[Music] I'm telling you Louise my best friend Janet said HEK a typical man he'll hear your proposal and think about what he's going to get I don't like the idea of him being with others I replied Janet I didn't say he would sleep with anyone Louise he's 40 and past his prime do you really think he'll be entertaining 20-year-olds every weekend he'll stay home with the kids and you can live your Best life do you think that won't backfire I asked looking at my friends and co-workers Louise James is desperate to get you into bed
Annie replied by asking for it you'll just have fun with him without feeling guilty Marie added your husband will be busy with working kids just keep him entertained occasionally and he won't suspect a thing the more we talked the better it sounded I'd been happily married to Mark for 18 years With two kids a house an annual vacations we worked hard and were generally happy but as I approached 40 I felt something was missing I wanted a thrill my husband still loved me and was a romantic but I felt bored that's when Janet suggested new
possibilities my friends at work also talked about modern relationships I wasn't sure if my husband would agree but my friends kept convincing me that night I decided to talk to him I'll talk to him tomorrow night after dinner I told them < be fine Janet assured me HEK be grateful and if you need help one of us can keep him entertained I didn't like the idea of my friends with my husband but if it meant I could have my own lovers I'd accept it the idea of boyfriend sounded appealing I'd only had three boyfriends before
Mark and none lasted long I never had a one night stand but young men at Work reminded me I was still desirable this Boosted my confidence coming home my husband suspected nothing when he hugged me he had no idea what was coming I worried about the outcome and shed a few nervous tears the next day was Sunday and we always did something fun as a family however our teenagers preferred their friends company dinner was disappointing as the kids were on their phones don't worry honey the only thing distracting me is you my husband said I
felt guilty knowing what I was going to Ask him later dinner went as usual Mark enforced a no phones rule which the kids eventually appreciated after dinner I told the kids I need to talk to your father it's not for little ears are you having another child our daughter asked excitedly no nothing like that I said seeing Curiosity on my husband's face it's important he didn't know what to expect but poured us both a glass of wine and sat across from me silent but attentive Though usually an extrovert he could be quiet and thoughtful living
by The Motto be silent and be thought a fool speak and remove all doubt I gathered my thoughts are you happy I asked with what he replied with everything our life I have a loving wife two great kids a nice home we live comfortably and have good careers and friends we're doing well I'm glad you think so but I'm bored Mark was silent for a minute then said you're bored yes I love you but I need more Excitement am I not enough it's not about you Mark it's about my needs I tensed sipping my wine
I've been talking to friends and researching traditional relationships are evolving don't give me that new fangled nonsense Mark said just tell me what you want I want an open marriage Mark I want us to date other people his face changed anger flashing in his eyes he gripped his wine glass tightly can you repeat that I want an open marriage so we can date other People think about it you could be with younger women he was silent clearly upset no way he growled we made vows to renounce all others I take that seriously have you Mark
I still take our vows seriously but things can change we can still love and honor each other but I need this those words hurt him his jaw clenched rage in his eyes but he held back he stood up and walked to the back door where are you going I asked to think he Replied my wife just told me she wants to be with other people I don't want to be around her right now his voice broke as he left calling me a strumpet I didn't see him for the rest of the night the next morning
his side of the bed was untouched I showered and went to work finding our kids at breakfast but no sign of Mark where's your dad I asked he left early for work our daughter replied said he might be back late our son added for The first time in our marriage he left without kissing me goodbye it felt unpleasant at work I texted him that I loved him avoiding mentioning last night's discussion I tried calling him at lunch but it went to voicemail so I left a sweet message about loving him and growing old together that
evening his car wasn't home when I arrived I feared he might be at a bar drowning his Sorrows but came home a bit later no kiss just a brief greeting before Disappearing outside our kids didn't seem to notice at dinner he chatted with them as usual but barely spoke to me after dinner he asked the kids to go to their rooms saying he needed to talk to me this time there was no wine he sat across from me clearly upset I know you won't let this go Louise he said your friends are filling your head
with nonsense I researched open relationships today I know if I say no you'll end up cheating on me either way I'll lose he Raised his hands in surrender okay you win but we need rules no men in our house I wouldn't do that I assured him our bed stays sacred lovers should use protection until tested for STDs I don't want to date or see your lovers if you've been with someone we'll have less fun together from now on I'm not responsible for your romantic emotional or physical needs do you understand distracted by thoughts of potential
love I didn't fully grasp what he meant I Figured I'd date for a year or two then return to our normal life he stood up his anger gone but replaced with contempt I saw pain in his eyes and I knew it was my fault but I remembered my friend's advice to be selfish for once he would eventually get over it he didn't come to bed that night alone I downloaded dating apps created a profile and waited for messages then I called Janet so how did it go she asked asked excitedly he agreed but he's not
happy His ego is wounded but he'll deal with it young men today are great or maybe I'm just lucky I know James at work is eager to be with me for the rest of the week things were cold at home the kids likely noticed my husband barely speaking to me but they didn't mention it he returned to our bed but showed no affection only saying good night without hugging or kissing me Friday morning I told him I was going out with the girls that night he hummed Faintly gave me a look I was starting to
recognize then picked up his bag and left without another word I had packed a bag in case of a major fight I kissed the kids goodbye and told them I might be home late at work my co-workers were thrilled about my plans I showed them my change of clothes and the excitement increased I sent a picture to Janet who assured me something would happen that night I spent the afternoon telling three young men that I now had Permission to play away from home are you serious James asked when I invited him for drinks did your
husband agree don't mention him just know that I'll be at the nearest bar with my girlfriends if you show up you might need to keep me company what bar he asked confidently I told him and he smiled saying he would meet me there after lunch a coworker whispered are you really going to entertain James so soon why not my husband agreed so I'm not wasting time You're on Tinder I laughed I've had so much interest in a day young men love older women my husband can't compete with that and how does he deal with it
