Beverly Hills Betrayal Pt. 02

Beverly Hills Betrayal

Part 2 of 2

By Cindy Johnson / @CindyTv

Tags: #Exposed #Caught #Pain #Humiliation #Divorce #Violence #Lost Love #Betrayal #Over the Top

Preface

The Hollywood glitter and Bob's familiar charm pulled Sara into a mistake she never imagined making. For the rest of the week, she and Bob were inseparable, acting like lovers on a stolen honeymoon. Caught in the thrill, Sara convinced herself it was just a fling—a secret no one would uncover. Jade egged her on, thrilled to see her friend break free from her "dull" life, even if it risked everything Sara held dear. For Jade, the moment was all that mattered, consequences be damned.

———

Picking up where we left off from Part One, where Sara is answering Troy's early morning phone call after spending the night with her former lover, Bob.

Chapter 7: Troy's world back home

"Dad, why didn't mom call us last night?" My daughters' innocent question demanded an explanation I wasn't quite prepared to give.

"Well, girls, your mother is with Aunt Jade, and you know how she is," I began, my words carefully measured. "She probably had too much wine and fell asleep. It's almost 9 AM out there; let's give her a call."

With a sense of apprehension gnawing at my insides, I dialed Sara's number, hoping for a simple explanation to ease our concerns. When it started ringing, I put the phone on hands-free speaker and gave the phone off to my daughter.

"Hi, Mommy, why didn't you call?" Kylie's voice trembled with a mixture of concern.

I watched the girls and listened as Sara tried to apologize, "I'm so sorry, girls," Sara's apologetic tone filtered through the receiver. "I had too much to drink at dinner, and when I got back to the room, I passed out."

Both girls asked this question at the same time, "We miss you, Mom. Don't you miss us?" The girls' words hung heavy with unspoken emotion, echoing the ache in my own heart.

"Girls, I miss you like crazy, and I'll be home in a few days," Sara promised, though her words failed to dispel the unease settling over me like a shroud.

I took the phone off speaker and started talking, "Hi, Sara, it's me, Troy. You remember me, your husband?" My attempt at levity contradicted the rage now within me.

"Oh, darling, I'm so sorry," Sara's voice wavered, her words tinged with regret. "I just fell asleep last night. The time changes and the drinks are making me crazy."

"Is something wrong with your phone? You didn't answer our calls, text messages, or even call us back?" My anger was starting to rise and threatening to boil over with each passing moment.

"I'm sorry," Sara's reply fell flat, her contrition failing to stop my rising anger.

"Yeah, you're sorry. I get it. Talk to the girls; I have nothing else to say." With a heavy heart, I relinquished the phone to my daughters, and retreated to the family room. The girls could tell that I was angry and not in the mood to speak with their mom.

I stayed silent as my daughters talked to their mom, as I tried to control my anger as their voices reminded me of Sara's actions. When Sara asked to speak to me, my daughters made up a quick excuse that was buy with something, giving me a break from a conversation with their mother.

———

Chapter 8: Sara's thoughts after the call

After getting disconnected without saying goodbye to Troy, Sara looked back on the events of the previous night, and felt a heavy sense of dread. Cheating on her husband was not something she ever imagined herself doing, yet there she was, facing the consequences of her actions. Not only had she betrayed her husband's trust, but she had also forgotten to call home, leaving him worried and alone. The thought of his disappointment and concern made her heart ache with guilt and fear.

The realization that she couldn't undo what had been done brought more waves of despair and guilt. Every fiber of her being ached with the longing to turn back time and make different choices, but she knew deep down that it was an impossible dream. Now thinking of her return home in a few days, a sense of concern came over her, fearing the fallout of her actions. She desperately prayed that her secret liaison with Bob would remain hidden, knowing that the consequences could be dire for her marriage and her family.

Chapter 9: Troy gets a call from Brad

That afternoon, Troy's phone rang. An unknown number. "This is Brad Jenkins," the voice said. "I'm Jade's fiancé. We need to talk about your wife."

Troy's heart raced. Brad explained he'd overheard Jade plotting to pair Sara with her ex, Bob, behind Troy's back. Worse, he had evidence—cameras in Sara's hotel room, booked under his name, had captured everything.

