Pregnant Cheating Wife PLEADS with Me to Adopt Her Affair Baby. I Divorced Her & Sued. Audio Story

[Music] reflecting on it it's difficult to say exactly when the cracks in our marriage began Mary and I had built what appeared to be a stable life together but maybe the years of routine and subtle neglect were gradually eroding it we spent so much time focused on the kids and the Daily Grind of running a household that I never noticed how distant we'd become life with four children a demanding job and financial pressures turned us into more of a team than a couple but I never expected that to be the beginning of our unraveling it

wasn't until later that I realized how far apart we had drifted for years I believed our relationship was just evolving more practical less romantic it wasn't that we stopped loving each other we just stopped showing it we took each other for granted assuming we had plenty of time to reconnect but time doesn't wait and life threw challenges at us that exposed how fragile our bond had become in my opinion one of the hardest things in life is letting go of someone who has been by your side for nearly two decades 18 years of shared memories

both joyful and painful create a bond that's difficult to break what makes it even more painful is realizing you can't be with them anymore sadly many people chase after new excitement instead of appreciating what they already have and that's exactly what this story shows it's been 3 years since our divorce was finalized Mary and I were married for almost 18 years before we separated we were high school sweethearts marrying soon after graduation and at that time we were each other's only romantic Partners there's something special about that a testament to love Beyond just physical attraction

but you often don't recognize that until it's too late we shared the joy of raising four children together Amy Brad Carla and Daryl affectionately called the alphabet kids after Daryl was born I had a vasectomy to avoid adding more letters to the alphabet while Amy and Brad are now in college Carla and Daryl still live with Mary my ex-wife what caused our seemingly happy family to fall apart we appeared to be content involved parents supporting our kids in everything they did like many young couples we struggled financially with me working in a manufacturing plant and

Mary at Walmart once the older kids were in school the younger ones went to daycare when we couldn't be home it was a compromise dictated by Modern Life I often wondered how our parents and grandparents managed when women typically didn't work was it societal pressure or materialism that led us here we want it all possessions and instant gratification in the beginning our love life was vibrant as it is for most young couples but as our family grew physical engaging moments became fewer this perhaps is a universal experience we thought we didn't have time for affection

looking back the real problem was that we took each other for granted our once passionate love life turned into rushed encounters focused on physical satisfaction the emotional depth we once had was gone it became routine not because the love had vanished but because we neglected to nurture it where it mattered most after I was promoted to a supervisory role our finances improved as the kids grew we'd occasionally go out for dinners or movies trying to bring some life back into our relationship it seemed like a phase many marriages go through a time where love endures

but familiarity leads to complacency one day Mary came home and said she wanted to go out with some female co-workers since our kids were old enough to manage on their own I didn't mind this was about 4 years ago Mary dressed up in slacks in a blouse looking beautiful like many women she worried about her weight but she always looked great when she got back I asked about her night and she talked about the evening with her co-workers while I didn't hold anything against Walmart I noticed many of her friends there were either divorced or

separated I voiced my concern saying they might not be the best influences I never said anything like that I clarified I'm just worried that these women might be looking for relationship ships and you'll get caught up with them I added her reaction showed I'd hit a nerve we had been together for 18 years and I knew her well curious I asked if she had danced with any men that night after a pause she admitted I didn't do anything wrong yes I danced with a couple of guys and that was it though I felt there might

be more to it I didn't push she mentioned wanting to go out with her friends once a month and while I wasn't thrilled I decided to wait and see the next month she wore a skirt and panty hose as she got got ready she remained quiet I told her I would stay up for her when she came home after midnight I noticed she had changed worried I asked you were wearing panty H when you left where are they it was hot so I took them off she responded casually Mary this is getting out of hand

we need to talk I said firmly she asked me to leave the room so she could undress I pointed out that she had been undressing in front of me for 18 years and questioned why that night was any different in a rare move I walked over over to her and grabbed her arm something I had never done before Jerry please I'm begging you don't do this she pleaded as I reached under her skirt and discovered she wasn't wearing underwear she seemed to already know what I was going to do pushing her away she began to

cry clearly upset by the situation so I guess that explains why you're not wearing panty hose doesn't it I remarked I'm sorry Jerry it just happened I was at a party had a few drinks and Joe kept telling me how beautiful I was he kissed me touched me and I've never been with anyone but you Jerry the girls were all complimenting Joe and I let it happen no one man slept with you you had more than one didn't you I asked when Joe had me on the bed a couple of other people were present and