we don't talk about it he stays home with the kids does that seem fair she smiled who says it's fair they agreed to it if they can't find other women that's their problem I wasn't sure my husband would even look for another woman he was monogamous so his agreement was was odd I tried to focus on work but kept Texting Janet at 5:00 p.m. I changed applied more makeup and met Janet and the girls we were soon surrounded by young men and James appeared excited to see me we found a booth and talked when I
suggested we go to my booked hotel room he practically dragged me out to cheers for my friends we pounced on each other in the hotel room later I showered dressed and checked out ignoring the receptionist's judgmental look at home I found the bedroom empty and Mark in the study shaking him gently he woke and met my gaze with cold emotionless eyes go back to sleep Louise he said rolling over and ignoring me are you coming to bed I'm in bed I told you the rules Louise you think I'm going to share a bed with you
after tonight fine then he scoffed back in the bedroom I changed and got into bed missing his presence beside me if he wanted to sulk and sleep alone that was his problem if this continued I wouldn't come home for The first couple of months I limited my date nights to Fridays and Saturdays trying to maintain our relationship but he rarely shared a bed with me now and the kids were noticing when I asked Mark about it he gave me a scathing look and offered to explain to them what I had asked him to do you
agreed to it I objected under duress he growled you were going to have fun either way but I wasn't giving you a divorce you weren't taking the kids away I would never have taken them Louise your behavior is injuring them they know what's happening I wouldn't touch you now I don't know what STDs you're carrying his words took my breath away I knew he was upset but his anger and hatred were intense I considered slapping him but knew he'd punch back harder things grew colder between us we were a marriage and name only we hadn't
had love making since I asked for an open marriage did I miss him yes I Missed being in love with my husband and the way he held me but I wasn't ready to give up my new lifestyle almost every weekend I had a new date from Tinder Janet and the girls suggested meeting regularly after work so my outings increased to week nights and weekends sometimes I didn't make it home staying at janets or a friend's house when too drunk to return safely I started storing clothes at work or Jam to save time after 6 months
there Were weeks I barely went home I was living my best life but didn't realize the damage I was doing to my marriage and family I'll be honest from the start the night my wife asked for an open marriage my love for her died some may wonder how I could fall out of love after 20 years but betrayal and disrespect can do that with a few words she trampled our vows it felt like an excuse to cheat guilt-free as I cooled off outside I knew I had to handle this Calmly it was clear her friends
had coached her I needed to talk to someone I called Emily hi Mark hi Emily okay what's wrong we've been friends for 35 years you can't fool me everything came out all anger and hatred I hated my wife because she ripped my heart out I don't remember my exact words but it wasn't pleasant are you sitting down Mark no sit down I'll tell you what to do this won't be like my situation with Adam you have to play it differently rely on me What should I do part of me wants to walk away but I
can't leave the kids and custody battles rarely favor men I'm not going to be a parttime dad stay married out of convenience turn off your emotions don't be her shoulder to cry on the thought of making love to her after she's been with someone else is sickening exactly cut yourself off from her emotionally but keep the house and kids focus on yourself and them go to the gym find Hobbies reconnect with Friends most importantly be there for the kids kids they'll understand what's happening she'll focus on her own needs and may eventually leave what if
she falls in love with someone else then she'll have to choose stay with the family in name only or leave part of me wants to leave now but I want to stay with the kids use the gray rock method show complete disinterest in her make interactions with you unrewarding hide your emotions and keep conversations Short and direct will it work probably her request shows disinterest in you and the Family Focus on the kids if you divorce wait until the youngest is 18 live as neighbors if necessary thanks Emily always here for you mark focus on
your kids and yourself will you forgive her no we'll divorce eventually for now we'll just be roommates that's a good mindset don't do anything stupid I won't I'll protect myself where will you sleep tonight not in the marital bed I'll Visit you soon you'll need friends for what's ahead thanks Emily one more thing Mark I know it's tough but you need to take advantage of this women will love you you're successful trim and handsome you're a great father go on dates I'm not sure just think about it you deserve happiness too going gry rock was
hard and I'd snapped at Louise more than once each time I berated myself but she got what she wanted so what did she care the First night she stayed over with someone else nearly liquidated me she even had the nerve to ask me to join her in bed I barely restrained myself from spewing my thoughts any residual love for her died that night I'll always care for her as the mother of our children but the passion was gone I hardened my heart preparing for the inevitable following Emily's advice I focused on myself and the kids
I resumed going to the gym hired a personal trainer and took up Cooking for the kids bonding with my daughter when Louise started disappearing on weekends I sought help from my younger sister she bragged on me for putting up with it but understood when I explained it was for the kids you should just leave with Emily she said she's the one you should have married I muttered best not to know when she asked about Louis's whereabouts when was the last time you did this she asked I'm not in the mood To talk about it Emily
suggested finding a pretty girl for one night my sister laughed at least three of my friends still hold a candle for you the gym sessions are paying off right I feel more fit than I have in a while when I work the bag I imagine her or her boyfriends as long as you don't slap her when was the last time you two talked last week at dinner we only discuss the kids she spends all her time on her phone I saw three dating apps with Dozens of messages I don't care anymore she's my wife in
name only an absolute strumpet my sister muttered I agreed but didn't say it out loud Emily was the one person I relied on most the kids adored Aunt Emily as their mother faded from their lives they appreciated Emily's presents especially my daughter Emily and I spent many evenings together sometimes cuddling but not more daddy why do you put up with this my daughter asked one night at dinner Louise still Came home occasionally for dinner but didn't notice I'd moved most of my stuff out of the marital bed yeah kids at school teased us but we
went along with what they called Mom my son added we're not the only kids with divorced or weirdly married parents I sighed glancing at Emily who gave me a reproachful look did your mom ever explain what's going on I asked not really she just said things might change in the future my daughter replied Dad We're not little kids we know everything from the internet just tell us my son said we won't judge you at least you're here I can't remember the last time mom said three words to me my daughter wiped her cheeks and Emily
