My name is Albert Croft and I'm a business manager for a financial firm I just turned 32 last month and have been married to the love of my life Maria for the last eight and a half years we've got two boys Danny who is six and Kenny who is seven we live in a huge box of a house in the suburbs just outside of Atlanta we've got a lot of friends who live in our neighborhood and most weekends are spent going over to Someone's house for either a party or barbecue when we first got married
we lived in a place where I had a ton of friends but Maria didn't care for most of them they weren't quite as refined as our current ones and could care less about what kind of car you drove or how big your house was they were a Burly group that loved to party but would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it when Maria made the decision that we needed to upgrade to as she put It a nicer area we had our first big fight our house was only 15 minutes from where
we both worked and had been a fixer upper so our house payments were pretty low I'm what you call a laid-back kind of guy and couldn't care less about the Finer Things in life unlike my wife who was always looking for something better so when Maria said we needed to move I put up a fuss for about a week and then thought what the hell you see most Things really aren't worth arguing about a car a house clothes they're just material things that in the end don't mean squat so when Maria dug in her heels
I just let it roll off my back it just wasn't worth the energy it would take to argue with her about it in fact I can count on one hand the number of fights Maria and I've had over the last 8 years that is until last night Maria works at an interior design studio owned by one of our neighbors she works from 9:00 a.m. until 300 p.m. so she can get the kids off to school in the morning and be home when they get off the bus on the other hand I work from 8:00 until
5:00 depending on traffic I usually get home about 5:45 when we lived in our last place I was home and had a beverage in my hand by 5:15 Tuesday night there was an accident on the road and I didn't get home until almost 6:15 I was a little stressed by the time I got to my driveway but thought what the hell at least I was finally home and could relax with my bride I snuck in the back door and went upstairs to change into a pair of shorts and an old t-shirt as I was walking
down the stairs towards the kitchen I heard Maria on the phone don't worry Peg you know Albert he'll go along with anything I say I could hear Maria telling her sister no he won't get mad I think I know my husband a little better Than you do I've got it all worked out and I plan on talking to him tonight after dinner yes I'll call you and tell you what he says well got to go girl I've got dinner to finish talk to you later Maria said hanging up what do we need to talk about
I said as I walked around the corner Albert you startled me Maria said as I came into view let me ask again what do we need to discuss that has to wait until after dinner I asked getting a beer from the Refrigerator and sitting down at the kitchen table let's wait until after dinner when the boys are upstairs all right what did they do this time I talked to them about the go-kart and not hitting golf balls in the backyard what else could they have done since Saturday afternoon it's not about the boys it's us
well I haven't done anything bad since grabbing your bomb at Frank's Grill last Friday night and the only reason I did that is because you Looked so hot in those new jeans so it must be you what did you buy this time I asked trying to add a little levity to our conversation I'm not talking about that it's about how we feel about each other she started to say well babes you know I love you and I know you love me so what's the problem Albert you know I love you she said holding my hands
in hers but I'm just not sure if I'm still in love with you Anymore what I don't understand Maria I told her not liking where this conversation was heading if you've got something to say just spit it out you're the best and most thoughtful husband in the world and a great father she said touching the side of my cheek but I'm just not sure if I feel the same way about you as I did when we got married I'm thinking about a trial separation so I can get my feelings sorted out Maria I don't understand
when the hell did all This happen before or after we kissed goodbye this morning I said now I'm getting more than concerned where are you going with this I've been thinking about it for a while but didn't want to say anything until I was sure what I wanted I don't understand where do you want to go I asked well I'm thinking about you moving in with your mother for a while since your dad died she's been bouncing around that big house by herself maybe She'd like some company for a little while Maria said speaking like
she was talking to a child now I was starting to get angry but held it inside how are you going to pay for the house and everything else if I leave I asked fully knowing what was coming next well you'll still have to make the payments but it won't be forever just until I have a chance to soar out a few things she said in her most Lov and caring voice I stood up no what do you mean no a surprised Maria replied Maria what the hell about no don't you understand no I'm not moving
in with my mother and no I'm not leaving my house and two sons if you need to leave and get your head and bum wire together go for it I don't want you here either if you're not in love with me anymore as you so eloquently put it so since I'm such a great guy I'll even help you pack I I said slamming my beer down on the table and walking up the stairs to her bedroom it shocked the Heck out of Maria when I came back downstairs with an arm full of clothes from her
closet put these in your car and I'll be down with the next load in a minute I said tossing them on the living room couch and running back up the stairs when I came down with the next handful Maria started yelling at me to stop I thought you wanted a separation I'm just helping you move your stuff out that's all I told her in a calm voice at this point I crossed the Line from Love and was moving into the hate category in my feelings for her or as I like to Now call it the
dark side I want you to leave Albert she now yelled at me that's not going to happen Maria this is my house and I've done nothing to either you or the kids to Warrant you kicking me out now if you want to move down into the basement I can put your stuff down there I told her as I dumped my second armload of clothes on top of the others this was not going as Maria Had planned Albert was supposed to tuck his tail between his legs and move out without saying a word she said to
