[Music] sitting in the New York airport Max thought it was not the most enjoyable way to spend an evening he observed the boarding process for what he hoped would be his flight back home to Charlotte Max along with his two sisters owned a small pharmaceutical company their father had established decades earlier his father had developed a series of valuable yet rarely used pills that kept the company profitable but offered limited growth with his parents gone Max had spent the past few days in New York negotiating the company's sale to a major pharmaceutical firm today Max
and his team of lawyers and Brokers finalized the deal leaving the paperwork to the attorneys Max hoped to make it home tonight but it seemed unlikely the last flight to Charlotte for the day was fully booked and he was third on the standby list he refrained from calling his wife Camila unsure of what to tell her he sat at the bar keeping an eye on the gate sipping his second genin and tonic contemplating the deal and the substantial sum over $10 million that he and his sisters would share this windfall along with a well-compensated transition
period with big Pharma promised a new lifestyle for him and Camila their twin daughters were already away at College Juniors at Duke where tuition costs were draining his finances but all that would change once the pharmaceutical deal was finalized meanwhile the boarding process concluded and gate agents began ushering the last path passengers onto the plane then a stroke of luck the status on the boarding sign changed and Max noticed his name move up the standby list he threw some cash on the bar gave a thumbs up to the bartender grabbed his briefcase and duffel bag
and dashed for the exit at the gate an agent handed him his boarding pass and quickly explained a group of four who checked in remotely didn't show up so you and two others are getting their seats Max hurried down the Jet Bridge with his Newfound Companions and upon reaching his seat realized it was in first class a good omen he thought I made the flight I'm heading home a day early In First Class maybe this means the pharmaceutical deal will indeed go through as the boarding door closed and the plane taxied he felt he deserved
another drink he had another Jin and tonic and then dozed off dreaming of a future where he and Camila could always fly first class the jolt of Landing woke him eventually he reached the taxi stand for the ride home a few days earlier he had driven his pickup truck to the airport but now exhausted and a little tipsy it was too late to call Camila to pick him up they lived a few miles outside Charlotte so the cab ride gave him enough time to KN off again the driver had to wake him when they arrived
Max paid the fair generously got out of the taxi a bit groggy and as he turned toward the house what he saw stopped him in his tracks and fully woke him up a gold Mercedes parked in front of his side of the garage it looked like a very stylish Mercedes but then again all Mercedes seemed stylish to him the house had fallen into darkness it was well past midnight and Max stood motionless for several minutes he had spoken to Camila from his lawyer office around noon and she hadn't mentioned anything about unexpected visitors so late
trying to push away Unthinkable thoughts he envisioned a happy scenario where he could soon curl up with a warm sleepy Camila but his mind wouldn't cooperate slowly he made his way through the passage between the garage and the house unlocked the door and entered the silent home with deliberate steps he moved through the kitchen and up the stairs to their bedroom where the door stood a jar seemingly unprepared for guests Max stepped inside then it closed there was no other way to describe it his mind went blank his breathing halted even his heart seemed to
stop beating he witnessed what he could only imagine as Unthinkable Camila lay undressed sprawled on her side of the bed one arm wrapped around another man who slept beside her a faint smile on his lips Ma stood there for what felt like an eternity eventually his mind started to function again he glanced at Camila's hand resting on the man and they both snored softly this shattered Max's heart until tonight he had found solace in listening to Camila snore a comforting sound that meant she felt secure in the peaceful sleep they shared he often fell asleep
to that gentle purr but now that was all gone he would never hear that snore again never share a bed with her despite his broken heart Max began to think rationally he noticed the man's neatly folded clothes on a chair where Max had sat countless times anger simmered inside him he pulled on his pants retrieved his wallet and car keys and paused to consider his next move thoughts of grabbing a tennis racket from the bedroom closet and confronting the man crossed his mind he even contemplated confronting Camila both impulses promised immediate satisfaction but threatened severe
consequences another idea took shape in his mind he pulled out his cell phone and started taking incriminating photos as the plan developed Max finished documenting the scene and gathered the man's clothes and shoes the man was much larger than Max taller and heavier a tennis racket wouldn't be wise even in the short term with the clothes in hand Max stole one last glance at his wife his once beloved partner and mother of their daughters and stealed himself against the love that had sustained him for over two decades he left the bedroom dry-eyed and descended the