"I didn't want to believe it," Brad said. "But I can send you the footage."

Troy's throat tightened. "Do it."

The email arrived minutes later: video, audio, reports. Troy's hands shook as he watched. Sara and Bob, unmistakable. His world shattered. A week ago, he'd been happy, clueless. Now, a broken heart from her betrayal was all that remained.

Brad proposed a plan to confront both women. Troy listened, his anger hardening into resolve. Brad wasn't just any lawyer—he was a Hollywood powerhouse, with connections that could move mountains. His firm handled crises, investigations, even judges. If anyone could orchestrate this, it was Brad.

That evening, in bed, I looked through the file Brad had sent to my email, including the video, audio, and written reports. It made me sick to my stomach but I felt determined to do something about what I found. Each piece of information made me angrier and more determined to make things right.

The following morning, Brad and I talked about what to do next. It felt strange to be working together after what had happened. But we both wanted to uncover the truth. As the day passed, I felt hopeful that we could face the difficult situation ahead and come out of it stronger than before. At the agreed-upon time, Sara dutifully made her nightly call, playing the role of the devoted wife and mother.

While she spoke of missing us and expressed affection, I concealed my anger, aware of her affair with Bob. I shielded our daughters from this deception, passing the phone to them after brief conversations, which I'm sure she noticed. The girls eagerly listened to Sara's tales of shopping and celebrity encounters.

I had already met with an attorney recommended by Brad and put things in motion. Behind the facade of a devoted husband, I wrestled with the pain from her betrayal and the inevitable collapse of our marriage, divorce papers now at the ready. Each time I handed the phone to our children, I couldn't bring myself to utter a farewell or an "I love you," wondering if Sara even noticed the absence. With a heavy heart, I steeled myself for the difficult journey ahead, particularly for the well-being of my daughters.

Chapter 10: Our Collaboration

The plan Brad and I worked on was going to put an end to the affair and impart a lasting lesson to both women. This was an important time of year for my company and being gone for a few days was difficult. I told my team that I needed them to handle my workload and offered a generous bonus if everything was completed. They were happy to help and I knew things would be handled during my absence.

When the girls heard about our unexpected trip, they were initially excited about their first-class travel to Hollywood; however, the girls' enthusiasm waned when I explained the purpose of their journey. They were almost seventeen and would be off to college soon, so the innocence of youth was behind them. I showed them some PG-rated photos and text to help them understand the reason for the trip. After viewing some incriminating photos and learning the full story, they were devastated and enraged by their mother's actions. Understanding my pain and anguish, they pledged their support.

Brad facilitated all the travel arrangements, meeting them at the airport on Thursday afternoon. We spent the evening strategizing with Brad and finalizing the details for the following day. Brad went the extra mile and treated my girls by organizing a personal shopping experience to find elegant dresses for the dinner and surprise visit. They were treated to a pampering session, including hairstyling and shopping at elite stores, they returned to the hotel looking like Hollywood starlets. I marveled at their transformation, pondering whether Sara would even recognize them at the upcoming event that evening.

Chapter 11: Fateful Friday

As we were about to depart from our hotel, Sara's nightly call illuminated my phone screen. With a heavy heart, I answered and listened to her declarations of love and longing, expressing her excitement that she would be home soon. However, Sara was about to discover that her timeline was slightly askew. I ended the call quickly, unwilling to reciprocate the "I love you" she uttered before disconnecting. I couldn't help but wonder if Sara had begun to sense or even cared that something was off.

The festivities took place at Brad's expansive country club, spanning 40 acres of pristine coastal land. Brad curated a luxurious pre-wedding soirée attended by over 200 guests the evening prior to the wedding. Adorned in their most elegant attire, the guests added to the splendor of the occasion, enhancing the event's ambiance with an air of grandeur and sophistication. He had already paid for the night and the guests were looking forward to a good time, so instead of cancelling the event, Brad decided to use the venue as the final Swan Song to both of our relationships. The man had a good sense of justice.

