My Wife Said: ‘I’m Done With This Marriage!’ I Just Smiled… Cheating Wife. 

So, you knew, she said, her voice barely above a whisper. This whole time you knew. I knew. I confirmed. And I also knew that confronting you about it would just create more drama without changing anything. You’d already decided what you wanted. I just made it easier for you to get it. Charlotte sat down heavily in the chair across from me like her legs had suddenly stopped working properly. I thought I thought you’d fight for us. I thought you’d at least try to save our marriage. Why would I fight to keep someone who didn’t want to be kept? I asked. That’s not love, Charlotte.

That’s desperation. Sebastian closed his laptop completely now, giving the conversation his full attention. I could see him processing everything, not just the words, but the dynamics, the way Charlotte had expected one response and gotten something completely different. I made a mistake, Charlotte said, tears starting to form in her eyes. Derek and I, it’s over. It was never really anything serious. I just I got confused.

I’m sorry it didn’t work out, I said, and I meant it. Not because I wanted Charlotte back, but because I didn’t wish pain on anyone, even someone who’d caused me plenty of it. William, she said, leaning forward in her chair. Is there any chance we could try again?

Start over. I looked at her, really looked at her, and realized that whatever I’d once felt for Charlotte had transformed into something else entirely. Not hatred, not anger, just distance. Like looking at a photograph of a place he used to live but could barely remember. No, I said gently.

There isn’t. Charlotte sat there for another moment, then stood up slowly. I should go. I walked her to the door and as she stepped into the hallway, she turned back one more time. I hope you’re happy, William, she said. And for the first time since she’d arrived, her voice sounded genuinely sincere. I am. I told her. I really am. After she left, Sebastian and I sat in comfortable silence for a while. Finally, he opened his laptop again and said, “Well, that was educational. What did you think?” I asked. I think, Sebastian said, typing something into his computer. You handled that exactly right, and I think you’re going to be just fine without her.

Looking around my apartment, and my son working on his laptop, at the life I’d built for myself, at the peace I’d found in my own space, I realized he was absolutely right.