stairs to the outside the cars key fob beeped and the doors of the Mercedes opened Max stowed his briefcase and duffel bag inside before settling into the driver's seat he had never been one for fancy cars but as he maneuvered the Mercedes he found himself appreciating it after driving a mile Max pulled over and examined the man's wallet it contained the usual items cash business cards identifying him as Franklin Thompson a senior sales manager at a local Mercedes dealership and a driver's license with a Charlotte address if the man had a family Max realized he
could cause significant trouble for him and perhaps for Camila too but for now exhausted Max decided to head to the nearest motel to get some rest Camila tror was a highly cautious person aware of her husband Max's greater intelligence she managed to sustain an affair with Franklin Thompson for nearly 5 months without Max suspecting a thing Max is still in New York she thought the next morning while lying in bed with Franklin he satisfied her physically though not quite as well as Max she reflected too much like a car salesman she mused deciding it was
time to end the affair Franklin's growing possessiveness including his desire to spend the night had crossed a line despite Max's likely ignorance of the situation having another man in their marital bed felt too disrespectful she planned to call Franklin later that day and firmly but kindly end things then headed for the shower as she dressed back in the bedroom Franklin emerged from the shower wrapped in a towel he paused then asked Camila where did my clothes go what I didn't move anything she replied where are you going tonight I left them folded on this chair
they're gone did you take them to the guest room I she began but he hurried down the hall and returned empty-handed no they're not there they're nowhere Camila impatiently suggested maybe you left them downstairs last night after we came in no I'm sure I didn't but I'll go check Franklin said leaving the room and quickly returning Camila Camila my car's gone too someone was here took my clothes and stole my car damn it what's happening what Camila struggled to grasp the situation how could his clothes and car vanish when they'd been home all night could
someone have broken in she sank onto the bed and Franklin asked what's wrong Camila tried to speak her breath catching Franklin what if it was Max she finally managed what if he came back from New York while we were asleep and took your things in your car damn Franklin muttered collapsing beside her we need to find out where he is it could be him but if he's still in New York then it's a Breakin we have to call the police I need my stuff and my car back oh damn this car if we involve the
police they'll ask whose car it is and it's in my wife's name for some tax reason his voice trailed off Imagining the potential Fallout from bad to catastrophic I'll call his office his secretary gets in very early so she should know where he is Camila pulled out her phone and dialed Max's office number despite the early hour Max's secretary answered promptly Max trork office how can I assist you hey Sheila it's Camila I know it's early and I'm not sure where Max is he didn't call last night have you heard from him he Camila it's
still early here the team in New York worked late yesterday so they'll probably start late today I spoke with Max around 600 yesterday evening before I left he mentioned they were making good progress and might finalize a deal today he said that's good to hear so he's still in New York right she asked yes I'm certain he is I expect to hear from him once they're back at the lawyer's office should I have him call you he responded Yes please but only if he has a moment I know how crucial this deal is she replied
understood bye he said and they hung up cila turned to Franklin Max is still in New York so we should call emergency and report a break-in and car theft she told him Camila what do we tell them that your lover had his clothes stolen from your bedroom and his car stolen from your driveway what the hell this is a disaster Franklin exclaimed okay I get it let's think this through how about I drop you off at home and you report the thefts is happening there while your wife was taking the kids to school maybe skip
the stolen clothes those would be harder to explain than a missing car she suggested yeah except yesterday I told my wife I was going to Atlanta for meeting on the new Mercedes S class and wouldn't be home until noon he said okay we can wait until noon when you're back you drove home left your keys in the car for a quick stop before going to the dealership and your car was stolen while you were inside she proposed you know I think that could work I could also say my wallet was in the car and got
stolen we can hang out here for a few hours maybe take another shower together Franklin said with a suggestive tone Franklin she responded her tone serious uh okay yeah I need to call work to take a sick day he said realizing the gravity of the situation Camila who worked as a pargal in a small Law Firm found the job somewhat dull she stepped into the hallway to make a call and when she returned she found Franklin back in bed tempted she thought of Max and her recent decision to end the affair ultimately deciding to decline
Franklin she said making no move to undress I think it's time to end this we've had our fun but last night it could have been Max we're fortunate it was just a burglar let's find some clothes and maybe grab breakfast somewhere Franklin looked at her briefly considered arguing but ultimately realized she was right they had been lucky but shouldn't push their luck yes he agreed inwardly recalling with a slight smile another attractive middle-aged mother who often visited the car dealership okay I agree it's been good so how about some clothes he said it proved more