herself he wasn't supposed to put up a fuss now what the hell do I do let's talk about this like two adults Albert Maria I think you've said enough at least now I know how you really feel about me so make up your mind where do you want your clothes because you're sure as hell not staying in my bedroom any longer I said trying my best to stay Calm where our sons Dany and Kenny walked through the door they wanted to know what was going on mom's just moving some of her stuff that's all how
about if we go out and get a few burgers and let her finish I didn't have to ask twice we were gone and back within 45 minutes with the food however we came back to a few extra people two policemen evening officers can I help you I asked getting out of the car and telling my sons to go inside We got a call about a domestic dispute and need a word with you the bigger one told me keeping his hand on his gun look at his hand I said officers you won't need that I explained
what I had come home to I haven't raised my voice threatened her nor my kids but I told her I wasn't leaving my house my name's on the mortgage I pay all the bills and unless there's a court order floating around which I strongly doubt I think I'm well with my rights to be here I Told my wife if she wasn't happy with me she could move out and I'd even help her pack they both snickered and got a kick out of my dilemma Maria was hot to say the least when the policeman told her
there was nothing they could do however they did say they would file a report stating that I was C and presented no danger to either my family or myself but that Maria was ranting and raving and using profanity in talking to us about her husband finally that I had Only wanted to help help my wife load her personal items into her car that was all they witnessed I thanked them shook their hands and they wished me Good Luck Maria was now fuming that she hadn't gotten her way Albert why don't you just leave and make
it easier on all of us she shouted at me Maria that's not going to happen so decide where you want your stuff in the car or the basement it's your choice the boys and I are going to eat out on the deck so think very Carefully about what you do next I said grabbing the food and heading out to the deck where my boys were waiting what's wrong with mom who knows maybe she had a bad day at work guys let's give her some space you know Mom she'll be back to her old self in
no time I told my boys but I didn't believe one word coming out of my mouth we ate and then watched a special about the X Games that were going on in Atlanta it wasn't until almost 8:30 before we finished why don't you guys go Upstairs and let me see what's going on with your mother I told them I'll be up later to check on you they went upstairs and I went looking for Maria she was gone and had left her clothes piled on the couch where I dumped them I went upstairs and noticed a
few drawers opened and two of her suitcases missing well I guess that answers that I said sitting on the bed wondering what was going to happen next hell I left a loving wife and family at 7:15 this Morning and now at 9:00 tonight I had my two boys but no longer had a loving wife life really sucks sometimes Mom I need a big favor I said as I called my mother I gave her the short version and asked if she'd come over to see that the boys got off to school on time and to be
here when they got home maybe Maria's hormones are just acting up she'll probably be back as soon as she realizes what a fool she made out of herself but I'll be over in the morning just to make Sure I thanked my mom but said I wasn't quite as sure as she was I was right Maria didn't come back Wednesday or Thursday she did call the boys Thursday afternoon to say hi to them but not to me though I guess I was still the a-hole by Saturday morning I was concerned but pissed also you've got no
one but yourself to blame I said starting to beat up on myself if you hadn't been such a milk toast All These Years Maria never would have tried to Kick you out of your own house now she's sulking at her parents and telling everyone what an insensitive flouse I was for not considering her feelings screw her in this damn house I said looking around I never wanted it and it's way too big for just the four of us anyway Peggy Maria's sister did come over Sunday afternoon to pick up a few things for her hey
Peg I greeted her at the door I figured she'd send you over to get some more of her clothes how's She doing you know Maria it's all about her she still can't get it through her fix skull while you just didn't roll over for her and give her the house kids and move out she said with a smile I told her you wouldn't go along with it but she told me she knew you better than I did guess she was wrong I should have kicked her to the street a long time ago but I figured
I'd keep peace in the family by not saying anything guess I was wrong any idea when she plans on Coming back not a clue she's still in the PO me stage but Mom's ready to kick her out if she doesn't get it together but you know Dad his little girl can do no wrong you want to stay for dinner we're having chicken on the grill baked potatoes and corn on the cob let me get her stuff together and you've got a deal she said with a smile the boys were happy to see Peg and we
all had a nice dinner together she did get two text messages from Maria asking her where the Hell she was but she never responded back to her we all cleaned up and it was close to 8:00 before she said I'd better get going thanks for stopping by it was nice to see a friendly face for a change if you need anything give me a call I told my sister she's screwing up a good marriage but her friends are all telling her to stand her ground and that you'll soon come around I told her wouldn't I
right as rain girl but you better go before you get in more trouble than You're probably in right now Peg gave me a big hug a kiss on the cheek and was out the door Mary the wrong sister I said to myself the next 3 weeks were hard mom took care of the kids and though Maria would call the boys she refused to talk to me she did however send me two long emails about how bad she was feeling that I wasn't being a supportive husband and a whole bunch of other things the one thing
that kind of surprised me though was I was no longer Invited to the neighborhood get togethers but Maria was I guess they'd already taken sides the kids were the first to notice it and kept asking when their mom was coming back home not sure guys it's really up to her I'm not keeping her away she's doing that all on her own I told them it was Saturday morning while we were food shopping that my life started to turn around I was walking down an aisle with my two sons when someone grabbed me from behind and
