proposing I left his office satisfied knowing I had accomplished what I set out to do I arrived at the kindergarten where Louise taught just as she was letting

her class Go for the day because the school staff didn't know me I had to wait in the office while they called her when Louise arrived she looked surprised to see me Louise I made a promise to your daughters the day we got engaged I said handing her an envelope I had pulled from my jacket pocket I think this will help us give them what they want she opened the envelope and read the document inside her eyes filled with tears how did you do this she asked her Voice trembling Michael still believes I'm behind his

repeated encounters with fists I said I used his fear to our advantage to get this for us I thought we could arrange it so that on our wedding day Livia and Lori could legally take my last name Louise smiled through her tears Julie told me the night we got engaged that you always keep your word especially when it's a promise made to a child do you think Brenda Ferguson can handle the adoption papers and file them In court I asked I'll call her office Louise replied taking out my phone I dialed Brenda's office the secretary

answered and confirmed that Brenda could handle the paperwork I made an appointment for us to visit later that afternoon at Brenda's office she was delighted to hear the news within 20 minutes she prepared the necessary documents and printed them attaching the notorized statement I had provided by the end of the day the papers were filed In court a week later we received confirmation that the adoption and name change would be approved the only remaining question was when it would take effect to resolve this we held a family meeting it was scheduled for Sunday as the

movers would be transporting Louise and the girls belongings to our new home that week the rest of the week Louise and I were busy at work on Monday morning the detective investigating the ongoing attacks on Michael trusk visited me again we've made two arrests he said one of them is another senior partner from The Firm Michael worked at someone he had been involved with the second is an African-American man who still believed he and Michael were in a relationship hearing this I was relieved that the attacks had not been orchestrated by anyone I knew on

Sunday Charles and Mary joined us at the new house it was the first time Louise her daughters and I Were all together in what would soon be our home my brother and his wife brought their usual warmth and Louise's daughters quickly bonded with everyone during the family gathering after dinner I stood up and gathered everyone's attention before we go any further I said I want to share some exciting news I turned to Lou took her hand and smiled Louise your daughters will legally take my last name on the day of our wedding I said and

With that our family will finally be whole Louise's eyes filled with tears and the entire room erupted in cheers Lori and Livia hugged me tightly and Olivia asked Mom when you and clink get married will we really have the same last name as him yes sweetie Louise replied smiling from across the room my father added Olivia and Lori from now on you can call us Grandma and Grandpa the girls faces lit up with joy and I felt a profound sense of Peace we were the last To arrive at the family gathering bringing with us a

huge pot of Boston baked beans that Louise had made it was a potluck brunch and the house was already buzzing with excitement after the greetings my future father-in-law asked what's new we want to announce I said with a smile that in two weeks just 6 days before Christmas two very special things will happen first Louise and I will exchange vows and second the adoption of Livia and Lori will be Finalized all three will officially take the name Walker Louise added we'll be spending our honey Moon next summer with our daughters it'll be either at Disneyland

or Disney World the room erupted into a mix of cheers and chatter amidst the commotion Livia quietly walked over to me climbed into my lap and looked at me with her big sincere eyes thank you Dad she said softly for what I asked surprised because you love us enough to keep your word she replied Her words left me completely speechless all I could do was take her into my arms and hug her tightly holding back tears as the weight of her gratitude washed over me what do you think of our story today in my opinion

the wife in this story was absolutely wrong she should have been honest with her husband and told him she didn't want to be with him anymore instead of betraying him so cruy see you next time