Maria, 43, thought she had seen it all in her 20-year marriage to Victor. Life had its challenges—raising two kids, juggling her teaching career, and managing the household—but she believed they were a team, weathering it all together. So, when Victor began staying late at work and guarding his phone like it held state secrets, Maria felt a nagging sense that something was off.

Her worst fears were confirmed when she stumbled upon an email on their shared computer. It was from a woman Victor worked with, and it left no doubt about the affair. The betrayal hit Maria like a punch to the gut. She confronted him that same evening, trembling with anger and heartbreak, expecting him to at least admit his wrongdoings.

But Victor didn’t apologize. Instead, he crossed his arms and said, “You drove me to this, Maria. You’re so busy with work and the kids that you don’t even pay attention to me anymore. What did you expect?”

Maria was speechless. Was this his attempt to justify his infidelity? She had spent years pouring her heart into their family, sacrificing her own time and needs to keep things running smoothly. And now, he had the audacity to blame her for his actions?

That night, Maria slept on the couch, replaying his words over and over. The pain of his betrayal was one thing, but the blame cut even deeper. It was in that moment she realized she deserved better—and she began planning a life without him.