challenging than expected Franklin was 50 lb heavier and 4 in taller than Max eventually Camila managed to find a pair of worn out sweatpants that fit Franklin somewhat fashioning makeshift adjustments with strings to hold them up she also Unearthed a faded sweatshirt now tinged pink from a sloppy wash which she further modified with trimmed sleeves and widened armholes despite wanting to make a remark about the outfit resembling clown attire she only smiled faintly at Franklin's expression they decided to pass the time watching TV until it was time to head to Franklin's house earlier that morning
around the time Franklin discovered his missing clothes and Car Max arrived at the address listed on Franklin's driver's license it was a pleasant house with a small bicycle leaning against the garage wall Max sat in his car contemplating wondering still devoid of tears his night at the motel had passed swiftly and he hadn't gone for a run until dawn surprisingly he didn't feel worse perhaps he was still in shock he approached the front door holding Franklin's wallet with the driver's license visible he rang the bell and a young woman in her 20s attractive yet somewhat
disheveled answered Max wore a suit purchased the previous day in New York and now rumpled white shirt and no tie despite not looking his best he hoped not to appear threatening he held up Franklin's driver's license for her to see and gestured towards the gold Mercedes before he could speak the woman slammed the door shut then reopened it moments later with her cell phone in hand I have emergency ready to dial tell me my husband is okay ma'am I have a photo on my phone of your husband and my wife in bed last night both
undressed and fast asleep honestly I don't think there's anything wrong with your husband or mine if you want to call emergency go ahead I'll wait in the car they stared at each other until her expression softened and she opened the door beginning to say something when a voice from the kitchen interrupted with Mommy wait here I'll be right back she said turning towards what Max presumed was the kitchen he heard voices hers and at least one child's before she returned with a cup of coffee for him I hope you take it black I need to
get the kids ready for school and drop them off honestly I trust you more than my husband right now you can wait here until I get back and then we can talk sure okay Max replied seems we're both in a similar situation he settled into the living room and soon the woman reappeared with two children introducing him as Dad's friend before leaving with them Max sat quietly sipping on the mediocre coffee contemplating calling his office but ultimately remaining seated when she returned she hurried upstairs briefly and returned looking more composed her hair brushed and lips
lightly tinted she extended her hand to Max sorry for the chaos earlier I'm Molly Thompson currently married to Franklin Thompson who happens to be involved with your wife Max couldn't help but chuckle at her phrasing a brief moment of relief you've summed up the situation perfectly I'm Max tror and my wife's name is Camila tror let me explain what happened last night as Max recounted the events Molly began to cry I'm filing for divorce from Camila and these photos will certainly help with the settlement I can send them to your phone if you think you
might need them yes please keep them Molly replied her eyes dull Max started to reach for his phone but paused as Molly continued hold on I don't want those images burned into my memory forever you keep them and if I ever need them I'll call you okay of course Max agreed adding I probably won't be staying at my current job or home for much longer here's my lawyer's contact information feel free to reach out if you need the photos or any assistance with divorce proceedings thank you Molly said but what should we do now are
you returning the car waiting for Franklin to confront him HEK a big guy despite putting on some weight supposedly he was in Atlanta for a car meeting overnight and should be back this afternoon you know I'm rather fond of this car and I've never driven a Mercedes before I think I'll keep it until someone insists otherwise as for your husband let's just call him idiot for now he he may have Molly chuckled and Max joined in both needing the release actually the car is registered in my name Molly disclosed for tax reasons more depreciation I
think Franklin or should I say idiot put it in my name since I use it more she paused thoughtfully before continuing since it's my car I can give you permission to drive it and if you get stopped the police can call me to verify Max appreciated the plan but held back sensing Molly was still refining it and one more thing she added there have been a lot of burglaries in our neighborhood lately you have Franklin's keys and clothes if the spare key we hit in the backyard is missing when he arrives he might attempt to
break in and if our security system is set to instant alert mode he'll attract some unwanted police attention Molly I think I'm falling for you all over again you're amazing okay okay let's stay calm Franklin can wait until this afternoon when the kids and I get home from school I'll pick them up and take them to the park for a while let's give him more time to get into even more trouble whatever happens keep me updated especially if he gets into trouble with the police and call me when you need to return the car I
don't want you getting into any trouble we're good now you need to get going so do I Max drove off in a splendid gold Mercedes pondering how much the same model in a better color might cost Molly handed him the permission slip and he assumed she would retrieve the hidden key set the alarm and be gone for the rest of the day meanwhile Camila and Franklin arrived at his house around noon she dropped him off hastily as if avoiding an infection and he approached his front door hoping it might be unlocked because Molly was home