hugged her immediately I won't go into details kids your mom changed our relationship and I agreed because otherwise we would have lost the house and you do you still love her my daughter asked no I answered bluntly my love for her died when she Made the request and completely when she came home late after her first date does she even love us anymore my daughter asked holding back tears Emily hugged her Tighter and looked at me of course she loves you I replied but I felt like I was lying funny way to show it Dad
my son remarked I realize it's partly my fault look kids all I can do is continue to be the father I've always been I'll always be there for you you can count on me my sister is helping too Emily added I'm here for you as well my daughter hugged her tightly Emily's eyes sparkled she had wanted children but never had any we like you Emily my son said with a smirk you make Dad happy he's smiling again my son made me blush Emily smiled at me a knowing smile a few months passed quickly and our
lives changed I built an addition to the house as my private space a bedroom office and living area the kids loved it and we could all play together when I worked From home they kept me company when Emily visited we had our own space I avoided my wife when she was home and we only communicated through texts I didn't care what she did for a living her paycheck still went into a joint account so bills were covered I slowly removed her from my life including as a beneficiary on life insurance this was for my children's
benefit Emily stayed over often but we weren't carnal we slept in the the same bed but she Understood I wasn't ready I still wore my ring feeling like I was still a husband Emily didn't pressure me she just held me and whispered that she loved me and would wait as long as I needed shek a fool Emily whispered one night she has no idea what she's thrown away and you still have to go on dates I'm a patient woman Mark she added smiling I confess once given the freedom I went a little wild I had
always been a faithful wife and mother dedicating Nearly 20 years to my family it was time to live a bit for myself yes my husband did the same and he could take advantage of our open relationship too he agreed to it he could have said no And while we might have argued I would have understood deep down I know I would never have cheated on him but I did go a little crazy with Tinder dates not all were successful but many young men were eager to take me to a hotel time flew as I lived
life to the fullest while still Keeping up with bills and staying in touch with the kids my husband avoided me at home and we barely spoke realizing how much I missed out on my family hit me when I tried to spend a weekend at home conversations with my husband were like talking to a brick wall only discussing the kids I missed him and the kids but was also having too much fun to stop hi I exclaimed as I walked through the front door I'm home the lights were on but no one responded in the kitchen
My husband and two kids were having dinner with Emily there too I knew she had been friends with my husband since childhood approaching them I stopped meeting my husband's gaze realizing he still looked at me with disdain what are you doing here our daughter asked her tone harsh I am here to spend time with my family she scoffed meeting my eyes and smirking our son grinned and turned to Emily is there room for me I asked my husband no he replied emotionless I Noticed changes in the house the living room looked like a museum the
kitchen was painted and photos of us were missing in the bedroom it was clear my husband hadn't used it in a while opening double doors I saw a large living space with a sleeping area an entertainment center what is this I asked my part of the house Mark replied flatly and why did you build it why didn't you tell me he remained silent but his eyes said it All my kids smirked and Emily held his hand under the table why are you here Mom our daughter asked aren't you supposed to be on a date with
one of your boyfriends I turned to my husband do they know did you tell the kids about our Arrangement they've been asking where you've been I told them I won't lie to our kids for you it was your decision you've hardly been home for Months our son added I'm surprised you're even here why are you here our daughter repeated we were having a nice dinner until you made it awkward I looked at my husband are you going to fix our kids attitudes Mark no he said not looking at me but at Emily our kids are
teenagers and entitled to their opinions do you even know how old they are you missed my birthday our daughter declared and you missed my team winning the Grand Final our son added they Finished eating and Emily without a word motioned for them to go to the other room so I could talk to my husband I'm pretty sure I stood there opening and closing my mouth as Mark got up pulled a beer from the fridge and leaned against the counter sipping for a minute or two before asking why are you here Louise I wanted to spend
time with my family this weekend he looked away then nodded good luck with that I'm busy tonight and this weekend as for the kids You can always ask them he turned to face me remember the agreements Louise I don't care what you're doing now but you can try to talk to the kids if you want just don't hold your breath after 5 minutes of talking to them I realized neither wanted anything to do with me sighing I went back to the bedroom feeling alone in my own house okay I muttered if that's the way it
is I'll just leave see you later probably not our daughter replied Sarcastically I grabbed my bag hurried out and slammed the car door hitting the steering wheel in frustration tears flowed as I blamed everything on my husband until I remembered his look when I first made the request and the night I came back from my first date that look of indifference chilled me I wondered if I had ruined everything that mattered had he been right had my friends led me astray Maybe their husbands would have tolerated it but Mark was always proud realizing the truth
of our agreement I cried harder he had completely disconnected from me we were married only out of convenience and I doubted we'd ever go back to the way things were I couldn't turn to my friends they'd be to blame for my marriage's collapse driving aimlessly I eventually parked at a bar inside I ordered a drink which soon became two and three is this seat Taken a kind voice asked a man looked at me no it's not taken I replied sniffling but I'm not sure I'd be good company maybe you need some company it's not nice
to see a woman sitting alone looking lonely and frustrated he sat down bought himself a drink and offered to buy me one need someone to talk to I'm not sure you'd want to hear my story is it that bad the more I think about it the more I wonder if I've ruined everything he held out His hand I'm Tom and you are I took his hand i'm Louise now we're no longer strangers someone or something has broken your heart are you sure you want to hear about this I'm in no hurry I told him the
general story and he listened nodding and understanding when I finished he ordered another drink for us do you want to maintain your relationship Louise honestly I don't know if my husband will ever get our relationship back on track he's just Angry with me how can you fix anything if you won't talk to you I just want my husband to love me again I whispered these other men don't love me it's just a distraction after more drinks I couldn't drive Tom suggested I get a hotel or I could go home with him I live alone and
