Wednesday, June 12th
Thank you so much, Jimmy! I honestly dont know what Id do without you, popped up on the phone screen.
My wifes mobile buzzed in her hand, and she glanced at it without thinking. The sender was someone named Millie. The message ended with a little pink heart, as if it was a kiss blown through the screen.
My heart started racing. Who on earth was this Millie? Jimmy? I mightve thought she was some distant relative or an old friend if not for one curious detail: my wife, Sarah, had never mentioned anyone with that nameor had she been keeping it quiet all this time?
I looked up, determined not to jump to conclusions, but jealousy squeezed my chest.
Whos Millie? I asked, trying not to let my voice sound too sharp.
Sarah, sipping her morning tea, blinked in confusion.
What?
Millie, I said again, showing her the phone. Who is she?
She stared at the screen, and I noticed a flicker of tension cross her face. She quickly looked away and shrugged.
Oh thats Melissa.
I stiffened.
Which Melissa?
Well my ex. We dont have anything going on anymore.
Sarah put the mobile down and folded her arms.
Your ex calls you Jimmy and sends you lovely messages with hearts? Honestly, do you think thats normal?
She shrugged again, as if it was hardly worth talking about.
Yeah. She needed a bit of cash. Asked for a loan, so I helped out.
Anger flared inside me.
You gave your ex money?!
Yes, whats the big deal?
Whats the big deal?! I scoffed. Seriously? Do you think its acceptable to just dip into our savings and hand it over to a Millie?
She finally met my gaze.
John, youre blowing this out of proportion. Ive known her for years. Why wouldnt I help?
My laughter was bitterthere was no joy in it.
Youre married, Sarah. To me. Yet youre still sorting out things for your ex.
She gave a tired sigh, the sort parents do when explaining something obvious to a child.
It wasnt some huge breakup. Shes not a stranger to me.
So am I a stranger now?
Sarah didnt answer. I shook my head with a heavy sigh.
How long has this been going on?
What, exactly?
Your wonderful friendship.
She looked anywhere but at me.
Weve always kept in touch. Even before you came along. I just never thought to mention it. Didnt want you stressing over nothing.
I felt heat rising through my body as my anger simmered.
So youve been hiding this for two years?
I havent hidden anything! Just didnt see the need to bring it up. Im not cheating. Why are you so wound up?
I took a deep breath, fighting not to yell.
So, how often do you help out?
Occasionally. Little things. Fix something, set up her computer.
So you, my spouse, run round after another woman like a handyman?
For heavens sake! she burst out. Im just helping out, gave her some cash! Is that a crime? Id help you too!
I looked at her coldly, deciding.
If you dont see anything wrong with this, maybe we see family differently.
I turned and left the kitchen. I couldnt bear seeing her face right then.
That day passed in a bluranger, hurt, confusion. I tried to think clearly, but one question echoed over and over: How did I not notice?
Sarah had quit pretending. She admitted without shame that she still chatted with Melissa, always playing it down as nothing special.
Over the next couple of weeks, everything became obvious. She started turning up late from work. Melissa always seemed to have some new crisis needing urgent attention.
Im off to Melissas this evening, she said at dinner, as if it was normal. Her washing machines packed in.
I put my fork down and stared at her.
Are there not repairmen in town?
Is it really so terrible to help someone?
Not for you. For me, its hard to accept.
Youre starting again! Do we really have to go over this?
Yes, again, I replied icily. Because your ex always needs your help. At least you two dont have children together.
Sarah sighed but continued eating.
If it was my neighbour, or my mum, would you react the same?
The difference is, others wouldnt call you every week.
John, she said, tired. You act like Ive been cheating.
I have no idea, but it certainly doesnt feel right. And it bothers me.
She smirked.
You dont trust me, do you?
Have you given me reason to?
Silence fell between us.
Three days later, Melissa needed help again.
Melissa called, she said matter-of-factly. She wants to buy a fridge but cant move it herself.
I turned to her slowly.
So now youre dropping everything to haul her fridge?
Whats the harm?
Sarah, can’t you see the problem?
I see you creating drama from nothing.
Not me, its you. And Im done with all this. If youre so eager to be Melissas saviour, why not just move in with her and save the petrol?
Are you serious?
Completely.
Youre kicking me out?
No, Sarah. Im asking you to choose. Either youre part of our family, or you go your own way. I dont want you here if this continues.
I turned and left. I refused to be drawn into any more games. She might think being upfront about her visits was honest, but to me, it felt too much like betrayal.
Twenty-four hours since our last argument. I sat in the kitchen, staring at my phone. Not a call, not a text from Sarah. She was gonepresumably with Melissa.
After ten days of silence, I understood: sometimes, ending a relationship isnt a loss, but a lessona reminder to never accept less than you deserve.
The Ex: When Elena Discovered Her Husband’s Secret Messages, Hidden Loans, and Unexpected Visits – A Family Drama Unfolds