but also fearing her presence it was of course locked he hurried around to the backyard rock where they kept the spare key only to find it missing oh crap he muttered scanning the back of the house considering breaking in he attempted the back door but it too was locked left with little Choice he contemplated breaking a window along the rear wall opting for the family room window due to its size he broke off a branch from a tree for leverage Barefoot he needed a way to avoid the broken glass grabbing two chairs from the porch
he positioned them beneath the window planning to climb over them carefully into the living room taking a few deep breaths he prepared himself Franklin tossed the branch through the family room window which shattered satisfyingly followed by the blaring of the home alarm system a stroke of bad luck compounded by a passing police police car earlier that morning Molly had alerted the police about potential break-ins in the neighborhood damn it damn it Franklin cursed scrambling over the chairs to enter the house and disabled the security system but he wasn't quick enough police stop right there and
slowly step away from the house hands up an officer commanded Franklin glanced back seeing two officers with drawn pistols he complied managing to scrape his legs as he descended from the chairs and backed away officers I can explain he began but one of them swiftly handcuffed him ignoring his attempt to clarify his rights were read alow and he was asked if he wanted to make a statement yes yes this is my house and um I didn't have a key so I broke in to get some clothes and call my office Franklin explained the officers eyed
Franklin's tracksuit perhaps thinking clown clothes and one asked for identification um no not on me right now you see I lost my car and all my clothes so I just needed to get in side to find some real clothes Franklin continued how did you lose your car sir one officer asked um well I stayed at a friend's place last night and this morning the car um wasn't there Franklin stammered it just disappeared huh have you reported it missing maybe you left it somewhere the officer pressed Franklin hesitated he didn't want to reveal his whereabouts or
why he hadn't reported the car missing but going to jail for trying to enter his own home was also not appealing especially with the uncomfortable handcuffs then an idea struck him you could call my wife she can confirm who I am and maybe you could take me to my office someone there can help me get some clothes knowing dealing with dealership drama was preferable to jail Franklin gave Molly's phone number to one of the officers who called her Franklin could hear part of the conversation ma'am this is Officer RI from the Charlotte Police Department we're
at the address he provided the location we have a man here claiming to be your husband he attempted to break into your house because he lost his clothes and yes ma'am no ma'am um yes ma'am we will of course do that thank you ma'am the officer said turning back to Franklin the officer said the lady says her husband is in Atlanta and anyone breaking into her house must be a burgler she hopes we throw you in jail and toss away the key but but Franklin was nearly in tears as the officers escorted him to their
patrol car to take him to the station meanwhile Camila arrived at her office half a day later but determined to catch up with thoughts of Max still on her mind she tried calling his cell phone but received no answer she then dialed his office number again hello Sheila it's Camila again I'm starting to get a little worried about Max since I still haven't heard anything from him have you heard anything Camila asked no updates yet he's likely still in New York with the lawyers but it's unusual for him not to call since you're concerned I'll
check on him and get back to you shortly Sheila replied all right thank you Sheila you're the best secretary ever Camila said a few minutes later Camila received a call back Camila it's Sheila I spoke with a secretary at the Law Office Max left late yesterday hoping to catch the last flight to Charlotte I called him and he asked me to let you know he'll call you later Sheila informed her okay thanks Sheila thanks Camila said a pit forming in her stomach meanwhile Max drove a gold Mercedes to a divorce lawyer recommended by Fred Thomas
his longtime business lawyer trusting Fred's referral he hoped for the best Mr tror please have a seat Miss Reinhardt will be with you shortly the secretary informed him Max settled in finding some comfort in the lawyer's office neither extravagant nor cheap before worry could set in a middle-aged woman with dyed red hair entered Mr tror Max nodded as she introduced herself I'm Anna Reinhardt Fred spoke highly of you so let's discuss your situation in my office she said they moved to her office where Max accepted coffee from the secretary and began his story discovered ing
his wife's infidelity seeking a divorce and protecting his assets notably from his and his sister's company sale he omitted the Mercedes incident Unsure how Anna would react Max may I call you that Anna asked Max agreed and she continued here's some relatively good news given your circumstances Fred mentioned your ownership of the company before marriage making those shares separate property your wife has no claim on them or their proceeds keep them separate from any joint accounts understand I believe so max replied what about our home retirement accounts and such well it's less favorable there Anna