Brad's Country Club

With divorce papers tucked in my suit jacket, my daughters and I arrived at the party in the limo arranged by Brad. I also carried a small gift bag for Sara that should illuminate the ending of our marriage. Despite our anger, the girls found themselves enjoying the limo rides and luxurious lifestyle, momentarily easing the tension with laughter. The limo driver notified Brad of our arrival, and he met us outside, guiding us discreetly to a secluded table to avoid drawing attention.

From across the room, we observed Sara and her boyfriend moving together on the dance floor, sharing intimate moments that should have been mine. My daughters and I found ourselves consumed by a simmering rage, our emotions steadily rising to a boiling point. After a torturous hour, Brad came to our table and silently indicated that the moment to intervene had arrived, which was good because my anger was close to the edge of eruption.

Chapter 12: Troy's View of the events

Sara radiated the glamor of a movie star, her blonde hair falling elegantly around her, accentuated by the artificial blue of her eyes. Her hair was expertly swept up into a chic updo, complemented by flawless makeup that enhanced her natural beauty. The dress she wore featured a daring side slit, rising provocatively to her waist, teasing glimpses of her stocking tops and garters. Paired with the tallest heels she had ever worn, she exuded an undeniable allure that captivated attention. It wasn't until the girls pointed her out that I realized who she was.

As they observed their mother with a man's arm casually draped around her shoulder, sharing laughter and flirtatious exchanges, the weight of the situation hit me hard. Witnessing the hurt evident on my face, the girls collectively confronted the harsh reality that our once-intact family life was irretrievably shattered.

In that moment my heart hurt and felt as though it was about to explode, and then a whirlwind of grief enveloped my mind. Watching the woman I believed to be my soulmate bestow her affection upon another man, inflicted a pain so profound, it seemed irreparable. She had unwittingly extinguished a part of me in that instant, leaving me convinced that there was no route back from this devastating betrayal.

"Wow dad, look at mom. She looks like a movie star. Is that her new boyfriend?"

Hearing that question heightened my anger. "Girls, it's time," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Remember our plan. Stay composed. Approach your mom with love, and politely ask her to introduce you to her boyfriend. I'll join you in a few minutes."

As I observed them gliding across the smooth marble floor toward their mom, my gaze caught Sara's puzzled expression at the two girls approaching them. During the clamor of drinks and excitement, it took her several moments to register that the two young girls - identical twins - were her two daughters until they simultaneously kissed her on both cheeks. With all the champagne and wine, she had consumed at the party, Sara's brain couldn't immediately register that her girls were actually in front of her and Bob. Her confusion dissolved when I witnessed her expression change to panic, as the girls requested to be introduced to her boyfriend.

Chapter 13: The Scene

Hand in hand, the girls approached their mother with firm grips. Just as they had rehearsed earlier in the hotel room, after kissing their mom, they stood directly in front of her, speaking loudly and perfectly in sync to ensure that their question was clearly heard by everyone nearby.

"Hi mommy, you look beautiful. Who's your boyfriend?"

I watched Sara's face contort in shock, drawing the attention of onlookers as her wine glass slipped from her hand, plummeting to the tiled floor. It shattered into countless fragments, sending red wine all over her expensive satin dress. The scene was as intense as you can imagine and, in that moment, I witnessed my loving wife's world unraveling as the realization dawned upon her that her exciting fantasy had been ruthlessly laid bare for all to see. I gave her credit as she tried to recover quickly and make it seem normal.

"Girls, this is Bob, he's not my boyfriend. We're just friends. What are you doing here?"

Ignoring her question they continued, "Mom, that's not what dad says. Dad said you traded him in for a new man."

The realization that I was nearby struck her hard. On cue from Brad, the music had stopped as several couples were now standing nearby and watching the scene unfold. In a panicked voice everyone heard her ask, "Where's your dad?"

More and more people were now watching and I saw Jade a few tables away with mouth open as she realized what was happening. At this point my loving wife had lost all of her bravado and confidence, and as I approached, I saw her openly weeping while her daughters glared at her with resentment. As I drew closer, I beheld my once-beautiful wife, now adorned with blonde hair and bright blue eyes, but someone I no longer recognized, not the woman I had loved and raised a family with.

