A Total Lack of Respect

Paul Evans

**************

Looking out the window at my wife leaving makes me think it ended with a whimper not a bang. Once she finds the divorce papers in her Victoria's Secret bag, with the lingerie she bought not for me, maybe then it will go bang. Maybe she wasn't going to cheat on me on this work trip. It really doesn't matter because I'm divorcing her for the total disrespect she has shown me and our daughters. The last straw was blowing off our triplet's birthday yet again!

"Daddy, why are you looking so sad?"

That would be Belinda the emotional one of the triplets,

"Mommy probably won't ever be coming back, it makes me sad."

"Don't worry Dad Millie's mom said you will replace her easy-peasy and then hopefully we can have a new good mommy."

That would be Brooke the practical blunt one of the triplets,

"What would Millie's mom know about me and your mom? Have you girls been telling family secrets?"

"Come on Dad, get real, everyone at school that knows us knows that mom disrespects you and you don't deserve it. Millie's mom is divorced and when Ms. Francis was talking about respect in class a few weeks ago, Millie told us about her parent's divorce. We even tried to talk to Mom about the disrespect she showed us a few weeks ago but she wouldn't listen. She just disrespected us again treating us like two-year-olds. "

That would be Beatrix (Bea) the thinker of the triplets,

"Well, it sounds like you three have it all figured out. It's true I'm tired of the disrespect she's shown the four of us, but I still can be sad. You guys don't remember before Mom changed; those were good times. I would rather that we could go back to that but I'm afraid it's too late."

Then Brooke broke through my funk,

"Come on Dad let's change the locks, we saw the new ones in the garage and we like helping with your tools. Millie says that changing the locks is one of the first things you have to do when you are getting divorced."

Sometimes I underestimate my children, I guess I'm not the only one who does,

"Boy, this Millie is a real expert."

Off we went to change the locks and then they wanted to help pack up her stuff. Millie of course said that happens next after the locks. It was really weird filling garbage bags with Sandy's clothes with the girls. I knew I was fed up with Sandy but that the girls were this done with her too was something else again. I was hopeful over time that might change but for now, it just reconfirmed my decision. This had been coming for at least two years. The girl's ninth birthday accelerated the decline of our marriage so it really shouldn't be a surprise that they are all right with divorce.

We finished up in time for supper and since it was Sunday early to bed for the girls. Sandy should be arriving at the hotel any time now. She was staying there for her week of not-so-mandatory work training. No events were planned for tonight so she could do what she wanted. I figured it might involve her Victoria's Secret bag, so it was time to turn my phone off. That small act set off all the anger I had bottled up inside. I slammed my phone down hard on the table. She blew off her daughter's tenth birthday for some work training she could take six months from now! It just pisses me off to no end! Those girls don't deserve such bullshit behavior from their mom.

I went to my home office and picked up the letter I attached to the divorce petition. Of course, this copy was lacking my handwritten note that I added when I found the lingerie.

Sandy,

I went to put these divorce papers in your suitcase and found this nice bag of sexy lingerie. Just more disrespect heaped upon the mountain of disrespect you have already piled on me. I hope you enjoy your fling, probably Max I'm thinking, why not wreck his marriage too!

The lingerie had hurt, despite the fact that I was already committed to divorcing her. Regardless I looked at the letter I had written detailing the trail of disrespect that led me to file for divorce. It would go to her parents if they asked me why or if Sandy tried to blame me. It would go to my parents tonight before a phone call I had planned with them.

I now looked again at the letter I had typed.

I don't know what happened to us. If I think back it started once I was promoted 2 years ago. I don't understand why that made a difference but I'm sure it did. The why is the hard part to understand for me. We agreed when we found out you were going to have triplets that I would be the primary caregiver. My boss at Dynamic Engineering didn't mind me mostly working from home and I thought everything was going great. It seemed to me like it. For five years life was good. You worked long hours at that huge national law firm LPGN, but we still had fun, me and you and us and the girls. Then came my promotion to project manager. I could still work mostly at home, and you seemed so happy for me but then you took on even more work.

Maybe it was the thought of becoming a partner that drove the disrespect but that doesn't make sense. Maybe we were in a rut, maybe I wasn't trying hard enough. Regardless I think I tried to romance you when you had time but that fell flat didn't it? Date nights planned by me and forgotten by you. Then came the triplet's ninth birthday. You said you were going to be home early from work, why you had to work that Saturday in the first place is beyond me. Anyway, you didn't show up until they were in bed and then what did you say to me?

"They're young, they'll have lots of more birthdays. No big deal."

I could not believe you and I told you so. What did you say to me?

"Oh, quit overreacting, when did you become such a drama queen? We can do something together tomorrow."