explained given your higher income expect child support for several years we might mitigate contributions to retirement by adjusting alimony it's not ideal but it avoids future issues especially splitting retirement funds your kids are College Bound so no child support there you okay with covering their college expenses yes that works Max confirmed what about the house you and your wife need to decide you can sell it and split the proceeds or one of you can buy out the other based on its current appraised value Anna responded after what I witnessed last night I definitely don't want
this house anymore I doubt Camila can afford to buy my share so selling it seems like the best option Max decided all right I'll prepare the necessary paperwork accordingly the divorce petition is fairly standard so I can have it ready for you early tomorrow if you'd like we can serve it to her tomorrow afternoon and propose a settlement next week Anna said wow that's pretty quick um I Max started Max listen to me if there's any chance for reconciliation perhaps counseling or sometime Anna suggested no it's just a shock right now less than 24 hours
ago I was happy eager to share news of the company sale with my wife now I'm here discussing divorce but we have to move forward I'll figure out how to handle this okay Max said trying to steady himself if you change your mind just give me a call and we can reassess Anna offered Max thanked her settled the fee and left the office walking back to the gold Mercedes he wondered about the events with the man he saw last night it reminded him he promised his secretary to call Camila Camila answered in her law firm
office Camila it's Max you called and were looking for me Max said oh Max thanks for calling I missed you where are you Camila asked I'm here in Charlotte Max replied Max when did you get back the pit in her stomach Twisted last night Camila I got back last night Max said the pit grew heavier camil leaned back struggling to breathe let alone speak Max I think I should hang up she said no Camila please Max said can we meet somewhere I need to see you just for a few minutes max hesitated this woman was
his love the mother of his daughters the most significant person in his life for over 20 years okay Camila Center Cafe at 6 the pain intensified Camila reluctantly agreed the Center Cafe held sentimental value they had first met there with friends long ago over time it became their special place now she felt anxious Max had suggested it and she had to agree Max I'll be there and please understand I'm sorry and I love you Camila said her voice breaking Max hung up Camila sat tears streaming the pain deepening Camila arrived early at the cafe Max
hadn't arrived yet she ordered a glass of wine and reflected on her self-perception her initial experiences were with robust football players in college although she had flirted in high school it was the football players who had made her feel vulnerable holding her down when Max came into her life she thought she had overcome those feelings he was everything she needed strong loving a great father a good provider that should have been enough but on the flight back from the West Coast everything changed Max was on a business trip pitching a new pill to a pharmaceutical
company and she had accompanied him for the weekend flying back alone on an overnight flight she sat next to a Burly man the coach of a local NFL team they chatted drank too much and she fell asleep with her head on his shoulder she woke to find his hand between her legs under her skirt now reflecting on that night she knew she should have screamed or pushed his hand away but she didn't and the guilt the absence of it troubled her she only felt relief when Max returned later that week and she had recovered physically
and emotionally the coach left after one season but not before introducing her to a player from the practice squad he wasn't a star but like the coach he was dominating in bed she felt grateful when he was transferred elsewhere eventually guilt surfaced and she ended the affair wanting to remain faithful to Max she thought she had put her infidelity behind her by the time their daughters left for college she cherished her renewed bond with Max during this period Then Max surprised her with a generous gift a new luxury car of her choice unfortunately she chose
to visit the Mercedes dealership where she met Franklin Thompson he didn't just sell her a car he seduced her she knew it was wrong compounded by the fact that Franklin wasn't even good in bed despite her previous indiscretions she believed her marriage was strong now she loved Max more than ever and wanted to be faithful it was the right thing allowing Franklin into their marital bed was a mistake even before Max found out now she feared the consequences she might have to face hello Camila Max's voice pulled camil's gaze up to see him standing there
he appeared visibly aged since his return from New York a change she blamed herself for the serpent in her gut continued to coil and bite hi Max thank you for being here I don't even know where to begin to express how sorry I am can I ask you a few questions he asked taking a seat oh Max please no if we have any chance questions and answers will only destroy that chance Max we should run away for a few days to a Caribbean Island where we can reconnect hold each other where Camila please you're not
seeing clearly if you can't answer my questions I'll leave now the snake continued to torment her but Camila knew she had to endure the pain and let Max Express his anger however he needed perhaps just perhaps he could find a way through his rage to some form of reconciliation okay Max ask me anything do you know what time I got home last night A peculiar question she thought um no not exactly it had to be after she trailed off knowing his next question already and do you know what I found when I got home when