Lifted me off the floor you're so stupid you're probably ironing her shorts now too came a voice out of the past to mock me if this is as high as you can lift me you're still the out of shaped piece of crap you've always been what Carol sees in you I'll never know I said laughing I thought you dropped off the face of the Earth what are you too good for us anymore now that you've got that big house Randy asked letting me down I've always been too good for you you just Never realized it
I said giving him a hug your boys are growing up fast what has it been 2 and 1/2 years something like that that how's Carol and the girls still riding rush out over me like always how's Maria I paused for a minute pretty good I replied that bad huh hey buddy if you're not doing anything with your new highbrow friends tonight I'm having a little get together and we'd love to see you guys what time I said looking at the Boys anytime after 4:00 and bring your own poison Ben it's if Maria still lets you
drink beer Randy ribbed me it's a date anything I can bring nope just yourselves well I'd better get my butt in gear or mama will have it see you guys later Randy said walking back down the aisle was that Uncle Randy my two wide-eyed boys asked yes that was Uncle Randy and we better get a move on this is one party I don't want to be late for we hit re place just after 4:30 Carol came out and gave me a big hug and her girls grabbed my boys and headed for the backyard where's Maria
Carol asked that's a whole other story I said well I'm glad you and the boys made it everyone will be glad to see you Carol told me and they were the group treated us like we'd never left the kids and I had the time of our lives at the end of the night after most of the group had left Carol Randy and I sat down they wanted to know what happened between Maria and me all I could do was shake my head and tell them I didn't have a clue we never fought hell we never
argued I told them maybe that's the problem I let her do whatever she wanted to keep peace in the family hell I was getting all the sex I wanted and I thought Maria was happy who knew probably just a woman thing Carol said but I told her I thought it went deeper than that you don't tell your husband that you love him but you're not in love with him That's a bunch of double talk it never dawn on me that Maria might be fooling around but right now I wouldn't bet against it I'm going to
keep my eyes open my mouth shut and see how it all plays out No More Mr Nice Guy from now on it's my kids first and me second and the hell with everyone else especially my fair weather neighborhood friends every week Peggy would come over on Sunday to get a few more Maria's clothes she would always stay for dinner and I Found myself kind of looking forward to her visits I would drop off my boys over at Maria's mom's house on Saturday mornings and hop to talk to Maria but after the first blow up I
found it easier just to drop them off that way there would be no confrontations on the front lawn again I went from anger to almost giving in before finally getting depressed hell I felt like a damn alcoholic going through the seven-step program I even tried to get answers from Maria by sending her a weekly email telling her how much I loved and missed her but I got nowhere with her Albert please be patient my love she wrote I just want to resolve these nagging issues so they won't crop up later on I know it's been
tough on you and the boys but just hanging there a little while longer she wrote at least it gave me hope after three long months and while doing the Sunday dishes Peggy shot a hole through my chest Maria went out on A date last night and it wasn't the first one she said without looking at me I told her she was crazy but she went anyway I thought you should know she said still avoiding my eyes I didn't say a thing I just stood there with a soapy washcloth in my hands while it dripped on
the floor didn't you hear what I said Peggy said now looking at me she went on a damn date say something godamn it she yelled at me I was too stunned or shocked to say anything or even move for The first time since Maria left I thought about my life without her sure I've been angry and ranted and raved a few times but I always thought she'll be back and we'd be happy again now for the first time I thought that might not happen birth to Albert are you alive didn't you hear what I just
said Peggy repeated as she now pounded on my chest snap out of it your damn wife is out there screwing around on you and all you can do is just stand there I grabbed her Hands and then put my arms around her my eyes filled with tears as I could hear Peggy start to cry it's not fair you're such a nice guy and all she's doing is taking advantage of you it's not right she said holding me no it wasn't right I finally said throwing the wash rag against the wall no more I yelled as
the kids came into the room to find out what all the yelling was about Dad what's going on they asked and Peggy slipped on the floor when I went to catch her I hit My knee that's all I explained to my two boys remember we still got that movie to watch and we're waiting on you too they said walking back to the living room Peggy and I sat on the couch and my boys sat directly in front of the projection TV I'd seen Spider-Man three times and they'd seen it at least six as we all
watched in silence I'm sorry Peggy whispered to me as she held my hand I was still in a days and was now well into the dark side in my mind I was Planning my next moves not Revenge just yet but ones of self-preservation after the movie I chased the kids to bed and walked Peggy to the door you okay she asked no but I'll live call me if you need anything or just want to talk she said kissing me on the cheek you know she's an idiot Peg I said walking out the door call me
Monday I called in and took a vacation day I got my kids off to school and then hit The computer we had two Visa credit cards with outstanding balances I paid off both and closed the accounts I then went to the bank and transferred 50% of what we had left into a new account in my name only they told me it would take six business days to remove my name from the existing accounts I called the HR department where I worked and removed Maria from my life insurance policy for 01k medical and dental insurance it
was now 11:30 A.m. I changed the locks on the house myself including changing the security codes on the front door and the garage door opener going to the mall I canceled my cell phone plan which cost me an extra $250 fee and started a new plant in my name only wait until Maria tries to use her cell phone that should get a rise out of her I said with a smile the first smile that had crossed my lips in a long time I left the home phone number the same But put a message on the