things got out of hand she admitted they didn't take you you willingly let them does our marriage mean nothing to you did you not think about me or the kids I demanded my voice Rising Jerry I'm sorry it was wasn't love like we have it was raw X and I liked it Barb one of the other girls is married and told me she and her husband are into swapping I don't want to lose you Jerry please come with me one time and try it she begged I needed time to think my mind was racing I

told her I didn't want to talk anymore I couldn't grasp what had just happened we agreed to talk the next day and I spent the night on the couch the next morning after the kids left I got dressed and went to work Mary was still asleep from her wild night unable to focus I took the afternoon off and went to her workplace she was working as a cashier that day and Barb was at the register next to her why aren't you at work honey Barb asked eyeing me I meeting Jeff our lawyer today I'm getting

a divorce I said then turned and left Mary called out to me to wait torn between her job in our situation I ignored her and quickly left packed my belongings and left a note for the kids explaining our divorce I wondered how she would explain it to them probably blaming me as she often did I found myself at my parents house they were in their 60s and had celebrated over 40 years of marriage I told them about the separation from Mary likely leading to a divorce I could feel their discomfort since they liked Mary and

this news was a shock to them they offered me a place to stay and I accepted their basement had been fully renovated with a cozy bedroom a small kitchenet and a living room they said I could stay as long as I needed since they rarely use the basement anymore after mom's hip replacement 2 years ago they had moved the washer and dryer upstairs as they didn't like going up and down the stairs anymore I may digress a bit as I tell this story as there's a lot to unfold I know you're curious about Mary the

kids' reactions the lawyer advice and other perspectives when I talked to my parents I vaguely mentioned that Mary wanted more freedom finding it hard to explain her interest in exploring other relationships I didn't tell them the full truth simply saying we had differing views and couldn't agree my parents weren't satisfied with that explanation but it was all I could give at the time later I met with Jeff our lawyer who told me that Mary had already contacted him twice I asked him about his representation pressing him to clarify if he was representing her or me

Jerry she doesn't want a divorce she thinks you can work this out Jeff explained just answer my question Jeff are you her lawyer or mine I asked again I'm hers Jerry she called me first and I took her case I'm sorry if you had called first I'd be representing you please talk to her Jerry you're both my friends and I hate to see you headed for divorce court did she tell you why I left Jeff why I want a divorce I asked she said there was a fight about her going out she drank too much

and was unfaithful to you let's be real Jeff she ignored my concerns slept with three men and then asked me to swap partners with her friends that's your case Jeff I'm calling Sally black we both know she's the best in the state I'll have her contact you after we plan thanks for nothing Jee I said as I left Sally had a reputation as the toughest divorce attorney in the state known for her No Nonsense approach I knew several men who had faced her in court and had unfavorable outcomes when I called her she scheduled an

appointment for the next day and advised me not to talk to Mary until we met I asked about the kids and she suggested having my parents let them know we'd discuss things soon after my parents talked to Amy our eldest Mary called the house a couple of hours later wanting to speak with me I refused and my dad told her that my lawyer had instructed me not to talk to her that day he assured her that I would contact her after meeting with my lawyer during the call my dad told her he didn't understand what

was going on but mentioned how upset I seemed angry that Mary was trying to shift the blame I decided to confide in my father I told him the truth and asked him not to tell mom as it would break her heart due to her affection for Mary tears welled up in his eyes as he left the room revealing his softer side the next day I went to work and informed my manager about the divorce proceedings asking him not to forward any calls from Mary unless they were urgent focusing on work helped distract me from the

chaos with Mary afterward I met with S A Polished yet business-oriented professional she got straight to the point Jerry what outcome are you hoping for here she asked I admitted that I wasn't sure I told her that I still loved Mary but I couldn't accept the lifestyle she had chosen I expressed my concerns about the kids and my refusal to enter an open relationship Sally understood my concerns and although I trusted Mary wouldn't bring random people into our home her previous betrayal had shattered that confidence Sally then said Jerry people face situations like this all

the time we can approach it however you prefer I know you'd rather keep the affair private especially for the sake of the kids you'll need to provide for them and we can easily figure out what's fair you're in a position to decide how much you want to give or hold back while we could use the affair as leverage our main ground will be irreconcilable differences does that work for you as your lawyer I'll follow your lead I replied I'm making good money now and with her working too $500 per week in child support seems fair

as the kids get older we can reduce it by $50 per week no spousal support is necessary and support ends when the kids turn 18 I'll also cover medical expenses College support is optional up to me legally I'm responsible for the next 6 years since our oldest is 17 and our youngest is 12 does that sound reasonable to you what about our savings my retirement plan I asked all savings will be split equally and any joint bills will be settled you each get one of the two vehicles your retirement is off limits the house and