"Wow, Sara, you look amazing. I wouldn't have recognized you if the girls hadn't pointed you out. You look like a movie star. I assume you dressed like this for your date?" I said, pointing to Bob.

Her hands were visibly shaking as she tried to explain what I was seeing, "No, don't be silly. Bob's just a friend. You know I love you. But why are you here? You said you and the girls were staying home."

Not answering her question, I just spoke in a calm voice loud enough for the others to hear. And just like a car accident, the large crowd was now watching all this unfold. I even saw the photographer snapping some mementos, probably something for the local celebrity news column.

"I thought you loved me, Sara," I said as she stood there crying, looking at the crowd around us.

"Baby, I do love you. This is all a misunderstanding; can we just leave now and go home?"

I handed her the gift bag and said, "Home? That's cute. Here's a little present to remember me by. After you open it, you'll understand why you no longer have a home, or husband, and what the future holds for you."

It seemed like everyone was now circling around us watching the final act of a play, our marriage, take place. That's when ole' Bob couldn't contain himself and tried to defend her and was starting to get defensive. He gave me a stern look and said, "Man, this isn't the place or time. Let's move this over to a quiet area."

I slowly turned to him and gave him a death stare; one a man makes when he's about to rip out the heart of his enemy. Smartly, he stopped in his tracks when I replied, "Unless you want to spend the night in the hospital, I suggest you shut your fucking mouth and get out of my face. This is between me and my soon-to-be ex-wife. You can have her after we leave."

I didn't want my girls to see any more than what had already taken place and said, "Girls, say goodbye to your mother and go back to the limo. I'll meet you there in a few minutes."

My sweet girls told me they weren't leaving and stood on each side of me as Sara looked at me with pleading eyes and said, "Baby, I don't understand why you're here, can you explain what's going on?"

"Explain?" I laughed as I handed her the gift bag I was holding. "Sara, just open your present, and you'll understand why there is no need to explain anything. I have to admit, you surprised me. I never thought you had it in you."

Inside the gift bag was an envelope containing one perfect 8x10 glossy photo. There were two, full color, side-by-side photos on the single page. The photo on the left was taken from the table lamp camera, which showed Bob's cock entering Sara's ass. The photo to the right was a photo taken at the same moment from the table camera in front of the bed, showing her expression of lust and excitement.

I was now staring at her with something close to hate and watched her implode when she saw the photo. "So, you gave it up for him, and not me. I hope it was worth it," I said in a morose voice. We turned and started to leave as she screamed out: "No, please don't leave me. I want to come with you and explain."

We turned to look at her one more time and, in that instant, she realized her marriage had reached its end. She was caught red-handed and stunned into silence. Worse, she had never granted me her ass, she wasn't that kind of girl, she'd say. Yet there she stood, holding the proof of what she gave to another man. The color photo showed how much she enjoyed it with him, and not me.

As she glanced at the divorce decree, her tears intensified. Alongside the paperwork lay a check for $36,000 and another document she had long forgotten: the prenuptial agreement signed on our wedding day.

The terms were stark: the cheating spouse would receive $2,000 for each year of marriage, leaving her with only her personal belongings. Eighteen years of what she once deemed a blissful union—along with their savings, the luxurious home, cars, and comfortable lifestyle—now vanished. All she possessed was that solitary check for $36,000.

Sara collapsed, Bob quickly caught her before she hit the floor. The photo slipped from her hand, fluttering like a leaf before landing with a cold rustle on the marble floor. Thankfully, someone swiftly retrieved it and passed it among the crowd before my daughters could catch sight of their mother in such a depraved state.

Jade witnessed Sara fainting while I stood nearby and her concern grew into anger. She rushed over, berating me for disrupting her party and distressing her friend. I offered a faint smile before turning to her fiancé, Brad, who was standing nearby.

In a bold and brash tone, Jade yelled at her fiancé, "Brad, kick him out. He's ruining my party."

Confusion clouded Jade's face as Brad lifted her left hand and delicately removed her prized possession -the beloved 3-carat engagement ring, firmly slipping it into his pocket.

With her eyes as wide as saucers she looked up at him and asked, "Brad, what are you doing?"