But we didn't do anything together that day either, did we? You slept in and me and the girls went to church. When we came home you had your face buried in your laptop. Did you even notice that we left again? I'm not sure you did, we did bring supper home, and you stopped working long enough to eat with us.

Next came that charity event your firm sponsors every Labor Day. When we arrived, we joined your coworkers Alex and Matt and their wives Cheryl and Lacey at our assigned table. Then you needed to go to the bathroom and of course, the other ladies went with you. What was the first thing that Alex said to me, do you remember? You were still within hearing range and if not I told you after. It was,

"How's the little woman?"

Followed by more disrespect the whole night! Cheryl and Lacey entertained themselves. You, Alex, and Matt talked shop and where did that leave me? When I asked you to dance you said no but then later you danced with both Matt and Alex. Do you remember the fight we had on the way home? It seemed to cause a little bit of a change in your attitude, but it didn't last past Christmas.

In January, the sex dried up again and the disrespect reemerged even worse than before. You didn't want to talk about it, and you hardly spent any time with the four of us. Then came the end of school awards night In June, remember that?

The girls were all over you to attend and you said you would. Then of course you didn't show up. "Something came up at work." You told us the next day. The girls were crushed that you didn't see me win the "Best Parent" award. They were so proud of me, but you weren't were you? Nope, what did you say to us the next day when the girls brought it up?

"That's nice girls, but mommy had some really important work to do and couldn't come. Surely they handed out dozens of those awards and he'll probably get one again next year."

Then you went off to work, on another Saturday no less. That's when they stopped wanting to have anything to do with you, did you notice? By the way, they only give one of those awards out every year and it comes with a gift of dinner for two at "The Tower." I'm still trying to figure out who to invite to dinner, it won't be you.

I went to see my lawyer after that and started the divorce. She listened to my story and told me what I needed to do to be rid of you and get full custody of the girls. This state is all about the kid's welfare and it is a slam dunk that I will get them as I am the primary caregiver. If you object then the girls will get their say and they won't want to live with you. Don't worry though you will have access if you can find the time.

I was in the process of collecting details for the lawyer when I overheard a conversation you had with our daughters. I can't believe the woman I married said the things you did that day but it's true.

You were in the kitchen on Saturday, June 14th and the girls went to see you. I was checking something in my office on the computer and could hear you clearly. It was Belinda who asked you the question,

"Mommy you never do anything with us, could you come outside to the playhouse we would like your help."

I don't know what they wanted you to do but considering your attitude toward them I was surprised they asked, but what did you say?

"No Belinda I'm really busy right now, I'm sure your dad has nothing important to do other than give you guys some help."

More disrespect, then came Brooke's reply,

"Mommy, why do you treat Dad with so much disrespect? Our teacher told us that people should not be disrespectful to other people, especially ones they love."

Then you blew it with them again, without I'm sure even knowing it,

"What does your teacher know?"

I knew Bea would answer, and she did,

"She is a great teacher, and she knows lots! You would know that if you met her. You never came to our parent-teacher interviews or our other school events. But you didn't. So don't insult her too. You don't care about us all you care about is your stupid work."

"That's enough! You can't talk to me that way! I'm going to speak to this teacher of yours. Now run along and go find your Dad."

You blew them off like they were two years old not nine going on ten! I was so mad. The next week I was ready to have you served but my lawyer told me to have a sober second thought. I did just that and out of respect for what we once had. I gave it one more serious go at saving our marriage. Perhaps you remember the first two weeks of this July? I did just about everything I could think of to win back my wife. When nothing worked I tried the internet. I asked Google in case I missed something. I tried all of the things Google suggested and what did you say?

"What's with you Paul, are you feeling needy or something?"

Yes, I was feeling needy of a wife that loved me. Nothing was working and then came the day you announced you were missing their tenth birthday. You must have forgotten the promise you made last year to be there "for sure."

You should be reading this in your hotel room in New York. On the course, you require to be a partner that you could do six months from now. That would be January when it wouldn't matter if you were gone for a week. Message received loud and clear that we are not important to you. At home, I am changing the locks and packing up your things. Our finances were already separate so nothing should change there. Please don't fight the divorce, it's bad enough as it is without dragging it out. Clearly, you are over us so let us move on without you.

Paul

I put the letter down and went to get ready for bed. It was finally going to be done. The official serving would occur when she arrived at her course the next day. Maybe, she wouldn't use the lingerie tonight and it would be a surprise for her tomorrow? I didn't care either way and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

*****************

Sandy Evans

*****************

Alex and I had a great flight to New York. We had both joined the firm at the same time as Matt and all became friends. I'm not sure when I started thinking of him as more than a friend, but it happened. My husband Paul just wasn't doing it for me anymore I guess. Alex and I were on track to become Partners at work and Paul just worked at his home office, content to be Mr. Mom. Alex and Matt sure liked to joke about that! I guess it has rubbed off on me, sometimes Paul says I don't respect him, but I think the opposite is true. Paul doesn't respect the very important work that I do at my job.