answering machine that if they wanted Maria to call her then I gave her parents home phone number it was now 3:45 the kids came running into the house like always guys I need your old house keys I changed the locks and here are your new keys I said handing them each a new key as I took their old ones and threw them in the trash all done I said to myself and it only took 8 hours to go from Happily married husband to a single parent I knew it was just a matter of time before
the explosion would hit that night the home phone rang and I told the kids to let the machine pick it up what the hell do you think you're doing Albert Croft my cell phone doesn't work and neither do my credit cards I need you to call me right now and tell me why you're acting like such a Maria only called me by my full name when she was really angry it had taken me only 8 Hours to push her over the edge whereas it had taken me over 3 months to lose it Peggy called and
said she was on her way over grab the kids because we're all going out to dinner she pulled up ran up to the door and told us all to get our butts in gear what's the big hurry I asked Maria and my parents are getting ready to come over and have a heart-to- heart with you so if you don't want to hear a bunch of bull come with me we ended up at Sunny's Barbecue it wasn't my favorite but when Peggy asked where everyone wanted to go I got out voted 3 to one the food
was good and we were all having a good time you know I changed the locks don't you I asked I figured that when I heard you canceled her credit cards cell phone and insurance she told my parents you clean out the checking and savings accounts that's when Dad got mad I took exactly half but only after I paid off all the credit cards she's been using for the Last 3 months that girl sure knows how to spend I figured but you know dad Lord and protector of his little girls even when they're wrong Peg told
me what are you going to do now she asked nothing I told her nothing other than putting that monstrosity of house up for sale I've hated that house from day one and even if we eventually get back together again I want that house gone you can't sell that house without her consent you know I know that but when the for sale sign Goes up we be the talk of the neighborhood I told her smiling from ear to ear we stayed away for almost 3 hours however it was still a school night and the kids needed
to get to bed so we finally headed for home are you and Mom getting a divorce my kids asked when I put them into bed that night we asked Mom and she said no but she doesn't live here anymore kids I can't say yes or no right now you know your mom and I love you very much but I don't think she Wants to live with me anymore so we'll just have to wait and see what she wants I kissed them both good night told them I L them and assured them it would all turn
out okay I grabbed a beer and gave one to Peggy as we sat at the kitchen table you know you can't hide forever don't you Peggy asked don't plan on it she knows where I live and work so it won't be too hard for her to find me and finally she did at work on Thursday Maria came storming into my office how Dare you cancel my credit cards and cell phone she started and when did you change the locks on house hello Maria my you're looking nice how have you been I babbled at an astonished
Maria Albert what the hell are you talking about she finally asked just answering all the questions you should be asking after not being a part of our family for almost 4 months that's all now if you'd like to sit down and talk that would be nice but if you're going to yell and scream I'm Going to have to ask you to leave because after after all this is a business office all right Maria said as she sat down in front of my desk why did you do all those things last week why did you start
dating are we still married or have I missed something I asked it was just dinner with a friend that's all did you sleep with him no I didn't sleep with him it was just dinner I told you are you going to sleep with him Albert why are you asking me all These questions questions I just want to know what my timetable is I told her what timetable Maria asked why our divorce I told the shocked Maria I don't want a damn divorce Maria shouted back at me well you're acting like you do dating ignoring your
husband and kids buying new lingerie for someone other than me all the signs of moving on with your life without us Maria they still send the credit card bills to the house so I Know what you buy by just not for whom I told her I told you I don't want a divorce all I need is a little time to myself that's all she told me for about the 10th time but this time I wasn't letting her off the hook how much time Maria how much more time do you need I asked I don't know
how can I answer that when I don't know she replied well when you find out please let me know but it better be soon if you expect to try and save this marriage I Said standing up so if you don't mind I still have a job to do and I've got a meeting in 20 minutes she tried to kiss me goodbye but I turned my head she wasn't at all happy but said nothing that evening Peggy came to the house and we had a long conversation how much longer are you going to keep this charade
of a marriage up she asked this weekend I told her if Maria is not back by Saturday morning I'm going to a lawyer if she doesn't Know by now she never will I told Peg I'm not going to say a thing to the kids because my mom is planning on taking them out of town Friday after school so by this weekend I'll at least have my answer Peg seemed more than a little disappointed with my answers we picked up the kids and we all went home to prepare dinner it was a quiet night between Peggy
and me before she announced that she had to leave I walked her out to her car and held her for more Than a moment before she got into her car I leaned in gave her a Peck and she drove off my email that night to Maria was short and to the point if you've not moved back 100% And are ready to be my wife and mother to our kids I'm calling it quits your time is up it's decision time Tuesday night Maria called and said she was moving back in she said that she'd taken off
Friday and that we'd have all night to talk I was elated but Sorry at the same time the week dragged on Maria called me every day and so did Peg Peg said that Maria was very excited about coming home and that she wished us both the best when I came home Friday night Maria was there waiting for me drink in hand I grabbed her hugged her and it felt so weird after 4 months we ate we talked and then talked some more we both knew what was coming next as the hours ticked by I was
