{"id":1783,"date":"2024-12-05T15:08:13","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T15:08:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1783"},"modified":"2024-12-05T15:08:16","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T15:08:16","slug":"i-told-my-husband-i-was-ill-and-might-stop-walking-he-left-me-immediately-unaware-of-how-much-he-would-regret-it-soon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1783","title":{"rendered":"I Told My Husband I Was Ill and Might Stop Walking \u2013 He Left Me Immediately, Unaware of How Much He Would Regret It Soon"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p>When Emily meets her doctor, she gets devastating news about her health. As her life is about to change, Emily knows she has to tell Tyler, her husband. But his reaction is anything but appropriate.\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The first thing I noticed was the doctor\u2019s voice on the other end of the line, a steady, clinical tone delivering a piece of news that would change my life forever.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI need you to come in, Emily,\u201d Dr. Duncan said grimly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Which led to my visit with him today.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEmily, can I just be real with you?\u201d Dr. Duncan asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/GIvZ4eOtaTIyK20HWEFcAbLoUksCswAgKtA44MCZ7HI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzY3NWViN2NmNmYzYzY2NTQ5YmVjMTI2ODI5OTFjNjI3NWJlNDVjYjZkMWE1ZjBjNTA1ZTM4YjRhZWU0ZjdlNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/3675eb7cf6f3c66549bec12682991c6275be45cb6d1a5f0c505e38b4aee4f7e5.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting in a doctor room source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting in a doctor\u2019s room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOf course,\u201d I said, although my hands were shaking uncontrollably.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was nervous beyond anything. After weeks of not feeling good, I knew that something was wrong. And this was the defining moment. Dr. Duncan was going to tell me the results of all the tests we had been doing.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cGive it to me straight, Doc,\u201d I said. \u201cI\u2019d rather know now than keep pretending that everything is fine.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/tadWLE8PTVfd0MjyW9TZC0_agG9Q7U9d-pIHmBfNUb8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTI2NDE1YzRmMTVhNDM1NWEyNjhiYTcwYzg0YjBlZWZmMWUzNjUzNTQ4N2ZjZTE2OGVlOGUyNTUxMTAwZTBiMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/e26415c4f15a4355a268ba70c84b0eeff1e36535487fce168ee8e2551100e0b2.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' doctor sitting at his desk source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A doctor sitting at his desk\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEmily, you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. It\u2019s a rare neurological disorder that affects motor skills. Over time, you may find that walking will become more challenging, and it\u2019s likely that you\u2019ll need some form of mobility support.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat is it?\u201d I asked. \u201cPlease, explain more. Help me understand. Please\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Dr. Duncan smiled sadly.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/GGYOhM3a9y7nr8XWjs0JvRw5VPnUoZxa-qDuZPhyAiA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNGU3NTUxN2FiZTU5ZDIyODE2NzgyZTkzZjRhYzhlNzRhZTAyYjJjNGI1Mjk4ODRiM2M3Nzc0YmFmNmViMDRjMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/4e75517abe59d22816782e93f4ac8e74ae02b2c4b529884b3c7774baf6eb04c2.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting at a doctor office source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting at a doctor\u2019s office\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSure, Emily,\u201d he said. \u201cTo put it simply, this disease is a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage. This damage mostly affects arms and legs, which is why I need you to know that loss of mobility is high.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I sat there, numb, barely able to grasp the words. I was 29. I thought I had all the time in the world. I wanted kids, but how could I consider that now? When there was a possibility that I would be wheelchair-bound?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/o32PT_HQ25MlJFMIWjdHL6Khh3WP7dV6J1o6rqKk1GI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzIwZDY0NzhmOTUyNWM2ZGQyYTI5MTg3YzMwMWQxYzYxNWY5MmM3M2JjMWEwZmQyNDZiNDlkYzlmMWY0Y2Q0Ny5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/720d6478f9525c6dd2a29187c301d1c615f92c73bc1a0fd246b49dc9f1f4cd47.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' doctor sitting at his desk source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A doctor sitting at his desk\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I didn\u2019t know how to process it. And then, the reality of having to tell my husband, Tyler, hit me even harder.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>How would he react? And what if he couldn\u2019t handle it?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I left the doctor\u2019s room, choosing to walk through the park. I wanted to feel the fresh air on my face. I wanted to walk through the grass and kick the leaves. I wanted to do the simple things that could be taken away from me in the months or years ahead.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/1ZR4peRNk4KgRxxIpYBYLQVpPXbz4gIn_rjmWPV1xUs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmMzMzdmOGRkNTUyYzg4NmQ0MGFjNjM4NTYxZTcyMmMzZmE1MmViZDczOTBmOTQ0ZDljOTcwOTdjMWY0ZDljMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/6c337f8dd552c886d40ac638561e722c3fa52ebd7390f944d9c97097c1f4d9c1.