For a while, David flaunted his new life—lavish dinners, gym selfies, weekend trips. But while he played house with his new partner, he sent almost nothing to support our children. He always claimed he was “struggling financially.”
The truth caught up with him fast. Within two months, he lost his job during company downsizing. Distracted by his affair and careless at work, he was one of the first to go. Suddenly, the dinners and trips stopped. His new girlfriend, Kelsey, had never been in it for love—she was in it for the lifestyle. When the money dried up, so did her affection.
My Own Rebirth
While David spiraled, I began to rebuild. I took a part-time job at the library—flexible enough for the children, yet fulfilling for me. I launched a small side business editing manuscripts for independent authors. It was tiring, but it gave me something I hadn’t felt in years: independence.
I even cut my hair short, a bold step that made me feel lighter. For the first time, I dressed not to hide myself or to meet anyone’s approval, but simply to feel good in my own skin.
The children noticed the change, too. Ethan stopped lashing out, Chloe picked up her sketchbook again, and the twins adjusted with a resilience only children seem to have.
