You never envisage it happening to you. I believed my spouse and I had constructed an invincible existence. But then a young, attractive woman entered my massage studio and began chatting about her life. Her words left me dumbfounded, but my reaction immobilized her.
I had no idea that a normal massage would ruin my marriage. That day, the woman at my table didn’t know who I was, and she found out too late.
Most people would describe me as a hardworking mom. I live for my guys Ethan and Leo.
They seek independence but yet need their mom at 10 and 8. Honestly, I adore helping people. I keep going because of the early rush to get children ready for school, the countless soccer sessions, and evening conversations about their day.
My life goes beyond kids.
I started a massage studio five years ago and made it my second home. Helping others relax is really rewarding.
I love that location and have poured my heart into it.
I’m married to Henry for 12 years.
I met him as a young, active lady with dreams. I used to dress up, apply lipstick, and do my hair for him. And he liked it.
We were indivisible. Henry always made me laugh, so I thought we’d be happy forever. However, life changes.
Time has made me more realistic.
I no longer spend hours on hair or cosmetics. I wear comfy clothes and don’t buy costly things because I’d rather spend time and money on my kids.
Though Henry never complained, I wondered whether he noticed.
No, our marriage wasn’t horrible. But Henry did his part. Dad was at all the boys’ games and school events. He mended items around the house and never missed a birthday or anniversary.
I considered us solid.
During the last year, something felt odd. Henry worked later more regularly. It was first unquestioned. Since he’s a lawyer, I believed he worked additional hours to make us comfortable.
Some times gnawed at me.
He came home late and went straight to the shower without talking. Sometimes he ate with us, but his mind was elsewhere.
I blamed stress. Well, I was busy too. Running a company and raising kids was hard.
I sensed something had shifted deep down. We changed as a pair.
I thought that was part of being married for nearly a decade. Life gets hectic, passion fades, and habits set in.
I had no idea my husband’s routine involved someone else.
Emily entered my massage studio on a typical Tuesday morning. She looked like the type of lady who turned heads without trying.
Everything about her screamed luxury. Her silky hair over her shoulders, her fancy purse on the chair, and her costly scent filled the room.
“I’m Emily. I have a 10 a.m. appointment “she cheerfully replied.
Though she seemed odd, I smiled back. Her confidence or ease as if she owned the space may have contributed.
It was hard to pinpoint, so I ignored it.
Welcome, Emily. Make yourself comfortable “I pointed to the massage room. “Hang your stuff and lie on the table. I’ll follow.”
After she settled down, I resumed my routine. Soft music filled the peaceful area. She breathed deeply as I rubbed her back.
“Finally,” she murmured, the table’s headrest muffled her voice. “I’m going to relax.”
I laughed. “Much stress?”
“Too much,” she croaned. “I really needed this.”
Light and chatty, I spoke. “Work stress?”
“Relationship stress,” she said. “My boyfriend is… complicated.”
I remained mute, letting her speak. I’ve found that listening may be as beneficial as massage for those who open up.
Em sighed again. “His divorce is messy. Why hasn’t he finished it? His wife drags.”
A pang of pity. When kids are involved, divorce is difficult. I still didn’t like how she pronounced “drag”.
“I guess that’s always hard,” I thoughtfully remarked. “Especially with kids in the picture.”
“Oh, they’re not my problem,” she remarked dismissively.
My hands froze briefly before I pushed myself to continue. Horrified. How could someone be heartless?
I reminded myself not to judge. I didn’t know every detail.
“I don’t know how his wife does it,” Emily said. “She works, cares for kids, cooks, and cleans…” No wonder he’s going. She bores. No makeup, no effort. Just mom. Naturally, he’ll get the home. Is his. Kids can stay with her. I won’t parent others’ kids.”
I wasn’t sure why her remarks hurt. It was like she described me. Shaking the idea aside.
Just coincidence, I thought.
On the side table, Emily’s phone chimed. After looking at that, my heart nearly stopped.
The screen displayed a photo of her and Henry.
