Welcome to story tales please like this video And subscribe to story tales I hope you enjoy the story let's begin Arthur Callaway massaged his temples as he stared at the stack of history essays on his desk fatigue clung to him like a second skin after 14 hours at Westfield High but these papers wouldn't grade themselves the lamp cast a yellow circle on his home office desk Illuminating red ink Corrections on mediocre analyses of The Civil War his watch read 11:47 p.m. Helen had gone to bed two hours ago claiming a headache nothing unusual there their
conversations had grown shorter over the years the silence is longer 20 years of marriage had a way of settling into predictable patterns Arthur circled a factual error and wrote a tur comment his students knew better than to submit sloppy work he had built his reputation on high standards and fairness qualities that earned him Respect for colleagues parents and even reluctant teenagers when a phone vibrated Arthur initially thought it was his own another glance confirmed the sound came from Helen's device forgotten on the edge of his desk she must have left it there earlier when she
brought him coffee te ignored it first focusing on the essay's conclusion paragraph the phone buzzed again and again and again who would text so insistently at midnight Arthur's pen paused mid Sentence of a voice in his head warned him to leave it alone people deserved privacy even spouses but the buzzing continued persistant and demanding he put down his pen and reached for the phone the screen lit up with a name Owen Mercer Arthur didn't recognize it a parent of one of Helen's students perhaps she taught English at a private school across town but at this
hour the preview showed just enough text to raise his suspicions can't wait to see you Again last night was Arthur's mouth went dry his thumb hovered over the screen for just a moment before he swiped it open the full message appeared can't wait to see you again last night was incredible your husband will never know time seemed to stop Arthur's heartbeat thundered in his ears while his mind remained unnaturally calm with mechanical Precision he scrolled up through the message history I love how you taste the way you moan my name Photos explicit ones Helen's face
unmistakable parts of a man Arthur didn't recognize hotel rooms dates and times when Helen had claimed to be at book club visiting her sister working late his hands trembled slightly but his breathing remained even 20 years of marriage unraveled in minutes as he scrolled through proof of his wife's infidelity rage bubbled beneath his skin but he contained it channeled it cooled into something harder and more dangerous Arthur navigated to his own phone and methodically forwarded the incriminating messages and photos to himself evidence proof ammunition when he finished he carefully placed Helen's phone exactly where she
had left it the essays lay forgotten as he leaned back in his chair fingers steepled before him in his classroom Arthur taught students about historical betrayals Brutus and Caesar Benedict Arnold Judas scariot now he had joined their ranks the Betrayed but Unlike those historical figures Arthur would not fall victim to his Judas he would not be destroyed the clock ticked past midnight Arthur sat motionless planning the history teacher understood patience Rome wasn't built in a day and neither would his response to this betrayal sleep evaded him that night as he lay beside Helen watching her
peaceful breathing wondering how many nights she had come home home from another man's bed to sleep beside him The thought made him ill but he showed no outward sign of distress when morning came he kissed her cheek as always before leaving for work have a good day Helen said smiling I always do Arthur replied his voice betraying nothing of what he knew to K school he taught his classes with his usual efficiency students noticed nothing a Miss in Mr Callaway's demeanor if anything he seemed more focused more intense during his planning period Arthur created a
new email account and began researching private investigators he made calls during lunch speaking in measure tone from his car by the end of the school day he had hired someone to track Helen's movements when he returned home Helen greeted him with a glass of scotch the way she had for years how are your students today she asked full of potential Arthur said accepting the drink some just need more guidance than others to find their way to the truth Helen laughed oblivious to the double meaning in his words always the teacher it's who I am Arthur
said raising his glass slightly to truth Helen clinked her glass against his to truth Arthur watched her over the rim of his glass wondering if she felt any guilt any shame her face revealed nothing but the comfortable familiarity of a long marriage she had become an excellent actress or perhaps she had always been one and he had been too trusting to Notice that night when Helen's breathing deepened in his sleep Arthur slipped from bed and went to his office he opened his laptop and created a spreadsheet if he was going to build a case he
would do it properly meticulously leaving no detail unexamined column by column he began documenting Helen's unexplained absences unusual expenses and changing behaviors over the past year patterns emerged revealing a careful deception that had Been unfolding right under his nose the past is prologue Arthur whispered to himself quoting Shakespeare everything that had happened was merely setting the stage for what would come next days turned into weeks Arthur maintained his routine with mechanical Precision while gathering information the private investigator provided photos of Helen meeting a man presumably Owen mercer at various locations around Houston expensive restaurants where
the bill Exceeded what a teacher's salary should allow a jewelry store where she accepted a gift a hotel downtown where they spent 3 hours on a Tuesday afternoon Arthur added each piece to his growing collection of evidence organizing it chronologically in both digital and physical files that he accessed their joint accounts and credit card statements finding charges for hotels restaurants and Gifts he'd never seen he discovered a separate credit card in Helen's name that he hadn't known about with expenses dating back 18 months 18 months of Lies home he performed the role of unsuspecting husband
flawlessly he listened to Helen's fabricated stories about her day noting each lie with mental check marks he watched her texting always angling the screen away from him always with that slight smile that he now recognized wasn't meant for him Shirley came home from college for The weekend his daughter or so he had always believed hugged him tightly telling him about her classes her friends her life away from home Arthur found himself studying her features seeking his own reflection and finding none had he always known on some level that slight doubt that occasionally surfaced when people
commented on how little she resembled him dad are you listening Shirley asked waving a hand before his face Arthur blinked Refocusing sorry sweetheart long de you were saying something about your psychology professor she launched back into her story and Arthur nodded at appropriate intervals while observing her interaction with Helen the subtle glances the private smiles were they conspiring even now right in front of him that night he overheard them talking in the kitchen when they thought he was in his study mom you need to be more careful surely whispered though not Quietly enough dad almost
saw your phone the other day when you left it on the counter don't worry about it Helen replied he never checks my phone he trusts me surely sighed I just don't want anyone to get hurt no one's getting hurt it's just complicated your father and I we're different people now then why not just tell him get a divorce it's not that simple there's the house our finances and you know how he is he doesn't let go of things easily Arthur Silently returned to his study a cold weight settling in his stomach Not only was was
his wife cheating but his daughter knew she was complicit covering for her mother participating in the deception the Betrayal doubled cutting deeper Point 2 Days Later Arthur told Helen he needed to attend a 3-day educational conference in Dallas will Shirley be visiting this weekend he asked casually as he packed a small suitcase Helen shook her head no she's Got a big paper do says she'll be in the library all weekend Arthur nodded tell her I said good luck with it he drove to Dallas checked into the conference Hotel attended one morning session to establish his
presence then drove back to Houston under the cover of Darkness he parked his car several blocks from their Suburban neighborhood and walked the rest of the way a baseball cap pulled low over his eyes Arthur positioned himself in the shadow of the Large Oak across from Owen Mercer's house a modern twostory in an upscale neighborhood that spoke of money far beyond what Arthur had accumulated in his teaching career he had a clear view of the driveway and front door from his Vantage Point 5958 p.m. exactly as the investigator had predicted based on previous patterns Helen's
car pulled into the driveway she stepped out wearing a dress Arthur had never seen carrying a small overnight bag Owen met Her at the door pulling her into a passionate embrace before they disappeared inside Arthur documented everything with his camera his hands steady despite the rage burning through through him he settled in wait prepared to spend the night watching if necessary but he didn't have to wait long for the next betrayal but t147 p.m. a familiar car turned onto the street Shirley's blue Honda the one Arthur had helped her pick out when she started college
