That was my experience with my husband of three years, Liam. It didn’t seem necessary to ask him, so I never did.
Until his birthday, which destroyed my faith in friendship, marriage, and love.
When Liam’s birthday finally arrived, he told me he had to leave town for an important business trip. He assured me that he would have to say no and then he would be happy.
“I’m sorry, Trina,” he replied. “But you know how important work is, and I can’t say no to something like that.
The only way to maintain your lifestyle is to work.”
I found it annoying that Liam always brought up the subject of “affording our lifestyle” whenever he had to work.
“So,” he continued. “When I get back, we can celebrate by going out to dinner or something.
He went to the closet, took his suitcase, and started packing.
“I’ll be back Sunday night,” he said.
Of course, I was sorry, but really – what could I do?
“Okay,” I replied. “We can do that.
The night before his birthday, Liam took a taxi and headed to the airport.
“See you soon!” he exclaimed as he slammed the cabin door.
My mother contacted me the next day while I was making breakfast.
“Hello sweetie!” she exclaimed. “What are you and Liam planning for his birthday weekend?”
“Nothing Mom,” I replied as I took a sip of my coffee. “Liam is spending the weekend away. He didn’t have a choice because it was because of work. We’re going to celebrate his birthday next weekend instead.”
“Oh, that’s bad luck,” my mom said. “How about we get together and do something today? I need to give Mimi a baby present too.”
“Excellent,” I replied. “I’ll take a shower and then I’ll come get you.”
My mom and I visited about eight different stores to find gifts for her friend’s daughter’s baby shower.
My mother urged me to hurry, Trina. “We can’t get the usual presents for Mimi!” Her eccentricity will affect the child.
“You’re not wrong,” I laughed.
Eventually, we had to stop and rest as we were both hungry.
My mother said, “Let’s get some food,” as she started to leave the mall and cross the street.
My mother saw something while we were walking down the street that would soon change our marriage.
“It’s just too big and too colorful for me…”! As we talked about my sister’s new tattoo, my mother tugged on my sleeve and pointed to the restaurant window.
“Careful,” she growled.
And here they are. My closest friend is my husband. crammed into an uncomfortable restaurant booth.
Mandy ran her fingertips over my husband’s cheek and then leaned in to kiss him.
“What on earth is going on?” My mom opened her eyes wide and gasped. “That’s Liam, right? And Mandy?”
I nodded.
Really. This is Liam,” I said.
She said, “Shouldn’t he have been out of state?” he was pointing out the blatant lie my husband was feeding me.
“He was. I guess he was happy celebrating his birthday with his lover.”
“Your best friend did this to you,” my mother said in a flat voice.
“I should go in and confront them, shouldn’t I?” I shifted my weight from foot to foot as I spoke.
My mother replied, “No, honey,” and began to pull me away. That’s exactly what you won’t do. However, I have a plan.”
“What are you going to do?” I asked, glancing sideways out the window at the blissfully oblivious couple.
“Trina, trust your mother. she murmured.
My mother escorted me to the salad bar a few doors down after sneaking a few photos of Liam and Mandy.
“Let’s eat and then I’ll tell you how it goes.”
Feelings of anxiety ran through me as we ordered the salad.
Although my mom’s idea was wonderful, I had to be patient to see it through.
“Trina, trust the process,” she advised.
“This is the only way it will blow up for everyone involved.
With a smile on my face, I welcomed Liam back from his supposed business trip.
“Welcome home,” I forced a smile and replied.
A week passed quickly as I waited for my mother’s plan to come to fruition.
On Friday afternoon, when I opened the door for her, she remarked, “Hi honey.” “Is Liam still at work?”
“Yes, do you have everything I need?” | he asked.
My mother gave me a pregnancy test; it came in a small box. She asked Mimi to use it earlier that week in hopes of a successful outcome.
She then handed me the nannies hidden in two small white boxes.
“You should connect it to your computer or phone and everything should be fine.
Last week I invited Mandy and Steve to dinner and they came on Saturday.
The scene was set in no time.
“Did you cook all this yourself?” Mandy asked as I set the table.
“Yes, of course,” I replied. “It’s an important evening. I have an important announcement to make.”
