«Then I’ll file for divorce,» her voice grew firmer. «Alimony, the apartment, and then we’ll live the way we want. This money will be enough for us, believe me. He’ll work and pay for our living expenses, not even realizing he’s being used.»
I accidentally overheard my daughter-in-law’s phone conversation; she was sure I wasn’t home: I was shocked when I realized what she was talking about.
The silence in the room seemed resounding, her every word cut me to the heart. I suddenly remembered all her sweet smiles at dinner, her ostentatious care, her attempts to appear like a loving wife. It was all a lie.
I closed my eyes and tried to catch my breath. I wanted to burst into the room, to scream, but something inside stopped me. I needed proof. I couldn’t just tell my son—he trusted her unconditionally. For him, she was his whole life.
I heard her laugh again. So light, so carefree—the laugh of a woman who has everything planned out.
Then I realized: if I remained silent, she would ruin my son’s life. She would deceive him, leave him with nothing, and live happily with her lover, off his labor.
I swore to myself: I would expose her deception.