the Car he still made payments on she parked behind Helen's car and walked to the front door with the easy familiarity of someone who had been there many times before she didn't knock she used a key the door swung open lights spilling out briefly before it closed behind her that Arthur's breath caught in his throat the final piece clicked into place surely wasn't just covering for her mother's affair she was actively facilitating it perhaps even fostering a relationship With her biological father while Arthur remained in the dark he raised his camera again documenting this fresh
betrayal each click of the shutter like a nail in the coffin of what he had once thought was his family Point 3 hours later surely emerged hugone at the door and drove away Helen didn't leave Arthur remained in his hiding place until dawn broke over the neighborhood when the morning paper was delivered to Owen's doorstep Arthur finally retreated Walking back to his car with the weight of his new knowledge pressing down on him he drove to his Hotel in Dallas showered changed and attended the afternoon sessions of the conference no one would ever know he
had left to all appearances he was simply an Earnest educator improving his craft when he returned home 2 Days Later Helen greeted him with a kiss and asked about the conference Arthur described sessions he had attended and colleagues he had Spoken with watching her face for any sign that she knew he had discovered her secret there was none her deception remained perfect and how is your weekend he asked quiet I imagine Helen smiled yes just caught up on some reading oh and Shirley called she's making good progress on her paper I'm glad to hear Arthur
said meeting her lies with a calm smile of his own I've always appreciated how dedicated she is to her studies that night Arthur sent a sample of his DNA to A testing service he had postponed this final confirmation perhaps out of fear perhaps out of a desperate hope that at least one part of his life wasn't built on lies but now he needed to know everything the results would take weeks Arthur could wait he had become very good at waiting The Morning Sun streamed through the kitchen windows casting a deceptively cheerful glow Over The Breakfast
Table Arthur sat with his coffee newspaper opened before him Though he wasn't reading it his attention was focused on Helen and Shirley laughing together over some private joke as they prepared breakfast the DNA test results had arrived yesterday confirming what Arthur had already suspected Shirley was not his biological daughter the Betrayal extended back at least 19 years Poss possibly longer how much of his life had been a lie he watched them now mother and daughter sharing genetic traits he Had once foolishly attributed to Helen side of the family the same arch of the eyebrows when
amused the same gesture when pushing hair behind their ears little tells that now seemed obvious you were out late Arthur commented his voice casual as he lifted his coffee mug that Helen's movements faltered almost imperceptibly before she continued buttering her toast just out with some friends yeah Shirley added quickly too quickly mom was with Aunt Linda Arthur Set his coffee down carefully the ceramic making a soft click against the wooden table his lips curved into a slight smirk as he looked between them Aunt Linda that's funny he reached for his phone I called her last
night she said she hasn't seen you in weeks Helen froze the butter knife suspended above her toast Shirley suddenly became very interested in her orange juice refusing to meet Arthur's gaze the silence stretched between them heavy With unspoken accusations Arthur broke it by unlocking his phone and turning it toward them the video played clearly Helen walking up to Owen's front door being embraced disappearing inside Arthur I can explain Helen began her voice trembling he ignored her turning instead to Shirley his eyes usually warm when looking at his daughter had hardened to chips of ice and
you you knew you lied for her Shirley's face flushed first with embarrassment then With Defiance she straightened in her chair jaw said so what she shot back voice Rising mom deserves to be happy she deserves better than you Arthur took the blow without flinching he nodded slowly as if he had expected exactly this response perhaps he had that's what you think he reached into his jacket pocket well let's see if you still feel that way after this he pulled out a sealed envelope and tossed it onto the table it landed between Helen and Shirley innocuous
yet somehow threatening in its plainness I had my suspicions so I did a test Arthur gestured toward the envelope open it Shirley stared at it as if it might burst into flames when she made no move to pick it up Arthur's voice hardened open it with shaking fingers Shirley tore the envelope open she pulled out the folded paper inside and read it silently her expression shifting from Defiance to shock to Devastation in the Span of seconds the paper slipped from her fingers as she collapsed back in her chair eyes wide and filling with tears not
possible she whispered very possible Arthur corrected her proven in fact you're not my biological daughter Helen reached for Arthur's arm please let me explain it happened before we were married Arthur yanked his arm away from her touch before I'm not a fool Helen I didn't know how pregnancy Works he pointed at the test results shirle is 19 We've been married 20 years the math isn't difficult you've always been my dad Shirley said tears streaming now that piece of paper doesn't change that Arthur turned to her his expression more terrible for its calmness doesn't it I
raised you loved you provided for you paid for your education his voice hardened and you covered for the woman who betrayed me Shirley flinched as if he had struck her you chose sides Arthur continued his tone measured and precise You chose to lie to me day after day you chose to help your mother deceive me I didn't want to hurt you Shirley sobbed and yet you did with every lie Arthur stood pushing his chair back from the table you both did Helen grabbed his arm again f fingers digging in desperately Arthur please we can work
through this go to counseling start over start over Arthur laughed a sound devoid of humor with more lies more deception I'll end it with Owen Helen promised it meant Nothing just a stupid mistake a mistake that's been going on for over 19 years Arthur pulled his arm free again a mistake that produced a child you passed off as mine a mistake you dragged our daughter into to teaching her to lie and deceive Dad please Shirley pleaded reaching for him Arthur stepped back Beyond her reach I'm not your father the words fell like stones biologically or
otherwise you made your choice when you decided to cover for her where you going Helen asked as Arthur moved toward the door ow he turned back to them his gaze sweeping over the breakfast scene taking in the devastation he had wrought with his truth when I return I want both of you gone Helen's face crumpled you're throwing us out where we supposed to go that's not my concern Arthur's voice was flat you have Owen now don't you your lover Shirley's real father go him you can't just throw away 20 years of marriage Helen protested I
didn't throw It away Arthur replied you did every time you crawled into his bed every lie you told every moment you stole from me he turned to Shirley and you I gave you everything a father could give you repaid me with betrayal I didn't know Shirley whispered about not being yours I swear Arthur studied her weighing the truth of her words but you knew about the affair you helped hide it you participated in the deception Shirley couldn't hold his gaze her silence was Confirmation enough get out of my house Arthur said his voice deadly quiet
Helen took a step toward him panic rising in her eyes wait we can talk out the word exploded from him the first crack in his controlled facade Helen stumbled back grabbing Shirley's arm come on letun go he needs time to cool down Arthur watched as they scrambled from the kitchen his rage cooling to something harder more implacable time wouldn't change anything some betrayals cut too Deep for forgiveness but he heard them moving upstairs drawers opening and closing murmured conversation the sound of his family no not his family never truly his preparing to leave Arthur returned
to the table and picked up the DNA test results the scientific proof of his lifetime of deception stared back at him in clinical terms he folded the paper carefully and returned it to his pocket evidence proof ammunition this was just the beginning Arthur sat in his Empty house the silence ringing in his ears Helen and Shirley had left 3 hours ago taking only what they could carry in A hurried Retreat you should have felt something relief perhaps or grief instead he felt only a cold calculating anger that sharpened his thoughts to Crystal Clarity he opened
his laptop and searched Owen Mercer the man had a social media presence that bordered on narcissism checkins at restaurants bars fitness centers tonight according to his Most recent post he was celebrating a promotion at the riverfront an upscale bar downtown Arthur closed the laptop and walked to his bedroom he changed from his casual weekend clothes into dark jeans and a black button- down shirt nothing flashy nothing memorable he tucked his wallet into his back pocket and his car keys into his front one he caught his reflection in the mirror a middle-aged man with graying temples
