I never imagined my life would take this turn. After 18 years of marriage, I found myself caught up in an affair with my husband’s friend. It started slowly, almost unnoticeably, slipping past my morals and the vows I’d taken so long ago. For two years, I told myself it was just a phase, that it would end, and that I could return to my life as if nothing had happened. But then, the inevitable happened: my husband found out. The pain and betrayal I saw in his eyes haunt me even now.

Every day since then has felt like walking on glass, the shards of our shattered trust cutting deeper than I ever thought possible. I want to make this go away, to erase the hurt and rebuild the bond we once shared. But how can I ask him to forgive me when I can barely forgive myself? I know that words alone won’t heal the wounds I’ve caused; this is a journey I’ll need to commit to fully, with honesty and openness, no matter how difficult it is.

I’m trying to make him see how much he means to me, showing up each day as the person I promised to be years ago. I’m ready to take responsibility, to listen to his pain without defensiveness, and to give him the time he needs to heal. I understand that forgiveness isn’t immediate and may never come at all. But if he can see the sincerity in my actions, maybe he’ll find a way to move forward, and maybe—just maybe—we can rebuild something strong enough to withstand this storm.

For now, I hold onto hope, willing to face the anger, the hurt, and the regrets. I know this journey will be long and hard, but if there’s even a sliver of a chance that he can forgive me, I’m ready to do everything it takes.