Furnishings are the last major items what would you like to do with them our house is worth around $200,000 with $660,000 left on the mortgage but my kids live there so I'm not sure what's best I said I have a suggestion she offered in cases like yours where Revenge isn't the goal and children are involved it's often best to let her keep the house until the kids are grown say around 21 after that you can sell it and split the proceeds or one of you can buy it for half its value minus the mortgage she'll

pay half the mortgage until then there was a lot to process why wasn't I enough for her I wondered 18 years gone I suppose we could go with that plan what if Mary or Jeff objects I asked then we go all in and bring up the infidelity I doubt they'll want that if they fight will seek custody and an equal division of assets with no alimony since she won't have the kids Sally reassured me I took the next day off and Sally contacted Jeff telling him we had a proposal for him and Mary and asked

if they could meet at her office at noon Jeff hesitated about meeting at Sally's office but agreed knowing he had little Choice Jeff and Mary arrived together I assumed he had told her to wait for him in the parking lot we sat down at the table Sally and I on one side Jeff and Mary on the other Jeff familiar with Sally wasn't thrilled about facing her good to see you again Sally I know how you work and that you prefer to get straight to the point before you present anything Mary would like to speak with

Jerry privately no I said she already had her chance the other night I'll only speak to her after the papers are signed we all know why I'm seeking this divorce looking directly at Mary I said if you're concerned about your private life becoming public please consider my offer I think it's very generous Sally added that clears that up Mrs Cohen Jerry has made you a fair offer Sally said handing a copy to both Mary and Jeff he'll file under irreconcilable differences he's offering a reasonable income while the children live at home the only issue Up

For Debate is the house and I believe Jerry has been more than fair Jeff spoke again we need some time to review this and possibly propose a counter offer I'll discuss it with Mary and get back to you in a couple of days just so we're clear Jeff there will be no counter offer Sally responded if you reject this which would be unwise Jerry will file for infidelity and seek custody of the kids and the house Mary looked up tears streaming down her face Sally was firm and seeing Mary's distress hurt me deeply she grabbed

a pen and asked where to sign not even reading the document her tears flowed as she feared losing custody of the kids Mrs Cohen please calm down Sally urged Jerry doesn't want to hurt you or the children take a day or two to review it as Jeff suggested maybe we missed something I apologize for being so firm but it's important to stress that this is a very generous settlement Jerry is doing his best for you and the kids take the document talk with your lawyer and we can reconvene tomorrow Sally handed Mary a box of

tissues Mary glanced at me as her tears started to slow Jerry despite everything I still love you I was hoping we could take some time apart and maybe work things out but it seems like you've already made up your mind no Mary you made the decision for me you wanted the freedom to do whatever you wanted and I'm giving it to you all I ask is that you keep your Affairs away from our kids or I'll take them from you that's a promise Mary started crying again as she quickly left the building Jeff said goodbye

telling Sally he'd likely see her the next day or the day after Sally turned to me and mentioned that I seem to have the upper hand in the case I responded by saying there were no winners here only losers I'd lost the only woman I ever loved and my kids were now part of a single parent household this wasn't a victory it was just a fair resolution my daughter Amy brought the two younger kids to visit me at my parents house I was thrilled to see them they kept asking questions about our family situation and

I repeatedly explained that their mom and I were having difficulties didn't agree on some major things and had decided to get a divorce I reassured them telling Daryl I'll be at your games no matter what and Carla I'll be cheering for you during volleball season I'll always be part of your lives after hugging and kissing them I gave them my cell number emphasizing that they could always reach me at their Grandma's house Brad came a bit later with a serious question dad did you cheat on Mom no Brad I'd never betray your mother like that

why would you ask well Jim from school and Travis our neighbor both said their parents divorced because of cheating I just wanted to make sure you didn't do something like that I love you Dad I'm going to miss you you won't miss me I'm not going anywhere I'll always be here for you it'll just take some time to get used to the new situation I reassured him once the divorce was finalized I kept my commitment to the kids and attended most of their school events I often saw Mary during these occasions no matter her personal

life she remained discreet despite everything we kept things amicable we celebrated the kids birthdays and other special occasions together the Only Rule we had was that she wouldn't discuss her dating life with me our conversation focused on the kids holidays and my parents the only topic off limits was her romantic Affairs on a few occasions when she began to mention a male friend or something similar I'd excuse myself from the conversation the agreement Sally and I prepared was signed by everyone though I wasn't present when Mary came to sign it Sally later told me Mary