I went upstairs to our bedroom or should I say what used to be our bedroom yes Max I know what you must have seen and I know it must have been one of the worst things you've ever seen in your life and I know it's entirely my fault that you saw this and I'm begging you please listen to me Max I'm sorry so sorry that I won't fight the divorce you want if you want shut up Camila next question how many men have there been since we got married if you lie if I think you're
lying I'm leaving Camila's first instinct was to lie then she realized it was too risky finally she concluded that the marriage was likely over anyway three max three men whom I now deeply regret ever meeting I can see in your eyes that our marriage is over and I understand you deserve someone better than me I'm willing to do almost anything to give us another chance but I understand if you want nothing to do with me anymore call the lawyer Camila tomorrow you will be served with divorce papers Max stood up and left Camila sat there
initially too stunned to cry as she processed what Max had just said the pain in her stomach intensified and she began to cry Max walked out of the cafe reflecting on how he and Camila had first met there decades ago he wondered if this would be their last last love making conversation closeness he thought bitterly had become a curse hearing her confess to having love making with other men and seeing her with Franklin in their bed in their bed asleep snoring for God's sake how would he ever get over this maybe he could handle knowing
about three Faceless Men over their 20 odd years together with some counseling and a lot of graveling on her part maybe but he would never get over that scene in their bed their marriage was finished sitting in that damn gold Mercedes he finally cried as Darkness fell Max blew his nose wiped his face and remembered what Molly Thompson had said that morning which now felt like a year ago she had told him not to send her the pictures of her husband cheating believing it would be harder to forgive with Visual Evidence Max decided to call
her share this thought and check on the situation with the Mercedes hello Molly answered the call Molly it's Max tror from this morning just checking in to see how your doing and what to do with the car max thanks for calling I'm managing you can keep the car for now Franklin is in so much trouble he won't need it for a while trouble I hope you didn't shoot him no but he might have preferred that he got arrested for trying to break into our house and took a swing at one of the cops he's a
big guy and the cops shot him with a stun weapon then something happened while he was in jail he doesn't want to talk about it but I think he might have been attacked by another prisoner I refus refused to speak to him so he had to call his brother to post bail now his whole family knows what's going on Wow Molly I can't say I feel sorry for him but I do feel sorry for you I wanted to tell you that you made the right decision this morning not to look at the pictures of him
cheating if you have any chance of reconciliation those photos would make it a lot harder yeah he came home a couple of hours ago crying apologizing and begging me to let him stay at least for now we have two little kids so I'm going to try to work things out out but life won't be easy for him his own brother a lawyer told me to push for a prenuptual agreement and offered to help plus I'll be managing our finances for a while Franklin will be on a short leash and I'll be tugging his collar often
stay strong Molly I wish you all the best when you need to return the car just call me they hung up and Max sat there feeling a bit envious of Molly maybe Franklin had learned his lesson being arrested and charge with assaulting a police officer combined with his experience in in jail might have frightened him significantly Max hoped so for Molly's and their children's sake finally he drove back to the motel where he was staying he had one more task before trying to sleep calling his daughters Jane and Joan hi Daddy it seemed like Jane
had answered they were twins not identical but close enough they sounded alike and attended the same expensive college studying nursing at least they didn't look exactly alike similar and clearly sisters but not obviously twins Max often admitted to himself that he was glad they weren't identical they were already skilled at ganging up on him and it would be even harder if two identical young women were persuading him to buy a car stay out late or give them money for a spring break trip to Florida Daddy please but he also admitted again only to himself that
he enjoyed spoiling them Janie yes you guessed right of course there was a 50 50 chance what's up listen tomorrow is Saturday and I'd like to invite you and your sister for breakfast well let's call it brunch maybe around 11 or so at that beastro on Fourth Street we used to go to um that works for me hold on a second he heard some noise and then she came back and Joan is good with it too can we he quickly interrupted her because at their last brunch six or seven of their friends had shown up
letun make it just the three of us okay of course Jane replied but tell me what again he cut her off not wanting to have a difficult convers over the phone which was challenging even in person listen I have to go see you at 11: love you and tell your sister I love her too bye he hung up hoping she wouldn't call Camila but knowing he couldn't tell her that otherwise she would have called Camila immediately 11:00 tomorrow morning would come soon enough after Max left the cafe leaving Camila with his warning or curse to