and lines around his eyes that Spoke of years spent squinting at student papers not intimidating not someone who would raise alarm Bells when he walked into a bar perfect the drive downtown took 30 minutes Arthur found parking two blocks from the river front and walked the rest of the way his Pace unhurried the night air was warm typical for Houston in late spring carrying the sense of food from nearby restaurants the bar's entrance was marked by a discreet sign and a bouncer who gave Arthur a cursory glance before waving him inside the interior was all
polished wood and soft lighting designed to make everyone feel more attractive than they were a jazz quartet played in the corner the music low enough to allow conversation Arthur scanned a room locating Owen almost immediately he sat at the main bar surrounded by four other men in expensive suits all laughing too loudly at something one of them had said Owen himself wore a Navy Blazer over a White shirt his dark hair styled in what Arthur supposed was the latest fashion he looked successful confident Untouched by the destruction he had helped cause Arthur approached the bar
positioning himself several seats away from Owen's group he ordered a scotch neat though he had no intention of drinking it he needed his faculties intact for what would come next the bartender placed the Amber liquid before him Arthur thanked him and left a generous tip ensuring he Would be remembered as a good customer rather than a troublemaker he sipped his drink watching Owen in the bar mirror the man was animated gesturing as he told some story that had his companions grinning Arthur caught fragments of conversation something about a client a deal money Changing Hands success
stories from successful men Arthur waited patience had always been his strength as a teacher and now as an Avenger one by one Owen's friends Departed handshakes backs slaps promises to meet again soon until finally only Owen remained signaling the bartender for another drink this was the opportunity Arthur had been waiting for he picked up his barely touched scotch and moved down the bar taking the seat beside Owen Owen didn't notice him at first too focused on his phone Arthur studied him the man who had destroyed his family his marriage his trust up close he could
see the resemblance to Surely in the shape of his nose the curve of his jaw the physical evidence of betrayal written in genetics Owen Mercer Arthur said his voice neutral Owen looked up confusion Crossing his features before recognition dawned his lips curved into a smirk that Arthur immediately wanted to erase well well Owen said putting down his phone Arthur Callaway himself what brings you to my neck of the woods sluming it with the big boys I wanted to meet you Arthur Replied face to face ah so Helen finally told you Owen smirk widened took her
long enough how many years has it been now 18 19 20 Arthur corrected 20 years of Lies Owen laughed the sound grating against Arthur's ears don't blame me for your failing marriage buddy Helen came to me said you were he made a vague gesture with his hand inadequate in many ways Arthur's hand tightened around his glass but his expression remained impassive and surely was she a failing Of too Owen's eyebrows Rose so you know about that too damn Helen's really coming clean isn't she he took a sip of his drink eyes glinting with malice over
the rim of the glass yeah Shirley's mine biologically speaking but you raise her or so he Shrugged thank for that I guess you never wanted to be her father God no Owen chuckled kids are never my thing and Helen knew that it's why she stayed with you needed someone to pay the bills while she got what she needed elsewhere He leaned closer to Arthur his breath wreaking of expensive whiskey and let me tell you what she needed I provided very well I see Arthur said his tone still conversational so you're not just a home wrecker
but a deadbeat father 2 Owen smirk faltered replaced by a flash of anger watch it Callaway just because you found out your life is a lie doesn't mean you can come in here and insult me insult you Arthur tilted his head slightly I'm just stating facts you Slept with my wife father a child you wanted nothing to do with let another man raise your daughter while you what send birthday cards called on Christmas I didn't do for the kid Owen snapped that was the deal Helen kept you for the father stuff kept me for the
fun stuff everyone got what they wanted everyone except me and surely Owen drained his glass and waved for another look what do you want an apology not happy Money good luck with that or did you just come here to whine about your problems to the guy who's been screwing your wife for 20 years Arthur set his glass down carefully on the bar actually I came here for this his movement was so Swift that Owen had no time to react Arthur grabbed the back of Owen's head and slammed his face down onto the polished wood of
the bar with enough Force to make the glasses jump the sound a sickening crack of bone and cartilage Cut through the ambient noise of the bar blood splattered across the wood droplets landing on Arthur's shirt sleeve Owen reeled backward stumbling off his bar stool hands clutching his shattered nose you crazy son of a he began but Arthur was already moving he grabbed Owen by the lapels of his expensive Blazer and slammed him against the bar Landing a solid punch to his ribs Owen gasped the air rushing from his lungs Arthur struck again and again E
blow precise and targeted what the Owen wheezed tried to raise his arms in defense around them Patron scattered the bartender was shouting something but Arthur couldn't hear him over the Roaring in his ears he landed one more punch feeling something give way beneath his knuckles Owen collapsed to his knees blood streaming from his nose spattering on the floor his breathing came in ragged gasps one arm wrapped protectively around his torso Arthur knelt beside him grabbing a fistful of Owen's hair to force his head up that was for 20 years of Lies he said his voice
low and controlled despite the violence of his actions Owen's eyes were wide with shock and pain you're insane he manag between gasps Arthur leaned closer his mouth next to Owen's ear stay away from me stay away from my house he tightened his grip on Owen's hair for next time I won't stop he released Owen who slumped to the floor Arthur stood Straightening his shirt aware that every eye in the bar was on him the bartender had a phone in his hand calling the police no doubt Arthur dropped a $100 bill on the bar next to
his untouched drink for the cleanup he told the stun bartender then walked out of the bar as calmly as he had entered behind him he could hear Owen cursing and moaning The Sounds faded as the door swung shut leaving Arthur in the warm night air once again his right hand and thoed Looking down he saw his knuckles were split and bleeding already beginning to swell a small price to pay for the satisfaction he felt Arthur walked back to his car flexing his injured hand the physical pain was nothing compared to what he had endured emotionally
and he wasn't finished yet not by a long shot as he drove home he replayed the confrontation in his mind he had expected to feel remorse or shame for resorting to violence Instead he felt a cold satisfaction that Owen Mercer had finally faced consequences however brief for his actions Arthur parked in his driveway and entered his empty house the silence no longer bothered him he went to the bathroom and cleaned his wounded hand wrapping his knuckles in gauze from the first aid kit his phone rang a number he didn't recognize Arthur let a go to
voicemail a minute later it rang again the same number this time he answered Callaway he said Mr Callaway this is Officer Rodriguez with the Houston Police Department we received a complaint from a Mr Owen Mercer alleging that you assaulted him this evening did he now Arthur said his tone neutral Sir Mr Mercer has declined to press charges at this time but he wanted us to inform you that if you approach him again he will pursue legal action Arthur smiled grimly understood officer thank you for letting me know sir I strongly advise Against any further confrontations
of course Arthur said have a good evening he ended the call and set the phone down on a bathroom counter Owen wasn't pressing charges interesting perhaps he feared what might come out in court about his relationship with Helen or maybe he was simply too embarrassed to admit he'd been bested by a high school history teacher either way it was one battle one but the war was just beginning the manila envelope arrived 3 Weeks later Arthur recognized the law firm's name embossed on the return add dress Hartman Baker and Associates one of the most expensive family
law practices in Houston he opened it at his kitchen table removing the document inside petition for divorce Helen wasn't wasting any time as he scanned the pages his eyebrows Rose at the demands listed half of all assets the house alimony payments of $3,000 per month for 10 years the justification cited was Sacrifices made for the benefit of the marriage and family including career opportunities for gone Arthur laughed out loud at the audacity Helen had worked continuously throughout their marriage teaching at a prestigious private school she had Summers off good benefits and a salary comparable to