found it hard to accept we had some minor disputes with Jeff over which credit cards each of us would pay off likely his way of trying to save face I told Sally I cover the payments if needed eventually we canceled all joint credit cards and got new ones in our own names I stayed in close contact with the kids they told me that their mom seemed to have come to terms with the divorce and was somewhat happier when I asked if she was dating they said nothing serious but she sometimes goes out with her female

friends hearing that made me cringe a bit I never had that deep conversation with Mary she wanted the freedom to explore which didn't align with my values in my upbringing marriage was about building something lasting not searching for new experiences my parents had been married for over 40 years so maybe we married too young and she didn't get to explore what she was looking for I never explored anything beyond our relationship either I was content with Mary a couple of years later I began dating again I went out with a few women from work most

of whom were divorced like me I made it a rule never to date a married woman even if she was separated it was just something I felt strongly about I had physical relationships with some of these women but it never felt the same despite treating them well my thoughts always drifted back to Mary it's strange how hard it is to leave the past behind and move forward I really tried but none of the women I dated truly resonated with me the best moments I had were during family events when I could see Mary one night

last year I went out with some guys from work to a lounge where women often gathered to my surprise I saw Mary there it was clearly a girl's night out and she was with a group of women though no men were around I didn't recognize most of them except for one coworker of hers but Barb wasn't there I decided to approach Mary from the side to catch her off guard would you care to dance I asked Jerry what are you doing here she replied just out with the guys waiting for someone or how about a

dance I responded no yes I mean no not waiting for anyone and yes I'd love to dance with you let me introduce you to my friends she said quickly listing off several names these ladies are part of our card Club once every 6 months we skip the cards for a night out and tonight happens to be one so how about that dance we moved to the dance floor and I held her close feels like old times doesn't it I remarked she smiled at me as I pulled her closer after two slow dances the band switched

to a fast song I've never been good at these I said escorting her back to her table she seemed a little disappointed when I left her there ladies it was nice meeting you I'd better get back to my friends I said walking away something didn't feel right I didn't want to stick around to see if she'd be approached by someone else I told my friends I had to leave and said my goodbyes as I glanced back on my way out I saw Mary watching me the next day Mary called happy to see me and enjoy

our time together she asked if I'd help plan Amy's wedding reception even though it was still a year away I suggested it might be too soon but she explained the need for early reservations I advised her to talk to Amy first and once they had ideas I'd handle the finances she agreed to reach out to Amy I wanted Mary to know that one dance didn't mean we were getting back together a month later I called to check on the wedding plans but Carla said Mary was out with friends I felt a bit annoyed but couldn't

justify it since we've been divorced for over 2 years curious I asked if Mary went out often and Carla said it was about once a month feeling restless I called my divorced friend Pete and we decided to hit the lounge the place was packed and to my surprise Mary was there with a group of men and women I brushed it off and and decided to enjoy myself I spotted an attractive young woman in a mini skirt and said to Pete check out those gals they were sitting near Mary's group as I walked by Mary she

noticed me but I kept going and asked the young woman to dance sure I like older men she said loudly enough for Mary to hear we danced closely and I introduced myself as Jerry I couldn't help but notice the men at Mary's table staring at Rachel's legs so I playfully tugged her skirt a bit we stayed on the dance floor even when the next song was fast knowing it would probably bother Mary since we never danced to fast songs together when a slow song played I pulled Rachel close and she smiled as I gently squeezed

her afterward I walked Rachel back to her table hinting at another dance later Pete returned after dancing with someone else and as I SI my drink he mentioned an attractive woman heading toward us it was Mary would you dance with me she asked I pretended she was talking to Pete but she insisted introduced her to Pete as my ex-wife and his jaw dropped while dancing she whispered about Rachel being all over me I reminded her that this was why we got divorced you wanted me to be with other women so you could be with other

men I said Jerry I was wrong she admitted that's all you can say maybe I should do the same with Rachel and just say I was wrong but we're not married now and when you cheated you were my wife suddenly a man approached upset that Mary was dancing with with me you're my date and you asked him to dance he said I told him to back off warning him he wasn't going anywhere with Mary that night he asked if I was her husband and I said yeah and you better leave before you end up in

the hospital Mary pulled away angry and returned to her table I warned the guy not to mess with her and he backed off the two women we danced with earlier joined us at our table and we moved to a booth getting more physical engaged this wasn't my usual Behavior but with Mary watching I played long Pete seemed close with his partner and it was clear these women were there to hook up the blonde with me asked if we were ready to leave mentioning she was feeling hot and eager I asked her for a favor first

