[Music] I've always been a straightforward guy who values hard work and loyalty my parents taught me honesty and perseverance my dad built his accounting practice from scratch and my mom was a dedicated school teacher their commitment set a high standard for me when I met Jillian we connected instantly at a friend's barbecue despite her recent breakup our conversations Flowed easily and over time our friendship grew into love two years later we married and I thought our life was perfect some days are tough like when you oversleep rush out the door and everything spirals into chaos
today started just like that and it only got worse Jillian and I have been together for nearly 5 years meeting at a barbecue hosted by friends she was going through a tough breakup and our friends thought I might help her move on initially Hesitant we eventually formed a genuine friendship 6 months later I asked her out and two years after meeting I proposed I was thrilled when she said yes believing our bond was unbreakable until tonight Greg Jillian asked as I polished my shoes should I wear black or beige heels tonight you look good in
both I replied but the black ones emphasize your calves more Jillian loved dressing up but often struggled with fashion I liked that she sought my Advice after a busy day dealing with a difficult audit at work I was tired and frustrated Jillian had been excited about her High School reunion all week seemingly ignoring my fatigue in the past she would comfort me but this week she was focused solely on the reunion despite feeling neglected I tried to be happy for her at the reunion Jillian was quickly surrounded by her friends leaving me alone at dinner
I sat with our friends Lena and Mark barely Participating in the conversation Jillian acted happy but hardly spoke to me and I noticed odd glances from others as dinner ended Jillian and Lena disappeared for a long time and everyone prepared to move to the club for more drinks and dancing what's going on Mark I asked approaching my friend when Jillian and Lena didn't return sorry Greg Mark said flinching as I touched his shoulder I'm not sure what you mean I gave him an incredulous look Mark Seriously I stopped when I saw Lena return alone avoiding
my gaze come on Mark Lena where's Jillian I asked concerned Lena hesitated then glanced at Mark she looked around struggling to find the words sorry Greg she's with the band heading to the club without telling me her husband I asked anger Rising what aren't you telling me they avoided my gaze frustrated I rushed to the club driving faster than usual I arrived in minutes inside I saw Jillian dancing Closely with another guy my heart sank as people from the reunion watched with pity Lena touched my shoulder startling me this is Jillian's First Love Troy she
explained they grew up together and dated through high school he got a scholarship and they broke up when he left I watched them dance feeling betrayed Lena continued he's been back for a few months transferred with his job they don't seem too broken up I muttered Lena Added they meant to be together Greg her voice held a mix of emotions as the song ended Troy kissed Jillian my anger peaked as I clenched my fists drawing blood Jillian noticed me and approached leaving Troy behind Troy was my first love Greg we promised to reunite when he
came back she said bluntly so you reunited I replied sarcastically don't be like that Jillian scolded Troy and I are meant to be together we're married Jillian I retorted I'm sorry Greg but we Need to divorce Troy and I have a deeper connection people were staring and a bouncer approached Greg you've never been she trailed off I love you but our love isn't like mine with Troy Troy joined us putting his arm around Jillian you must be Greg he said with fake concern that's Gregory to you I snapped okay I get it he replied you're
upset we've been together since I got back she's divorcing you Jillian turned pale hoping it wouldn't come out realizing His mistake Troy pushed Jillian behind him ready to defend look Gregory Troy said trying to sound conciliatory I'm sorry you found out this way but maybe it's for the best Jillian says you've been a great husband it would be nice if we could all be friends since we share so many mutual friends not for long I said looking at Jillian before turning back to Troy He piled and tried to respond but I spoke first so let
me get this straight I said suppressing my Growing anger the music stopped and everyone turned to listen you two had true love then Troy moved away Jillian and I met fell in love and got married now Troy's back and you two rekindled your relationship behind my back clearly everyone else knew and now I'm humiliated Greg it wasn't supposed to be Jillian started wasn't supposed to be what I shouted you've ignored me all week dragged me here then ditched me you left without telling me just so I'd Catch you here hey Troy tried to interject but
I stopped him don't say a word Romeo I growled you're both Unfaithful you've been seeing each other for months back off look Greg Troy said trying to calm the situation Jillian and I are meant to be together we're sorry you got hurt but she loves me and we're going to get married you and she need to divorce naturally I replied coldly Gregory Jillian said I'm sorry but this is the best way it Will hurt but it's for the best she paused trying to read my mood it's Gregory not Greg I corrected she gulped Gregory she
said I know you're hurting but we're still young you'll find someone else my eye twitched making her pale even more Gregory I think it's best if you leave Troy said everyone here knows Jillian and I belong together and you're just the third wheel I smiled and half the room looked at me questioningly on that we agree he smiled thinking I Understood now that it's out in the open Jillian and I will stay away from your house this weekend and next week so you can move out move out I asked tilting my head well it's Jillian's
house Troy said I see I replied narrowing my eyes Gregory my soon Tobe ex-wife said we thought it would be easier for you the house is perfect for Troy and me to have kids it's too big for you I see I repeated the last syllable hissing the silence stretched on until the DJ Resumed the music no one started dancing everyone watched to see what would happen Troy spoke loudly I'm sorry Gregory but this is the situation I know it's hard but don't take offense he held out his hand I stared at it then back at
him he quickly withdrew his hand deciding it was time to leave I turned and walked out no one stopped me the bouncers opened the doors and the noise from inside died down are you okay one of the bouncers asked no not really I Replied the other bouncer said if you wanted to go back and give that a-hole a couple punches we could wait a few minutes before pulling you out for the first time all day I laughed the bouncers smirked while tempting I don't need a night in the gate house both nodded I've seen some
