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361words2026-01-26 09:14

When my mother-in-law was hospitalized,my husband,Ethan Brooks,was at the hospital constantly.
I thought he was being a devoted son.
Until I caught him kissing the caregiver,Lily Sanders,in a public restroom.

The young caregiver purred,“Mr.Brooks,slow down,someone might hear.”
Ethan,unfazed,went harder.“Let them hear.I’ve wanted a divorce forever.Maggie Carter’s old,boring.She’s got nothing on you.”
I turned around and found Dr.Ryan Mitchell,a young,strapping doctor.
But Ethan regretted it.
“Come back to me,or I’ll die in front of you.”
Ryan,smirking beside me,said,“Fine.I’ll have a colleague reserve you a spot in the morgue.”

My flight landed early.
To surprise my sick mother-in-law and Ethan,who was always rushing to her side,I didn’t tell them I was coming.
A sudden downpour soaked me as I carried bags of gifts for Ethan and his mom.
In the hospital,my mother-in-law was resting,so I didn’t disturb her.

I texted Ethan:“Honey,you not at the hospital?”
He replied quickly:“Got called into work.Busy.”
“Maggie,you’re not a kid anymore.Be reasonable.”
After that,my texts went unanswered.
Ethan always said he was swamped.I was used to it.
My wet clothes clung to me,and the ward’s AC made me shiver.
I grabbed dry clothes from my suitcase and headed to the public restroom to change.
As I entered,a soft moan came from the farthest stall.
At first,I was shocked,ready for some gossip.
Then a familiar voice hit me.
Lily Sanders,the caregiver,cooed seductively,“Mr.Brooks,slow down,someone might hear.”
Ethan’s voice grew eager.“Let them hear.I’ve wanted a divorce forever.Maggie Carter’s old,boring.She’s got nothing on you.”
More intimate sounds followed.
My heart sank.I stumbled,my ankle hitting the doorframe,pain bringing tears.
Six years of marriage,and Ethan’s affection had faded from our passionate days.
Lately,he was dismissive,impatient.
He’d said our love had turned to“family.”
When I brought up normal marital needs,he’d refuse,claiming work consumed him,leaving no desire for women.
Now,just a door away,he was entangled with Lily.
I was a drenched mess;he was in a steamy affair.
My hand gripped the handle,a fierce urge to expose them surging.
But I didn’t turn it.
Relationships are fragile.
Despite our fights,I’d never considered leaving.
This time,I couldn’t keep up this hollow marriage.
Not opening that door was the last dignity I preserved for my six years of youth.