There was plenty of flirting on the plane, with a liberal sprinkling of sexual innuendos. I had not fully decided to sleep with Alex over this week, but I was very tempted. Who am I kidding? I deserve this for making Partner. Truthfully, it is all I've been thinking about outside of work these last few weeks. Paul is an incredible father but like Alex says it's hard to get excited about a guy who is the "little woman." Alex is going to be so surprised tonight when he sees the lingerie I bought for him. I'm sure some drinks will flow at dinner and then I'll be spending the night in his arms. It's going to be a waste of money that we booked two rooms, but we had to LPGN wouldn't approve of us hooking up.

After we checked in I went to go shower and change before dinner. Alex even gave me a kiss in the elevator that spoke volumes about what would happen later. Then I opened my suitcase and pulled out my Victoria's Secret bag. It sure seemed heavy for the wispy lace that it contained. That's when I found the petition for divorce from Paul.

It was like a switch was flipped and I was hit by this feeling that the bubble I was living in just burst. Did Paul know about Alex? He obviously could guess who the lingerie was for. Then I saw the letter that Paul had added to the divorce and learned why it was my marriage bubble had burst. Did those things really happen the way Paul wrote it? I had to admit it did.

Then I had this overwhelming feeling I could save my marriage. For some inane reason, I figured because I hadn't physically cheated on Paul I could fix things.

I quickly called Alex's room and told him I had a family emergency and had to go home. I fired a quick email to my boss telling him the same thing and asking if I could take the next course in six months instead. I offered to pay my own way next time. Then I took an Uber to the airport. While in the Uber I sent Paul a message. I didn't know if he would get it or read it, so I sent it by text and to his work email.

I'm on my way home, please can we discuss this? I really don't want a divorce despite my actions.

Sandy

There was no reply to either before I boarded the next flight home. It didn't exactly take me directly home, given the last-minute nature of my travel. It took me thirteen hours to get home. It originally only took me four to get to New York. Every time I exited one of the three flights it took to get home there still was no answer from Paul. No answer when I arrived back in my hometown either. I got in my car and raced home. It was Sunday so hopefully I would get there before they went to church. I made it, parked my car, and ran up the steps. The door was locked, and my key didn't work. It was weird for me to have to ring the doorbell but along with the key not working it hammered home my predicament.

Paul opened the door and stepped out.

"What are you doing here Sandy? You are supposed to be on your very important course in New York."

"I opened my suitcase and found your divorce petition and came right home, I want to make it right, can we go in."

"No, you are not coming in, the girls don't need to see you right now it would just confuse things. Nothing you can say will change my mind anyway. You need to find somewhere else to stay. We are going to church so I would like you to leave before they see you."

I was mortified, this all was real, and I was grasping trying to find some shred of hope to hang on to.

"Please can we talk, you and me? I'll go find a place and maybe tomorrow you could come to see me?"

He looked like he would rather eat a shit sandwich, but he agreed.

"Ok, I'll book a sitter for Tuesday night, you text me where you are."

Then he stepped back inside and closed the door in my face.

I got in my car and drove to the nearest motel. I was overtired and overwrought. When I stepped into my room I collapsed onto the bed weeping. All the emotion of the divorce paperwork, rejection at my (former) home, and the look on Paul's face came pouring out. At some point, I fell asleep and didn't wake up until noon on Monday.

I knew I had to go to work and explain. That was an epic disaster. My boss, one of the Senior Partners, was extremely displeased with me. In anger, he remarked that perhaps I wouldn't be going to the next course and that there were plenty of other suitable candidates to make Partner. "Much more suitable candidates" is what he actually said! I asked for the rest of the week off to sort out my emergency. His response floored me,

"Sure, we weren't expecting you around this week. You're not working on anything that important you can probably take next week too."

I thought to myself, great my marriage is looking like it's over, and my job thinks I'm unimportant. Luckily, I don't have a dog because it would certainly die about now!

I needed to make a plan for what to say to Paul. I went back to the motel texted Paul the address and started work. It would be my masterpiece briefing.

Paul arrived the next night right at 8 pm. I was dressed in a business-like skirt and top. I didn't have much choice as I only had the clothes I packed for my trip. Underneath I put on my new lingerie. Paul loved me in lingerie, I was sure he would love this outfit. It never dawned on me that he might not. I welcomed him in,

"Thanks for coming Paul please sit down. I read your letter, and I agree that I have not been the best wife for quite a while. I was hoping that there was some way I could convince you to give me another chance."