in bed waiting for Her when she came out of the bedroom completely naked Maria before you come to me I have to ask you a question how long has the affair been going on and please don't insult my intelligence by telling me it just happened I told her 6 months Maria said not meeting my eyes but it's over I broke it off a while ago she said with a scared look on her face so in other words the real reason you left was to be with him is that right it started out that way that's
why I needed The the time alone to decide who I wanted so you've been with him all these months and now you expect to just Waltz back into my life like nothing happened like I'm supposed to just say it's okay honey I'm just glad you're back Maria did you fool around with anyone else while I was gone Maria asked what does that have to do with anything we're talking about you having a lover for the last six damn months I just want to know how damn sanctimonious you really are I Replied well Albert unlike you
I was still sticking to my vows I said getting out of bed now that I know what a lying cheat I'm married to I can make the hard decisions I've been putting off all these months Albert I came back to you it's over I made a huge mistake and I admit it I'm not proud of what I've done but I'm asking for another chance I love you and I'm begging you for another chance to make our family whole again please what the hell was I supposed to To say when she put it to me that
way no I need to think about it Maria but I can't do it sleeping next to you right now I'm too damn angry just tell me it wasn't one of our friends or someone I work with I asked it was someone I met through work and it's over she said for the second time I slept in the spare room Friday and Saturday night it was lonely but I needed to make some hard decisions going forward we talked all weekend she told me to ask ask her any Question and she would answer them truthfully I didn't
want to know any of the details but did ask why it was exciting at first and I felt like a naughty teenage girl keeping something from her parents he paid more attention to me in one week than you had in the last 2 years I just fell under a spell but it didn't last after a while the newness rubbed off and we were just screwing because it physically felt good we both decided it wasn't worth it and Neither one of us wanted our spouses to find out so that's the short version I realized i' made
a mistake and wanted you back by Sunday morning my mind was too full of issues and I needed a break dinner at her mom's house was something that had been missing all these months she put on a huge spread and everyone seemed to be in a good mood except her mom Peggy and I as we got up to leave her mom hugged me put something in my pocket and whispered for me to call her Tomorrow before kissing me on the cheek the next two weeks were hectic I was still sleeping in the spare room and
the kids were happy to have their mother back with them I took off Friday afternoon and drove home to take care of a few items I couldn't do after working hours or at night I'd turned off my cell phone because I didn't want to be disturbed and when I turned it back on there were 12 messages from Maria I took out a beer and was just about half Finished when she came flying through the door waving an envelope what the hell is this Albert she shouted at me what does it look like Maria Why Did
You Have Me served I thought we were going to try again I said we almost were Maria but that was when it was just the two of us there's no hope now for the three of us I said to a shocked Maria as she sat in a chair you see I was leaning your way because of the kids and all the good times we'd had in the past but something New came to light two weeks ago that put our marriage in Jeopardy I told her how did you find out no one knew she replied does
it really make a difference how I found out Maria so you were going to just play me along like some stupid sucker and make me believe it was mine you really are a piece of work you know that Maria it wasn't supposed to happen I'm so sorry Albert I don't love him only you we can take care of this and then go back to The way we were she pleaded he even gave me enough money to take care of it so his wife doesn't find out either she was digging herself into a deeper hole with
every word that came out of her mouth I hope the three of you will be very happy I love you Albert I really do we can get past this and if you want we can sell this house and buy another one and make a fresh start somewhere else Maria we're done hell we've been done for a long time I just didn't want To accept it for the sake of the kids you can stay here until the house sells or you find another place to live I plan on taking the kids with me but you'll be
able to see them whenever you want I want nothing from you other than you out of my life I told her she cried the rest of the weekend and when I picked up the kids we all had a long heart-to-heart talk with them it wasn't a huge surprise to them that we were splitting up but they still weren't Happy about it after all it was their mother we split everything up 50/50s and after all our bills were paid I still had enough to put down on a small house and a friendlier neighborhood Maria did take
care of her problem and I did respect her wishes of not saying a word to anyone there was only one problem you see Maria's mom slipped something in my jacket pocket that Sunday I called her the next day to verify what she' given me I shouldn't be the one telling you This but if I don't you may never know the truth she started I found something in the guest bathroom the other morning after Maria moved out and it took me a few days to get up the courage to give it to you she had found
a pregnancy test kit in the trash and it showed that someone has got a bun in the oven so to speak since she was the only other female in the house and it sure as hell wasn't her which only left Maria I didn't want to Be the one to tell you but I thought Maria was going to try to pull a fast one on you remember you didn't hear it from me right what Mom I hate to say it Albert she really has the common sense of a rock but I love her dearly don't be
a stranger she said hanging up that's how I found out Maria was in a motherly way so to speak I guess it would have been a better story if I'd found the test kit or had seen the doctor's report or had followed her to some sleazy motel And peaked into the windows in the end her own mother had ratted her out the house I found was close to the one Maria and I had lived in all those years ago it was also a fixer upper and needed a whole lot of work it had four bedrooms
