After years of trying to salvage our marriage, I thought catching my husband with another woman was the lowest point. Yet, nothing braced me for the way he flaunted his affair or the unexpected support that arrived to help me through the ordeal.
I never imagined my marriage could deteriorate like this, but Logan chose to publicize our disaster. If only I had understood his true nature earlier, perhaps I could have foreseen the heartbreak.
Rewinding a bit, I had been married to Logan for five years. Initially, our marriage seemed like a fairytale, but that illusion didn’t last long. As we faced challenges, especially our difficulties in conceiving, the strain on our relationship deepened. My mental health suffered greatly, feeling like a failure.
During this time, Logan distanced himself, getting lost in personal pursuits like working out excessively and splurging on a sports car. I began to doubt myself, agonizing over my inability to get pregnant, yet I never expected…
Recently, my best friend Lola persuaded me to go out to distract myself. Logan claimed he had a late night at the gym, so we headed to a quaint, dimly lit jazz club downtown. The music set a soothing backdrop, allowing for conversation.
As we were enjoying the night, Lola’s expression suddenly changed, her eyes widening as she stared past me.
«Natasha… I hate to say this, but… isn’t that Logan?»
A wave of dread washed over me. From Lola’s expression, I anticipated the worst. Turning around, my fear was confirmed.
Logan was cozied up in a corner with a younger woman, her laughter filling the air as he whispered in her ear. Such betrayal was alien to me; never in my wildest thoughts did I imagine confronting such a scene.
Driven by a surge of emotion, I approached their table, startling both of them with my presence. «Logan, are you serious right now?!» I exclaimed.
He looked up, initially shocked, but his confusion quickly turned into a smug satisfaction.
«Natasha, well, finally,» he smirked, his companion grinning smugly beside him.
«Logan,» I started, voice shaky, uncertain of my next words, but he cut me off.
«Look, Natasha. It’s better you know. I’m in love with someone else. We’re done. It’s over,» he declared bluntly, without a hint of regret.
Stunned into silence, I was at a loss for words. Lola grabbed my arm, whispering reassurances and led me outside.
In a daze, Lola drove me to her place, where the reality of my situation finally sank in, and I broke down.
The next morning, with little sleep, I returned home, hoping Logan might reconsider. Yet, the sight that greeted me was like a second betrayal.
My belongings were scattered across the front lawn as if discarded like trash—clothes, photos, books—all thrown out carelessly.
There stood Logan on the porch, Brenda beside him, both appearing victorious. I stepped out of my car, engulfed by numbness, and approached them.
Logan wasted no time. «I don’t need to remind you, but this house belongs to my grandfather, and you have no claim here,» he said coldly, a smirk on his face. «You’re out. Get your stuff and leave. Now.»
His words were a piercing final blow. Not only had he been unfaithful and dismissive, but he was also evicting me from our home, seeming to relish every moment.
Determined to maintain my dignity, I began collecting my things, ignoring the smug looks from Brenda on the porch. The sting of humiliation was intense, but I resolved not to let Logan see my pain as I packed up my life.
I can’t wait to revamp this house,» she exclaimed with a sigh of relief, her arms crossed with finality. «It’s all outdated, just like something from an old lady’s collection.»
I kept my expression neutral, my mind racing as I wondered if anything of mine was left inside while I loaded my belongings into my simple sedan. Clearly, I would need another trip. I hoped Lola wouldn’t mind me crashing at her place for a bit longer. As I distracted myself with these thoughts, avoiding any display of emotion, I heard it: the sound of a car engine pulling up.
Turning around, I saw a sleek black BMW come to a halt, and out stepped Mr. Duncan, Logan’s grandfather, his face etched with confusion.
In town, it’s well-known that Mr. Duncan is a no-nonsense man who built his wealth from the ground up, holding high expectations for his family.
Initially, I worried about fitting into such a family as an in-law, yet to my surprise, Mr. Duncan had always treated me exceptionally well, almost as if he favored me over his own grandson. However, apprehension gripped me as he surveyed the scene: my belongings strewn about, a strange woman on the porch, and no sign of Logan.
«Logan, babe, come out here!» Brenda called out anxiously.
Mr. Duncan’s brow furrowed at her voice, then his confusion swiftly morphed into visible anger.
«What in the world is happening here?!» Mr. Duncan roared as Logan appeared, looking utterly bewildered.
«Grandpa, we weren’t expecting you today,» Logan stuttered. «This isn’t a good time. We’re dealing with something private. It’s complicated.»
«I might be old, Logan, but I’m not blind. I see exactly what’s going on,» Mr. Duncan shot back. «I hoped I was mistaken, but it seems I’m not.»
Trying to regain control, Logan started, «Grandpa, it’s just that—»
He was cut off promptly.
«So you’ve thrown out my favorite granddaughter-in-law for this young lady here? Is that it?» Mr. Duncan’s tone was biting, and though his words were harsh, I felt a twinge of satisfaction at Brenda’s expense.
«Grandpa, Natasha and I are done. She doesn’t belong here anymore.»
«And who decided that?» Mr. Duncan’s voice rose. He shot me a brief, sympathetic look before turning back to Logan.
«Remember, this house is mine. I allowed you to live here under the assumption that you were building a life with Natasha,» he continued sternly. «If you think you can discard her like she means nothing, then you’re the one who needs to leave. Effective immediately.»
Logan’s face drained of color. «What are you saying?»
Mr. Duncan stood firm. «I’m saying Natasha stays, and you leave. I’m also cutting you off financially. If you think you can disgrace our family name with this foolishness and disrespect your wife, think again. Get out!»
After Logan and Brenda hastily vacated, Mr. Duncan invited me inside and explained that he initially came to discuss helping with fertility treatments.
«Natasha, I was coming over to talk about financing IVF for you two,» he revealed gently.
I choked up, overwhelmed by his timing and generosity.
«But I guess I caught the tail end of a disaster instead. None of this should’ve happened to you,» he said, his voice filled with genuine regret.
I managed to speak through the tears. «Thank you, Mr. Duncan… I wasn’t sure what to do, so I just started packing.»
He reassured me with a kind hand on my shoulder. «There’s no need for that. Consider this house yours. I’ll take care of the legalities. It’s the least I can do after my grandson’s disgraceful behavior.»
True to his word, Mr. Duncan transferred the house deed to my name, and Logan found himself cut off from the family resources.
Word on the street was Brenda left him once the money dried up, and Logan was left sofa-surfing.
His pride bruised, Logan showed up on my doorstep a week later, disheveled and desperate.
«I messed up. I’ve lost everything. My family won’t help me. Please, can you call my grandfather? He might listen to you,» he pleaded without a hint of genuine apology, only regretting his loss of status and wealth.
It gave me a bitter satisfaction to finally say, «Nope! You made your bed, now lie in it.» It might have been cliché and harsh, but it felt just right in the moment.