have spare bedrooms he said I don't expect anything Louise I agreed Tom called a cab and I grabbed my overnight bag from the car he lived on the other Side of town once inside died he showed me the house including the bedroom I would use we had a night cap on the couch sitting next to each other you're a beautiful woman Louise he said softly putting his hand on my thigh ever think about finding one or two lovers who make you feel special I don't want to fall in love with someone else I replied you
can love more than one person he said I smiled finding him very handsome and different From my husband I'm not here to tell you how to live your life Louise you know almost nothing about me the next morning I put on spare clothes and met him in the kitchen after greeting me with a kiss on the cheek we ate breakfast and got to know each other surprisingly he was in an open relationship too I'm always honest with any woman I meet I don't wear my wedding ring when My wife isn't around because it's annoying but
I always tell the truth before we sleep together my wife and I only see each other once a month do you have children they're grown and live with my wife most of the time do you have many Mistresses in the early days I slept with any woman interested now I prefer real relationships sipping his coffee he asked what are your plans for the weekend Louise I don't have any would you like to spend it with me he took my hand I saw a beautiful upset woman last night and wanted to comfort her I also hoped
she'd take an interest in me I smiled I'd love to spend the weekend with you Tom Tom was well off his house was luxurious his car something my husband and I could never afford after a day together he took me to a top restaurant we danced until late and I kissed him first making him Smile in the back of the cab I snuggled against him at home after midnight we sipped drinks and talked quietly before ending up in his bedroom Sunday at breakfast Tom gave me advice he explained that his open marriage worked because he
and his wife lived apart and agreed on it I had surprised my husband and forced him to agree Tom insisted I repair my relationship with my children he advised me to figure out how to make it work he Also suggested mending things with Mark who seemed like a good man HEK a wonderful man almost as wonderful as your wife I love my wife and plan to retire with her soon when I'm home this all ends what does she think she misses me but has two lovers when I'm away when I'm home all her attention is
on me things seem to be working out for you to not without problems but we avoid jealousy and resentment after spending the afternoon Together he drove me back to the bar where my car was parked with his arm around me I realized I might have been approaching things wrong one night stands were fun but left an emotional void Tom a decent man gave me solid advice on how to make things work in my own marriage keep in touch with your husband the most important thing is your children rebuild that relationship I'll do my best when
can we See each other again as soon as you want I'm not seeing anyone else but promise you won't be jealous if I meet someone else I might get another semi-permanent boyfriend he laughed and I realized how much I like sound now you're thinking right Louise you've had your fun and that's fine but now you realize you need something more serious and Lasting maybe lovers who truly care about you I hugged him tightly I'll call you soon I said I'm Looking forward to it Louise I watched him drive away then got into my car taking
a deep breath I drove home thinking about what to say to my family I stopped by my friend's place to pick up my thing Janet seemed ready to argue but I told her I was done with meaningless fun and needed a real relationship she wished me luck as I left when I got home it was late I gathered my clothes and headed to the kitchen I heard noise from my Husband's room I had to hold back sobs realizing he had separated our lives without finalizing the divorce our son Matthew was playing a video game on
a new TV and our daughter Zara was studying nearby outside I saw my husband on the new Terrace hugging a Woman Who Wasn't Emily Matthew noticed me and gestured to Zara who pulled out her headphones I knelt between them taking their hands and tears rolled down my cheeks please Don't doubt that I love you I said I'm sorry I missed things I promise to be better Matthew's lip quivered and I hugged him tightly why are you gone all the time Mom he asked breaking my heart I'm sorry baby I miss you I'll try to be
better are you really with other men letun not talk about that Matthew that's for your father and me to deal with I kissed his cheeks and ruffled his hair I'll try to attend all your games next season turning to Zara I saw she was Unconvinced you broke Daddy's heart mom she declared what a wife you're too young to understand I'm not too young she shouted I'm 16 almost 17 I you know what's going on what happens in my marriage stays between your father and me but your behavior affects us she burst into tears and ran
away I didn't hear Mark until I felt his presence are you staying for dinner Louise he asked coldly I'll try to be here more often Mark is this your wife a young woman Asked she was stunning and no older than 25 I'm Cindy what about no visitors Mark I asked she's here to keep me company not that you have the right to tell me what to do we have a free relationship remember I'm just exercising my rights I felt annoyed and jealous watching Mark and Zara prepare dinner Cindy sipped wine smiling at mark my daughter
had always been close to her father but they seemed even closer now Mark graciously seated me at the table but I was ignored He continued his conversation with Cindy and Zara after dinner Mark walked Cindy to her car he waved as she drove away and then walked back into the house Mark I said quietly he stopped and looked at me without anger or coldness he wasn't smiling but he seemed happy can we talk Mark he sighed looking tired about what Louise about us I'm still your wife you're still my husband I still love you I
never wanted this to happen I thought he might explode with with rage but he Clenched his fists and sat down you wanted an open relationship Louise I accepted when was the last time we slept in the same bed I won't share a bed with my wife after she's dated other men remember what I said no emotional support no physical support if you want love and affection find someone else this is what you wanted I was happily married now I'm married in name only who is she I asked you brought another woman into our home we
never did anything here He said bluntly and who she is is none of your business I don't care who you're with and who I'm with is none of your business he stood and looked at me with pity everything that happened is a consequence of your decisions Louise I warned you be careful what you wish for you got what you wanted but didn't care about the impact on our family later I was watching TV in the living room when my son appeared I patted the seat next to me and he sat Down do you miss your
mom I asked yeah he said knowing I wouldn't sleep with my husband that night I turned off the lights and went to Mark's part of the house one door was closed the other a jar he was on the couch with our daughter who was trembling and crying I knew I was the cause if I walked in things would get ugly sighing I quietly closed the door and headed to my bedroom it was no longer our bedroom and I wasn't sure my husband would ever Return to it I took Emily's advice and decided if my wife