nasty breakups but this is one of the coldest the first bouncer said I'm sorry I waved off the sympathy don't worry about it I'll just go home and changed the the locks the Second bouncer added I raised an eyebrow and smiled we talked a bit more before I shook their hands and left on the way home I stopped at a hardware store it was late but I quickly bought new locks dead bolts moving boxes and packing tape once home I changed the locks and started packing Jillian's things a few hours later exhausted and feeling utterly
abandoned I sat down with a kraken and soda I opened my laptop canceled our joint credit cards opened a New account and trans transferred half of our joint savings I found our legal folder with house deeds investment properties and our prenuptual agreement while it didn't cover infidelity it protected my business assets I slept fitfully but managed a few hours in the morning I found a cafe and enjoyed a fusion breakfast while there I drafted a letter to a lawyer friend explaining the situation he called shocked but assured me he'd file the divorce papers Monday And
refer me to someone who could help when I got home mark and Lena were waiting in the driveway I parked on the Curve and Lena started Greg I raised my hand stopping her it's Gregory excuse me Lena asked my name is Gregory only friends can call me Greg listen buddy Mark began trying to be consiliary we're sorry about last night it's not like I raised my hand again silencing him I looked at a tree across the road one of its limbs torn off by a storm and felt It mirrored my situation losing Jillian felt like
losing a limb tears streamed down my face as I turned back to Mark and Lena don't you dare make excuses I hissed you've known Jillian's been cheating for months and said nothing but Gregory it's true Lena started love I interrupted real love doesn't betray and humiliate I thought what Jillian and I had was true love I never doubted her I worshiped her and would have given her everything I know Lena said tears in her Eyes but Jillian and Troy stop I shouted my rage boiling over my tears disappeared stop I repeated quietly I don't want
to hear another word about Jillian and Troy I just wasted the last seven years of my life years of supporting Jillian through her struggles encouraging her growth enduring severe period pains Family Planning and talking about growing old together I was only her plan B why does Troy get to come back and take everything I worked for They looked at me like I didn't understand I continued my pain and anguish bursting out he gets all my efforts the woman I helped rebuild and all her friends who betrayed me at least they looked ashamed well screw it
I exclaimed get off my property Mark tried to interject Greg I glared at him I get it you thought Jillian and I would be happy forever but Troy is back and they deserve to be happy right what about me and my happiness I asked they had no Answer I deserve a faithful wife and friends who care I don't need your pity if I seem bitter it's because I am put yourself in my shoes I said Mark when Lena leaves you for her true love you'll understand Mark tightened his grip on Lena's arm silencing her all
right Gregory he said we're leaving but is there anything we can do I looked at their minivan wait here I brought out several boxes of Jillian's things and threw them in front of them fragile Items shattered take these to Jillian's new place but Jillian said she needs the house and you're going to move Lena said I laughed it's not her house tell her not to come back everything that belongs to her is in these boxes my lawyers will send the divorce papers on Monday you didn't even Lena started fight no she's in love with him
she cheated on me and she's been lying for years she gets what she deserves I watched them load the boxes into their van and drive away they Realized they had lost my friendship but I wasn't there to see their remorse that night I got drunk and cried I trashed the living room in my rage breaking a vase from our first wedding anniversary and smashing Furniture I punched holes in the hallway walls ripped off cabinet doors and dented the refriger Ator I woke up with a hangover a headache bloody knuckles possibly a broken hand and scratches
all over I bandaged myself and knew I'd need to see a doctor the Living room was destroyed the hallway walls were damaged and the kitchen was a mess I remembered the Twisted satisfaction of hitting the refrigerator in the dented refrigerator I found expired orange juice took a couple of Panadol tablets and drank a Big Gulp after half an hour the throbbing subsided I moved to the living room sat on the floor between broken chairs and stared at the cracked TV the day passed in a blur I went to the doctor who found Hairline fractures in
both arms and bandaged them I ignored messages from people including Mark and Lena that night I went to bed without recalling much of the day except for the TV and doctor visit Monday morning I went to the office I checked emails and prepared for a 9:00 a.m. team meeting my receptionist Colleen entered saw my bandages and sat down bad weekend she asked I sighed and turned to her Jillian dumped me for her true love I said Flatly what Colleen exclaimed no you're serious I raised my bandaged hands eyes watering it's true at the reunion everyone
knew Jillian had been cheating with Troy they ambushed me Friday night I broke down and Colleen hugged me I told her how I had smashed the furniture in a drunken rage and how I had visited the doctor by morning we dried our eyes and prepared for the meeting Colleen led the team into the meeting room hope everyone had a good weekend I said Noting their glances at my bandages this week I began but Colleen interrupted I'm sorry Gregory but you can't pretend everything is normal after what happened I hesitated then nodded Colleen explained Gregory was
betrayed by his wife and Friends Jillian had been cheating and left him in a humiliating way she paused looking at James isn't that right James James one of Jillian's classmates turned pale uh he said were you there Friday night Colleen asked yes But James began and did you know about the affair Colleen pressed James lowered his gaze I knew he admitted quietly the room fell silent bristling with anger toward James James Colleen said you need to leave and think about your future here if we find you supported Jillian you'll be dismissed understand he swallowed and
stood I understand he said leaving the room quietly no one spoke for the most part I'd forgotten that James had been in the room on Friday I Hardly noticed anyone except those ruining my life I cleared my throat everyone I said bringing us back to the present my personal life is a mess and my weekend wasn't pleasant I held up my bandaged hands but we have work to do and clients to serve let's support each other and if you need anything let Colleen know I'll be here but bear with me I nearly cried as everyone
expressed sympathy and encouragement one last thing I said don't crucify James just Yet letun get the whole story before blaming him everyone muttered but agreed Colleen ran the rest of the meeting afterward I went back to my office and stared out the window a few minutes later Colleen knocked and entered with James I invited them in you and James need to talk Colleen said I nodded settling into my chair James sat across from me looking down so I said an accusation in my voice Gregory James started then laughed briefly something Funny asked Colleen her tone