"Jade, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Sara, pushing her to cheat on Troy and orchestrating her rendezvous with Bob for the entire week. I didn't intend to eavesdrop, but your loud and intoxicated chatter made it impossible to ignore. When I realized what was happening, that it was all a setup, I felt compelled to call Troy and inform him of the truth. In my world, men have each other's backs, and when we see a disaster looming, we alert one another. It's an unspoken rule, a code among men. But I digress.

After witnessing your role in this deceit, facilitating Sara's infidelity against her husband and her two innocent daughters, I saw you for who you truly are. I cannot fathom marrying a woman of such moral decay. There will be no wedding between us, and our relationship is now over. Your dream of a perfect life has shattered, and after tonight, I want nothing more to do with you. I'll arrange for your belongings to be sent wherever you prefer, but you are no longer welcome in my home."

Brad then directed his attention to Bob, stating, "You and I need to have a discussion in my office on Monday morning. I suggest you leave this party now, before my friends escort you out." Clearly irritated and upset, Bob left the gathering.

Meanwhile, Jade was now on her knees, in tears, pleading, "Brad, this is all a huge misunderstanding, and I don't know where to go."

Brad responded sternly, "That's regrettable. Maybe one of your friends can assist you, but I won't be spending another cent on you."

Overwhelmed, Jade collapsed beside Sara, and they embraced each other, their tears mingling. Now, two distraught women wept as bystanders watched, stunned by the unfolding drama. Many of the women were now holding up their phones videoing the action, which would end up all over social media.

Brad, acting as the responsible host, turned to the band and instructed the band to resume playing and addressed the crowd, "The wedding is canceled, but tonight, we celebrate my freedom and the escape from an unscrupulous woman." With a cue from Brad, the band launched into ELO's "Evil Woman."

Out by the limo, Brad, the girls, and I exchanged a few words. I expressed gratitude, and Brad thanked me for navigating through the chaos unscathed.

There were no words exchanged between Sara and me that night. There would be no explanations given, and no apologies accepted. We were heading back home, leaving behind my cheating wife. She would now have to navigate life on her own, without the love of her once cherished family.

Of course, the calls started pouring in, but I ignored them, letting them go to voicemail. Text messages followed, filled with pleas for forgiveness—she was sorry, begging me to talk to her, and so on. As we flew back home from L. A., the silence between us was deafening, a stark reminder of how drastically our lives had changed in such a short span of time. We couldn't help but feel sorry for ourselves, mourning the loss of their mother and my wife. Witnessing my daughters' pain and the shattered remnants of our once happy family was heart-wrenching. It was, without a doubt, the saddest day of my life.

With Jade's help, Sara had torn apart the fabric of our happiness, destroying our love and the wonderful life we had enjoyed just a week ago.

Once we were back home, I followed the financial maneuvers advised by my attorney, trying to wrap my head around the unimaginable future that lay ahead of us without Sara by our side.

Chapter 14: Party Aftermath

That night Jade found refuge with Bob, who welcomed her with open arms. However, little did she know that Bob had ulterior motives, seeing Jade as an easy target for his desires. With nowhere else to turn, Jade ended up staying with Bob, who was separated but not yet divorced from his wife.

As for Sara, her financial world crumbled when her credit cards were canceled and her bank accounts frozen. The $36,000 check would take a few days to clear and she discovered that Brad had closed out the hotel room, which was under his name. She was alone for the first time in her life and felt too ashamed to reach out to her family for help. Now homeless and penniless with nowhere else to go, Bob offered her temporary shelter until she could figure things out.

With no other option, Sara reluctantly accepted Bob's offer, clarifying that their relationship was over and she only wanted to return home to her husband. The bank assured her that her funds would be cleared by Wednesday, allowing her to make plans to leave.

In the late hours of the following Tuesday night, Sara's unsettling reality took a darker turn. After all the events, she would discover that Bob was never truly divorced, only separated due to his abusive tendencies and struggles with alcohol. That fateful night, under the influence and driven by his desires, he intruded into her room at 3 AM. Sara, jolted awake, felt a surge of fear as she confronted the looming danger. Despite her firm rejection, Bob persisted, fueled by alcohol and his own cravings, ignoring her protests. Sara found herself in a perilous situation, now having to deal with the unsettling truth of Bob's true character. Bob grabbed Sara once more, determined to satisfy his desires at any cost.