two and a half baths in a large patio but no pool the kids pitched in and my new helper was a real Lifesaver you see after the divorce became finalized we were all sitting around enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at Maria's mom's when the kids spilled the beans they were telling their mom and grandparents how the new house was coming along and how they each had their own bedrooms and bathrooms it's so cool Kenny Dany said Danny has his room I have mine dad and Aunt Peggy have theirs and we still have one left for when
people stay with us he said beaming Kenny go back a little will you Maria asked her son there's your room Danny's the spare room and who Else's she asked dad's and Aunt Peggy he said like it was nothing and how long hasn't Peggy been living with you Maria asked ever since we moved into the new house he said munching on his dessert Albert Maria screamed scamed out I guess someone found out our little secret I said kissing peg in the kitchen you know it was just a matter of time we never told the kids not
to say anything and Mom and Dad were bound to find out when I started a show Peg said rubbing her Tummy shall we I said holding out my arm love to Peggy replied as we walked into the dining room it was like the shock and a of the Gulf War Maria was pissed beyond belief that I was now with her little sister her mom was happy that she was going to have another grandbaby and her dad was relieved he didn't have to break in another son-in-law Peg and I we were just happy I guess I
originally did marry the wrong sister but that was something I'm glad To say I rectified before it was too late story two I first met my wife Isabella at the train station when I was heading off to college she was sitting on a bench crying I politely inquired about what happened and offered my assistance Isabella told me that she was traveling a long distance for her studies and had a lay over here for another train at the station her bags were stolen containing everything tickets money documents and more Strangely enough she was heading to the
same University as I was I shared this with her and then offered her a ride she was incredibly grateful and promised to repay me once we reached our destination however I didn't care whether whether she paid me back or not I was already captivated by her large brown eyes and elegant dark hair when she smiled I was completely smitten I had never experienced anything like this before I was simply bewildered she had Me enthralled throughout the journey we talked and bonded well we joked laughed and Isabella was open and friendly she radiated warmth when we
arrived our communication continued we often went for walks together study together and spend our leisure time together our connection was not only one of romantic Bliss but also a strong friendship Isabella understood me completely and always provided support I too made an Effort to support and listen to her I felt that from such solid foundations a strong family would emerge and it did student life was far from affluent and post-graduation was no walk in the park yet together we faced all the challenges I worked for a large export and Supply Company dealing with various products
I started with a simple part-time job as a student packaging and handling Goods however there was an excellent career ladder here and I eventually Became a small department head our company supplied Goods to both domestic and international markets collaborating with numerous manufacturers everything was going well the company was thriving and my income kept growing going it was enough to support my family and save for the future I even managed to buy a small house of course it was modest but for our family it was Splendid we already had a 4-year-old daughter Rachel who was Overjoyed
to have her own room I had to work hard to fix things up gradually I took on some debt but I wasn't afraid I slowly paid off the debts and improved our living conditions Isabella worked as a secretary in an investment company assisting a small manager in the firm with paperwork the job wasn't the best and I didn't like the company either I witnessed a bunch of Scoundrels scraping by for a pittance while the company was dealing with millions of dollars yet Employees in lower positions were paid peenuts despite their heavy workload but Isabella continued
with her job there was nothing unusual in our family arguments were rare and minor we mostly lived harmoniously I always trust Ed Isabella and I had no reason not to so I had no inkling of what was really happening it all began when Isabella told me about her brother Victor who had left for another country when he was very young Isabella's parents divorced and Victor stayed with his father he was taken abroad for a while because he couldn't stay here and it was tough for their mother to handle two children but then Victor settled in
another country received a good education and decided to stay now unexpectedly he appeared in our lives Isabella I understand your joy that he's your brother but you two never really communicated and now he suddenly shows Up in your life doesn't that seem strange to you no Drake it doesn't seem strange to me I know we both had it tough and now he has the opportunity to see me I don't see anything wrong with that okay I get it but you never mentioned that you have a brother why did you keep quiet all this time I
don't even know we really never communicated so I didn't think about him when we were together I never thought we'd meet or talk but Victor pleasantly surprised me Moreover he immediately offered me a great job all of this sounds very strange and now I'm even more worried your long lost brother suddenly appears in your life and immediately offers you a job what does all of this mean it's very strange and doesn't Inspire confidence Drake calm down I'll explain everything now Victor works for a major tourist company and there's a job opening I'll be able to
earn a lot of money I'll be Traveling plus I can get family vacation packages at a very low cost we'll be able to see the whole world can you imagine Isabella I think you need to calm down it all sounds beautiful but I'm not sure I like this idea and what do you mean you'll be traveling I understand your job isn't easy and you're tired of it but we have a little daughter she constantly needs attention yes she's in daycare now but apart from that she needs more of our Time what if she gets sick
we'll need to stay home with her I won't be able to be in several places at once do you understand that Drake don't worry I've thought about it my friend who studied with me came 6 months ago she's currently on maternity leave and she Ador children her husband is often at home too so they can look after Rachel if needed she happily agreed to help if necessary I see you've planned everything out I'm shocked by all of This Drake my love I understand that such changes are scary but I assure you you'll see how much