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman walking through a park source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman walking through a park\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That night, I finally worked up the nerve to tell him. I waited until after dinner, having cooked his favorite meal, hoping to catch him in a relaxed mood. But even as I poured my heart out to him, he was half-watching the football game on TV.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTyler, could you turn that off for a second?\u201d I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady. \u201cI really need to talk to you about something important, darling.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He rolled his eyes but picked up the remote with one hand, holding his can of beer in the other.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Q6Cr265tLGoUJi193BZSDO112qjasKrIVIonm60SUOo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNzNkYzVjZDUwMzNkOGQ3YWUxMDM4NmVkNzM3MzBmNjJhNTdkMGQ4OTJjYTBhOGRjNWQ3YjA2ZThlNDlhYjhiNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/73dc5cd5033d8d7ae10386ed73730f62a57d0d892ca0a8dc5d7b06e8e49ab8b6.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting at a dinner table source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting at a dinner table\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAlright, Em, what\u2019s so serious?\u201d he asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I took a deep breath.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI went to the doctor last week, and we\u2019ve been running tests. I just haven\u2019t been feeling good, but I couldn\u2019t pinpoint what was wrong. I went back to Dr. Duncan today, and we found something.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat did you find? What\u2019s wrong?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/DlFq3Abogp3sgnpPp9nCZ6KFeGW-IdI53goadOAnL3g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMwNmVmYzE2OTUxZjc3YmRiNjM5YjU0ODFjY2NmMThiNzNhNjg5Yjk3YTIwMzlhOWE4NjgxZDBkOTA1NGRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/3306efc16951f77bdb639b5481cccf18b73a689b97a2039a9a8681d0d9054df0.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man sitting on a couch source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man sitting on a couch\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s a neurological condition, and he said that it might make it harder for me to walk in the future,\u201d I swallowed, bracing myself.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEventually, I might not be able to walk at all.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My husband\u2019s face froze, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw worry in his eyes. But then something shifted, a flash of something I\u2019d never seen before.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Disgust.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAre you kidding me?\u201d he scoffed, putting down his can on the coffee table. \u201cIs this an attention thing, Emily?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/LucxgrxV4USJ_HSthHw18myat7gUHCywzZrPQVA3--g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTczYzhhY2EwOThiNzU2YzQ5NTlmOGY5N2Q2YjI1Yjc2N2Q2MjQzYjcwNGNiMzdmZWQ4ZWI2ZWQzYzBkNjk5OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/573c8aca098b756c4959f8f97d6b25b767d6243b704cb37fed8eb6ed3c0d6999.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' close up of a man source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A close up of a man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo,\u201d I said simply.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We were both quiet for a while.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSo\u2026 you\u2019re just\u2026 you\u2019re going to be some invalid that I have to take care of? Push you around on a wheelchair?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His words cut through me like a knife. I could barely believe what I was hearing.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTyler, I don\u2019t know if it\u2019ll be that bad. We can meet with the doctor together and find out more. We can see how long I have before I should expect symptoms. I\u2019m sure that there are treatments I can try\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Hgr_kYrUtPG0Oz83ZkbQKqJkGUcFKrS1ZzxqAgMLDIA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWIyMzEyY2NiNzRlZjNlMDgyNDIyMTc0YTBmZDEzMjMwNTVkYzQ4ZTg2YzY1NTEzZjYxZDc1NDNjNjQzMGYxOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/5b2312ccb74ef3e082422174a0fd1323055dc48e86c65513f61d7543c6430f18.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' wheelchair in a living room source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A wheelchair in a living room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He held up his hand.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cStop, Emily,\u201d he said. \u201cI didn\u2019t sign up to be anyone\u2019s nurse. I married someone who was fun and vibrant. A woman who would dance at bars and pubs until it was closing time. I didn\u2019t marry someone who\u2019s just going to sit at home all day.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou\u2019d leave me because I\u2019m sick?\u201d I asked, barely able to get the words out.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My voice sounded strange to me, hollow and unfamiliar.