hire a lawyer her tears were uncontrollable she knew she had ruined everything her marriage her family herent entire life she realized her daughters would find out her parents would know and all her friends would learn about it she would likely lose Max in her home and poor Max seeing her in their bed undressed probably with Franklin who had an hardness must have nearly eliminated him her tears continued to flow eventually the waitress came over and asked if she needed to go to the lady's room Camila choked back her sobs and managed to say no thank
you she paid the bill and left heading back to the house that would soon no longer be hers when she got there she found some Jin just the wrong amount not enough to make her pass out but too much to help her figure out how to get Max back after drinking it all she fell asleep hoping for a miracle that would bring Max back to her Max was sitting in the beastro at 11:00 the next morning when his daughters walked in he had reviewed and approved the draft divorce petition early that morning then drove 2
hours from Charlotte using the drive to figure out how to break the news to Jane and Joan initially everything seemed normal hugs and kisses how is school how was work they ordered and ate their food had their plates cleared and then finally the real conversation began Dad we know something is wrong Joan started you look a bit unwell are you here to tell us you have cancer or something and if so where is Mom girls I do have really bad news but it's not physical no one is dying it's about Mom Jane interrupted she did
something terrible didn't she oh my god did she run off with one of her firm's lawyers some young strong guy that Janie or I should be chasing both girls burst out laughing stunned by the absurdity until they saw their father wasn't laughing Dad no no not Mom no Joan couldn't voice her fear aloud girls listen carefully yes Mom cheated she cheated on me but that doesn't mean she cheated on you Joan crying said Dad if her cheating is destroying our family then yes she cheated on us just as much as she cheated on you both
girls cried and then Max started trying too they stood up trying to hug their dad and each other at the same time Dad letun get out of here Jane suggested there's a park about two blocks from here and we'll have more privacy there people were starting to stare so max quickly paid the bill and they walked to the park a daughter on each side of him all holding on to each other tell us dad Jane said after they found a bench to share we deserve to know how bad it is shek right Joan added we're
mature enough to handle this on the way here I was trying to figure out how to tell you Max began I agree you are both adults and yes your mother did cheat on all of us I found her at home in our bed with another man and she later admitted there had been others before him I think I'm still in shock but I know that she and I can't recover from this I've already talked to a divorce lawyer and mom is getting a divorce petition today they cried more and then fell silent contemplating the news
and their future girls no matter how bad it is you need to prioritize yourselves and your schoolwork there's enough money to cover your senior year at Duke and if either of you wants to pursue Graduate Studies I believe I can find funds for that too but there's a condition they looked at him curious I'm willing to pay for your education but I expect you to work hard and get good grades yes what Mom did makes it hard to concentrate but you told me you're adults real adults mature disciplined people can handle such adversity right they
looked at each other cried again and hugged him yes daddy you are the best and we won't let you down Joan assured him while Jane looked pensive Dad Joan is right we won't let you down but what about you will you be okay what are you going to do well you can think about a lot during a 2-hour Drive first I want you both to know that what you said doesn't surprise me at all I know you'll continue to do well in school and I will continue to be proud of you as for me what
your mother did slapped me hard I could crawl into a hole suffer feel sorry for myself and try to reconcile with your mom but I realized that doesn't suit me I've spent my entire adult life taking care of others when I started working for my grandparents company I took care of them after they left I took care of my sisters as they owned their shares in the company then I took care of your mother and I took care of you girls it might sound like I'm complaining but I'm not the company will soon be sold
which will relieve me of responsibility for my sisters Camila is gone and you guys I promise I'll be happy to help you start your adult lives so what two home runs out of three in terms of the women in my life not bad that leaves me and guess what I see this whole situation with betrayal and divorce not as the worst thing but as a chance to start a new life a life dedicated to taking care of one person me fine dad really if you mean what you say that's great Joan said Jane was more
skeptical dad what does all this really mean New Life working for another pharmaceutical company buying a farm what good question I do have an answer no details yet but this new life will be physical I'm going to run marathons climb mountains swim across the Atlantic climb the Alps go on Safari I have a million things I'm going to do and guess what while doing these things I might meet a nice woman doing the same activities who knows damn it Dad this this is amazing both girls looked at him astonished this was their father not some
enterprising Adventurer did you really come up with all this while driving here from Charlotte Jane asked well yes partly besides I didn't sleep much and different ideas were spinning in my head I mean I could start drinking and feeling sorry for myself but instead I'm going to make the best of this mess trust me I'll be fine Max left his daughters with more hugs kisses and tears then headed back to Charlotte in the gold Mercedes as soon as Max left the girls called their mother hello a strain voice answered the phone at the trork house