He looked so neutral; I couldn't read his expression. It killed me inside that he used to look at me with such love and devotion but now? Now he had on this face that said I had my work cut out for me.

"Listen Sandy too much disrespect for too long is hard to fix. To add insult to injury I don't even know if you were cheating on me and for how long. You are going to have to prove to me, and the girls, that you are serious. This is not going to happen overnight; this is going to be a long process. You can try and show us you're going to change for real, but I am not stopping the divorce."

At that point I couldn't think straight, I had this glimmer of hope, but it was almost blotted out by the divorce doom clouds. This was not going how I was hoping, and I knew I was in serious trouble. It was finally hitting home how much I had fucked up my marriage. I went off script, it had been a while since we had sex, so I thought "blow job." If I give him one all will be well.

Insane I know but my own lack of sex seemed to catch up to me at the same moment. My adrenaline was pumping to save my marriage. Add in female hormones gone crazy by the events of the last few days and I pretty much tore off his pants. Paul didn't know what hit him and his cock at least still liked me because it was harder than steal in my mouth in seconds. I think he was trying to stop me, but I just grabbed his hips and pulled him in tight as I worked his cock. He didn't last long blasting a huge load into my mouth. It had been a while for him too, I thought I might drown but I managed to swallow it all.

Now I was incredibly horny and wanted him inside me, so I tore off my skirt and blouse. He took one look at what I was wearing and scowled. His underwear and pants were pulled back on, and he was headed for the door.

"I can't believe you! This is exactly what I am talking about! You think so little of me you wear the lingerie you bought for someone else for me! Were you thinking of him when you sucked me off? Do you think I would now fill in for him and fuck you?! I thought I had seen every kind of disrespect out of you, but this tops it all."

Then he slammed the door.

Another night of tears. How could I be so stupid?

It was the girl's birthday on Thursday. Hopefully could salvage something if I could get invited. More tears followed that thought. I was hoping to get an invite to my own daughter's birthday party!

Wednesday night I texted Paul.

I was hoping to come to the girl's birthday party, would that be ok?

Then I waited and waited and waited. An hour later finally a reply,

Ok. Don't make a big fuss. Don't bring presents. The theme is Princesses and Dragons, but you are just a spectator. It starts at 1 pm at my and the girls' house.

Wow, not our house or even his house. No, now it is their house. I can't believe how much I've screwed this up. Tomorrow I will start the process of getting back in that house!

Thanks! Looking forward to it.

At 1 pm I arrived and found that each of my girls had invited two friends. Nine ten-year-old girls dressed like princesses giggling about the setup Paul did in the backyard. We had two acres of land and Paul had built the girls a playhouse. It even had the mandatory 'no boys allowed' sign on it. One of the girls had painted below that 'dad's ok'. I cringe knowing I have no idea when the addendum was added. I guess it happened while my head was up my ass.

The playhouse had been somewhat transformed into a castle with even cardboard battlements attached. Paul was so handy, among his other talents. Once again I thought about how bad I screwed this up.

I saw Paul deep in conversation with a very pretty young brunette on the deck. I was wondering who she was and why she seemed so intimate with my husband when Latesha said hello to me. Latesha was Millie's mom, my daughter's best friend, to the best of my knowledge.

"Hey Sandy, Paul's gone all out again for the girls."

What do I say to that? I missed last year.

"Yes he's an amazing dad, always goes all out for his girls."

I had no idea what Millie may or may not know about our situation, then I found out,

"Yes, you are one lucky woman to have such a great guy, who holds down a full-time job, does the Mr. Mom thing, and is handy as well as handsome."

Latesha was looking at me all rainbows and sunshine, but a woman knows when another woman is full of shit. I was skilled at using words for a living but now they all left me. Latesha continued,

"That Evie is something isn't she, looks quite friendly with Paul doesn't she?"

Evie who? How do I possibly ask Latesha who she is without looking stupid? I tried neutral.

"Yes, she's something."

Latesha smiled at me, but it didn't reach her eyes. She knew I had no idea who Evie was, and she also must know that my marriage was in deep trouble. Paul always was faithful to me; I don't remember him even looking at other women. Yet I have been absent both mentally and physically from my family for at least the last year. Latesha was certainly interested in Paul and so was Evie. The sharks were circling my husband! Then my girls saw me and saved me from further conversation by coming over.

Belinda was in the lead and Brooke and Bea looked to be reluctantly following. Paul called Belinda the emotional one and it was true. She seemed happy to see me,

"Hi, Mom you made it to the party."

It was a statement with plenty attached to it. Much more than a ten-year-old should be able to add. All three girls were dressed as identical princesses with one exception. Belinda's tiara had an A in the center, Brooke an E, and Beatrix an X. It was a holdover from the early days when we put those letters on their diapers to tell them apart.