could have fun so could I I quickly found many young women interested in a successful 40-year-old man friends and co-workers set me up with women they knew I didn't want to date anyone too young but Cindy 25 was too cute to resist Charlotte 28 was a career woman seeking love on her own terms Melissa in her early 30s was a lawyer and an amazing lover and then there was Jessica 21 the daughter of a Cooworker who was very honest about her interest in me I'm partial to handsome older men she said on her first date
Mark can I be honest sure your wife is an idiot the only surprise is that this Arrangement works I'm jealous sometimes but I knew it wasn't forever I wanted someone to make me feel special and we all know about Emily I heard she extended her deadline yes I now have a year to have fun do you think she's afraid to commit to you maybe we've Always been in love but it's been platonic then you need to show her how you feel how can you be so young and wise all your girlfriends think it's a good
idea we all love Emily and agree you two are perfect for each other Jessica clung to me don't feel guilty sometimes a woman needs to show she wants you the next morning we had breakfast together then I drove her home after a long kiss she went inside with a dreamy smile I knew I'd hear about it at Work back home Matthew was yelling into his gaming headset Zara was at the table busy with her own things I kissed her head and cheek have you two been okay the last two nights I'm 16 Daddy I can
take care of myself and your brother he hasn't been too intrusive any sign of your mother not since Wednesday fair enough what do you want for dinner we had dinner together Matthew ate quickly and returned to his game Zara grinned at me as we cleaned up I grabbed a beer and Went to the deck Zara joined me settling on my lap daddyy are you happy hm depends am I happy with you yes I love my children am I happy with my current situation no am I happy with my personal life besides your mother yes quite
content I think Mom has a boyfriend now good for her you really don't care do you no honey we live Separate Lives the only things we share are you two some finances this house and a piece of paper you two were never meant to be in Involved I assumed your mom's disappearances would be noticed but I wouldn't lie for her I tried not to do the same but she flaunted it almost like I couldn't do the same you've met some beautiful women Dad yes I have four beautiful women who know I'm married they know it's
not forever they know I'm not leaving my marriage because of Emily Daddy are you in love with her Zara whispered she rarely called me Daddy now only when she wanted to say something Important I pulled her closer pondering her question Emily is my best friend Zara she's been by my side longer than anyone I've helped her through breakups and even fought guys who mistreated her sounds like love daddy your mother took my love for granted Emily never did that we've never been in a relationship but I can rely on her more than anyone your mother
knew that Emily warned her that if she broke my heart she might end up wanting to be with me but are you having Fun in the meantime Emily knows everything I do and even encourages me that's what friends are for Dad but I'll be thrilled when you marry her wait what did she say something no but you deserve to be happy and mom hasn't made you happy since she made that request are you going to divorce her soon no she lives her life and I live mine when you and your brother leave home we'll divorce
Emily arrived Tuesday night and my daughter seemed to play matchmaker The whole time my son was oblivious but I cast reproachful glances at my daughter after they went to bed Emily snuggled up to me wrapping her arm around my waist she started giggling your daughter wasn't subtle today Mark she whispered no she's been talking about us getting married Emily pressed closer and what do you think of that idea we need to get a divorce first do you love me Mark the only people I love more are my children and Louise I don't Love her anymore
Emily so apart from your children you love me the most yes I loved Louise more once we dated married had kids and built a life together but now I think about you a lot I'm grateful to Louise for giving me two wonderful children that night Emily stayed with me nothing physical happened we weren't ready my daughter was thrilled to have Emily with us at breakfast my son wasn't bothered and told me about his mother's apology and promised to be more present She had been showing up more often He also mentioned his mother's standing dinner invitation
which his sister never accepted walking Emily to her car she said I'd like to stay the night again it's fine because we don't have love making that's one of the rules right yes and I'm sticking to it too Louise came home on Wednesday hoping for a family dinner but I had a date with Cindy she begged me to stay as I walked to the door I gave her a neutral look please Stay Mark it's not my fault Louise but we can I have plans our children knew I wouldn't be here tonight I'll see them tomorrow
can't you stay please for me I glared at her then walked out the door Cindy was waiting for me at the pub Louise didn't need to know about it it was none of her business he hates me I muttered snuggling up to Tom I slept at home alone but enjoyed these moments with Tom usually three times a week I hadn't found a second steady lover yet And wasn't sleeping around as much I think it's over Tom do you know what he's doing I chuckled my daughter loves telling me about all the women he dates she
hopes he divorces me and marries Emily his best friend and these other women they visit the house Mark cooks for them he used to cook for me and your daughter she's not happy with you she takes pleasure in our marriage collapsing she blames me for everything daddy's little girl I took a Moment to control my emotions I broke his heart Tom he shut me out but our daughter knows what he's thinking what are you going to do I think my daughter is right I don't know how to save our marriage because Mark won't talk to
me we only discuss the kids or finances I text him about how much I miss him but he never responds I don't call because I know he won't answer Tom made me feel better by making love to me if I couldn't get my husband Back Tom was someone I enjoyed spending time with another man Daniel was interested but unsure about dating a married woman despite my assurances that my marriage was failing I loved spending time with Tom he took me on day we spent weekends together and had deep conversations we tried not to talk about
our other partners but sometimes they came up a few months later we were lying in bed I have a question Tom said anything Tom how would you feel about Going on trips with me I travel a lot for business in the states in Europe I won't be so lonely with a beautiful woman by my side what about your wife she's too busy to join me I want you to come Lou really I love spending time with you and want you to keep me company while I'm gone how long would I be gone a couple of
weeks to a month depending on my deals I'll need to tell the kids of course I know your daughter is 17 and Your son is 15 how was her birthday awkward both families are aware of the situation I thought she didn't want me there but I think Mark insisted on my presence maybe there's still some love left he knows my relationship with our daughter is broken but our son still loves me I hear from him almost every day and try to call him every night when do you need to know as soon as possible I'm