his own the only sacrifice she had made was restraining her extramarital activities to times when Arthur was busy with work he set the papers aside and picked up His phone dialing the number of the attorney he had retained the day after confronting Owen Jerome Barnes a deep voice answered on the second ring it's Arthur Callaway I've just been served divorce papers I expected as much what are her demands Arthur summarized the contents of the petition Jerome snorted ambitious isn't she don't worry Arthur with the evidence you've provided she doesn't have a leg to stand on
I'll file our response today I want to be clear About my position Arthur said I'm not interested in being generous I want her to get exactly what she deserves nothing more understood that's precisely what will happen over the next months Arthur's life settled into a new routine his days were spent teaching his evenings preparing for the divorce proceedings he sold the house as home of 15 years and moved into a smaller apartment closer to the school the proceeds from aale went into a separate Account that Helen couldn't touch he changed his will removing both Helen
and Shirley as beneficiaries he closed their joint accounts and credit cards he documented every penny he had earned during their marriage and every expenditure Helen had made on her Affair Shirley called repeatedly Arthur declined every call she left voicemails tearful at first then angry then pleading Arthur deleted them without listening to more than the first few Seconds she sent emails explaining her side claiming she had only recently discovered Owen was her biological father that she had been trying to protect both her parents that she loved Arthur and missed him Arthur marked the email as a
Spam the only contact he had with his soon Tobe ex-f family was through attorneys Helen's lawyer attempted to schedule mediation Arthur's lawyer declined stating that his client preferred to have the matter resolved in Court point6 months after being served Arthur entered the Harris County family court building Jerome Barnes at his side they were early Arthur's preference he liked to be in position before his opponents arrived remember Jerome said as they settled at the respondents table let me do the talking unless judge Wilkins asks you a direct question don't engage with Helen or her attorney no
matter what they say Arthur nodded I understand 20 minutes later Helen Entered with her attorney a sharp featured woman in an expensive suit Helen looked thinner than Arthur remembered her face drawn dark circles under her eyes she wore a conservative Navy dress and minimal jewelry playing the part of the wrong wife no doubt she tried to catch Arthur's eye he deliberately focused on the papers before him behind Helen came Shirley dressed in a simple blouse and skirt her hair pulled back from her face she would Be a character witness for her mother Arthur assumed he
felt a brief pay at the sight of her the daughter he had raised if not fathered before pushing the emotion aside all rise the bayth announced the honorable Judge Margaret Wilkins presiding judge Wilkins entered a woman in her 60s with steel gray hair and piercing eyes she took her seat and surveyed the courtroom be seated she said we're here for Callaway versus Callaway petition for divorce and Division of assets she looked at the attorneys are both parties ready to proceed yes your honor Jerome and Helen's attorney answered in unison very well the judge glanced at
her notes Miss Hartman as the petitioner's counsel you may begin Helen's attorney Rose thank you your honor we are seeking a fair and Equitable division of marital assets as well as alimony for my client who made significant sacrifices to support her Husband's career and raise their family Arthur kept his expression neutral as the attorney outlined Helen's case how she had supported Arthur through his advancement from novice teacher to department head how she had maintained their home how she had been the primary caregiver for their daughter my client devoted 20 years of her life to this
marriage Miss Hartman concluded she deserves to be compensated for those years and the opportunities she Sacrificed thank you Miss Hartman judge Wilkins said Mr Barnes your response Jerome stood straightening his tie your honor we reject the petitioner's characterization of the marriage and her contributions to it far from sacrificing opportunities Miss Callaway maintained her own career as a teacher throughout the marriage earning a salary comparable to my clients she contributed no more to household maintenance than he did and as we will demonstrate she regularly Misused marital funds for personal indulgences including an extended extramarital affair Helen's
sharp intake of breath was audible from across the room Miss Hartman placed a warning hand on her arm that's a serious allegation Mr Barnes judge Wilkins noted one we are prepared to substantiate with extensive evidence Jerome assured her including bank records credit card statements private investigator reports and testimony from the respondant the judge Nodded proceed with your evidence for the next hour Jerome methodically presented Arthur's case he showed bank records documenting unexplained withdrawals from joint accounts credit card statements showing charges at hotels and restaurants when Helen had claimed to be elsewhere phone records revealing thousands
of texts and calls to Owen Mercer over a period of years then came the photographs Helen entering and leaving Mercer's home the two of Them dining together shopping together kissing in public the private investigator testified about the surveillance confirming dates and times with each piece of evidence Helen seemed to shrink in her chair Miss Hartman whispered urgently to her but Helen just shook her head her eyes fixed on the table before her your honor Jerome said my client wishes to testify regarding the impact of these discoveries judge Wilkins nodded Mr Callaway please take The stand
Arthur was sworn in his voice steady as he promised to tell the truth he settled in the witness chair facing the courtroom from his position he could see both Helen and Shirley clearly Helen wouldn't meet his gaze Shirley stared at him her eyes pleading Mr Callaway Jerome began when did you first become aware of your wife's infidelity 6 months ago Arthur replied I found text messages on her phone from Owen Mercer that made the nature of their relationship Unmistakable and what actions did you take upon this discovery I began Gathering evidence I hired a private
investigator I accessed our financial records to understand the extent to which marital funds have been used to support the affair and what did you discover regarding your daughter Shirley Arthur's gaze flicked briefly to Shirley whose face had gone pale I discovered through DNA testing that Shirley is not my biological daughter her father is Owen Mercer the man with whom my wife has been conducting an affair for our entire marriage a murmur ran through the courtroom judge Wilkins wrapped her gavel what and did your wife admit to this deception she did not deny it when confronted
with the DNA test results Arthur said Mr Callaway how would you characterize your wife's Financial contributions to your marriage Helen earned her own salary she spent her money as she wished often on gifts for Owen Mercer or expenses related to their relationship she contributed to household expenses but so did I there was no sacrifice on her part no further questions your honor Jerome said returning to his seat. Ms Hartman Rose for cross examination Mr Callaway isn't it true that your wife supported your career advancement by attending faculty functions hosting dinner parties for your colleagues and
managing household responsibilities that allowed you to Focus on work no Arthur replied simply we both worked full-time we both attended each other's work functions we both managed the household there was no inequity in our contributions Miss Hartman seemed taken aback by his directness but surely you benefited from having a supportive spouse who a supportive spouse doesn't sleep with another man for 20 years Arthur interrupted a supportive spouse doesn't pass off another man's child as her Husband's a supportive spouse doesn't drain joint accounts to finance an affair your honor Miss Hartman protested the witness will restrict
his answers to the questions asked judge Wilkins directed though Arthur noticed a slight Quirk of her lips that suggested she wasn't entirely un sympathetic to his position in a mess Hartman tried another approach Mr Callaway did you and your wife discuss divorce before you discovered the alleged Affair no I Believed we had a stable if not passionate marriage I had no reason to consider divorce until I discovered I had been living a lie for 20 years and did you confront Mr Mercer about this alleged Affair Arthur hesitated glancing at Jerome who gave a slight nod
I did would you characterize that confrontation as violent I would characterize it as appropriate given the circumstances did you physically assault Mr Mercer I express my displeasure with His role in destroying my family that's not an answer Mr Callaway did you assault Mr Mercer Arthur met her gaze steadily yes no further questions Miss Hartman said returning to her seat judge Wilkins turned to Jerome redirect Mr Barnes no your honor but we do have one final piece of evidence to present Jerome approached the bench with a document which he handed to the judge this is a
