My heart sank. Miss Allen was Ellie’s teacher.
“Why would she want to be your mom?” I demanded.
Tears streamed down Ellie’s face as she pointed to the floor.
“Tell me, sweetheart,” I insisted.
With a heavy sigh, Ellie explained, “Yesterday, when Dad picked me up, Miss Allen told him to wait by the door while she talked to him. I heard her say she’d be a better mom. Then Dad laughed.”
I felt as if the ground had dropped out from under me.
The pieces fell into place—the move, Nathan’s sudden kindness—all signs pointed to an affair.
That night, after ensuring Ellie was asleep, I poured Nathan a drink.
He took it with a smile, oblivious to the tension inside me.
“So,” I said, “Miss Allen seems great with Ellie.”
“Really?” he beamed. “I knew Ellie liked her…”
“Enough for Miss Allen to become her new mom?” I pressed. “What’s going on? Don’t lie to me.”
The color drained from Nathan’s face as guilt washed over him. His confession shattered our marriage.
He had been cheating before our move, and Miss Allen wanted more than he was willing to give. Now, with the job opportunity, he decided to end the affair. It had only been two weeks since he had begun seeing her when Ellie overheard their conversation.
The next day, I confronted Miss Allen about the affair, but she denied everything.
I transferred Ellie to a different school. She deserved protection and love, not to be caught in the middle of her father’s infidelity.
As divorce became inevitable, I felt a mix of pain and relief. Nathan had caused so much damage for so long, and it was time to end our marriage officially.
Months into the divorce, my focus remains on Ellie, and I make sure to reassure her daily of my unconditional love. She has completely moved on from Miss Allen and is thriving with her new teacher.
Since Ellie is the most important person in my life, Nathan is welcome to come and go as he pleases.