leaving for the states on Thursday on Monday I came home to no guests Mark Was preparing dinner with Zara and they both looked at me when I entered are you here for dinner Mark asked yes do you mind it's still your house Louise I almost cried it was the nicest thing he'd said since I made the request Matthew noticed me came over and hugged me he was still growing taller and would soon be as tall as his father for the first time in months the four of us sat down to dinner we didn't talk Much
but I couldn't stop smiling at my husband I still hoped to save our marriage after dinner Mark served dessert ice cream with chocolate sauce everyone relaxed but I knew my words would ruin the mood Mark I know you don't want to hear about my business but Tom asked me to go on a business trip I won't be around for a couple of weeks to a month if it affects our children I'll listen Louise Tom wants me to accompany him on trips his wife doesn't want to go So he asked me it means I won't be
here as often it's okay Mom Matthew said where will you go to the United States and Europe Zara said nothing her expression impassive I looked at Mark who was looking at me with an unreadable expression until he asked a question I wasn't expecting do you love him I love you Mark I answered quietly I'm still your wife and you're still my husband I didn't ask that Louise I asked do you Love him I I don't know I enjoy his company I looked away then back at him and do you love everyone you're with he smirked
and started clearing the table Zara got up to help him and I knew the conversation was over I retired to the living room feeling somewhat relieved when Matthew joined me later that evening I was already in bed when the door opened a warm body hugged me it took a few seconds to realize it was my son I'm sorry Mom he whispered turning Away I hugged him tightly and burst into tears he stroked my back and whispered that he loved me which made me feel better thank you baby I whispered I spent the next two nights
at home before heading out with Tom on our first trip together Mark and Zara were polite but mostly ignored me Matthew was affectionate sensing my loneliness I tried to explain things to him dad always said we should keep in touch with you he told me making me smile I Arranged to work remotely while away so Thursday morning I packed for Tom to pick me up when I got downstairs Mark had left for work the kids were having breakfast Zara barely said two words to me which I expected as she was leaving I asked if I
could hug her she softened a bit and hugged me briefly I really love you Zara I whispered you're my first born she murmured that she hoped I had a good time and left Matthew hugged me and asked me to take pictures if I was Sightseeing Tom picked me up a few minutes later over the next few months I traveled a lot with Tom to North and South America Asia and Europe he paid for everything and I was introduced as his partner I developed a crush on him he was romantic and generous one day I was
checking social media and saw what I'd been missing Mark didn't block me and used it to update family and friends seeing pictures of him and the kids in New Zealand I felt hurt neither Mark nor The kids had mentioned it seeing Emily in many pictures stung the most after lunch Tom found me crying he hugged me and checked my phone I feel partly to blame he said you're spending a lot of time with me maybe you want to stop traveling for a while and reconnect with the kids are you sure about that Louise he smiled
at me I love you Louise that made me smile we had expressed our love on our first trip but I couldn't imagine leaving my wife introducing your children to me would be I'm not sure after returning home I tried to spend more time at home and with Tom it was hard to Corner Mark but one evening I did you took the kids to New Zealand I asked why I wanted to give them a vacation they hadn't had one in years why exclude me because you were with your boyfriend at the time he replied I would
have cancelled he turned to look At me I'm not going to pretend to be a happy family to fulfill your needs Louise I wanted to take our children on vacation you're too busy jetting around the world with your boyfriend friend Emily came with us for company while the kids had fun Emily is my best friend and has been my support since this Arrangement began I invited her over for company what about Christmas what about it are you planning anything am I involved that's up to you Louise Mark if you just talk to me his eyes
turned cold we have nothing to talk about since the night you made your request you've made your thoughts on our marriage clear Mark I miss you I want my husband back I can't remember the last time we shared a bed and it's your fault Louise I refuse to be carnal with a wife who wants other men but you agreed to it he chuckled shaking his head you still don't get it I never wanted this I wanted my wife to stay faithful you Pushed for an open marriage so I had to agree or lose you either
way I lost I would never cheat on you mark you were so eager to be with other men don't take me for a fool Louise you're with other women too Mark don't make this all about me he stepped closer his anger melting away your friend Janet put this nonsense in your head do you know her husband finally kicked her out she partied and brought men home while he took care of the kids I was shocked I hadn't spoken To Janet in months and never expected her to be so disrespectful to her husband I realized Mark
had probably figured everything out from the start I don't know what they'd say Louise he said emotionless you took advice from people who destroyed our marriage there's no going back he stepped forward again why did you do it Louise was I a bad husband or lover did I make you unhappy I was bored not good enough boredom isn't a reason to tell your Husband you want other men I met his gaze my eyes filling with tears I couldn't explain without further destroying our marriage I'd realized I'd made a selfish request forced him into something he
hated and listened to bad advice my friends made dating seem exciting and I found that attractive they filled my head with stories of advantages and opportunities in an open marriage and what did they say about the husband who had to deal with that I Lowered my head Janet said it was never fair I never wanted anyone else Louise he said said sadly until that night I was a happily married man your request showed complete disrespect for me and our marriage I sighed we hadn't spoken like this since the night he agreed to the arrangement I
knew this was the end of our marriage his love for me had faded at least as far as being my husband what do we do Mark keep this Arrangement Until the kids are 18 then we'll decide I burst into tears and to my surprise he put his arms around me breaking me completely I collapsed against him clinging tightly I knew he didn't love me but he probably still didn't want to see me cry the love was gone but so was the hate wek spend Christmas together Louise he said but I'm living my own life now
our marriage is practically over you should realize that by now you're trying to hold on to something That has withered and died even if I stop everything you're different now and so am I I don't want to lose you mark you're my husband and I still love you he sighed but didn't let go gently caressing my back he remained silent knowing the truth already I knew what he was thinking and what he would eventually do I couldn't hate him for that finally he let go giving me a chance to wipe my eyes I met his