Stern James smiled sadly no nothing's funny my boss was betrayed my wife yelled at me all day and I might lose my job it's Gallows humor or tears I smiled cautiously James start at the beginning he nodded you've heard how perfect Jillian and Troy were in high school I nodded yes recently that's all I've heard James continued I was a math major not in the popular crowd but we all knew Jillian and Troy they broke up before graduation when Troy went abroad Jillian was devastated then I found out Troy had a girlfriend in the states
I nodded again I had heard Jillian side when I helped her get back on her feet we kissed for the first time after one of those conversations that's how it was until recently James continued I got my degree married Sherry and got a job here I was surprised and happy to see Jillian with you knowing Troy's departure had hurt her James paused and I asked when did You find out about their fair about an hour before you and Jillian showed up for dinner he said a few classmates mentioned Jillian leaving you for Troy and everyone
was surprised I gave James a questioning look he sighed before dinner only a few people knew what was happening but by then everyone in the class knew Jillian and Troy were meant to be together Mark and Lena took Sherry and me aside and explained they felt sorry for you but said you weren't part Of Jillian's future anymore James looked pained he was blushed Ing and maybe even teary eyed sorry Gregory we couldn't stay for dinner Sher wanted to be there for you but Mark and some guys escorted us out telling us to stay away James
I started feeling guilty but he raised his hand to stop me I'm sorry Gregory I need to finish this I promised Sherry I nodded I was stunned he continued we were banished from the reunion because your wife was going to betray you Sherry And I didn't know what to do so we went to the club we wanted to be there for you what happened I asked I didn't see you there we were there when you arrived but a few guys kept us from getting to you until Jillian told you when you left we ran after
you but you were gone we stood outside the club for half an hour unsure what to do eventually we went back inside James paused then continued when we returned half the class shunned us and the other half were disgusted They surrounded us and wouldn't let anyone near us for the rest of the evening and I prompted they acted like you were nothing James said swallowing this had been planned for months there was talk that Jillian and Troy were planning to get married soon he looked down clenching his hands Sher and I fought all night we
were repulsed by their behavior James pulled a piece of paper from his notebook and placed it in front Of me what's this I asked reading it quickly my resignation he said defeated it was signed and dated yesterday James I began no Gregory he replied what they did was wrong and I couldn't help you you deserve better Sher and I agreed I'd rather resign than have you see me and be reminded of Friday night we sat in silence I looked at his resignation letter and laughed a short bark-like laugh Colleen and James looked at me I
tore the letter in two your resignation Is rejected I said behind us Colleen smiled James looked shocked but Gregory why he stammered my friends call me Greg you tried to help me and sympathize with me if that's not a friend I don't know what is James nodded Sherry and I thought it was for the best I know I replied and that's why I want you both to stay we talked for half an hour then Colleen James and I called everyone back into the conference room I explained that James had been blindsided too and Was ejected
because of the situation any animosity toward James disappeared and everyone left with smiles the rest of the week I spent most of my time in the office counseling my staff and working on my divorce I didn't end up mailing the divorce papers Jillian filed them at work infidelity isn't a mandatory factor in divorce in Australia but I made sure my lawyers Mike and his assistant Sally included it in the legal documents after Jillian received the papers I ignored Her calls and texts assuming they were angry I managed bank accounts listed assets checked canceled cards and
insurance my team handled the legal paperwork ensuring Jillian couldn't touch anything Colleen stopped by my house on Tuesday night and was shocked by the devastation she cried as she walked through the rooms by Wednesday she had contacted my insurance agency and arranged a damage assessment by Friday appraisers and cleanup Crews were Scheduled for the following week exhausted by Friday night I still didn't sleep well on Saturday morning I went for a run ending up at a cafe where I enjoyed coffee and a croissant before jogging home to my surprise Jillian was sitting on the steps
when I arrived she looked disheveled dressed in mismatched clothes Greg it's good to see you Jillian began I spat out a ball of flim interrupting her what are you surprised I'm taking Care of myself after you betrayed me afraid I'd eliminate myself or be a wreck she took a step back pale it wasn't like that Greg I never meant to hurt you yeah right I said you set everything up to humiliate me in front of everyone she looked down it wasn't my idea Mark and Troy thought if we did it this way you wouldn't resist
I laughed bitterly you think I'd fight for you after you betrayed me you're delusional but no Butts I hissed you lost any right to my respect when you cheated now get lost Greg you can't talk to me like that I'm still your wife Jillian said her anger Rising huh I said walking to the front door and unlocking it when she tried to follow I stopped her you're not invited but Greg this is still my house too she insisted no it isn't it belongs to a trust and I pay rent to it she looked confused Jillian
this isn't your house anymore you don't live here wait I have Something for you I went inside texted my lawyer grabbed a few things and returned to the door Jillian was still there Greg I I raised my hand first it's Gregory only friends call me Greg and you're not a friend she gulped second I handed her a folder here's a check for your half of our assets her eyes widened third you have something for me she hesitated then pulled a manila envelope from her purse I'm sorry Gregory you will be I said I opened the
envelope And read the documents she wanted 75% of our savings and 50% of my business along with a restraining order really I asked raising my eyebrows she couldn't meet my gaze she knew they hadd gone too far I called my divorce attorney while Jillian stood there looking defeated Sally my divorce attorney picked up on the second ring hi Sally Jillian is here demanding I respond to the divorce petition and slapping me with a restraining order that includes my house which she no Longer lives in I listened to Sally swear watching Jillian turn red as she
heard it Sally assured me she'd handle it I turned to Jillian how does it feel to be one of the most disgusting humans Jillian she was silent for a moment it's not like that Greg Orie she said quietly I convinced Troy to give you until Monday to move out so we can move in I laughed you can't move in it's not your house but you can't be here she replied irritably I Shrugged maybe but that Doesn't mean you can be here either it's time for you to leave Jillian I'd wish you well but that would