"Happy Birthday girls! You look so pretty; those are amazing dresses."

"Ms. Francis helped Dad get them for us, you were too busy I'm sure."

That would be blunt Brooke. What do they say, the truth hurts. It does, especially when your ten-year-old is doing it publicly.

"That Ms. Francis is something."

What else could I say? I was pretty sure Evie was Evie Francis and obviously, she helped Paul with the party but who was she?

I was saved by Paul calling all the girls over to him. He hadn't acknowledged my presence yet although I'm sure he saw me talking to the girls. I looked for Evie Francis, but I didn't see her. Two other moms were standing with Latesha, so I stood with them to listen to Paul.

"Ok my princesses, you are looking so lovely today. I am so glad you could all come to the triple B birthday at the castle. We have cake and ice cream for supper and chicken fingers and fries for dessert!"

This caused the girls to giggle, and boy could nine ten-year-olds giggle! Paul continued,

"We have games and treats but remember to watch out. Wherever there are pretty princesses there are sure to be dragons looking to capture them! Now it's time for the princess curtsy contest."

The girls all lined up and one by one did their most elaborate curtsy before the panel of judges, which was us four moms. It was quite hilarious, and I was thoroughly enjoying myself until our contest was interrupted by a Dragon that had appeared in the backyard!

It roared and even some fire came from its mouth. The girls screamed and ran for the castle with the dragon in hot pursuit. Latesha motioned the rest of us back to the deck to watch the drama play out. The dragon continued to roar, stomp its feet, and breathe fire. The girls continued to scream, I think some of them were caught up in the moment and were actually scared.

Then out of our back forest came the knight on his horse! (a pony really but hey I could see what was coming) He had on a helmet with a face shield, but I was sure it was Paul. No half-measures with this man, not for his daughter's party! Bitterly I thought nor his divorce petition.

"Dragon, leave those princesses alone!"

Paul bellowed at the dragon. It turned to him breathing fire and the pyro techniques went off. Paul didn't spare any expense either. The battle raged and the explosions continued. The girls were now all cheering on their knight as he fought the dragon. Paul finally struck a mortal blow and the Dragon fell. Paul put his foot on its head and did a mighty pose. The girls were eating it up. He loaded our daughters on his horse, each one gave him a big kiss of thanks. He then led all the princesses back to the party.

Meanwhile, the Dragon slunk off, and the horse handler appeared. Of course, he then started giving pony rides to the princesses. The party continued and was a huge success. After a little while Evie reappeared, she obviously was the Dragon. Who was this person? It was killing me to know but I had no idea how to find out. Everyone at the party had a job or a role to play but me. I felt like such a third wheel at my own kid's party. It was humbling, to say the least.

Then came the part I dreaded, the presents. I had no idea what Paul had bought them, and I had followed his instructions not to bring anything myself. Thankfully, Paul did not give them anything at the party it was just the guests. Then the princesses began to leave, first the ones with moms who had been there to help. Paul refused any further help with clean up, thanking them for their help. I was pretty sure by now that Evie Francis wasn't one of the moms.

I was feeling pretty awkward trying to talk to my own daughters as Paul said goodbye to the last of the guests. Then he came over to us with this Evie Francis person.

"Did my princesses enjoy their party?"

The squeals of joy from his daughters drowned out any possible further speech as they mobbed him. Now I felt even more awkward.

Paul finally untangled himself from the girls and turned to this Evie person that I didn't know, but at this point wanted dead.

"Evie thank you so much for your help, I couldn't have done it without you."

Then he gave her a chaste hug and kiss on the cheek. I felt my blood pressure spike and then the shoe finally dropped as she spoke to me,

"Mrs. Evans so nice to finally meet you, it's been such a joy to teach your girls this year."

She even stuck out her hand for me to shake. So, this is who Evie Francis was, the teacher-conniving-husband-stealing-young-hot-thing in front of me! I had no choice but to take her hand.

"Yes, it's nice to meet you."

It hurt to say those words, her eyes said volumes about my lack of mothering ability, my total lack of wifely attributes, and her very clear disdain for me. Thankfully, she turned to Paul.

"Are you sure I can't stay to help clean up?"

I wanted to rip out her doe eyes at this point. He still was my husband.

"No, I got it, maybe Sandy will stay and help."

There was a backhanded compliment, or maybe it was just an offering of a chance to prove myself. I didn't know but I wanted this Evie Francis gone. Of that I was sure.

"Bye Evie, thanks again."

"Bye Paul, see you later."

What was this see you later business!

Paul turned to the girls,

"Ok, princesses time to go get changed into your PJs."

As they left, I couldn't contain it any longer,

"Paul, what's going on with this Evie Francis?"