gaze there was no warmth But he understood my emotions do you want some dinner he asked I almost cried again it had been too long since we had dinner together we cooked something simple and filling the conversation was awkward and some topics were off limits but after a couple of beers we started reminiscing where are the kids I finally asked Zara is out with friends Matthew is at a sleepover I was just enjoying a night alone it's okay Louise I think we needed This conversation Zara hates me he shook his head no she doesn't hate
you she's daddy's little girl and doesn't like that her mom has a boyfriend what does she think about daddy having a girlfriend he chuckled I think she's a little jealous she's felt neglected do you love Emily Mark you know I love Emily she's been my best friend most of my life are you with her now no she's been there for support she won't be with me until we're divorced I couldn't hold back the tears are you serious about this divorce are you happy in our marriage this is the longest conversation we've had in a year
I wish things were like they were before but you can't turn back time what's done is done he invited me to have a drink in his cabin it was decorated with love warm and the kids loved spending time there we shared a bottle of wine talking about the past the next morning morning I woke up in his arms I realized I'd had too much to drink disappointment set in when I realized nothing had happened Mark opened his eyes and smiled apparently we had a bit to drink last night we're still dressed so nothing happened Mark
snuggling closer I asked would you be interested when was the last time you did it over a week ago he raised his eyebrows I've never stopped finding you attractive Louise you're still a beautiful woman do you Mean that of course I'm not going to lie about that Mark I know you don't particularly like me but would you entertain your wife we haven't done anything in over a year I miss being with you he sighed and pulled me tighter Whispering he was sorry I whispered back that he should never apologize he had closed off a part
of himself from me and he couldn't give me that part anymore thank you for telling me I'm still beautiful I whispered he Disappeared to take a shower then got dressed and had a quick breakfast as he was leaving I asked for a hug he put his bag down and hugged me tightly for the first time in a year in a way it was a symbol of the end one last hug before he left but I knew one day we would hug for the last time before our marriage ended I love you Mark I whispered I've
never stopped loving you he didn't respond I followed him to the driveway watching him get into his SUV I couldn't resist waving and he honked before driving away you're 18 now Zara and Matthew is 16 I think it's time are you finally going to divorce her you shouldn't be so excited Zara dad your marriage has been a sham for too long you deserve to be happy with someone who loves you I'll let Matthew know and when your mom gets back I'll give her the paperwork I'd prefer a joint application to make it faster your mom
knows I want a divorce so this shouldn't be a shock Did you tell Emily yes she wanted to wait until we were divorced but we've waited long enough I'll discuss living arrangements with your mom Louise hadn't lied to our son about Tom she spent time with him when he traveled but was home when she wasn't away we spent Christmas together almost like old times my side of the family was friendly and her side seemed somewhat supportive talking longer than we had in over a year helped thaw our feelings We became friends again but the love
and closeness were gone we could be around each other and talk easily I knew she still loved me and I hoped I might ReDiscover my love for her but my feelings weren't the same I couldn't love her like I used to when she came home a few nights later I gave her a couple of days to settle in I wasn't going to be cruel and file for divorce immediately the hatred I felt in the first few months had long gone Finding my own girlfriends helped me understand her up to a point Emily helped me stay
calm one evening we had dinner as a family and Zara was affectionate with her mother I felt it was because she knew what was coming Matthew always loved his mother though he knew what was happening he was upset but understood it was necessary alone with Louise I asked her to wait at the table while I got the papers and placed them in front of her she immediately Cried realizing what they were without looking I can't apologize for this Louise the only thing that could have been different was doing it 12 months later but I stayed
to be near the kids after I stopped hating you I didn't mind sharing a house we never brought lovers here and never flaunted our relationships I took her hand read the papers if you agree we can file them as a joint application Zara is 18 now so she's not considered a child Matthew is 16 I think he should stay here until he's 18 what do you want to do that's up to you Louise I made sure she was looking into my eyes as I added I'm going to be with Emily after the divorce I'll propose
to her and likely move in with her as for this house you can buy me out or we can sell it are you going to stay here I don't plan on leaving yet Louise our children are grown and it's time for us to move on I never wanted this Mark she whispered wiping her Cheeks I know Louise you wanted it to be short term but it lasted I've told the other women I'm divorcing you and moving on with Emily my words hurt her and she cried harder I continued to hold her hand if this was
a year ago I would have said things that would have broken your heart even more I don't want to do that now I want to end our marriage on good terms Emily warned me about breaking your heart she always looked out for my best interests can we stay friends Mark We're already friends aren't we she smiled we've gotten closer in the last few months than we had in the 12 months after your request but our relationship isn't what it used to be we have two children and that will always bind us when will you move
out I'll coordinate with Emily if you want me to move out if you want me to stay I'll stay but you'll have to accept Emily visiting in our relationship I'm not sure I can live with that Louise whispered then I'll Leave Emily is happy for me to be with her all the time she really loves you doesn't she I had no regrets until that night marrying you was the best day of my life equal to the birth of our children I loved you with all my heart for so long go through the papers and sign
them I'll talk to Emily and arrange a moving date she didn't cry much I hugged her and stroked her back I knew I had just broken her heart she hoped we could save our marriage but she knew I Had talked about divorce more than once in the evening after moving to my side of the house I called Emily and told her I had given the papers to Louise Emily tried to hide her excitement as she asked when I would move in with her I knew I would be moving out since Emily owned her house and
was looking forward for w to me joining her I wasn't bothered by leaving the house to Louise as I knew she would agree to sell it once Matthew was old enough the decision Lifted a weight off my shoulders and the tension eased Louise was upset but kept her cool Zara overheard Louise Telling Tom she needed some time and had informed him of the situation Louise disappeared the day I moved in taking Matthew to her parents they knew about everything including our divorce she signed the papers and all that remained was the Court's final judgment Emily