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/BQnotW565Wv5Sb_p0hpEcFvp7dDJ7LHlPKljwyygTgM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjM3N2QzNzYwZWE1OTY0NjA4MDY1ODE4ZTc0NGU1MDE1ZGNjZDFjYTIzNzAzMTFmNjM4YmRjYmZiMzU2ZDk1ZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/b377d3760ea5964608065818e744e5015dccd1ca2370311f638bdcbfb356d95e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman dancing at a bar source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman dancing at a bar\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t twist this around on me,\u201d he snapped. \u201cYou know what I mean. I have needs too, Emily. I need a real partner. I\u2019m not going to stick around just to take care of you.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He went upstairs, and I didn\u2019t see him for the rest of the night. Instead, I went to the guest room and cried myself to sleep.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Honestly, was this the man I married? Tyler had never disappointed me before, but this? This was\u2026 unforgivable.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next morning, he packed a bag, leaving a note on the kitchen counter.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/VCDGXcoDHx2tIYeJ7IqB6oThgN8QGj4bKfyIZiorOlE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWUxODQ2OWFhZmU2ZWFiMTI3NTFmNjMxOTQ0NjBiMzY0ZDc5ZjQxOTZmZGUwZjVlNjEwMWU4NmIwYTA3M2UwNC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/ae18469aafe6eab12751f63194460b364d79f4196fde0f5e6101e86b0a073e04.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' note on a kitchen counter source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A note on a kitchen counter\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Need some time to think.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That was it. No goodbye, no apology. Nothing.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I didn\u2019t hear from him for days. It was like he\u2019d cut me out of his life without a second thought.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I tried to distract myself, to cope, but every little thing in the house reminded me of the life I thought we\u2019d been building together. I started to pack some of Tyler\u2019s things away.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/YxUxH_POoq278MKd3RqO0jx6dOSFVONL-rmt_llEnrM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTI2NmNiYTk4ZDgyNzk2MmQ5NjM1N2E4NzAyOGYyNmE3NzBmYTVhODczMTAzYjU5ZTYzMTJiOTQ1NmY3N2U4OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/1266cba98d827962d96357a87028f26a770fa5a873103b59e6312b9456f77e89.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman surrounded by boxes source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman surrounded by boxes\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSo, where is he now?\u201d my sister, Audrey, asked when she visited me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI have no idea,\u201d I said, opening the box of chocolates she had brought. \u201cI texted his brother to see if he was there, but Kevin said that he hadn\u2019t seen or heard from him.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTell me that you\u2019re not trying to make things work with him, Emily,\u201d Audrey said. \u201cBecause I won\u2019t allow it.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m not,\u201d I said. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I want to see him to end this. I want him to know how much he has hurt and disappointed me. I want him to hear it from my lips.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/95nI1ExvUs9KrDxPNu6mlzsuV_OAY5Ip1bPa8_4UVbw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjFiODk2YzdmYTQ0YzA5NjQwOTIzNGQwOTE3MGUxOTg0ZTczMDg4MzNmYmExNWQ0ZDI1ZmIyMmUwNzZiODE3Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/21b896c7fa44c096409234d09170e1984e7308833fba15d4d25fb22e076b817b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' box of chocolate on a coffee table source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A box of chocolate on a coffee table\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Audrey nodded.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLook, whatever happens, I\u2019ve got you. Our family has you,\u201d she said, smiling.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Later that day, while I sat in bed, eating the rest of the chocolates from the box, I scrolled through my phone. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>There, available for the public to see, I saw a post that made my stomach drop. There Tyler was, tagged in a friend\u2019s photo, smiling on the beach with some blonde woman leaning into him, both of them holding cocktails.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/DAXrkb8H8gz9yvkHOwq_o8lgHye-sH-hm-dIa3IZJm8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTJkOTg0NGM5ZDgyMWM1NTVjMTcyZjcwOTQ2NGUwZjYwYzhlODNjY2RlMDU3YTg5NjFhMmZjYzE3N2FmYTkxNC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/e2d9844c9d821c555c172f709464e0f60c8e83ccde057a8961a2fcc177afa914.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' couple at the beach source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A couple at the beach\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He looked happy. Carefree. It was as if I\u2019d already become a distant memory to him.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The anger, the heartbreak, the reality of his disease\u2026 it was all just so overwhelming. But then, somewhere deep inside me, something shifted.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was done crying. I was done feeling bad. I was done feeling like a victim in my own life. I had no idea what was coming next, but whatever it was, I was going to face it on my terms.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/YCBOrIG09bfZ15s_s8QuwqJ6yHb2c7A78XNXh9Nv0cc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmEyMmY4NDBmMjU1ZDBkMGY5ZjQ5YmI2YWRkN2M2OTcxYmQxODFmNGQ5ODVhZTgzYmU5MTE0ZWZjYzNiMGM5Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/2a22f840f255d0d0f9f49bb6add7c6971bd181f4d985ae83be9114efcc3b0c92.