financial analysis of the joint accounts held by the callaways Over the past 5 years it documents a pattern of withdrawals by Mrs Callaway totaling over $127,000 money spent on expenses related to her relationship with Mr Mercer or transfer to private accounts to which Mr Callaway had no access the judge reviewed the document her expression hardening Miss Hartman did your client disclose these Financial activities to you Helen's attorney looked genuinely surprised no your honor I see judge Wilkins set the document aside does the petitioner wish to testify Miss Hartman conferred briefly with Helen who shook her
head no your honor Miss Hartman said but we do have a character witness the couple's daughter Shirley Callaway proceed the judge said Shirley was sworn in her voice trembling slightly as she took the oath she looked smaller on the witness stand vulnerable in a way that once would have awakened Arthur's protective instincts Miss Callaway Miss Hartman began how would you describe your parents marriage from your perspective as their child Shirley glanced at Arthur before answering they were good parents dad I mean Arthur was always supportive of my education mom kept the house household running they
didn't fight much and how has your father's reaction to the revelation of your biological parentage affected you Shirley's eyes filled with tears he cut me out of his life completely won't take My calls won't read my emails he's treating me like I don't exist and why do you think that is because I knew about Mom's relationship with Owen but I didn't know Owen was my biological father until Dad did the DNA test I swear I didn't so you kept your mother's secret but you didn't know the full extent of it yes Shirley whispered I just
didn't want anyone to get hurt Miss Hartman nodded sympathetically no further questions Jerome approached for Cross-examination Miss Callaway when did you become aware of your mother's relationship with Owen Mercer Shirley hesitated about two years ago and in those two years did you ever encourage your mother to tell your father the truth I told her they needed to talk that's not what I asked did you specifically tell her to confess her infidelity to your father no Shirley admitted instead you helped conceal it you provided aliis for her absences you Lied to your father's face when he
asked direct questions about your mother's whereabouts I didn't want to hurt him shirely protested yet you were comfortable participating in a deception that when discovered would hurt him far more deeply than the truth would have two years ago Shirley had no answer for that you mentioned that you didn't know know Owen Mercer was your biological father until the DNA test but you knew he was someone special to your mother Someone worth lying for did you ever wonder why she would risk her marriage for this man I guess I thought she loved him Shirley said quietly
more than she loved your father more than she valued the family they had built together objection M Hartman interrupted council is badgering the witness sustained judge Wilkins ruled Mr Barnes please restrict yourself to questions the witness can reasonably answer Jerome nodded Miss Callaway after your father discovered The truth and asked you and your mother to leave his home where did you go to Owen's house the home of your biological father the man your mother had been seeing behind your father's back for 20 years that was your first choice of Refuge mom said we should go
there Shirley explained and did Mr Mercer welcome you with open arms his long lost daughter surely face crumpled no he let us stay for one night then he said we needed to figure something else out I See no further questions your honor judge Wilkins dismissed Shirley from the stand she returned to her seat beside Helen who put an arm around her shoulders does either Council have additional evidence or Witnesses the judge asked both attorneys indicated they did not very well based on the evidence presented I'm prepared to rule judge Wilkins adjusted her glasses and looked
at her notes this court finds that the petitioner Helen Callaway Engaged in a prolonged extramarital affair that resulted in the birth of a child Shirley Callaway who was misrepresented to the respondent as his biological Offspring furthermore the petitioner misappropriated joint funds to support this extramarital relationship over a period of years she looked up her gaze severe as it settled on Helen the petition for alimony is denied the request for half of all marital assets is denied the court Orders a division of assets as follows all funds currently held in individual accounts shall remain with the
account holder the proceeds from the sale of the marital home currently held in escrow shall be awarded entirely to the respondant Arthur Callaway as compensation for funds fraudulently diverted by the petitioner during the marriage Helen gasped audibly Miss Hartman placed a straining hand on her arm the divorce is granted on grounds of Adultery judge Wilkins continued Miss Callaway May resume use of her maiden name if she wishes this ruling is final court adjourned she wrapped her gavel once and Rose exiting the courtroom Arthur remained seated as Jerome gathered their documents congratulations his attorney said quietly
it went exactly as we hoped across the room hel was arguing with Miss Hartman her voice Rising despite her attorney's attempts to Cal her Shirley sat alone staring at Nothing as Arthur stood to leave Shirley hurried toward him blocking his path to the door Dad she said the word catching in her throat please can we talk Arthur looked at her the girl he had raised from infancy taught to ride a bike helped with homework cheered at graduations the daughter who had betrayed him there's nothing to say he told her his voice even I'm sorry Shirley
pleaded I didn't know about Owen being my father I just found out about Him and mom two years ago and I didn't know what to do I was afraid of breaking up our family our family was already broken Arthur replied you just helped hide the cracks please don't hate me she whispered tears spilling down her cheeks you're the only father I've ever known the only one I want for a moment Arthur felt his resolve waver she looked so young so lost then he remembered her lies her complicity in Helen's deception and his heart hardened again
you picked Your side he said the words falling like stones between them now live with it he stepped around her and walked out of the courtroom Not Looking Back to see her collapse into tears not acknowledging Helen's call of his name as the door swung shut behind him outside the Sun was shining Arthur loosened his tie and descended the the courthouse steps each footfall lighter than the last the battle was over he had won Helen had lost everything she had tried to take From him but as he walked to his car Arthur wondered what exactly
he had won a divorce Financial Security freedom from lies that it wasn't enough not yet Helen and Shirley had faced consequences but they still had each other they still had options Arthur wanted them to understand what it meant to lose everything to have their whole world crumble around them to be truly utterly alone his revenge wasn't complete it was only beginning Point 3 months after the Divorce Arthur found himself tracking Helen and Shirley's downfall almost without meaning too it wasn't difficult Houston was a large city but the educational Community was small former colleagues mentioned sightings
shared gossip expressed concern that Arthur brushed aside with practiced difference he learned they had found an apartment in a rundown complex on the east side of the city far from the comfortable Suburban neighborhood they had once Called home the kind of place where the air conditioners rarely worked and the security deposits never got returned Arthur sat in his new office at Westfield High reviewing applications for a teaching assistant position when a knock came at his door he looked up to see Dave Ramirez the football coach and one of the few colleagues Arthur still considered a
friend got a minute Dave asked leaning against the door frame Arthur gestured to the chair across from His desk what's on your mind Dave settled his bulk into the seat I saw Shirley yesterday Arthur continued sorting applications his expression unchanged did you yeah working at that diner off Highway 59 the one trucker stop at Dave watched Arthur's face carefully she looked rough man not my concern Arthur replied setting aside an application with too many spelling errors she's dropping out of college that's what she told me Arthur placed His pen down carefully again not my concern
she made her choices Dave sigh look I know what Helen did was unforgivable but surely also unforgivable Arthur cut him off she knew about the affair for years lie to my face covered for Helen she's just a kid she's 19 old enough to know right from wrong Arthur straightened the papers on his desk is there anything else I have interviews the schedule Dave stood shaking his head you used to talk about Forgiveness in your classes when we covered the Civil War reconstruction you said holding on a hate hurts the person holding it more than anyone
else history is one thing personal betrayal is another Arthur met Dave's gaze I appreciate your concern but this matter is closed after Dave left Arthur opened his laptop and searched for the diner Marty's truck stop and Diner open 24 hours the online reviews were predictably terrible he closed the Laptop and returned to his applications but found himself unable to focus point two weeks later Arthur found himself driving past Marty on his way back from a conference it was nearly midnight the parking lot half full of semis and pickup trucks he told himself he was just