tell Mary her wish for the night was about to come true she smiled delivered the message and came back Mary looked Furious but by the time she could get up we were gone later we had an encounter with the women at Pete's apartment even swapping Partners while the night was fun I woke up feeling empty realizing I was missing love when I turned my phone on I had 10 angry messages from Mary she blamed me for ruining her night which oddly felt satisfying I called her around 9:00 a.m. and she ranted about how much I

hurt her before falling silent how does it feel Mary knowing the person you love is with someone else this is the life you chose you're free to be with anyone and so am I I said before hanging up hearing her sobbing weeks passed without contact until she reached out asking to talk J I know it hurts seeing me with someone else just like it hurt me to see you with that woman but I realized what I did was even worse she admitted Mary it's over you can be with whoever you want I just wanted you

to feel what I did Jerry I haven't been with anyone in 2 and 1/2 years the last time was a month after you left it wasn't fulfilling it wasn't love I realized men were just using me that's not who I am I was wrong and I can't prove it but I'm not that person anymore I don't want that life I want the life we had 2 and a half years what about that guy a few weeks ago he said he was your date I questioned he was a friend of someone at the table the others

were married and since I was single he assumed I was available but I had no plans Beyond maybe dancing he didn't even touch me because you threatened him she said I did tell him to back off I admitted well he didn't do anything I went back to the table because you embarrassed me then you sent that woman to let me know you were leaving with her did you sleep with her Jerry she asked Mary we're not married anymore I make my own choices she then mentioned her friend Barb and how their group had fallen apart

after failed attempts at partner swapping led to divorces I found it odd she brought that up but I shifted the conversation to Amy's wedding plans you already know all the details Amy's told you everything and we didn't think you wanted to be alone with me so she handled the planning Mary explained I'm not afraid to be alone with you I insisted oh really that then take me on a date she teased I don't think that's a good idea it might give people the wrong impression I replied you still love me Jerry you just won't admit

it she said I do love you but the pain of what you did is still there when you cheated you took a piece of my heart and I don't know if it will ever heal God I'm so sorry I ruined everything and I live with that guilt every day I've even thought about ending it but the kids need me I was hoping maybe one day we could get back together I didn't know what to think anymore more I had never spoken to her like this and hearing her confessions threw my mind into turmoil I still

wanted her I loved her but I also hated what she had done to me and to our marriage what if she followed through on her thoughts was she trying to make me feel guilty I needed more information before I could trust her again the idea of her taking her own life was unbearable I used to think I knew her well enough to detect lies but now I wasn't sure I had to confirm the truth but how we all have dark thoughts some times but thankfully we don't act on them I needed to say something but

what Mary I'm getting hungry how about joining me at Red Lobster for lunch we can talk about what to get Amy for her wedding all I heard for the next 30 seconds was her crying then she quietly said I'd love to Mary you have to understand this isn't about romance it's just lunch and a conversation about Amy's wedding I understand she replied I could almost sense her smiling I picked her up and there she was was waiting on the porch she looked beautiful in a lovely outfit that highlighted her legs she practically ran to the

car smiling as she got in we kept the conversation light avoiding any heavy topics she mentioned buying a dress for the wedding and suggested I get fitted for a tuxedo I knew I'd have to wear one but no guy looks forward to that without thinking I asked if she'd come with me to see how I looked in the tux realizing I hadn't worn one since our wedding nearly 22 years ago she seemed surprised and so was I it just slipped out a habit from when we were married yes I'd love to just let me know

when she said I couldn't take it back so I told her that the following Saturday would be fine I realized I needed to be careful I might be getting into trouble at lunch we both ordered iced tea as we always used to we had so much in common I could feel the tension building knowing we were walking a fine line between trying to resolve things and reopening wounds that hadn't healed Mary there's something I need to ask you and I need the truth once you answer we won't revisit this topic again were you serious when

you mentioned thinking about taking your own life she looked at me tears forming in her eyes don't worry I won't cry I've done plenty of that over the last 3 years she said to answer your question yes I thought about it I went out once after you left and as crazy as it sounds I did it to get revenge on you Revenge I don't understand I said confused I was so confused feeling abandoned and lost I know it wasn't your fault but at the time I wasn't thinking clearly I went out again to hurt you

but it wasn't enjoyable when things went bad I left and he insulted me calling me a strumpet I slapped him kicked him and went home crying the kids were asleep and I felt like my life was over I grabbed a bottle of sleeping pills and was ready to take them when Carla asked if she could sleep with me she said she needed me holding her in my arms I broke down and prayed for help a calm came over me and I realized my kids needed me and maybe just maybe you'd see a change in me