Feeling a surge of panic, Sara fought back desperately. In a moment of adrenaline-fueled bravery, she delivered a forceful knee to Bob's groin, causing him to collapse in agony. Seizing the opportunity, Sara attempted to flee, but Bob's strong grip caught her ankle, dragging her back into the room as she screamed for help as Bob started pummeling Sara's face until she was an unconscious, bloody, injured body.

Hearing the commotion from the other side of the house, Jade rushed into the room only to Bob beating on the now unconscious Sara, and immediately called 911. Screaming at Bob and with sheer determination, she intervened, putting herself between Sara and Bob, halting his attack. Bob flew out the house and drove away in a drunken rage.

Despite Jade's intervention, Sara suffered severe injuries from Bob's violent outburst. She ended up in the hospital with broken ribs, a gash on her face from Bob's watch, a concussion, and numerous cuts and bruises. Jade's quick thinking and bravery saved Sara from further harm, but the ordeal left both women shaken and traumatized.

Sara endured 26 stitches beneath her left eye, along with black eyes, a broken nose, two broken ribs, and a concussion from the harrowing encounter. The injuries were severe, confining her to bed rest for a week. Fortunately for her, Troy had not yet taken her off the insurance or her $36,000 settlement would have already been depleted.

Upon hearing of the beating and his wife's condition, Troy swiftly flew back to L. A., where he found her unconscious, battered, and suffering. Seeing her there like that crystallized the last five days and created a man full of fury and rage. The betrayal, the lies, the loss of the woman he loved focused his energy on the man that destroyed his life. Consumed by a storm of grief and anger, Troy wasted no time in paying an unanticipated visit to Bob's home.

Troy had Bob's address from the text messages Sara had been sending, and drove directly to his home and banged on the door until it opened. Without a single word, he unleashed a long and ferocious beating upon Bob. He didn't stop until he was too weak to continue. The beating rendered him bloody, unconscious, and sprawled on the expensive marble floor. Bob's last recollection before losing consciousness was the haunting sight of Troy's expression - a chilling display of pure malice. Convinced that his demise was imminent, Bob was bewildered to awaken in a hospital, having spent the entire weekend in a daze after being discovered by his cleaning lady.

During her recovery, Sara discovered that Troy visited the nurse's station daily, ensuring she received proper care. When a nurse asked Sara why Troy hadn't come inside to see her, Sara couldn't contain her emotions.

"I've ruined my marriage by betraying the man I love. I got swept away by the allure of Hollywood and made a huge mistake, and now I fear he's leaving me."

———

Coincidentally, Bob ended up in the same hospital recovering from his concussion and bruises. Upon receiving a visit from his employer, Brad, Bob made the decision not to pursue legal action against Troy, opting instead to accept his punishment as a harsh reminder to steer clear of entanglements with married women. After their meeting, Bob agreed to the restitution for damages to Sara. Brad had suggested, or actually demanded this, with the threat of several years in jail and being blackballed in L. A. forever. Bob knew Brad had the power to destroy him and agreed without any objections.

Brad's meeting with Troy persuaded both Sara and Troy not to press charges for Bob's attack on Sara. Instead, Brad explained that there would be no charges against Troy for the attack on Bob. Furthermore, he offered to pay all of their medical bills, expenses, and a substantial college trust fund for the girls. He explained that the monies would come out of Bob's account and a promise that Bob would be dealt with at a later date.

Chapter 15: Coming Back Home

A week later, when Sara was able to travel, they flew back home alone and were met at the airport by her parents. By then they knew the full story, and wanted to be there to help their little girl. During the flight home they had their first full conversation since the night of the party.

Looking up at Troy, her eyes displayed a look of sorrow and pain.