curious that it meant nothing that he parked away from the entrance and waited 20 minutes later surely emerged wearing a stained uniform and carrying a small bag she looked exhausted thinner Than he remembered her shoulders hunched as if carrying a weight the group of men smoking by the entrance called out to her as she passed Shirley kept her head down and walked faster to a battered Honda the same car Arthur had helped her pick out 3 years ago one of the Men followed her saying something Arthur couldn't hear Shirley shook her head and hurried into
her car locking the doors Arthur watched her drive away his hands tight on the steering wheel he felt Nothing he told himself this was the consequence of betrayal this was Justice yet he found himself returning the following week parking in the same spot watching as surely endured another shift this time he went inside the diner was exactly what he expected vinyl booths sticky tabletops air thick with grease and cigarette smoke Arthur took a booth in the corner facing away from the counter where sure early was working do a different waitress approached coffee Please Arthur said
accepting the menu she offered he studied it without seeing the items listed his ears tuned to the conversations around him after a few minutes he heard a customer at the counter well if it isn't the teacher's wife a male voice said loud enough to carry or ex-wife now right heard you got kicked to the curb Arthur turned slightly a heavy set man in a polo shirt was leaning on the counter smirking at Helen who was filling salt shakers at The far end she were the same uniform as surely too tight Too Short obviously designed to
appeal to the truckers who frequented the place just take your damn food Helen said not looking up heard the whole story The Man continued how you cheated on your husband for years bet you regret that Affair now don't you look where it got you Helen's hands shook as she continued filling the Shakers your food's getting cold maybe you can make it up to me the man Suggested his tone making the implication clear I've about a room at the motel next door not interested Helen said her voice flat the man laughed too good for me honey
you're not too good for anyone anymore Arthur watched as Shirley appeared from the kitchen setting plates in front of other customers before approaching the counter leave her alone Shirley told the man her voice low but firm oh look mother and daughter working the same dive How Sweet The man looked surely up and down you take after your mama and always eat your food or leave Shirley said or what you'll call the manager the man gestured to a greasy looking individual at the cash register he doesn't care what I say to you as long as I
pay my bill Arthur found himself half rising from his seat before catching himself what was he doing Helen and surely deserve this they had earned this humiliation he settled back raising his coffee cup to hide his Face as it surely turned in his Direction I'll get your check she told the man at the counter who grabbed her wrist no rush sweetheart I'm enjoying the view let go Shirley said trying to pull away the man tightened his grip don't be like that Arthur set down his coffee with a sharp click against the tabletop he stood and
approached the counter stopping behind a man the wait asked you to let go he said his voice carrying the same Authority he used on Disruptive students the man turned annoyance Crossing his features before recognition dawned well look who it is the husband himself he released Shirley who stepped back rubbing her wrist come to gloat just passing through Arthur said meeting Helen's shocked gaze over the man shoulder happened to overhear your conversation then you know I'm just stating facts your ex is a cheater who got what she deserved the man smirked though I got to say
trading you for Whoever the other guy was didn't work out too well for her that's enough Craig the manager call from the register pay your bill and move along the man Craig toss cash on the counter fine place is going downhill anyway he looked at Arthur congratulations on your divorce best thing that could have happened to you after he left silence hung over the diner Shirley stared at Arthur her eyes wide with a mixture of Hope and fear Helen remained Frozen at the far end of The counter her face pale dad Shirley began stepping toward
him Arthur raised a hand to stop her don't why did you help me she asked I didn't help you I just don't like seeing anyone harassed he looked past her to Helen even people who deserve far worse Helen flinched as if he had struck her is this what you wanted Shirley asked her voice breaking to see us like this I didn't want anything Arthur replied I simply allowed the natural consequences of betrayal to Unfold we've lost everything Shirley said isn't that enough can't you forgive us now Arthur studied her the dark circles under her eyes
the cheap uniform the name tag pinned crookedly to her chest for a moment he saw the little girl who had once run to him with skin knees looking for comfort the teenager who had proudly shown him her College acceptance letter the daughter he had loved as his own the moment passed no he said simply I can't he placed money on The counter for his untouched coffee and walked out ignoring surely calling his name behind him in his car Arthur sat for several minutes hands gripping the steering wheel he had expected to feel satisfaction seeing Helen
and shirely reduced to serving truckers in a grimy Diner instead he felt Hollow as if something inside him had been scooped out leaving only an empty space where emotions used to be he started the engine and drove away determined not to Return Point 2 months later Arthur received an unexpected visitor at school he was grading papers during his lunch break when a knock came at his classroom door looking up he was surprised to see the school security officer escorting Shirley she insisted on seeing you Mr Callaway the officer explained said it was an emergency Arthur
nodded thank you Jim I'll handle it the officer departed leaving Shirley standing awkwardly in the doorway she looked even worse than The last time Arthur had seen her thinner exhausted her clothes hanging from her frame I have nothing to say to you Arthur told her returning to his grading please Shirley said stepping into the room I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important nothing about your life is important to me anymore shirely flinched but pressed on it's Mom she's in trouble again not my concern our landlord Frank Daly he's been pressuring her Shirley wrapped her
arms around Herself we're behind on rent we can't afford it with what we make at the diner Arthur sat down his pen and looked at her directly and you've come to me for money after everything no Shirley said quickly I wouldn't ask you for that I just need advice he's threatening to evict us but he also keeps suggesting there are other ways we can pay I assume you've contacted the police Shirley shook her head we can't we're already on thin ice with the apartment management And we have nowhere else to go that sounds like a
problem you and your mother created for yourselves Arthur picked up his penan you made your choices she made hers now you live with him he's not suggesting this to me Shirley said her voice dropping just a mom and I think I think she's considering it Arthur's pen paused above the paper your mother's moral decisions stopped being my concern the day I found out about her 20-year Affair how can you Be so cold Shirley's voice Rose you were married to her for 20 years you raised me doesn't that count for anything it counted until I discovered
it was all based on lies Arthur met her gaze your mother lied to me for our entire marriage you lie to me for years why should I care what happens to either of you now Shirley stared at him tears filling her eyes I knew you were angry I knew you were hurt but I never thought you were cruel cruel Arthur laughed Without humor is it cruel to expect consequences for actions is it cruel to refuse to rescue people from situations they created through their own deception yes Shirley said simply it is when you have the
power to help and choose not to Arthur stood Gathering his papers into a neat stack I think you should leave now I have a class in 10 minutes mom told me not to come to you Shirley said making no move toward the door she said you turn me away she said we deserved Whatever happened to us on that at least we agree I thought she was wrong I thought somewhere inside you was the man who taught me about compassion and forgiveness Shirley wiped at her tears I guess I was wrong too Arthur walked to the
door and held it open goodbye Shirley she moved slowly as if each step pained her at the door she paused what if it was me what if Frank was pressuring me instead of mom would you still not care the question struck Arthur like a physical blow but he kept his expression neutral that's a false scenario designed to manipulate my emotions the fact is your mother made her choices and now she faces the consequences so do I Shirley said quietly even though I never chose to be born even though I never chose to have Owen Mercer
as my biological father she looked up at him her eyes red even though I never chose to lose the only real father I ever had she walked out Without waiting for a response Arthur closed the door behind her and returned to his desk but found himself unable to focus on his grading Shirley's words echoed in his mind disrupting his carefully constructed indifference that a week later Arthur drove past their apartment complex without fully acknowledging to himself why he was there it was a dreary Place peeling paint broken concrete cars on blocks in the parking lot