Joan put the call on speaker Mom this is Joan and Jane we just had breakfast with Dad and he told us some terrible news what a what did he say well he mentioned divorce and said it was because of your betrayal dad gave us some details but that's the gist is this true oh girls This is complicated he and I have been married for a long time and this this uh mistake yes I made a big mistake well more than one actually but I'm sure we can get through it I just need to give your
father some time to Mom Joan interrupted listen dad said divorce he didn't talk about fixing things he talked about cheating well yes technically he's right but that doesn't mean we can't fix it I told him I would do anything Mom Jane interrupted I think you're delusional he told us that he had already met with a divorce lawyer he said there's no turning back for you two Joan and I don't want to take sides but you have to face reality they heard tormented breathing on the other end Joan and Jane exchanged glances wondering if they should
have gone to Charlotte finally Camila spoke her voice barely above a whisper I know I know I know I screwed up and ruined my marriage I think your father hates me and he's right I've done awful things he told me to hire a lawyer and he was right about that too I'm sorry girls I know it's terrible for you too Mom don't worry about us Joan said we'll be fine and I know Dad is doing everything he can you need to take care of yourself hiring a lawyer is a good idea Jane and I can
come to Charlotte if you need us thank you girls that's kind of you I'll be okay I just need time to come to terms with what I've done they hung up still unsure of their next steps you know Joan said it's funny though it's not really funny we're more wored about mom who caused all this mess than about Dad they continued talking and eventually decided not to go home allowing their parents to deal with the situation without their interference Camila sat in her home in Charlotte a bit hung over from the Gin she drank the
night before and feeling very depressed after talking to her daughters she knew she had to get up get dressed and leave the house do something she thought just as she considered buying more Jin the doorbell rang Camila opened the door to find a young woman standing there chewing gum can I help you Camila asked yes ma'am are you Camila tror Max trork wife why yes that's me why do you ask ma'am you have been served the woman said handing Camila a folder with documents and taking photographs what what Camila asked as the woman walked back
to her car Camila returned to the kitchen table to look at the mysterious folder when she saw the title of the first document she nearly fainted it was a petition for divorce she remembered Max's last words to her get a lawyer as she sat there staring at the familiar kitchen she had once enjoyed with Max she knew the Happy Days wouldn't return after what she had done Camila was right she and Max never reconciled after her betrayal 6 years later sitting in the ballroom of an expensive hotel and watching Jane dance with her new husband
Camila mentally plunged into the past when the girls were teenagers life seemed terrible too many activities too much teenage angst and boys who were either too mean or in Camila's view too nice to the girls Max was too busy with his job and her work as a lawyer was too boring life had been overwhelming then but now she missed it terribly she was still at the same Law Firm doing the same mundane paperwork Camila here is your wine Camila looked at her date a perfectly sweet middle-aged ponchy balding lawyer who had escorted her to Jane's
wedding and reception the bride looks lovely just like her mother thank you Carl you're sweet and thanks for the wine he was a kind man and she could imagine marrying him if he was interested but he definitely wasn't Max she couldn't help but glance across the room at Max Max had just returned from a mountaineering trip to Nepal and Camila thought he looked like one of those bronze Greek god statues tanned incredibly fit even more handsome than she remembered he was smiling and laughing with Joan and her boyfriend holding hands with a woman as beautiful
and fit as he was Joan had told her that Max met the woman on another mountaineering trip in South America and they had been traveling sailing and climbing together for several months Camila felt sick just thinking about it Camila Carl tried to get her attention yes Carl Camila I think we should leave you've fulfilled your duties as mother of the bride and staying here drooling over your ex-husband isn't doing you any favors and I dare say it's not very good for our relationship either Carl you're sweet and you're absolutely right let me go say goodbye
to my daughters and we'll leave Camila hugged and kissed her daughters wished the newlyweds all the best and as hard as it was ignored Max and His stunning girlfriend Max noticed Camila leaving and felt a slight Pang of sadness for their old times together as he watched her Joan asked him a question sorry Joanie what were you saying Daddy remember that strange looking gold Mercedes you were driving when you Jane and I I had breakfast that morning when you visited us at Duke what happened to that car ah Joanie that's a whole story I won't
bore you with let's just say I borrowed that weird gold Mercedes from a friend and ended up giving it back to her I think she sold it it was truly an unlucky car and Max turned to his friend to discuss their next Mountain trip [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