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman laying in her bed source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman laying in her bed\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, the unexpected happened.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A week after Tyler left, my doctor called, sounding flustered and apologetic.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEmily, I\u2019m so sorry. We\u2019ve made a terrible mistake!\u201d Dr. Duncan said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat? What do you mean?\u201d I asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt turns out that your test results were mixed up with another patient\u2019s. You\u2019re healthy. We just need to focus on your calcium levels.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/u0j2codcxhxXR9-HagcCoPqFW1KMx6ZUY_7l9CA9CrM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjYzMTI0NWEzYWE5N2VlZWY5ZDZkMThiNWJiOGFjMjAwNjlmNTU3ZWQyNTY3YjAyNTBlNGEyMTI2NjllM2UyYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/6631245a3aa97eeef9d6d18b5bb8ac20069f557ed2567b0250e4a212669e3e2b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' doctor talking on the phone source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A doctor talking on the phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat?\u201d I repeated.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou\u2019re okay. You\u2019re better than okay! And listen, I understand how traumatic the past two weeks have been. So, I\u2019m going to offer you free counseling sessions until you feel okay. I can\u2019t imagine your mental state. If you want it, I\u2019ll do the referral and take care of everything else.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I could hardly believe what I was hearing.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Relief washed over me, flooding my senses, but it was quickly overtaken by something else.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/yYqI0bRAXjhD3FfXhepP2K0-d730G5zeH8Il37wMAtI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjg0ZWMzZWU4MzU3ODYzMTYxNWIyMjY3NTU1Y2IxMTM2OGIzM2VjYjg4ODg4ZjMwMDI5ZmI2NTU1Zjg1ZDZmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/284ec3ee83578631615b2267555cb11368b33ecb88888f30029fb6555f85d6f0.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' shocked woman talking on the phone source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A shocked woman talking on the phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>A simmering, white-hot anger.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Tyler had left me over nothing. All that pain, all that heartbreak\u2026 none of it had been necessary. And what did that say about him?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I hung up, already scheduling an appointment with Dr. Duncan to sort out my calcium issues. I felt a strange mix of freedom and clarity. This wasn\u2019t just about me being healthy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My husband had shown me who he truly was, and there was no going back. I imagined him sitting on the beach, looking at the water and doing everything but care about me.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Y93xjU4X_XqnR_NF1wppfA-4GaWh38_HAZNUB3gfSxk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjFiM2M1OTMzZjg0MWQ4NjRhMDU2NGFkMDYwOWNkNDQwODAzY2NiMGVhNWNiYmRlYjM0YmI2ZWJhMDI5MGZmYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/b1b3c5933f841d864a0564ad0609cd440803ccb0ea5cbbdeb34bb6eba0290ffc.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man sitting at the beach source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man sitting at the beach\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>About two weeks later, life threw me yet another twist.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My grandmother passed away, leaving Audrey and me with everything she had. Before I knew it, a substantial inheritance was in my bank account.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My gran had always been there for Audrey and me, encouraging us to live our lives how we wanted. Now, with this money, I could finally break free from the life I\u2019d been clinging to. I wasn\u2019t just healthy. I was independent. I had the resources to build a life that was entirely my own.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/IzqRb9uLHa80Djls1N_8aKu_v7hMRDuRIq6lUJGVgYk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGUwYjBhMDExMWZlMDBlNTMwYWFiMzEzNDhlMjU5MjRkMjVlYzE4YWNlOGZmNDY1OTM4YmZkNDI4MTQ4N2MxMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/0e0b0a0111fe00e530aab31348e25924d25ec18ace8ff465938bfd4281487c10.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' funeral at a church source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A funeral at a church\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Without Tyler.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, like clockwork, Tyler came crawling back.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One evening, there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find a disheveled Tyler holding a half-wilted bouquet of grocery store flowers. He forced a sheepish smile, one he probably thought would melt my heart.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Instead, I rolled my eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/0XzcqC27AbvKWr5IQxty0Mp8FPi9o_12cR2pZkm0l5Q\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTAzZTA1ZGM2YjY2NTBmMjU0MWE4ZDljNTI5YmQ2OTZhODliZTJlMzVjNjkyYTBiM2Q2NDVlYjkyYjFiMzU1Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/a03e05dc6b6650f2541a8d9c529bd696a89be2e35c692a0b3d645eb92b1b355c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man standing in a doorway source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man standing in a doorway\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEm,\u201d he started. \u201cCan we talk?