When I married my husband, I thought we had similar goals. It seemed we wanted the same future. I carried everything… When I married my husband, I thought we had similar goals. It seemed we wanted the same future. I thought I was supporting Jake in his “work” from his home office, but I found out what he was doing behind that door.
Jake, who considered himself “the busiest man alive,” was my husband of three years. That was his daily reason for locking himself up for hours. I discovered the truth, and everything fell apart.
Jake adored talking about “building our future,” insisting on it like a mantra. I wanted to trust him. Really did. That’s love, right? Supporting each other during storms?
I assumed all his responsibilities to reduce his stress. I raised our two kids alone, did all domestic duties, and worked part-time to support us. Recently, our money, my sanity, and worst of all, my trust in him seemed to be slipping away.
The payments were continually late, our finances drained, yet he claimed to be “this close” to a breakthrough. He spent his days in that modest office discussing “big meetings” and “complex numbers.”
I changed my life for him. Since the vacuum would disturb him, I kept the kids quiet, arranged tasks carefully, and tiptoed around my house. It was the same dull routine every day.
Jake ate breakfast quickly, saying, “I’ve got a huge meeting today,” and then disappeared into his “war room.” He pretended to rule. He did his “work,” but our electricity and water were always at jeopardy.
Yesterday, everything changed.
It was a dull Wednesday. The house was crazy after school because the kids were home. My youngest son, Tyler, ran around the dining table with the dog barking, lost in their own game.
Mia practiced cartwheels in the living room, laughing. I wiped the kitchen counters, trying to maintain some order and reduce noise.
“Shhh! Be quiet!” Tyler rushed passed me as I spoke fiercely. “Daddy works.”
“But Mommy,” he pleaded, petting the dog, “Scruffy wants to play!”
Sighing, I was fatigued. Jake told us at breakfast, “C.rit.ic.al meeting today.” He had shut himself in his office. No noise, no interruptions.” I always nodded. Zero interruptions was our family’s unspoken mantra.
My mind wandered while I scrubbed the stove. Jake and I last talked when? Instead of focusing on groceries or money, what about our dreams and fears? I ignored the thought since it hurt too much and cleaned.
So it occurred.
Tyler raced the dog into the kitchen, frightening me enough to drop the frying pan on the tiles. It was deafening. Tyler laughed while Mia shouted from surprise.
“Oops!” he cried, hands over mouth.
Jake exploded from his office seconds later, red-faced and agog. He shouted, “Can you not keep it down for even one minute?!” the youngsters shrank. Do you realize how embarrassing this is at a meeting?
Freezing, I gripped the counter. Jake, I—”
He abruptly ended my conversation with malice. “Unbelievable! I’m working hard, and you can’t even maintain silence!”
The kids stared in horror. Tyler held the dog as if it could shield him from the wrath. I started to apologize, but a woman’s voice interrupted me. Sweet, playful, and inappropriate in our home.
Heart fell. I looked toward the office door. “Who’s in there, Jake?” I replied slowly, frightened.
His visage turned from rage to panic. “It’s just a client,” he mumbled, blocking the door. “No need to enter.”
But my stomach screamed. Pushing him aside, I entered the room.
I saw a nasty joke.
An animated, neon-colored game appeared on the computer. The corner video call window showed a jumping, giggling avatar named “SUZYLOVELY88.” Her smile brightened with each laugh.
What’s this? I asked shakily but firmly.
Fear transformed to defiance in seconds for Jake. “It’s just a hobby,” he exclaimed. “You’re always boring and exhausted! Need a break! Suzy hears me. She’s fun.”
I felt slapped in the face.
“Your hobby?” Shouting, I replied. “You’ve been hiding in here, pretending to work, while I’ve broken myself trying to save this family? And for what? To flirt with a cartoon woman online?
“She’s no cartoon!” Jake replied, blushing. “She gets me! She listens better than you!”
I stood dumbfounded. Kids hesitantly peered through the doorway. Thank goodness they ran when I signaled them to go.
Seeing Jake again, I felt something flare. “Hear yourself?” Voice shaking with wrath, I asked. I sacrificed everything for you. For this family. You spent your days in a pitiful dream world?
Jake scoffed, mask cracking. “Maybe if you weren’t always tired and naggy, I wouldn’t need this!”
I didn’t care as tears fell from my face. He threw his arms in anger. “You know? All done! Going to Suzy! “She makes me happy!”
After storming out of the office, he grabbed a duffel bag from the closet and stuffed clothes in. I followed him to reach him, but he ignored me. He vanished minutes later after slamming the door.
I felt foggy the next day. I alternated between fury, sadness, and an unexpected sensation of freedom. A peculiar peace permeated the house. Kids continued asking, “When’s Daddy coming home?” I said, “I don’t know, sweetie.”
The second day, Jake’s mother called. Her voice shook urgently.
“Sweetheart,” she began, “I know you’re upset, but there’s something you need to know.”
My heart pounded. What’s it?
She shakily inhaled. Jake drove far to meet Suzy. However, she was not who he thought.
My stomach twisted. “You mean what?”
“Suzy isn’t a woman,” she said. Middle-aged bearded dude. For months, he’s duped Jake into buying bogus tickets. Jake’s broken.”
The absurdity hit me, and I burst out laughing—deep, unrestrained, liberated laughter. It was like releasing years of frustration.
“So he wasn’t working?” I inquired between giggles.
“No, honey. He scarcely made any money playing internet games. And his meager earnings? He mailed most to ‘Suzy.’ She said, “He’s humiliated and wants to come home.”
I breathed deeply, letting the laughter pass. “No,” I answered calmly. Jake selected his route. I sacrificed enough. No more putting myself last.”
When Jake called to ask for reconciliation, I said I wanted a divorce and would take everything. I offered him the laptop, saying, “Maybe you’ll find a better ‘Suzy’ next time.”
He was poor and had abandoned the family, so he couldn’t fight me. House, car, and complete custody of the kids were mine.
Rebuilding began in the following weeks. I got a full-time job, placed the kids in daycare, and started rebuilding my life. Each day was terrible yet exhilarating, like rediscovering parts of myself I thought were lost forever.
Tyler stared up at me with huge, inquisitive eyes as I put him to bed. “Are we going to be okay, Mommy?” he whimpered.
I brushed a hair off his forehead and smiled. “Yes, baby,” I answered confidently. “We’ll be superb.”
I believed every word for the first time in years.