The smile on Paul's face turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Later I would realize my tone and intonation were probably not the best. Right now, though I was pissed off. Then I received the biggest blast of my life from Paul.

"Sandy are you accusing me of something?

Just because you went looking for someone else doesn't mean I did!

You are the one who checked out of our marriage!

You are the one who checked out of your girl's life!

Evie did YOUR job helping me with YOUR daughter's party!

You were too BUSY!

I am done talking with you, leave now!"

with that, he turned and went inside making sure I heard the lock click.

I stared at the door to the house. I fucked up again, what the hell was wrong with me? I needed help.

I found a therapist first thing Monday morning. I had no idea what to say to Paul, I was supposed to be proving to him how much I wanted to fix things, but I was just digging my hole deeper. I needed to spend time salvaging my job, it ate up most of my time. I also had to find a lawyer. I found one not from my firm to look at the divorce petition. It was like Paul said, fair but with him having custody. My lawyer said I could spend a fortune fighting but Paul would most likely win. I had told my lawyer I wanted to fix things, and he strongly suggested that I try to get Paul to attend some couples counseling before the court date.

It was a month after the birthday party disaster when I met Paul for a coffee.

"Hi Sandy."

"Hi Paul, you are looking well."

"You asked to speak to me, so what is on your mind."

"I have been seeing a therapist to find out what happened. Specifically, how I could have screwed up my marriage so badly. I have learned some things and more than ever I realize how badly I treated you and the girls. I know I've screwed up again since you served me and I'm afraid. I'm afraid I ruined things beyond repair. I was hoping you might agree to come to couples counseling with me. Maybe that would help? What do you think?"

Paul gave me a hard look, a look that shook me to the core. This was not a look of love but a look that said to me, is this woman worth it? I sipped my coffee and tried not to panic. Would he explode again, like the last two times? I was sure that would be strike three. After what seemed like hours he replied.

"Yes, I will go with you. Just get someone impartial. I'm not perfect by any means, but this divorce is about you and your attitude. I tried plenty of times only to be blown off and disrespected. Even worse was the treatment of our daughters."

The discussion petered out after that, and Paul left. I hoped that counseling would help, it was my last chance.

Meanwhile, work had gone from bad to worse. Alex had returned and been promoted early to Partner. He didn't speak to me or even look at me at work. Matt and most of the others also picked up on the leprosy I had developed and avoided me beyond what was required for work. The work I was getting was back to almost what I was doing as an intern. I doubled down and worked harder.

The visits with the girls were no better. It was Ms. Francis this and Ms. Francis that. Paul was even going to take her to The Towers to use his super parent award. I kept working on Belinda if she could only convince her sisters to give me another chance. Yet Bea kept coming up with arguments about why they should forget all about me. Brooke of course reinforced those arguments with examples of how I had failed them.

By now it was Labor Day and the LPGN annual charity event. No nice table for me and Paul, Alex and Cheryl, and Matt and Lacey. They wouldn't sit with me. You also needed a plus one for that and I didn't have the nerve to ask Paul. There also was no way I would bring anyone else; I was trying to win Paul back after all. Therefore, I was placed at "that" table in the back of the room with all the other awkward people. Yet it got worse. When I went to the bathroom later that night I came face to face with Cheryl and Lacey.

"Stay away from Alex you tramp! I know all about you trying to seduce him. Alex told me all about it! I just knew something was up with you. Fuck your own marriage up all you want but stay away from mine."

Then Cheryl spit in my face.

"And stay away from my Matt too you slut!"

At least Lacey didn't spit on me.

I left the event as soon as possible after the bathroom confrontation.

I had found a marriage counselor who had many good reviews from both the husband and wife of people who had used him. Geoffrey Black came highly rated, and I was hopeful. My therapist helped me understand why I did what I did. Now I hoped to articulate that to Paul. After the pleasantries, Geoffrey got right to it.

"Sandy please tell us why you are here and what you hope to achieve."

I spoke directly to Paul,

"I am here because I totally disrespected my family through inexcusable behavior. I refused to recognize the problem until my husband filed for divorce. I have been seeing a therapist, and we have worked through what went wrong with me. It is my hope that these sessions will heal the wounds I have caused and restore my marriage."

Paul had on his poker face, I had no idea what he was thinking,

"Thank you, Sandy, Paul could you now tell us why you are here and what you hope to achieve?"

Paul looked at Geoffrey,

"I am here because I told Sandy she had to prove to me and our girls that she was serious about changing her ways. So far what she has tried has only convinced me that seeking a divorce was the right thing to do. Perhaps a miracle will occur but otherwise, my expectation is that this counseling will give Sandy closure."

Thankfully, Geoffrey spoke after that because I was speechless, it was all I could do to hold it together.