be a lie do you hate me that much she asked looking at my bandaged hands do you seriously have the nerve to ask me that after everything I answered you were my best friend and you destroyed it all Jillian looked down it wasn't my idea Mark and Troy thought it would be easier this way I laughed bitterly you think I'd fight for you after you betrayed me but no Butts you lost any right to my respect when you cheated now get lost Greg you can't talk to me like that I'm still your wife Jillian said
her anger Rising huh I said unlocking the door when she tried to follow I stopped her you're not invited but Greg this is still my house too she insisted no it isn't the house belongs to a trust you don't live here anymore wait I have something for you I went inside texted my lawyer grabbed a few things and returned Jillian was Still there Greg I first it's Gregory only friends call me Greg and you're not a friend she gulped second I handed her a folder here's a check for your half of our assets her eyes
widened third you have something for me she pulled a manila envelope from her purse I'm sorry Gregory you will be I said I opened the envelope and read the documents she wanted 75% of our savings and 50% of my business along with a restraining order really I asked she couldn't meet my gaze She knew they had gone too far at that moment I saw Mark and Lena approaching with Troy in the distance oh look our friends I hissed Greg Mark said coming up behind Jillian calm down buddy back off a-hole I replied we not friends
your betrayal is as bad as hers you have nothing to say that will help I glared at Mark and Lena you both helped set up that scene at the club to humiliate me you're as guilty as Jillian and Troy Greg Lena began don't don't you dare Lena you helped my wife cheat on me and set me up for maximum humiliation if you think that's love then there's no hope for society they looked stunned I stopped then had an idea Lena will you forgive Mark when he comes home smelling of perfume after spending the night at
a strip club I smiled condescendingly Lena looked at Mark baby that's not true Mark stammered I laughed no it's not true but Mark likes to brag about special lap dances during our golf games Lena sensed The truth Mark took a step back and ran down the road with Lena chasing him yelling I looked at Troy who was staring in Surprise then at Jillian with a smug grin Greg she said hesitantly I mean Gregory you didn't have to do that I grinned don't worry Jillian this is just the first shot Mark still has a lot of
Secrets and this is just the beginning you and Troy won't like what's coming next what do you mean Jillian asked go away Jillian Tell Troy to take you far Away because if you stay things will get worse for you Greg what's wrong with you where is the man I love she asked he's dead you ripped my heart and soul out and what's left is something dark I stepped back and slammed the door letting out a villainous chuckle 10 minutes later I looked outside and saw that Jil and Troy and the truck were gone I sat
on the floor shaking from the confrontation and broke down again I loved her but hated her wanting her to Feel regret I knew she wouldn't come back and even if she did I couldn't accept her again the next month was filled with lawyers Financial disclosures and dividing assets my staff rallied around me Colleen helped me find a counselor and I moved into an apartment Colleen organized cleaning and repairs for the house despite wanting a clean break Jillian fought over many things first she claimed $155,000 of our $20,000 in bank accounts she also tried To claim
our house and investment properties but they were owned by a trust and unavailable to her she fought with lawyers likely paid by Troy but failed I smiled knowing she lost any return on that investment next she wanted furniture and jewelry I had her belongings packed and delivered to her including shoes earrings and necklaces she also claimed half of my business but the prenuptual agreement laid out by Sally denied or Any part of it Jillian ended up with $10,000 likely spent on lawyers while I kept my houses in business Sally also got Jillian to give up
her wedding and engagement rings the restraining order was lifted since Jillian had no rights to the house the locks had been changed and a security company checked the house until I moved back in we waited a couple of months for the divorce to finalize James and Sherry asked everyone to back off and Jillian and Troy moved into an Apartment provided by his company Troy expected a house but he got nothing in August two weeks before the final divorce during tax season I was busy with work one day I was surprised to see an entrepreneur friend
waiting for me I never thought I was see their face again Gregory come on you have to help me pleaded Mark sitting at a table in our meeting room Lena sat next to him eyes downcast their relationship seemed strained likely due to our last Encounter why I asked enjoying their discomfort James sat next to me we had done taxes for Mark's import export business for years it was a tough job ensuring everything was correct but we were paid well Mark could have gone to another firm but it would have cost him more and taken years
for them to understand his business really are you really going to make me beg said Mark his voice pleading I laughed James smiled begging would be Nice but feudal why are you here you planned to humiliate me made excuses and didn't care about my feelings now you want my help no one spoke you know you were right Lena said quietly I raised an eyebrow what do you mean Lena looked at Mark then back at me anger passing over her face before turning to sadness Mark lowered his gaze you were right she said sadly not just
about Mark's behavior but everything we were so caught up in Troy and Jillian's romance that we didn't Think about you I was about to reply but Lena continued I saw the truth in Mark's eyes when you confronted us we knew it was wrong but lied to ourselves about true love some like my husband used it to cover their own cheating I looked at the broken couple Mark couldn't meet our eyes and Lena was near a breakdown so what now I asked Lena G and bitterly now we face the consequences we've hurt those we loved and
my marriage is on the brink I don't know if it will Survive I looked at Mark who remained silent I can't say I'm not pleased you're both suffering I said softly but as managing partner I've decided it's not in our best interest to continue handling your company Mark's shoulders slumped however I continued Mark looked up with hope I can recommend three firms to take on your account James has their credentials James hand it over a sheet of paper if you're interested let James know and we'll send your financial Statements to them that's it asked Mark
