When I discovered the explicit messages on Richard’s phone, my heart shattered. For 28 years, I had been the perfect wife—supportive, loving, and endlessly patient. But the betrayal I felt was like a knife to the heart. I confronted him that very night, watching him stammer and stumble through pathetic excuses.

That night, I moved into the guest room, and the next morning, I contacted a divorce lawyer. I wasn’t going to be the forgiving wife anymore. I deserved better. By the end of the day, I had filed for divorce, determined to take back my life and my dignity. Richard was shocked, pleading for another chance, but I was done. This was my time to reclaim my worth.