and want me back her confession moved me to tears I didn't know how to respond to the depth of what she had shared thankfully our meals arrived and we shifted to talking about the food I wasn't sure if I could fully believe her but her emotions seemed real later I suggested we see a comedy movie to lighten the mood after I dropped her off at home she invited me in but I declined saying I needed time to think before she left the car she leaned over and kissed me I didn't resist it felt right like

a piece of the past I didn't know I missed I love you Jerry don't forget that she whispered before getting out and heading inside something still felt off she had mentioned twice that she had only engaged in the swap Activity one more time a month after I left I wanted to trust her but the story didn't add up swap clubs require a partner who was her hers it couldn't have been Joe because she swapped to be with him where was her man when she was fending Joe off and then there was the self-destruction attempt she

repeatedly mentioned considering it but only now told me about the sleeping pills I wanted to believe her but I needed answers my biggest concern was where she had gone every month for 2 and 1/2 years and with whom the kids never mentioned anyone new and they usually told me if something felt off maybe she was being truthful and I was just being suspicious but something in my gut told me there was more to the story much of our time was spent preparing for Amy's wedding I had lunch with Mary Amy Brad and Amy's fiance Ben

we were headed to get fitted for our tuxedos I felt like a penguin but both Amy and Mary insisted I looked handsome time flew by and before I knew it we were at the wedding rehearsal I went to the church and followed instructions without any issues as Amy and I walked down the aisle I added some playful touches like skipping nothing inappropriate just enoy ening the moment I remember the pastor saying that the next day would feel different and we might be nervous so we should try to remember our parts I thought to myself yeah

just walk down the aisle and later say her mom and I how hard could that be afterward we all went to a restaurant for dinner I made sure to attend since it was something I didn't have to pay for before leaving Mary approached me I hadn't spoken much to her that evening Jerry I'll see you tomorrow she said softly but her tone tone carried an unspoken meaning something in her voice made me lean in and kiss her I'm not sure why maybe it was the joy of the event she smiled and I left the next

day I arrived early at the church as instructed the Bridesmaids and ushers were already there and soon the guests started arriving I felt nervous as I watched Mary being escorted to the front row she looked absolutely stunning and her radiant smile made me feel a bit jittery how's my penguin today she teased with a laugh laugh HEK scared to death his daughter's getting married and his wife has never looked more beautiful I responded realizing the truth in my words it's all right honey everything will be fine you'll do great just don't step on Amy's dress

she reassured me with a smile I went to the back of the church to wait for Amy when she appeared I felt tears well up she looked like a younger version of Mary it's okay Daddy we've got this mom said to tell you she loves you and to remind you not to on my dress Amy said making me chuckle she was so much like her mother as we started down the aisle I kept repeating to myself don't step on Amy's dress tears filled my eyes as I escorted my little girl realizing this moment captured everything

love family friends when we reached the front many guests had tears of joy in their eyes I wasn't the only one moved by the emotions of the day who presents this woman for marriage the pastor asked caught off guard I thought me and Mary Mary no her mother and I I finally said as I sat next to Mary she smiled through her tears I whispered I had one simple line and I messed it up you did great honey she whispered back throughout the ceremony I held her hand tightly maybe too tightly but she didn't complain

she just sat there smiling and crying I was relieved when the service ended though we still had to endure the photo sessions at the reception I felt the need for a drink and quickly got one the atmosphere was Lively and everyone was having a good time Amy and Ben made a lovely couple and people kept commenting on how nice it was to see Mary and me together Mary smiled each time but didn't say anything when the dancing started there was a special parent dance I led Mary to the floor and we danced while the crowd

applauded looking at our kids all smiling and seeing my parents give me a thumbs up it seemed like everyone believed in us except me after the wedding Mary asked if I could drive for home and I agreed when we arrived she asked if I was coming in I can't the kids will be home soon and I don't want to give them the wrong impression I said they already have the wrong idea they're staying with your parents tonight sleeping in your bed so your only choices are my bed or Brad's she said with a smile now

are you going to open my door at that moment I made a spontaneous decision she clearly wanted me and I decided to follow my heart still I was cautious not to take things too seriously as I had unresolved questions I walked her to the door opened it and she invited me in Jerry there's no pressure here we don't need to talk about marriage I just want to spend a night with you like we used to she said softly inside we undressed slowly she looked more beautiful than I had ever seen her she smiled and said