My husband asked, “Really?” from his seat at the table. “What is it?”
With a wave of my hand, I pulled a pregnancy test out of my pocket.
Mandy looked at me confused with a hesitant smile.
She exclaimed, “Congratulations, guys!”
“Gratitude,” I replied. “Of course, you will be the child’s godmother!”
Despite her anxious appearance, Mandy took a slice of roasted carrot and put it in her mouth.
“But there is something else I have to share,” I replied.
“What could be more important than having a child?” Liam asked.
“The fact that the baby belongs to Steve,” she added casually.
The room fell silent as Steve choked on his dinner.
He exclaimed, “What?” in sync with Liam and Mandy.
“That’s absurd,” Steve remarked. “There is no such thing.
“We’ve been dating for over a year,” she said, turning to Steve.
I almost laughed at my deception.
“I believe it is time for us to tell the truth,” the spokesman continued. Much like Liam and Mandy. You are also free to confess.”
“What’s the matter with you?” Liam shot back.
“Looks like your hormones are getting to you and you’re going crazy.
Liam went right behind Mandy as she cried and ran to the bathroom.
Once they were gone, Steve turned to me with fear in his eyes.
He asked, “How could you lie about that?”
I pulled out my phone and opened an app that allowed me to watch the footage from the babysitter’s camera.
“That explains why,” I added, stepping closer.
“Does Trina know about us?” Mandy asked, her voice carried across the toilet to Liam. “I wish I could keep Steve in my life. Nothing will make me give up the money I married him for.”
Nothing will make me give up money.”
Steve gasped.
“Trina is just Trina, honey. She’s a complete ignoramus.”
You look really beautiful when you cry too.”
When their voices died, the sound of kissing replaced them.
“How long?” Steve asked. “How long has this been going on?”
“I recently discovered it myself,” said |. “I’m not pregnant either.”
Mandy and Liam returned to the table and sat down without making eye contact.
“So you cheated on me and stayed with me for my money?” Steve lost it.
“You need to get your things and get out.
“Finally,” Mandy sputtered. “We don’t have to hide anymore.
“When I’m done with you, you’ll have nothing,” Steve said. “Except for the clothes you own, you will have nothing after the divorce. Our prenuptial agreement included a section regarding cheating.”
You’re out, Mandy. It’s time to start looking for a job.
Mandy gasped loudly.
She whined, “You can’t leave me with anything.”
Steve raised a glass of brandy and commented, “I can.”
I turned to Liam with a firm tone.
“You might as well pack your things,” | he said.
“What about the baby?” he asked, frowning and raising his eyebrows almost to touch.
“The child does not exist,” I replied. “I just wanted to make sure you’re interested in the idea of having a baby.
My husband furiously pulled Mandy out. Luckily for me, my mother remembered that Liam and I had a prenup like Mandy and Steve when we got married. It would just be Liam and his work.
As important as Liam thought his calling was, mine was just as important, and that wouldn’t be enough to sustain the kind of life we knew.
I wasn’t worried about the outcome of my divorce because Steve was a witness and the nanny cam was recording everything. If Liam wanted to raise any objections, I had enough evidence to present to the court.
In the end, my mother’s careful plan not only exposed Liam’s infidelity but also dismantled the facade of our marriage. By staging a scenario that revealed the true intentions of both Liam and Mandy, she forced a confrontation that neither could avoid. The dinner party, originally intended to celebrate the fake pregnancy, became the stage for the revelation of their deceitful actions and selfish motivations.
As Liam and Mandy face the consequences of their actions, the carefully crafted story behind their supposed commitment is revealed. Steve’s reaction highlighted the wider implications of betrayal and financial manipulation, further complicating the situation. Liam’s sudden departure and subsequent revelation of their plans underscored the deep breach of trust and respect that had been shaken.
With a prenuptial agreement and evidence on record to support my case, the legal battle ahead seems manageable. The outcome of the divorce process will depend on how effectively these elements are presented, but the foundations for a fair resolution have been laid. Ultimately, this experience reinforced the importance of vigilance and the value of a support system that stands firm against betrayal. As I move forward, the clarity gained from this trial will lead me to renew and reclaim my life, free from the shadows of deception and manipulation.