a recommendation are you really done with us yes I replied shrugging you ruined my marriage by supporting Jillian and Troy using terms like true love you laughed and joked about it this is the consequence with that I left the room without saying goodbye later James informed me they had chosen a firm and would complete the transfer once Mark and Lena signed the forms over over the next month three more clients all Jillian's classmates who supported her infidelity realized I wouldn't do business with them anymore despite losing four clients I gained six others who didn't support
what happened and wanted to help by September the divorce was Final I had moved back into the renovated house and my hands had healed the day I received the divorce paperwork Jillian called and texted me saying goodbye Gregory I'm sorry I wasn't sure how to feel the Betrayal still hurt but I knew if Jillian could leave me so easily she wasn't the one for me that weekend Colleen and my team surprised me with a family barbecue at my place over two dozen people came including Colleen James and Sherry ensuring I was never alone at one
point while James manned the barbecue Sherry sat with me watching kids play in my yard hurt knowing Jillian and I would never have the children we talked about Sher kissed my cheek and said life will happen again Greg you'll have the support of friends co-workers and family we're here for you Sherry hugged me as I cried James Colleen and others offered support throughout the day and despite being a wreck I felt comforted the following week at work I felt much better the staff noticed my improved mood and I even joked with them at the weekly
meeting I thanked everyone especially James Colleen and Sherry for their support we gained three new clients Including two large corporations needing in-depth financial analysis I decided to handle a forensic audit diving back into work in the evenings I established a routine of cooking dinner and working out determined to rise above the Betrayal 2 weeks after the barbecue on a Thursday night I was cooking dinner when the doorbell rang I opened the door to a nervous but beautiful blonde woman before I could speak she kissed me pulling me down by my shirt her kiss was Soft
and minty and I kissed her back holding her close after an indeterminate time we parted and I saw Tears In Her Eyes before I could greet her she slapped me not hard more of a gesture I stood in shock I'm sorry Gregory that wasn't the best way to say hello she said her voice sultry yet firm I tilted my head wondering who she wasure I said leaving the question unanswered the woman smiled Rebecca Rebecca I repeated we stood in silence For a moment so Rebecca what brings you here tonight you she said simply I guessed
that from your greeting but why did you come to see me I asked with a slight smile because you need me here she replied smiling back true so tell me why I need you I enjoy kissing a beautiful woman but the slap confused me she looked amused do you think I'm beautiful I nodded and gorgeous her smile widened and I was captivated by this woman I had just met thank you Gregory she said blushing does something smell nice she asked sniffing the air I sighed contentedly and opened the door inviting her in we chatted as
I led her to the kitchen poured her a glass of sherz and continued cooking dinner I quickly prepared a second plate for Rebecca she watched me cook holding her wine but not drinking it I set the table dimmed the lights and serve the food Rebecca giggled our first date and you ordered for me a woman likes a man who Knows what he wants I replied Rebecca laughed then raised her glass to Gregory showing that even wounded he still knows how to treat a lady we clinked glasses and smiled Rebecca took a bite of the dish
and her eyes widened Gregory this is a amazing thank you I nodded tasting the food it was delicious so Rebecca no more games who are you and what's going on she took another bite and a sip of wine before speaking first thank you Gregory you handled my greeting with Grace I stood at your door for almost 20 minutes before knocking I nodded sipping my wine as for who I am we've met before I'm Colleen's niece ah Rebecca yes you look very different than the last time we met I replied she smiled and I remembered her
goth face days she had dyed black hair piercings and heavy makeup I was coming out of a period of self-destruction she said smiling I had just broken up with my boyfriend and was lost aunt Colleen brought me to your Office after talking to my mom for a change of scenery I nodded recalling the meeting she had come to the office dressed in all black with piercings he cheated on me with three people two girls and a guy she said bluntly I almost choked on my whne what yes she said looking at into her wine glass
we were at a club went back to a guy's place and I found them together I ran home and cried for days Mom convinced me to go for a walk with Aunt Colleen and That's when she brought me to your office I smiled I remember Aunt Colleen introduced us and you shook my hand you didn't look at me like I was pathetic you didn't judge me for how I was dressed or my piercings do you remember what you asked me I nodded I asked you what kind of coffee you wanted Rebecca smiled yes mocha with
a double shot of chocolate we said at the same time laughing you remember she asked I nodded taking another sip of wine her smile Faded the slap was because I was at the barbecue that day and you didn't notice me she said looking into my eyes I'm sorry Rebecca it was a rough day I said she smiled faintly it's okay Gregory it wasn't meant to be serious I just mentally kissed you and then slapped you because you didn't notice me I even hugged you and told you everything would be okay but I guess you don't
remember much of that day I had a vague image of Slender arms and dark blue jeans with a Red blouse telling me everything would be okay do you remember she asked sort of red top blue jeans Rebecca nodded I asked Aunt Colleen about you the other day she said blushing slightly she knew I had a crush on you and encouraged me to come over and talk to you I chuckled did you plan to kiss me no Rebecca blushed I didn't know if I could do it but when you open the door I just went for
for it I smiled and took her hand I'm glad you did it was the best thing That's happened to me in months Rebecca smiled and we spent 3 hours talking she helped me clean up dinner and we continued our conversation over Port moving to the living room I learned she was 28 four years younger than me and a recent Finance graduate she liked various music but hated passaway metal after her goth phase she became a junior accountant at a manufacturing firm and enjoyed her work she was close to her family with parents married for 30
years And a younger sister in New Zealand she loved the beach but had sensitive skin and had only had two boyfriends including the goth who betrayed her we talked about our lives I shared that I was estrange from my mother after my father's sudden passway caused family Strife my younger sister also caused a rift by taking Jillian's comment out of context by 1:00 a.m. Rebecca decided to leave though we were both tempted to continue as I climbed into bed I smiled For the first time since my life had fallen apart Rebecca's bold actions bypassed months