better our life will be these will be fantastic memories and experiences we deserve this I understand that you work a lot and earn well you provide for us but I also want and can contribute to our family and I can do it you have nothing to worry about you'll see that everything will be fine I just can't trust such sudden news so spontaneously and I ask you to be more Careful Isabella greatly surprised me with this news everything seemed natural somehow Isabella brought her brother to our home Victor turned out to be a pleasant young
man and we had a good conversation I was surprised but I genuinely liked Victor he shared his story well and this guy was genuinely interesting following this interaction Isabella began working at this tourist company she could be away from home for A couple of weeks her friend helped me but it was still challenging all these changes were not particular ularly good everything changed for us our once close-knit and communicative family turned into something unrecognizable we rarely saw each other hardly communicated when Isabella was at home her behavior was different it was strange and things didn't
get any better it all felt like some kind of nightmare For me but I tried to adapt to the new changes hoping that things would improve in the future after some time I encountered Victor in the city I saw him accidentally while going to the market for fresh fruits and vegetables I was greatly surprised Victor was in a dirty uniform looking like an ordinary laborer Victor hey how are you change jobs I greeted jokingly who are you what do you want Victor replied sharply Victor what's going on it's me Drake I Don't Know Who You
Are please leave me alone Victor turned away from me Simon are you going to work or just chatting the store owner shouted Simon what's happening what the hell I began to protest sir leave me alone I really don't know what you want you've mistaken me for someone else I need to work Victor sharply replied I was just in Shock the charming and well-groomed young man with a promising job and a bright future turned into a worthless labor in the market he had a different name and he pretended not to know me what kind of Madness
was this what was happening initially I also doubted myself but the more I looked at this guy the more convinced I became that it was indeed him but what was this I didn't let it go just like that I needed to find out what was going on I had some Free time so I decided to follow this guy to have another conversation with him after a while I saw that he changed clothes and went somewhere I followed him the guy walked through the park and I leisurely followed him then he walked along a narrow path
shaded by bushes and trees here I caught up with him stop Victor or Simon whoever you are I grabbed this guy and pressed him against the tree is it you again what do you want from me the frightened guy replied Don't play games you know me if you say again that you don't know me I'll knock all your teeth out do you understand yes I understand sorry just don't hit me I'm just a struggling actor I take on various jobs to get by your wife hired me but why would she do that tell me everything
you know I'm sorry I don't really know anything she called based on an advertisement I posted online she told me what to do and what to say she didn't explain anything else I'm telling The truth I'm not her brother I just played this role at her request I'm sorry I don't know anything else don't hit me please the guy pleaded I released him and remained in complete shock what was the purpose of this entire charade it meant it was all a lie probably even her new job was a lie too but what should I do
now I could no longer trust Isabella something unclear was definitely happening here so when Isabella arrived I held back and didn't Say anything to her I just tried to act as usual I observed her behavior I decided to follow her when she was planning to go on her business trip again at the time when Isabella left I took a short break and I took our daughter to my parents to stay even though they lived far away but I didn't want to trust my daughter to her friend I installed a special hidden program on Isabella's phone
which allowed me to know her Whereabouts and my suspicions were confirmed my wife didn't go abroad she didn't even leave our city she was in a private sector and I headed there it was already dark I approached some private house I got out of the car and surveyed the area I found a way to get into the house territory unnoticed trees grew densely above the fence at one point there I climbed over the fence then I headed towards the house there was renovation on the back side of the house Construction scaffolding stood near the wall
I climbed up to the second floor at this place the window opening here was covered only with polyethylene film I tore the film and got into the house probably my wife was on the first floor it was a big house on the first floor I saw glass door when I opened it I saw a pool right inside the house I heard splashes of water and moans when I raised my gaze I saw Isabella having sex with an old man it Was the director of his company William Hatcher an old and Shameless Grandpa who without any
embarrassment was having sex with my wife right in this pool my anger disconnected my sanity there were no other thoughts than one to kill these bastards I ran to this strange couple that didn't notice my Approach In the Heat of passion I grabbed Isabella by the hair and pulled the scumbag out of the water Drake let go it hurts screamed the Scumbag this is not painful yet youit creature I said and threw her on the floor come here dirty old man I shouted and pulled this scumbag out of the water I started smashing his face
in every place blood splattered over his wrinkled face and he lost Consciousness Drake stop please don't hurt me I'm guilty I'm terribly guilty forgive me forgive me for everything for this lie and the pain I caused you I Don't know how it all started I just got Tangled Up Isabella began to whine when I approached her again shut up creature I yelled and slapped her on the cheek Isabelle struck on the head collided with the railing nearby and lost Consciousness as well I found carpets in the house wrapping these scoundrel in them then I located
a gate remote opened the gates and drove onto the premises I no longer cared whether I would be noticed or what fate awaited me I was simply consumed by rage I began loading these Scoundrels into the car the intensity of anger and fury had so overwhelmed my Consciousness that I failed to notice a car entering the yard behind behind me someone approached me from behind however I managed to regain my senses and saw the reflection of a person standing behind me in the glint on the car window this scoundrel attempted to strike me on the