it's your love for me that makes me look this way that night we were passionately together as if we were trying to rebuild what we'd lost over the years it felt natural yet complicated in the morning after one last physical moment she made breakfast Jerry I'm not rushing you or pressuring you I'll wait as long as it takes she said looking at me hopefully I smiled at her but deliberately didn't kiss her goodby when I left I wanted her to know that while the night felt good I wasn't ready yet the night had stirred old

feelings but I was still dealing with the hurt now I had a new dilemma Mary and I had rekindled something but I had lingering doubts something didn't add up she had been alone for almost 3 years and suddenly over the past year she had been actively pursuing me it all felt too easy too convenient I needed answers when I returned to my parents house everyone had left my dad noticed my unease and asked if everything was okay I told him something felt off and I needed to figure it out despite it being Sunday I called

Sally my attorney I explained the situation and she also found it strange she suggested suggested I stay quiet for a couple of days and mentioned hiring a private investigator to get to the bottom of things Mary called on Monday to invite me for dinner I declined explaining that I had other commitments and needed to take care of some business I didn't reveal the growing unease I felt as I was still trying to make sense of everything by Thursday Sally urgently summoned me to her office during work hours when I arrived she shared some disturbing news

my suspicions about Mary were correct she had been involved in a swap club and her partner was Jeff her lawyer after I left Jeff had seamlessly taken my place Mary had continued this lifestyle while hiding it from me curious I asked Sally why Mary had re-entered my life after a year of Freedom why disrupt my peace it's about money Jerry over the past 3 years she's borrowed $100,000 against the house instead of owing $660,000 you now ow $160,000 Sally explained confused I asked how did she get the money without my signature for the house loan

Sally clarified it wasn't through a typical house loan when you agreed to pay off the credit cards one of them was a cash equity loan you could keep borrowing against it up to a certain limit and now it's nearly maxed out Jeff managed to sneak that past us once you took responsibility for the credit loans there was no way to track it I should have followed up after the divorce but it's not standard practice unless requested and Jeff certainly wasn't going to ask I sat there in shock Sally continued during the night you spent with

Mary I reviewed her medical records she hasn't been prescribed sleeping pills in the last 3 years I contacted her doctor who confirmed this he also mentioned she attended all her physicals every 3 months though only six-month checkups were recommended I asked about STD tests and he confirmed she's clean at least covering her medical bills gave us that Insight so Sally what do we do now I asked feeling the weight of the deception the only remaining debt is the house we'll place a $40,000 lean on it if she ever sells you'll recoup that amount unfortunately the

rest is lost as for the kids two are independent and the other two are old enough to choose whether they want to stay with your ex with you or with your parents given that you plan to move out of state they may prefer to stay here and finish school thanks Sally I guess it's all on me now I said feeling overwhelmed make sure to freeze the equity on the house if the kids decide to stay with my parents transfer the the child support payments accordingly back home I had an honest conversation with my parents I

made it clear there was no chance of reconciliation with Mary even though my father already knew much of the situation I recounted the story explaining how Mary had cheated on me while I had hoped she'd changed she continued to deceive me if she had been honest maybe we could have worked through it I knew this hurt my parents but they needed to understand the truth later I went to Mary's house while she was at work and told told the kids about her infidelity I spared them the more complex details of our relationship I had given

Mary chances to change but she never did even after the wedding I found she was still lying forgiveness and trust were no longer possible I also told them I was moving to another state they could choose to stay with their mother me or their grandparents both younger kids chose to stay with their mom despite the possibility of boyfriends they assured me she never brought anyone home Carla mentioned that she never saw unfamiliar men around except for Jeff whom they had known for years I couldn't bring myself to tell them Jeff was one of her lovers

they all cried saying how much they'd miss me I reassured them that I would be only 5 hours away and that they could visit any time when are you leaving dad Brad asked next week once I'm settled I'll give you my address and phone number I love you all and I'll always support you I said trying to comfort them later I called Mary at work something I hadn't done before Mary let's meet at the tavern we need to talk away from the kids she told me she'd be off work in an hour and agreed to

meet I had a feeling she thought her plan had worked and that we might reconcile when Mary arrived at the tavern she looked hopeful probably thinking this was the start of us getting back together she sat across from me and I could sense her nervousness I got right to the point Mary I've been thinking a lot with Amy's wedding and our night together people assume we're getting back together but it's moving too fast for me do you realize no one knows why we divorced in the first place I paused watching her reaction I've looked back