of trying to overcome my defenses and showed me that someone could care about me romantically the next morning my smile was undeniable and everyone noticed by lunchtime Colleen cornered me okay spill it Greg who is she she asked hopeful Rebecca came over last night I told her Colleen's joyous shriek echoed through the office she made me recount everything laughing at The kiss and the slap Greg I'm so happy for you even if nothing comes of this seeing you come out from under what Jillian and that a-hole did is worth it but I think there's something
between you and Rebecca we talked a bit more and I told Colleen that Rebecca and I had been texting all day and were having dinner Friday night she was thrilled and her happiness spread to everyone else Friday night came and I picked up Rebecca I asked her to dress up for our First official date she looked stunning when she opened the door wow wow I'm batting a thousand so far she laughed every time we meet you can't even say hello hello beautiful I said better Rebecca said smiling we walked hand inand to my car and
when I opened the door she stopped is this your car she asked yeah I said Rebecca's jaw dropped yes I'm a Mustang Enthusiast but not just any Mustang I have a 1967 GT classic gray with black racing stripes And a modified exhaust I was surprised Jillian didn't try to to get it in the divorce she knew it was my pride and joy I opened the passenger door for Rebecca and she smiled as she settled in when I started the car she giggled as the V8 engine roared we drove into town chatting about our weeks and
how Colleen had high hopes for us we had dinner at an upscale Japanese restaurant trying various dishes and a bit of sake which we both agreed was fun for a date but Not for regular consumption after dinner we went to the casino made a few bets and left with $600 more more than we started with there was a club in the casino so we dressed up and went in it was an upscale club with a diverse crowd throughout the evening guys approached Rebecca to dance but she politely declined each time at one point a guy
stopped me and said you're a lucky guy your woman only has eyes for you I asked her to dance but she turned me down flat He was a sturdy good-look guy probably a personal trainer or football player he patted my shoulder smiled and walked away Saturday morning I woke up smiling remembering the night with Rebecca we spent the weekend in bed only getting up to bathe or get food when it was time for work I drove Rebecca back to her apartment in her Friday night dress by the time I got to the office I had
two more pictures of my girlfriend Rebecca stayed with me every night that week Except Wednesday when she had to work late hey Greg James said one Tuesday after going out for coffee do you have a few minutes he closed the door behind him Ure I said raising an eyebrow so you and Rebecca are doing well he asked yeah I grinned it's only been a few months but it feels like six James looked worried Sherry and I have been together for almost 5 years but it feels like 10 in a good way I held up my
hand grinning I get it James he nodded Sherry And I are happy to see you smiling again we were wondering if you and Rebecca would like to have dinner at our place Saturday night I'll check with Becky but I think we're free um Greg James continued nervously it's about Jillian i s died what about her do you know about the Kensington audit we're doing he asked I nodded Kensington was one of the large multinationals we had taken on and James was leading the audit we found some issues he said laying out reports It seemed one
of their middle managers had been embezzling money for years using it for undesirable services including Coran's and supporting a mistress and child in the US the man cleverly hid the thefts across different cost center and projects totaling just under $2 million I was stunned by the implications so let me get this straight I said to James for over four years he's been using company money to pay for corisan and for the last three years He's been using it for child support for a woman and child overseas James nodded exactly wow I tried not to smile
so much for true love James snorted a month later we gave Kensington the initial report but withheld details until we completed file tracking they were concerned about interal corruption and agreed to wait for a thorough investigation we asked for another month and they agreed 2 weeks later I came home on Friday to find Rebecca had set Up a candlelight dinner she poured me a kraken and soda and we enjoyed chicken boss kaoa I noticed a box between us but didn't mention it after dinner we moved to the living room with refilled drinks dimmed lights and
soft music Greg the last six months have been the best of my life Rebecca said I know you were broken when we met but so was I our relationship has been amazing because we give ourselves completely to each other I love you Gregory and I need you to Know that before you open the box Rebecca handed me the box it was small like a box for headphones with an envelope on top I opened the envelope and read the letter inside Gregory inside this box is the engagement ring you bought last week I found it while
cleaning and you were in the shower I hope you open the box take out the ring and ask me to marry you I love you so much sincerely and forever Rebecca round P.S love you love you love you I looked At Rebecca who was filled with hope I love you too I said as I opened the box to find the ring I had bought it was a simple gold ring with a single Diamond Rebecca smiled I never looked inside I wanted to but I didn't I got down on one knee Rebecca Brown you brought me
back to life before you kissed me I thought I'd never be happy again you showed me how much you wanted to be mine and I can't imagine a more perfect partner I was planning to do this at your family Barbecue but I can't wait any longer Rebecca Beth Brown will you marry me Rebecca jumped up and shouted yes she held out her hand and I slipped the ring on her finger before we kissed thank you my fiance I told her you're going to have the most caring wife in the world and wait until we have
kids a minute later the doorbell rang I groaned but answered it finding Colleen Rebecca's parents James and Sherry congratulations they all shouted Rebecca WRA wrapped her Arms around me sorry babe I wanted to celebrate our engagement so I invited a few people over last surprise for the night I promise she said we ushered everyone inside and her parents brought two bottles of champagne as they handed out glasses I tried to Fain offense but I couldn't help but smile while Rebecca showed off her ring to the ladies I got backs slaps for my future father-in-law and
James we spent the evening laughing at stories about Rebecca's childhood When everyone left Rebecca and I headed to bed but not before taking a few more pictures of her engagement ring though in those photos it was the only thing she was wearing a month later three significant events happened within 48 Hours first we delivered the completed forensic report to Kensington they were not happy and heads would roll but they agreed to wait for a thorough investigation second Rebecca visited my office with wedding ideas and legal Documents when I saw the preup I got upset Becca
