Do you have that one thing at home no one uses anymore? We did\u2014it was our landline.<\/p>\n
It became a running joke\u2014only scammers called, and Peter and I had fun messing with them. Marriage was all laughter and teasing; we were best friends.<\/p>\n
But there was one strain: we couldn\u2019t get pregnant. Dozens of tests, both healthy. I was heartbroken; Peter remained hopeful.<\/p>\n
Then he announced a \u201cwork trip.\u201d I tested again\u2014negative\u2014alone, craving ice cream and comfort. That\u2019s when the landline rang. Frustrated, I answered harshly\u2014but a voicemail said: \u201cHe\u2019s waiting for you.\u201d When I called back, a woman asked for Peter.<\/p>\n
I tracked the number: Olivia, a florist, living hours away with a three\u2011year\u2011old, Hunter. No work trip\u2014his boss confirmed. I drove there.<\/p>\n
Olivia confessed: one night with Peter resulted in Hunter. Peter vanished after she told him she was pregnant. She never asked for money\u2014just wanted her son\u2019s dad. I promised to support her and Hunter.<\/p>\n
Three days later Peter returned. I confronted him: Olivia\u2019s son exists, and he\u2019s wonderful\u2014Peter was absent and unfaithful, even secretly spiking my tea with birth control. He admitted he never wanted kids and didn\u2019t want to lose me. I was shattered.<\/p>\n
I filed for divorce, helped Olivia file for child support, and sent him away. Finally, I inhaled freedom. It was time to show up\u2014for Olivia, Hunter, and for myself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"