at your life over the last 3 years where's the pain I felt when I found out about your infidelity it seems like it didn't even phase you sure you've had financial troubles but that's about it her expression shifted from Hope to confusion she could sense this wasn't going the way she expected our night together it was something else you did things we never did before you always said those things were too explicit but there you were embracing them it made me wonder where you learned those new skills Jerry I can explain she started but I

cut her off just listen you told me you hadn't been with anyone in 2 and 1/2 years why lie you had your girls nights out but it turns out your friends from work in the card Club were part of a swap club so you've been involved this whole time I said feeling the sting of betrayal deepen Mary started crying again her tears flowing quickly as she struggled to find the right words your involvement with other men caused our divorce and you never stopped explain it I said trying to stay calm Jerry go home and tell

the kids why I left in the first place let them know how your desires overshadowed our relationship I added God Jerry you didn't tell them about me did you she asked panic in her voice it's always about you Mary I replied sharply never about the kids or me yes I told them about your Affair and infidelity Jerry I'm so sorry you left me what was I supposed to do I'm a woman and I need love she pleaded you don't want love what we had the other night was love what you crave is endless pleasure with

multiple partners did you really think I wouldn't find out how naive do you think I am I even wondered what would happen if we remarried and you cheated again then it hit me your lover Jeff orchestrated this whole scheme Jeff how did you find out about him she asked shocked oh my god what have I done you've destroyed lives including your own you lost a man who genuinely loved you and was thinking about reconciliation your kids still live with you but you've deeply hurt them you lie cheat and now you want to take away the

love I once had for you but all I see now is a deceitful person who will keep doing this with anyone in a couple of years think about what could have been your looks will fade your kids will leave and so will the money maybe you'll have a few old acquaintances left and of course Jeff but I doubt he'll stay once you're broke she sobbed uncontrollably at this point Jerry I really love you please don't leave me I'll go to therapy or do whatever it takes I looked at her and calmly said by the way

I'm moving out of state next week thanks for the final encounter you're talented in bed and I'm sure you know that just like God and the many others Goodbye Mary have a good life I had a strong suspicion Jeff was behind all of this remarrying would have voided our previous agreement and Mary and Jeff manipulated me for financial gain even with her mounting debts and extravagant spending she kept living her high life it was clear she had dug herself into a deep Financial hole what a foolish woman eventually I moved on it hurt for a

while but I began to put it all behind me did I love Mary absolutely but her betrayals were too much to bear it's been a few years now and I've met someone new she's a few years younger than me beautiful smart and funny she's Divorced with two kids who are just entering their teens when I asked about her divorce she explained that her husband had cheated on her he wanted the so-called good life you know involving other people that wasn't for me I'm a one man kind of woman I have to think about what's best

for my kids I told him to find someone who thinks like that but it's not me she explained after a year of dating I proposed one evening she asked me what do marriage vows mean to you to love honor and cherish until death do us part for richer or poorer in sickness and in health to be faithful to her alone I answered confidently she smiled and said I can do all that except for the obey part I laughed she knew about my alphabet kids and found the story hilarious her son's name was Aaron and her

daughter was faith we got married and all my kids attended the wedding at first they were hesitant but after meeting her they saw the kind gentle person I did Amy and Brad were already married and Carla was dating Daryl and Carla were still in college but they understood that I needed someone in my life my parents also attended and quickly fell in love with my new wife they knew my life was back on track she looked stunning petite and Incredibly attractive the thought of any man wanting to share her was unimaginable to me after a

brief honeymoon we stopped at my parents place I showed her around my hometown and the house I used to live in which Mary had to sell because of her debts luckily I got $30,000 from it thanks to Sally my lawyer when we returned home we began our new life together it was simple but we were happy we enjoyed every moment and our physical moments were amazing we did have one issue to address though you see my new wife's name was Maria I remember her looking at me one day and saying we needed to sort that

out she didn't want me to ever call her Mary so we settled on honey she didn't mind what others called her but from me she only wanted to hear honey I jokingly asked can I call you sweetheart sometimes she smiled and replied that's fine too when we're physical engaged you can call me anything you want just not Mary we both laughed I'm not sure what Mary is up to these days I've removed her from my life the kids say she's living alone in an apartment and seems to be doing okay as for her dating life

they think she's seeing someone but doesn't talk about it much they mentioned she cried when she found out I got remarried of course they love their mom and keep an eye on her they told me she'll be fine I hope she's left her wild ways behind but I guess I'll never know I do remember her last words to me Jerry I truly love you and I want you to know that I'll wait for you I believe you'll come back to me I'll be here as long as it takes and my response to her was forever

is a long time to wait [Music]