he spotted Helen's car And parked across the street watching the building after 20 minutes a man emerged from the management office and walked toward Helen's unit middleaged overweight with thinning hair slicked back from his forehead he knocked and entered without waiting for a response Arthur sat in his car Knuckles white on the steering wheel this must be frank daily he considered leaving this wasn't his problem Helen had made her bed now she was quite literally lying in it yet He remained watching the door 30 minutes passed before Frank emerged adjusting his belt with a self-satisfied
smirk he returned to the management office his Swagger telling Arthur everything he needed to know about what had just transpired Arthur started his car and drove away he had seen enough Helen had found another way to trade her body for security just as she had done in their marriage nothing had changed except the quality Of the man she was sleeping with 2 Days Later Shirley called him Arthur let it go to voicemail when he finally listened to the message her voice was tight with barely controlled Panic mom gave him to Frank she thought it would
keep a roof over our heads but he kicked us out anyway said he was done with her we're staying at a motel for now but we only have enough money for two more nights I'm not asking for money I just I thought you should know arth deleted the Message that night he slept poorly dreams filled with images of Helen and surely sleeping in their car begging on street corners searching through garbage for food he woke at dawn angry with himself for still caring enough to dream about them they were not his responsibility they had betrayed
him they deserved whatever hardship came their way he repeated these truths to himself as he prepared for work as he drove to school as he taught his classes By the end of the day he had almost convinced himself they were true Arthur was grading finals when his phone rang unknown number he almost didn't answer but something Instinct perhaps made him pick up Arthur Callaway he said Mr Callaway this is Officer Martinez with the Houston Police Department I'm calling about Shirley Callaway Arthur's grip tightened on the phone what about her she listed you as her emergency
contact she's been arrested for Trespassing she was sleeping in un University library after hours I see Arthur kept his voice neutral what do you expect me to do about this the officer paused clearly surprised by his response well sir she's asking if you would be willing to come down to the station her bail is set at $200 officer Martinez Shirley Callaway is not my daughter DNA testing confirmed this during my divorce proceedings she is legally an adult her problems are not My responsibility I understand sir however she seems to have nowhere else to turn she
says she's been living in her car for the past week again not my concern the officer's voice hardened slightly very well Mr Callaway I'll inform her that you won't be coming after hanging up Arthur tried to return to his grading but found himself reading the same paragraph repeatedly without comprehending it he pushed the papers aside and opened his laptop searching For information about the count jail he told himself he was just curious about the conditions Shirley would face 3 hours later he drove past the University Library looking for Shirley's Honda he found it in a
far corner of the parking lot partially hidden behind a dumpster Through the Windows he could see blankets and clothes piled in the back seat a small cooler on the passenger floor the evidence of a life reduced to what could fit in a compact car Arthur Drove away his jaw tight this was justce he told himself this was what happened when you betrayed family this was what Shirley had earned through her deception yet the next morning he found himself at the County Courthouse paying Shirley's bail he told the clerk he didn't want his name on the
paperwork that she wasn't to know who had secured her release just tell her the charges were dropped he instructed nothing more the clerk raised an eyebrow but nodded as he Wished Sir Arthur was halfway to his car when he spotted her coming out of the building looking Dazed and Confused she were the same clothes she'd had on when she visited him at school now wrinkled and dirty she stood on the courthouse steps uncertainty written in every line of her body as she scanned the parking lot apparently looking for someone Arthur ducked behind a pillar watching
as she finally trudged down the steps and began walking her shoulders slumped In De feat he waited until she was well away before continuing to his car that evening he received a text from an unknown number I know it was you who paid my bail the clerk told me I don't know why you did it if you hate me so much but thank you Arthur deleted the message without responding 2 Days Later his phone rang again another unknown number against his better judgment he answered is this Arthur Callaway a male voice asked yes who's calling
my name's Owen Mercer I believe we've met Arthur's hand tightened on the phone I remember what do you want your daughter I mean my daughter surely keeps calling me won't leave me alone showed up at my office yesterday making a scene I thought maybe you could tell her to back off and why would I do that because she's your problem not mine Owen said irritation clear in his voice I never wanted a kid that was clear from day one with Helen shek not my problem either Arthur Replied shek not my daughter as you just pointed
out look you raised her you're the only father she's ever known can't you just take her back or whatever Arthur laughed a cold sound devoid of humor take her back after she helped her mother deceived me for years after she chose sides when the truth came out I don't think so then what am I supposed to do with her that's not my concern you created her you figur it out Owen sighed heavily I told her straight up I never Wanted her that Helen lied to me too claimed she was on birth control I've spent the
last 20 years avoiding responsibility for her I'm not starting now then we're in agreement for once Arthur said neither of us wants anything to do with Shirley cold man even for You Goodbye Mr Mercer please don't contact me again Arthur ended the call a bitter taste in his mouth he didn't need Owen Mercer's judgment the man was a liar and a cheat someone who had been perfectly Happy to sleep with another man's wife for 20 years his opinion meant less than nothing yet Arthur found found himself wondering what Owen had said to Shirley how he
had rejected the daughter he had fathered but never raised had he been cruel dismissive had he laughed in her face when she reached out to him in desperation and why did Arthur care that night Arthur drove past the university parking lot again Shirley's car was still there but a security guard was Placing a ticket on the windshield as Arthur watched the guard knocked on the window after a moment Shirley emerged clearly having been sleeping inside Arthur couldn't hear their conversation but the guard's gestures made it clear she couldn't stay there Shirley nodded got back in
her car and started the engine the security guard waited until she drove away before returning to his Patrol vehicle Arthur followed at a distance as it surely drove to a Walmart Parking lot she parked under a light reclining her seat as far as it would go even from a distance Arthur could see her shoulders shaking with sobs he sat in his car watching her cry herself to sleep telling himself this was what she deserved that her tears meant nothing to him but when he finally drove away his vision was blurred and he told himself it
was just fatigue nothing more the next time Arthur saw Helen it was purely by accident he was dropping off Donations at a community Outreach Center when he spotted her at the food bank counter filling out paperwork for assistance she was even thinner than Shirley her clothes hanging from her frame her one stylish hair now dull and Limp Arthur stepped behind a display not wanting to be seen he watched as the volunteer reviewed Helen's form frowning you don't have a permanent address the volunteer asked no Helen admitted I've been staying wherever I can we usually Require
proof of residency for ongoing assistance Helen's shoulders slumped I was staying with a friend but that didn't work out the friend being frank Daly the volunteer asked her expression knowing that Helen's head snapped up how did you you're not the first woman he's done this to the volunteers said her voice softer now promised them housing in exchange for favors then tossed them out when he's done Helen looked away shame coloring her cheeks I didn't have A choice there's always a choice honey the volunteer stamped the form but what's done is done we can give you
emergency food assistance today and I'll put you on the list for the women's shelter they might have a bed opening up next week thank you Helen whispered accepting the food voucher a s she turned to leave she spotted Arthur her step faltered her already pale face going white with shock for a moment they stared at each other across the room the Weight of their shared history hanging between them Helen recovered first straightening her spine and lifting her chin she walked toward the exit her path taking her directly passed Arthur Helen he acknowledged his voice neutral