head with A large wrench but I dodged in time causing the wrench to hit the car window shattering it I turned around and swiftly grabbed the scoundrel knocking him to the ground I commenced extracting the filth from the scoundrel then in the headlights of the car from which the SC emerged I scrutinized his face it couldn't be it was William Hatcher but how this old man was already unconscious without dwelling on it I Tossed him into the car and drove away I headed towards my workplace there was a secluded spot there and at this hour
no one was around and I had the keys there I could deal with these Scoundrels in peace upon arriving at the location and pulling the Scoundrels out of the car I couldn't believe my eyes these two old men were entirely identical like two peas in a pod when these Scoundrels regained Consciousness they were lying Bound in Wooden crates used for shipping dismantled beds abroad in these crates these Scoundrels fit perfectly awake Scoundrels I said what is this where are we shouted one of the old men they both started behaving insolently not fully grasping the dire
situation they were in however a couple more blows to their teeth brought them to their senses they began to whine and justify themselves upon realizing who I was then I heard an Unbelievable story at the end of which these Scoundrels started hurling angry remarks at each other it turned out that in the pool there was Williams twin brother named Richard this scoundrel confessed to noticing William entertaining himself with the young Isabella and he decided to take advantage of looking exactly like William these two old leers were having their way with Isabella without her knowledge Promising
her a golden future William was unaware of this leading to the quarrel between them Isabella was in shock when she heard all of this and simply burst into tears you're despicable Isabella how could you do such a thing you have a little daughter and a loving husband at home you traded at all for the dubious Promises of these old leers we didn't lack anything we had everything and you exchanged it all for lies and Betrayal you disgust me I exclaimed yes Drake I am sick and by myself I don't know what I was thinking I
don't know please forgive me I was wrong I'm guilty just let me go Isabella began to plead I don't need your excuses now you had no doubts before you contined to Revel with these repulsive old leers you're all vile Scoundrels and deserve punishment you know what cleanses best fire hot flames you will burn disgusting Creatures I declared as I began nailing down the lids on these crates the Scoundrels began to scream in horror and attempt to free themselves but their efforts were feudal Agony continued to devour their sanity I pulled the crates onto open ground
and started dousing them with gasoline the scoundrel screamed even louder at the smell of gasoline still no one heard them they red in their wooden coffins unable to change anything and I set these Scoundrels on fire flames quickly engulf the crates roasting the Scoundrels inside they choked on the smoke but continued to scream feeling the inevitability of a torturous death however I had no intention of killing them I had already come to my senses and despite the situation I decided to Simply punish them brutally punish them so they would remember it for the rest of
their lives when the Flames began to sear these creatures I extinguished the Barbecue with a fire extinguisher then smashed the crates the frightened and Smoky Scoundrels tumbled out greedily gulping air I cut their ropes well half cooked pieces of meat did you enjoy that I hope you're thrilled so I'll leave you with your miserable lives but I don't advise Crossing my path again otherwise I'll find a way to deal with you I won't give you any more chances I hope you remember tonight for a long time Isabella you no longer have A daughter or a
husband forget the way home and now get out of here I won't let your charred asses into my car you'll dirty the seats Scoundrels go I shouted and these Smoky Scoundrels hurried away I understood that I could face significant problems at after this these Scoundrels were rotten and their pitiful words meant nothing I knew that once these creatures were safe they might seek revenge kill me or send me behind bars with their Money they were capable of anything but I didn't regret not killing them I believed I did the right thing I punished them well
the pain of betrayal never ceased for a moment but I had to gather myself for the sake of my daughter I left my home with my daughter realizing that these Scoundrels could find me there I mentally said goodbye to my job my house and my entire previous life I discretely rented a home in another city and lived off the money I Had saved I waited for unpleasant news and visitors but days passed and no one sought me out or bothered me I was afraid to be happy about it because everything could go wrong at any
moment however fate eased my life later I learned that this Investment Company had long been on the verge of bankrupt y the management decided to steal the investor money and flee abroad raids began at the company but these Scoundrels were nowhere to be found consequently they Had no business with me but soon the police found these Scoundrels dead they were poisoned Isabella was also poisoned alongside them I was shocked by this news and I felt sorry for Isabella despite what she had done but it was her choice and she paid for it with her life
apparently influential investors didn't allow the Liars to escape and took Justice into their own hands but I decided to leave this darkness in the past it was difficult to forget Everything and start a new life but I had no other choice I returned home into my job I even got a promotion however balancing work and taking care of my daughter was challenging it wasn't easy for me but it was better than having a deceitful wife by my side I knew it wouldn't get easier and I wasn't expecting any help but fate gave me a chance
to be happy again Rachel often fell ill and we frequently visited the hospital we started seeing a New pediatrician she was a beautiful and young woman named Carol she immediately understood how difficult it was for me and showed kindness she not only prescribed a treatment plan for Rachel but also visited us at home Rachel was very fond of Carol and I felt very good when Carol was around we became friends and later our friendship turned into something more now we all live together in love and happiness I cherished this Second chance at a normal happy
life and rejoiced in every day
