Hello friends, I’m Colleen. Imagine finding out something startling about the one you love, something that shakes every foundation of your life. This is exactly what happened to me, and if not for one unexpected phone call, I’d still be in the dark about the truth hidden by my husband.

I’d been enjoying a seemingly happy marriage with Michael for 12 years. We had two beautiful children, Shawn and Milly, and everything appeared perfect.

Our family cherished small joys like game nights and bigger celebrations like Michael’s recent job promotion—a night I won’t forget.

Michael surprised us with a lovely dinner. I can still see the joy in his eyes as he shared the great news with us.

Then, one day changed everything.

While doing the laundry and chatting with Michael on the phone, he mentioned starting his therapy session with Dr. Hanks.

Michael had been under a lot of stress from work and frequent travels.

We discussed routine things—his day, the kids—and I told him about the turkey roast I was making for dinner. We exchanged our goodbyes when he mentioned the therapist had arrived. I set the phone down, returning to my chores, eager for the evening.

However, a check of my phone, minutes later, revealed something unexpected—Michael hadn’t ended the call. I found myself listening in on his therapy session.

At first, I was hesitant; I didn’t want to intrude. Yet, what I overheard next numbed me with shock.

Dr. Hanks asked, “Okay, Mr. Fox, let’s revisit our previous chat. You mentioned your family isn’t your only family.”

Michael’s response was affirmative, and I froze.

“Can you explain, Michael?” Dr. Hanks inquired, seemingly as puzzled as myself.

“My wife, Colleen, and our kids, Shawn and Milly, are not my sole family. I have other families—a woman in California with two children, and another family in New York with one daughter.”

I sank to the floor, phone glued to my ear, heart pounding so loudly everything else seemed distant.

Michael continued, confessing he often lied about business trips to see these families, a habit that spanned years.

I was overwhelmed by emotions. The world I knew, every shared memory and laid foundation—it was nothing but a facade?

I clung to the phone as Michael’s words sliced through me.

All I could do was listen, with every revelation ripping my heart.

Michael acknowledged his deceit to Dr. Hanks, expressing an internal struggle and fear of coming clean.

Dr. Hanks gently pressed on the necessity for truth for the well-being of everyone involved, emphasizing the destructive potential of hidden secrets.

“I understand, Doctor, but it feels too late,” Michael murmured.

My sense of reality crumbled. How could my loving husband, the father of my children, live not a double but a triple life?

In tears, I absorbed the gravity of Michael’s betrayal. What would come next? Facing him seemed unimaginable.

Upon being asked why he cheated, Michael revealed, “Colleen’s actually my third wife,” echoing like thunder in my soul.

He admitted to deep guilt yet highlighted his reluctance and reasoning behind keeping secrets.

When questioned about his future plans, Michael confessed his fear of disclosure and losing our family.

His expression of regret didn’t soften the situation nor excuse his actions.

I ended the call, unable to listen further. As the room spun, I broke down.

“How could you do this?” was a question I couldn’t escape.

Then came the sound of my children returning home. I gathered myself quickly, putting on a brave face as they entered.

Calming down, I decided to give Michael a chance to confess, one last time.

That evening, while he relaxed with the kids, I asked him to join me for a talk.

“Michael, we need to have a serious conversation,” I said firmly.

Sensing my tone, he followed me to our dining table.

With emotions turbulent inside, I began, “I’ve carried a secret for years, fearing the breakage of our family. Now, it’s time for truth.”

Michael’s eyes widened in surprise. “What are you talking about?”

“I was unfaithful five years ago,” I confessed sternly. “It was a fleeting moment of weakness, but haunted me since.”

The color drained from his face. “What? How could you?” he shouted.

His outburst was instantaneous and furious, but I stood unfazed, letting him spiral further.

“How dare you question my loyalty while hiding your own infidelity with multiple families?” I shot back.

Michael was stopped in his tracks, unable to hide his shock. “Y-you mean—”

“It was a test, Michael, and you failed,” I clarified. “You’ve misled me for years, and I heard it all today.”

Realizing this, he looked bereft, groping for words or justifications.

I was resolute. “This is it for us. You’ve broken our family beyond repair.”

With resolve, I called our children and instructed them to pack, our time in that home had ended.

A week later, divorce papers were sent.

The formalities are in progress, and I have no reservations about leaving Michael. His lies continue to haunt me, though.

While tucking our children into bed, resilience is my constant reminder. I vow never to allow such betrayal from anyone ever again.