she stopped not looking at him Arthur come to Glow no dropping off donations Helen laughed a brittle sound of course you are still the pillar of the community the good man everyone admires and you're still blaming others for situations you Created yourself Arthur observed she turned to face him then her eyes Hollow with exhaustion and despair do you think I don't know that do you think I don't replay every mistake Every Lie every moment when I could have chosen differently I wouldn't presume to know what you think Arthur said I was wrong about that for
20 years Helen's facade cracked slightly I never meant for it to go this far the affair with Owen it started before we were married I thought I could end it but I couldn't and then I was pregnant and scared and and you decided to lie to me for two decades Arthur finished to let me rais another man's child believing she was mine to build a life on Deception yes Helen admitted her voice barely audible that's exactly what I did the simple admission devoid of excuses or justifications caught Arthur offg guard he had expected her to
defend herself to minimize her actions to blame him for driving her to Betrayal her Stark honesty was disarming where you staying he found himself asking here and there friends couches when I can my car when I can't she gave a tired shrug it's fine I'm fine and surely Helen's expression tightened we're not together anymore she couldn't handle what I did with Frank said it was too much after everything else can't blame her really so she's still living in her car as far as I know we text sometimes Helen studied his face why do You care
I don't Arthur said automatically right hell not Ed clearly not believing him well it was nice running into you enjoy your comfortable life Arthur the one you earned through honesty and hard work while the rest of us suffer for our sins she turned to leave but Arthur caught her arm Helen wait she looked down at his hand on her arm then back to his face what the question hung between them what did he want to see more of her suffering to Extract further confession to offer help he had repeat reply told himself she didn't deserve
I hope you find a place at the shelter he said finally releasing her arm Helen's lips curved in a bitter smile do you really yes Arthur admitted despite everything I wouldn't wish homelessness on anyone how magnanimous Helen adjusted her worn purse on her shoulder I should have never cheated on you Arthur that's what I think about every night when I'm trying to find Somewhere safe to sleep I should have never cheated on you the words weren't a plea for forgiveness or an attempt at reconciliation there were simply a truth spoken plainly without expectation goodbye Helen
Arthur said she nodded once and walked away her back straight despite everything Arthur watch her go a strange emptiness expanding in his chest he had wanted her to suffer had wanted her to understand the depth of her betrayal now that she clearly did now That she was living with the consequences of her actions in the harshest possible way he found a victory tasted like Ash's 0.1 year later Arthur set his coffee cup on the table enjoying the morning sunlight streaming through the cafe Windows his life had settled into a satisfying Rhythm teaching writing a history
textbook in a Spare Time occasional dates with a fellow educator who understood his reluctance to commit the divorce was a distant Memory now the pain dulled to a background ache that surfaced only occasionally he had survived more than survived thrived his department head had retired and Arthur had been promoted to take his place his financial situation was Secure his reputation intact the waitress refilled his coffee with a smile that Arthur returned yes life was good he had weathered the storm of betrayal and emerged stronger for it he opened the newspaper scanning the Headlines a movement
at the cafe entrance caught his attention Arthur looked looked up his hand freezing midt of the page Shirley stood in the doorway her eyes scanning the room before landing on him she looked different healthier than the last time he had seen her though still thin her hair was cut short her clothes simple but clean she wore the uniform of a nearby coffee shop the logo stitched on her shirt pocket for a moment Arthur thought she might Not approach him then she squared her shoulders and walked to his table Dad she said the word tent as
if testing whether she still had the right to use it Arthur folded his newspaper surely this is unexpected I saw your car outside she gestured to the chair across from him can I sit just for a minute Arthur hesitated then nodded Shirley slid into the seat her hands clasped tightly on the table you look well she said Thank you so do you I'm Doing better she smiled slightly got a job at the coffee shop around the corner found a room to rent with some other girls it's not much but it's a start I'm glad to
hear it Arthur said surprising himself by meaning it silence fell between them heavy with unspoken words Shirley broke it first I've been W to talk to you for a long time I just didn't know if you'd listen I'm listening now she took a deep breath I wanted to tell you I understand now why You cut us off completely why you couldn't forgive us she looked down at her hands what we did what I did was unforgivable I betrayed you in the worst way Arthur said nothing watching her face I knew about Mom and Owen for
2 years before you found out Shirley continued I should have told you I should have made her tell you instead I help hide it I lied to your face I chose her over you yes Arthur agreed you did I've had a lot of time to think about Why I did that at first I told myself it was to protect everyone to keep our family together but that wasn't it not really she looked up meeting his gaze I was scared scared of change scared of losing the life I had so I helped mom lie and in
doing that I lost everything anyway Arthur's coffee grew cold as he listened surprised by her Insight I'm not asking for forgiveness Shirley said I know I don't deserve it I just wanted you to know that I understand now and I'm sorry truly sorry there was no manipulation in her words no attempt to extract sympathy or assistance just a simple acknowledgement of wrong and genuine remorse what do you want from me surely Arthur asked she shook her head nothing I have nothing left to ask for then why are you here because I have nothing left she
said simply Dad please I have nothing left the plea cut through Arthur's carefully constructed walls for a moment he saw not the young woman who Had betrayed him but the child he had raised the daughter he had loved unconditionally for 19 years before learning the truth of her parentage you made your choice he said the words coming automatically though they lacked the conviction they once held Shirley nodded Acceptance in every line of her body I did and I'll live with that for the rest of my life she stood adjusting her bag on her shoulder I
should get to work thank you for listening Arthur Watched her walk away feeling as though something important was flipping through his fingers the victory he had anticipated seeing surely reduced to begging for his help and being denied tasted bitter now that it had arrived surely he called she turned hope flashing briefly across her face before she carefully schooled her expression yes Arthur hesitated conflicting emotions Waring within him the anger and betrayal that had fueled him for the Past year still burned but alongside it now was something else a recognition of the toll his Vengeance had
taken not just on Helen and Shirley but on himself do you still have my number he asked yes she replied surprise evident in her voice use it he said if you need to it wasn't forgiveness not yet Perhaps not ever but it was an opening a crack in the wall he had built around himself surely nodded understanding the significance of what he was offering Thank you she left the door swinging shut behind her Arthur returned to his newspaper but found himself unable to focus on the words outside the window he saw Shirley walking down the
street her steps lighter than when she had entered in the reflection of the glass he caught sight of his own face the lines of bitterness that had etched themselves around his mouth the hardness in his eyes that hadn't been there a year ago the cost of Vengeance written in his own Flesh Arthur finished his coffee and paid his bill as he left the cafe he drove past the area where he knew Helen had been staying he slowed scanning the streets and spotted her digging through a dumpster behind a restaurant searching for discarded food the site
should have brought satisfaction instead it brought only Hollow oness further down the street he passed the coffee shop where Shirley worked through the window he could see her taking orders smiling at Customers despite everything she had endured Arthur continued driving putting distance between himself and the wreckage of what had once been his family they had betrayed him yes they had lied and deceived and destroyed the life he thought he had their suffering was deserved the natural consequence of their actions yet as Arthur drove past them free from their toxicity but chained to his own bitterness
a question haunted him in his quest for justice What had he become some betrayals can never be forgiven he murmured to himself the words sounding Hollow even to his own ears the road stretched before him leading away from the past and toward an uncertain future Arthur drove on alone with his victory in the bitter aftertaste of Revenge