"Thank you Paul and Sandy for your honesty. It appears that you both agree that the primary responsibility for the marriage breakdown was Sandy's behavior. I was wondering Paul if you could please explain how you came to the point of filing for divorce."

"I think I have tried to be a good husband and dad. We made a deal that I would stay at home with the triplets because my job allowed the required flexibility. Everything was fine until around the time I was promoted to project manager. Sandy changed after that and became consumed with becoming a partner at her law firm. The girls and I were left behind to fend for ourselves as Sandy disappeared physically, mentally, and emotionally. I tried everything I could think of and more to bridge the gap, but I was blown off every time. Increasingly the rejections would come in the most disrespectful way possible. Not showing up or calling when she was supposed to meet me or us somewhere. Completely forgetting family events.

For our last anniversary, I asked her to be home for supper. She said she would. In the morning, I wished her a happy anniversary, but she had slept in, was running late, and had her eyes glued to her phone. She grunted a reply, and she blew out the door. No kiss, no hug for me, and nothing for the girls. Then Sandy came home from work at 11 pm and went straight to bed. I had flowers delivered to her office. I had supper ready and a present for her on the table. She didn't acknowledge them at all. I just left them there until the morning. She just blew right past them in the same manner the next morning.

That's the first time the girls said they thought Mommy didn't love me anymore.

Her buddies at work call me the little woman and say all kinds of derogatory things about me, but Sandy doesn't defend me. It's weird to me in one respect, I make more money than Sandy and probably her work pals. So instead of standing up for me she just adds to the disrespectful banter. I kept trying for the girls to keep the family together but even they recognized that divorce was inevitable. When Sandy blew off their tenth birthday I had had enough, maybe the shock of having her served would wake her up.

Then to add insult to injury when I went to put a copy of the divorce in her suitcase I found that she had purchased lingerie for her trip. Later I found out from her work buddy's wife that her husband and Sandy were all set to hook up while they were away at this work training. I would like to be able to tell you the last time Sandy wore lingerie for me, but I can't remember. I could tell you that before she left on that course it had been over a month since I had tried to be intimate with her. She disrespected me then too. I believe when I suggested that we make love that night her response was, "If we have to."

I'm sure I'm missing things out but that is the gist of it. I have a letter I attached to the divorce that can explain more, I can get you a copy."

Geoffrey had read my therapist's report, and I had already given him a copy of the letter so was not surprised by Paul's revelations, I once again could not believe that I had done those horrible things. Geoffrey's voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Thank you, Paul, I don't think I will need that letter. Sandy is not disputing your feelings about her behavior so now it would be appropriate for her to explain how she believes why she did those things."

Now it was my turn. This was make-or-break time, and I had done it plenty in the courtroom could I do it here?

"My therapist and I reviewed what happened and believe this is why. It was a toxic combination of jealousy, envy, discontentment, narcissism, and bad friends. I was jealous of your job, especially the flexibility you had. That led to envy of your relationship with our girls. I became very discontented with my life which led me to become all about me. Only what I was doing was important and my two best friends at work, Alex, and Matt, reinforced this view. They constantly belittled you, disrespected you, and told me I could do so much better.

I very much regret that I fell into this death spiral of disrespecting you and the girls. I am very sorry for the pain it has caused all of you. If you just let me back into your lives I'll be the best mom and wife ever. I have learned my lesson."

Paul still had on his poker face.

"So, if I am hearing you correctly, I caused you to disrespect me because of my job and my taking care of the kids. That I was successfully doing this made you discontent. Instead of talking to me about it, you listened to your inner devil and the two assholes at work. You regret the pain you caused but all now should be forgiven because you have it all figured out. Is that about right?"

Maybe there was some light at the end of the tunnel.

"Yes Paul, that summarizes it."

"So, what is going to prevent this from happening again?"

I was expecting this question,

"I know the signs and won't let myself fall into that trap again."

Paul sneered at me,

"Your explanation sounds like something you would say in court. Not something you would say to the person you love. You sort of apologize but there's no heart in it. You regret it happened and are sorry for pain but no where in all of this have you mentioned love. I loved you with my entire heart and soul and you trampled all over that love. I have been waiting for you to actually tell me that you loved me but that has not happened.

You first tried to seduce me, thinking a blow job and sex would fix everything. Then you accuse me of cheating on you. Finally, you give me this explanation you and your therapist came up with to justify yourself. An explanation that is just more disrespect, you insult my intelligence.

No remorse, no pledge to change your work/life balance, no apology to me for the things you've done and no mention of how you are going to try to repair things with your daughters. Nope you just know the signs now and it won't happen again.