this prenup leaves you with almost nothing I said frustrated it only leaves me with nothing if I cheat on you which I will never do she replied in all other cases we split everything and your business remains safe Becca I know you're trying to protect me but the protections I already have are enough she held my hands this is my promise to you I will only walk away with nothing if I cheat on you trust me I signed the Document trusting her completely we discussed it several times but in the end she was right and
it went to the file cabinet the third event happened the next evening at home home Rebecca who had moved in permanently sent me to shower when I got home I was just out of the shower when I heard screaming throwing on shorts I rushed out to find my ex-wife Jillian yelling at Rebecca so I move out and he moves in Jillian shouted Rebecca laughed you left the Most loving man on this planet and broke his heart yes I agree with that however I am Gregory's personal strumpet he gets my body freely for his exclusive use
could you say the same when you were married to him Rebeca SN spped back Jillian shouted you little strumpet and a slap echoed through the room I hurried in finding Jillian with a red mark on her cheek Rebecca I said with a smile meet Jillian my ex-wife Jillian meet Rebecca my Fianceé they stared at each other as I stepped between them do you find this amusing Greg Jillian asked actually yeah since you weren't invited and started yelling before getting slapped I find it funny maybe it's a little karma for how our life together ended Rebecca
grinned but I held up my hand that's enough Becca what do you want Jillian I sighed why did you have to ruin my life she asked what do you mean Jillian I haven't Had anything to do with you for almost a year you left me for true love and damn the consequences Rebecca snorted behind me you didn't have to destroy Troy Jillian said mournfully I laughed you're going to have to be more specific Jillian it was your forensic audit of Kensington that got Troy arrested you you didn't have to do that she said softly what
I shouldn't report to the company that one of its employees defrauded them of over $2 million spent On ctis a and a woman and child in the US I asked rhetorically ctis a Jillian said turning white a woman and a child clearly whatever Jillian knew lacked substantial detail I leaned forward yes Jillian your true love has a woman and child in the states and stole company money to support them it's all in the report want me to send it to you she sank to the ground found her world collapsing for the first time I saw
she was truly lost everything she believed About her life was crumbling Rebecca and I watched as she slumped on the porch he got arrested you know Jillian said her anger gone replaced by Hollow grief I didn't know Troy had been arrested but I suspected authorities were on to him we've been married Less Than 3 months and he spent a month of that in the states Jillian sobbed I felt a twinge of sympathy I'd been married to her for years and shared many physical moments but she was also my Tormentor Discarding me cruy and heartlessly what
should I do Jillian asked looking at Rebecca you have the nerve to ask him that after what you did Rebecca said firmly but without venom he was mine long before he was yours Jillian replied Rebecca laughed hugging me tightly he was never truly yours Jillian you never let him into your heart completely you must have kept part of yourself away to do what you did that's not true Jillian protested looking at me Rebecca laughed If you gave yourself completely why did you cheat on him as soon as your true love returned why did you humiliate
him and try to take his house Investments and business is that giving yourself completely Jillian was silent looking transparent and defeated Rebecca showing surprising compassion sat next to her Jillian Rebecca said softly you don't know my story when I first met Greg he was happily married to you I realized how much he loved you from our brief Conversation over time I learned more and became jealous of you Jillian looked surprised when I heard what you did to him I was Furious Rebecca continued but then at Greg's barbecue when your divorce was finalized I saw how
broken he was even aunt Colleen had trouble getting through to him he was in danger of sinking into depression my heart broke for him both women looked at me Rebecca with adoration Jillian with sorrow throughout The evening everyone tried to comfort him he cried openly showing his pain I hugged him though he doesn't remember and he thanked me I realized I could help him stop his slide into bitterness and maybe find love with him we were silent for a moment the next week I came here and kissed him when he opened the door then I
slapped him Rebecca said smirking Jillian's eyes widened from that moment I belong to him entirely Rebecca continued there will never be Another man in my heart thinking about what you did makes me sick you threw away a man who could have given you the world for that I thank you my heart and soul belong to him now and if you hadn't discarded him I never would have had a chance no one said anything we were all lost in our thoughts what am I supposed to do now Jillian asked I gave up everything for a dream
Rebecca Shrugged honestly I don't care what you do Jillian looks surprised you've let Things slip out of your control and I won't let you back into Greg's life he's mine and you don't want to see how crazy I'll get if you try to interfere Rebecca walked over to me I found my voice Rebecca is right she belongs to me and I to her we'll marry have kids and love each other until we die I don't love you anymore Jillian I remember loving you but after your betrayal and Rebecca's love there's nothing left for you Jillian
looked utterly broken to be Honest I don't like you you've hurt me more than anyone ever has but I'll give you some advice divorce Troy leave him before everything falls apart he'll go to jail for a long time where will I go she asked I Shrugged I don't care maybe Mark and Lena will take you in they're getting a divorce Jillian said sadly not surprising a cheating spouse will do that you need to figure this out yourself I'm not your friend we're just people who once had something is there No chance of being friends Jillian
asked hopefully no Rebecca and I answered together Jillian stood up shaking her head sadly thank you for your honesty I wish we could still be friends but I see now it was all a dream take care of each other she walked to her car gave us a mournful look and drove away over over the next month details of Troy's arrest emerged in the Press our audit that uncovered the fraud was in the news and by the end of the year we nearly doubled Our staff due to high demand Rebecca and I married in a small
ceremony with friends and family we honeymooned in North Queens land enjoying two weeks on the golden beaches when we returned we settled into a routine of work love and planning our future Rebecca agreed to stop birth control and we waited to see what would happen nine months later Sarah was born two years later we had twins Henry and Peter and our last child Bridget was born after that after Bridget we decided four kids were enough and I had surgery our lives were rich and full with the usual family problems but our home was filled with