came over while I was packing I greeted her with a kiss and after loading my car With boxes and suitcases she took a few smaller boxes insisting that her house would be our home leaving the house for the last time I felt a heavy heart we had been married for over 20 years and while we didn't celebrate that anniversary the house held many good memories before leaving I wrote Louise a short letter to make her smile I no longer felt hate or bitterness it was time for both of us to live our lives when we
arrived at my new home we Dropped off our things and placed most of my clothes in our bedroom I've had several tests Mark she whispered I'm still capable of having children I smiled we can definitely discuss it I love you mark over the past few months I've fallen in love with you you've been my best friend for most of my life believe me I feel the same way now when was the last time you were with someone a couple of months ago I got tested after my last time with Cindy I'm fine When was your
last time she blushed I was waiting for you to start the divorce I knew I couldn't wait until it was official she made dinner that night and we sat at a candle lit table sharing wine and easy conversation after dinner we loaded the dishwasher and she led me to her bedroom Emily was different from Louise shorter and Slimmer 2 months later a month after our divorce was finalized I proposed to Emily after a lovely dinner at the harbor she rushed To me when I put the ring on her finger at home she thanked me for
making her so happy I told the kids about the engagement Zara was thrilled as she adored Emily Matthew was happy but had hoped his parents would reconcile I didn't tell Louise during the divorce proceedings we kept our distance settling everything without seeing each other Emily didn't want a lavish wedding just an engagement ring a white dress and vows to make us husband and wife our Second wedding was small with only close family and friends both my children attended Matthew was surprised but accepted the invitation showing loyalty to his mother I didn't invite Louise knowing it
would hurt her by then we were socializing again and she had visited my house more than once Emily didn't mind Louise but she suggested that my ex-wife lived with many regrets on our wedding day Emily was 5 months pregnant she was radiant looking forward To becoming a mother and I couldn't wait to be a father again Mark found his happiness the day he married Emily I wasn't invited and probably wouldn't have gone if I had been despite everything I was happy for them Emily looked beautiful in the pictures I had hated her for a while
after Mark moved out but those feelings faded after she invited me over and we talked about everything marrying Mark had been the best day of my life matched only by the Birth of our children I regret asking for an open marriage and acting on it the next day that day my husband stopped loving and trusting me marking the beginning of the end my relationship with Tom slowed down after the divorce I loved him but he would never leave his wife we eventually ended things amicably alone in the big house with just my son as Zara
had moved out for University I felt the weight of my decisions Zara blamed me for everything But still visited on weekends it would take time to fully mend our relationship Finding Love Again was hard men like Mark and Tom were rare with Mark I ruined a beautiful marriage and Tom was a good-hearted man who never wanted a full commitment I dated occasionally but found most men insincere I was honest about my divorce which led to harsh judgments and names years later I met JN who seemed like a good match we dated and though he was
a Decent lover there were no sparks like with Mark or Tom I decided to settle for companionship over passion on Christmas day I went to John's Apartment apartment finding it empty I discovered an address and drove there finding his car and another unfamiliar one at the house a woman answered the door hello can I help you I'm looking for John and who are you I'm his mistress I'm sorry but I didn't know he was married her eyes darkened you didn't know he never wore a Ring or mentioned you I was in an open marriage and
never would have gotten involved if I'd known she sighed thanking me as Jon appeared oh crap he whispered you're an idiot JN I said I never would have been involved if I'd known you were married Diane his wife apologized to me I'm sorry Diana I've been through this before and had no idea I looked at Jon again you're such an idiot and by the way it's over between us I never lied about my past or why I Got divorced I know I screwed up but you're just a cheating piece of crap getting back in the
car I refused to cry over him I felt sorry for Diana and hoped they didn't have kids or if they did that they were grown so the divorce wouldn't affect them he'd probably claim I was crazy or lying but I knew carnal details about him that only a wife would know driving aimlessly around town I didn't know where to go the kids were with Emily Mark and their families and I Didn't want to intrude even even though I had a standing invitation I stopped at the house I'd kept after the divorce but couldn't bring myself
to go inside and spend Christmas alone sighing I drove to my ex-husband's home mark opened the door saw me and hugged me as I cried I keep ruining everything I sobbed into his chest unexpectedly I felt another person hug me stay with us Emily saidou still family Louise Mark you were always Welcome to join us Louise our children are here and you can spend time with our daughter I'll introduce you as Aunt Louise I looked at Mark's face he hadn't changed much since our divorce and still looked as happy as he did in the early
years of our marriage are you sure you're okay both of them held my hands we're sure Mark replied it's Christmas a time for family gratitude and forgiveness I've already forgiven you Louise it's time you Forgive yourself my daughter smiled and hugged me as I held my grandson Mark's parents were friendly as always and Emily's parents were polite and welcoming Matthew hugged me for what felt like hours spending the day with such a loving family made me smile again Zara her husband and child left in the afternoon and Matthew left shortly after to see his girlfriend
both sets of parents left early leaving me with Mark Emily and their three-year-old daughter I explained what had happened while we sipped wine they were sympathetic and understanding Mark even offered to confront JN which made me smile I couldn't stay all night but Emily suggested a place for me to stay I'm going to sell the house I told them it's too big for me now I'll find an apartment or something please stay tonight Louise Mark added we managed to live together for almost 2 years when things were tough now that we're friends You don't have
to leave are you sure I noticed them glance at each other and smile pack your things Louise Youk always be welcome here Emily replied after a long shower I watched from the doorway as Mark read a story to their daughter holding back tears remembering how he had done the same for our daughter long ago heading to the guest room that Emily had prepared Mark gave me a hug before Emily did the same I hope we can be good friends in The future she said quietly it means I get to see him more often do you
still love him I nodded barely holding back tears I'm so sorry Louise I hope you understand I'm sorry too I heard their bedroom door close and shut my own door lying in bed I hated being alone but it was better than any other option but being with Mark I pondered my life and future maybe I should focus on my career and grandchildren and give up dating there was no jealousy in Emily she had The man she wanted and I wasn't a threat maybe I could just be her friend tomorrow was another day eventually I would
figure it out [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