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat would you possibly have to say to me?\u201d I asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He cleared his throat.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLook, I panicked. I thought\u2026 I thought you\u2019d be sick forever, and I didn\u2019t know how to handle it. But I love you.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/EamVYcmTKduCmyIH9Hk_ODB0A1vK8J195lZcQOU3nMo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTgwNDQ0ZDUwOGUyZTUwODQ2MzRhYTc4ODI2MWNhYTY2NzgxMmUxNWUyOTMwNzdmOWZmMzEyNTQ1Njk2NzRkMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/180444d508e2e5084634aa788261caa667812e15e293077f9ff31254569674d2.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' expressionless woman source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An expressionless woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou mean you love me? Or you love that you heard about my grandmother\u2019s inheritance?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The color drained from his face.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI don\u2019t care about money, Emily. I just missed you.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cGo back to the blonde on the beach,\u201d I said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stepped back, letting him stumble over his words as he tried to explain himself. When he finally paused, I rolled my eyes again.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/0Bv-3-PzQILSnf6rYHfAmI6pdT61hOaSuuyQJrJG8LI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDYxZTc0ZWNmODdiNjIxMzA3ZWVkNmJjOTExYTQ0YmU1YWIwNDMzODE4ODRiY2U5OWVjNDVlYjhkMDA4NjZmMy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/461e74ecf87b621307eed6bc911a44be5ab043381884bce99ec45eb8d00866f3.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' pleading man source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A pleading man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDo you remember what you said to me that night you left? About needing a vibrant wife? Yeah\u2026 nope. That\u2019s not me.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I opened the door wider, motioning for him to leave.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019ll send over the divorce papers. I\u2019ll send them to your office.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Over the next few months, I poured myself into the projects I\u2019d always dreamed of pursuing. I traveled, started painting, and made new friends. Life was going to be better now, without Tyler and his dead weight.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/nH25HDZpugW2e4a66Sb2KZPo5gNPQ-HNkwGlLdfNCFA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmZkZGM4Yjc2MDA1YzRiMmNhZGYwOTU1MGE1Njc3NTdlMjkyNzJjODMxNmI0NjBhYjMyNGI5OWE1YjkzZDExMy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/bfddc8b76005c4b2cadf09550a567757e29272c8316b460ab324b99a5b93d113.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman painting source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman painting\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>What would you have done?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If you\u2019ve enjoyed this story, here\u2019s another one for you\n\n</p><div>\n<h2 class='\"ContentRenderer_sub-header2__VfI9X\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>My Husband Sent Me a Cake to Announce Our Divorce \u2014 When He Discovered the Truth, He Came Crawling Back\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>While Emma is sitting at her desk one afternoon, she gets a surprise delivery. When she opens the box, she finds a cake with an unsettling message and the pregnancy test she forgot to hide. Will she go home and explain the truth to her husband or let him walk away?\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was at my desk, half-typing an email, half-daydreaming about what to make for dinner when the office delivery guy appeared at my office door. He held a bright pink bakery box in his hands, grinning from ear to ear like he was in on some inside joke I didn\u2019t know about.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/XZIsB79DUrz5JJPKsqmOAmELoEOcZosh1Z6m-0A_Gu4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTg5YWI5NzEwNzFiYjU3ODdiZDRmNDEzOWExY2FmODBjOTVhZjE2NWNjZDVhM2UzM2QzMmRhYmMwMjBhMmJiZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/589ab971071bb5787bd4f4139a1caf80c95af165ccd5a3e33d32dabc020a2bbf.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman sitting at her desk source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman sitting at her desk\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cGood afternoon, Emma!\u201d he said enthusiastically. \u201cThis is for you!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</i></p><p>When Emily meets her doctor, she gets devastating news about her health. As her life is about to change, Emily knows she has to tell Tyler, her husband. But his reaction is anything but appropriate. The first thing I noticed was the doctor\u2019s voice on the other end of the line, a steady, clinical tone [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1784,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1783"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1785,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1783\/revisions\/1785"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></i></p></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></strong></p></div></strong></h2></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>