love 32 years later on a crisp winter morning the kids and I laid Rebecca to rest her battle with cancer had lasted two years even in her weakened State we often lay together and she needed to feel my love baby Rebecca said in pain but alert we snuggled together you're going to be okay I'm not leaving you alone I snorted I know we'll only be a part a few years before I find you I said stroking her graying blonde hair Rebecca smiled like Canada we both smiled remembering the blizzard that kept me an hour away
from her for 3 weeks communicating only via FaceTime yeah I replied and we smiled will you miss me she asked I snor snorted again you know I'll miss you with all my soul we lay together not needing words after a while she grabbed my hand I'm scared baby Rebecca said Crying quietly I know there's not much time left I can feel my body shutting down her tears hit my chest we've been married over 30 years have four children six grandchildren and another on the way we traveled the world together and now this I whispered I'll
be here the whole time I'm not going anywhere I know re replied it's the only thing that gives me strength the next day the children came with their families and we all sat with Rebecca she was much weaker than Before and we knew her time was near as her skin lost color we spent the day reminiscing laughing crying and singing the kids said their goodbyes surrounding the bed and I hugged my wife I love you I told her feeling our time together slipping away I love you she replied weakly her eyes dimmed and her hand
lightly slapped my cheek reminding me of our first day together we smiled and she pulled me close for a kiss in that moment all the ears melted away she Looked young and vibrant again without a trace of cancer we snuggled my tears soaking the sheets as she slipped away I felt a part of myself was lost forever my family surrounded me and we cried openly Rebecca my true love and soulmate was gone I knew I'd never be the same without her but I was also relieved she was no longer in pain even though she was
gone I had daily reminders of our life together our children were often by my side and friends like James and Sher Were always around as months passed I found joy in my family and friends if I felt lonely at night I had countless pictures and videos of Rebecca to bring me Comfort 6 months after Rebecca's pass away I was enjoying coffee at our local cafe when a shadow fell over me 6 months after Rebecca's pass away I was enjoying coffee at our local cafe when a shadow fell over me Gregory said a voice I had
heard in over 30 years Jillian I replied recognizing her as an older version of The woman I once loved I gestured to the seat across from me would you care to join me she hesitated before nodding and sitting down as I studied her I noticed the wrinkles gaunt look and lean body I hadn't followed her life since that evening on my porch but it hadn't been easy how are you doing I asked oh you know as I get older my body doesn't react the way it used to sometimes I wonder if I should just stay
in bed to avoid the pain she said I laughed Understanding her sentiment Jillian smiled but then grew sadder I heard about Rebecca I'm sorry Greg she said genuinely thank you I replied I miss her terribly but she's always in my heart the kids don't give me A Moment's Peace now that Becky's gone they're determined to keep me active and looked after Jillian smiled briefly but then looked sad again do you have kids I asked she shook her head looking down at her coffee with regret I've never had Children Jillian said I was married six times
but never found anything like what I had with my first boyfriend I really blew it didn't I Greg she asked then held up her hand no I know I did I hurt you badly and blamed you for Troy tricking me into thinking we were soulmates every man since then wasn't a match for you I reflected on the woman before me I had hated her for a long time but now I saw a broken sad woman who had never found real love Jill I said catching my breath and she looked at me with hope you need
to forgive yourself not all six marriages could have been as bad as Troy's surely a couple of them were okay her eyes lost Focus for a moment you're right Barry my fourth husband was kind and gentle but after that night with you and Rebecca I never forgave myself for what I did to you I wanted to be loved but never got over the pain I caused you she said looking at me I know I've said this Before but I'm sorry for what I did to you Greg Jill Ian said softly thank you Jillian I accept
your apology I replied and we both smiled we spent the next few hours talking I shared stories about my life with Rebecca and our kids Jillian talked about her hobbies and her retirement after 25 years in local government Administration Greg do you think that she began uncertainly as we stood to leave I smiled and shook my head no I'm Sorry Jillian I love my wife too much I know you loved Rebecca but she's gone she said searching for the right words I held up my hand Jillian Becca and I were only separated for a short
time until we are reunited again my love for her Burns as brightly today as it did the day we met I cannot and will not cheat on my wife I told her my words struck a deep cord in Jillian and she nodded slowly friends then she asked we'll see Jillian we'll see I replied I held on for Another decade until a stroke took me on a Saturday afternoon Sarah and Bridget were nearby and we were having lunch when I sat down to watch TV I felt no pain just fatigue and then I closed my eyes
the next moment I felt arms around my waist and realized Rebecca was hugging me Becca I asked it's okay baby it's your time she told me the kids I asked they ready you haven't noticed how much you've slowed down in the last month but they have she said this is Real isn't it I asked she laughed pulled me close and kissed me if it is what a way to go kissing your wife until your last breath but no it's real look the girls are coming Rebecca said for the next hour we watched my family gather
and cry but there was laughter too they shared stories about Rebecca and me laughing and crying together Rebecca and I stood with our arms around each other proud of our strong family when the paramedics took my body away Rebecca and I hugged and kissed the kids knowing it would be a long time before we saw them again they didn't notice us just a slight movement of air come on baby Rebecca said wiping her tears I have so much to show you we have a lot of love to make up for don't I have to go
to God or something I asked well yeah he's waiting for you but don't worry he's a good guy she smiled I paused to take her in she looked as she did before we conceived Sarah and I looked about the Same too wait there's entertainment in heaven I asked Rebecca smiled her eyes blazing grabbed my hand and pulled me along come and find out my true love she said with sensuality in her voice come and find out [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]