It is clear to me that this is just who you are. You never would have stayed home with the girls. Your career was more important. I think I fit all the right specs for a husband, but you never really loved me at all. I am not wasting any more time on you.

I think the counselling is over now Geoffrey, you both have a nice day."

I watched as Paul left the room and I knew that we were over.

***********************

Evie Francis

Paul Evans is an amazing guy; I can't believe his ex-wife Sandy just threw him away. His daughters are quite the formidable combination and figured out long before Paul that Sandy needed replacing. Maybe they didn't figure it out before Paul, but they were willing to admit it before Paul did. After all Sandy had said and done to disrespect those four it was acutely obvious to everyone but Sandy that there was little chance of reconciliation. Paul even gave her one more chance to make changes, but she just showed them more of the same disrespect.

The weeks and months that followed the divorce were tough on me. I knew that Paul was the guy for me and so did the girls. Yet he had just escaped a manipulative narcissistic bitch, I had to let Paul set the pace. We spent plenty of time together that summer. All very platonic, and that continued when school resumed. Since I no longer was the girl's teacher I was free to go after Paul. I did have some completion not surprisingly, but I stayed committed to the long game.

After the divorce was final Millie's mom Latesha took a hard run at Paul. He went out with her a couple of times, but nothing clicked except the sex. Latesha couldn't tell enough people what a stud Paul was. This led to even more women hitting on Paul, not that he lacked female attention. He was a hot commodity. Paul let her down easy and didn't date anyone else more than once.

Like I said before it was hard for me to wait but I did. Sometimes the waiting became really funny. I would get invited to movie night at their house and the girls would make sure the only place Paul and I could sit was on the love seat. One time we were out for supper and having a great time. An older lady stopped by our table on her way by and said,

"You are such a nice family; it's been a joy to watch you together. It made my husband and my day reminding us of when our kids were younger."

Belinda of course was first to thank her,

"Thank you ma'am you have a wonderful day."

Bea naturally seized the moment to make a point,

"That nice lady clearly recognized what four of us know to be a fact, but one person has not quite caught on to.... yet"

Brooke of course hammered the point home,

"Ya Dad, when are you going to ask Ms. Francis to marry you?"

Meanwhile Sandy moved on, away and up. She realized that she had shit where she worked so she asked for a transfer. Her firm had offices all over and she went to another office two hours away. Her new boss was briefed on her history but gave her the benefit of the doubt as she did work very hard. Visits back to the girls were few and far between. That was fine with the girls, even Belinda realized her mom, while loving her in her own way, wasn't mom material.

Sandy made Partner eventually at the new office, five years later than she would have before she screwed up. She ended up marrying another lawyer at her new office but never had any more children. When we did see her she seemed happy enough. It was pretty rare though; she made it to only one of the girl's weddings. Too busy for the other ones. A cat just doesn't change its spots.

The funny thing is that Sandy would have missed all three weddings, but Bea ended up marrying a Senior Partner's son from Sandy's former office. His name was Dwight, and he was some kind of math wiz. According to the wedding speech of his father Dwight had stated at the ripe old age of 16 that he would marry the first woman who he could have an intelligent conversation with. Bea must have fit the bill; from what I've seen of them she keeps him on his toes. Sandy of course spent most of the wedding schmoozing the Partners from her firm and ignored the bride and groom.

As for the love of my life Paul. I can't believe how lucky I was to find him. Fate was on my side making me his daughter's teacher at just the right time. A little over a year after his divorce he asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes, and we didn't waste any time setting a date. I always wanted children and couldn't wait to get pregnant.

We had another girl, and we named her Bianca, the girls were insistent she had to have a "B" name. Then came the twin boys, Peter and Paul. Peter was Paul's dad's name. That's when we moved to a bigger house.

Paul kept working for working for Dynamic Engineering until the twins were born. Then he became a consultant. Even more flexible hours and still great pay. The divorce hadn't hurt him too much financially. He received the house until the girls moved out and then we sold it and gave Sandy half. He retained his pension and investments as did Sandy. Since they both had high paying jobs no one paid spousal support, and Paul declined child support from Sandy.

I kept teaching until the boys were born. Then I stayed at home with the three of them and Paul who did his consulting from his home office. The new house we had built on 10 acres was amazing. The boys would have plenty of room to play with Bianca and their stepsister's kids. Yes, we were grandparents. Soon after moving into the new house came Belinda's wedding and then Bea. Brooke took a while longer to find someone as blunt as her. The story goes that after dating for seven months Pascal got down on one knee at a restaurant and asked Brooke to marry him. Brooke's reply,

"It's about time you asked."

His rebuttal,

"I got tired of waiting for you to ask."

They are perfect for each other.

Our "golden years" are approaching and my life with Paul has been great. It has been full of joy, love, and plenty of respect.