My hubby. My Henry. Sharing a smile. Holding her.
My heart raced as I absorbed what I saw. Every word Emily uttered rushed through my head.
“Oh, I’ll answer later,” Emily answered, turning off the phone.
I answered, “No, dear,” with an unsettling calm. “Please, answer it.”
My tone startled her, making her blink. “What?”
I retreated and crossed my arms. “My husband—your lover who wants to divorce me—calls. Go ahead.”
A minute of stillness. She said, “What did you do?! I can’t move!”
I saw Emily try to lift her head and push herself off the massage table, her arms shaking. But her body resisted.
A moment of terror. Did I severely cripple her? I suddenly comprehended what occurred.
I probably pinched her neck nerve. It was something I’d seen in practice. Brief paralysis that lasts a few minutes.
I wouldn’t miss this chance.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart,” I answered calmly. We’ll get through it. Chat while we wait.”
Eyes narrowed. “You did this on purpose!”
I shrugged. “Prove it.”
Emily wiggled her fingers but hardly moved. She pouted and glared at me like a captive.
Hissed, “You’re insane!”
“Maybe. I may just be a lady fed up with lies.” I sat down peacefully in a chair. Regarding that home… Is it Henry’s?”
Her lips form a line.
“Yeah, it’s not,” I said. In my name. The kids? They’re my guests. And guess what? Courts prefer the non-sneaking spouse.”
“You’re bluffing,” she yelled. “Henry said—”
“Henry said a lot of things, didn’t he?” Leaning forward. Did he say I’ve supported him through job changes, sleepless nights with our kids, and years of marriage? Or did he portray me as a dull wife?”
Emily’s nose flared. “He loves me.”
“Does he?” A chuckle. Or does he like your idea? The carefree fling who doesn’t remind him of his duties?”
Her phone buzzed again. I grabbed it up and showed her this time.
Would you like me to respond? Should I inform him about your illness?
Emily went from angry to scared. “Don’t you dare.”
“Oh, I dare.” Smirked. “But first, let me take a little souvenir.”
I discovered her Henry texts on her phone.
Sweet nothings. Joint future promises. Some photographs made me queasy.
I took images using my phone to prove my argument. I placed her phone down and locked it.
Shaking, she whimpered, “Why are you doing this?”
“Because you need to know what’s coming.” I rose and bent over her. “When you can move again, feel free to let Henry know I’ll be calling my lawyer today.”
“You won’t win,” she pouted. “Henry won’t let you take everything.”
Raised eyebrow. He’ll have no option. I have proof. He’ll be lucky to escape with his clothing when the judges learn what he’s done.”
Emily eventually raised her head. Though her arms were feeble, she was moving again.
“Don’t worry,” I smiled. No problem after a few minutes. Your connection with Henry? That’s done.”
She stared at me as she struggled to stand with her legs off the table.
“You think you’ve won?” Her eyebrow lifted. “He’ll come crawling back to me.”
“If you say so,” I chuckled.
Her luggage in hand, she rushed out, slamming the door. I breathed deeply to relax.
But I wasn’t done.
I waited for Henry home that night. He entered without a word, kissed me on the cheek, and sat at the dinner table.
“Henry,” I murmured, placing my phone on the table. “We need to talk.”
His eyes moved to the phone, and I saw his face lose color.
“I know everything,” I whispered. “Texts. The calls. Your little divorce strategy.”
My hand stopped him from speaking.
“No excuses, Henry,” I responded. You desire divorce? One will arrive. You leave empty-handed. The home is mine. Kids stay with me. I have enough proof to bury you in court if you resist me.”
He collapsed in his chair, pallid. “Sophia…”
My voice was calm as I leaned in. “You should’ve considered this before lying to me. Now? You’re alone.”
I divorced the next day.
Henry left soon, and Emily understood he couldn’t provide her the life she wanted.
Actually, leaving my marriage was hard. After considering what he’d been doing behind my back, I had no choice.
I left Henry and vowed never to return. Not even on lonely days.