"Troy, I'm at a loss for words. Just saying 'I'm sorry' feels empty compared to the magnitude of my mistakes. I'm sorry for being so foolish, sorry for letting you see me in such a vulnerable state, and sorry for losing my self-respect and dignity. My heart aches with the weight of my actions, knowing how deeply they've hurt you and our family. I'm devastated by my own selfishness, and the pain I've caused. I became so entangled in that lifestyle that I lost sight of who I am, and I know that I've irreparably damaged everything we've built together. I understand your feelings about infidelity, and I don't blame you for despising me or wanting to cast me aside. But please, can you find it in your heart to give me another chance? You're the only man I've ever loved. Bob meant absolutely nothing to me. I despise myself for allowing things to spiral out of control."

Without looking at her I said, "Sara, we're getting divorced. There's no way I can continue this marriage after what you've done. However, I'm not a cruel man. For the sake of our family, I've rented a small apartment for you near the house. I'll cover the rent until the girls finish college. Hopefully, by then, you'll have found your footing and a job. It's more than you deserve, but the girls and I believe you need some support considering the years you devoted to being a good mother and wife."

He continued after a long pause, "I despise your actions, and I'll never comprehend why you did what you did. Forgiveness isn't something I have. Right now, all I can do is accept that you made a poor decision and bad choices, not a mistake. I accept that you chose to risk your future for a night with an old lover, but forgiveness is never going to happen. There's no justification for your betrayal, and apologies are worthless at this point. I'm allowing you to keep the car but won't cover your insurance or any repairs. I won't provide any financial assistance, so use the money from the divorce wisely and prioritize finding employment as soon as possible."

———

After leaving the airport, Troy dropped Sara off at her new studio apartment, where her daughters eagerly awaited her arrival. Despite their anger at her for destroying the family, they promised to support her as much as they could. Sara's parents were also there to help her through this difficult time.

As Sara observed her daughters and parents sorting through her belongings, trying to help arrange her new living situation, she felt a mix of emotions wash over her. Their presence and assistance provided some comfort. However, her tears flowed freely when she spotted a box near the kitchen containing Troy's wedding ring, along with cherished wedding photos and other valuables shared with him. Seeing these mementos stirred a profound realization within her - that her marriage was beyond repair. In that moment, the weight of her actions and their consequences hit her with full force, leaving her with the painful truth of her new reality.

Now alone, and consumed by despair, Sara confronted the overwhelming challenge of starting over from square one. Surrendering her once luxurious lifestyle and spacious home, she now found herself confined to an 800-square-foot studio apartment. It was a stark awakening to the harsh consequences of her poor choices.

With minimal funds and no recent work experience, her job prospects seemed bleak, likely limited to roles like waitressing or sales clerk. Yet, regaining her family was her top priority. Despite her desperate attempts to reconcile with Troy, he remained distant, unable to forgive her betrayal and salvage their marriage.

To add to her anguish, a jagged scar on her once flawless face served as a constant reminder of her infidelity. Though makeup could partially conceal it, the scar near her eye remained a visible symbol of her wrongdoing. Now, stripped of her confidence, Sara felt like a mere shadow of her former self, and having to deal with loneliness for the first time in her life. Without the support of her daughters' visits and her parents' encouragement, coping with her newfound reality would have been insurmountable.

The divorce was not contested and was uneventful. And after 90 days, they were divorced.

Epilogue:

Jade's life took a downward turn after she was kicked out of Bob's place. L. A., known as the Adult Film Capital of the world, entrapped Jade into the adult film industry by a man she met. She dove headfirst into her new career and became a well-known porn star. Despite their years of friendship, Sara chose to cut ties with Jade upon returning home, recognizing the irreparable damage done by Jade's thoughtless actions.

Bob encountered significant hurdles following his altercation, coming to terms with the transient nature of his aspirations within Brad's firm. Despite the absence of any legal repercussions stemming from his confrontation with Sara or Troy's subsequent retaliation, thanks to Brad's counsel, Bob couldn't shake off his remorse. He struggled with the consequences of following Jade's ill-advised counsel to pursue Sara, feeling anchored to his role at the firm while haunted by thoughts of missed opportunities and what might have been. Over the next year, he sought help through rehab and counseling, taking steps towards self-improvement. He eventually extended apologies to both Troy and Sara for his past actions.

Brad ended up with a young woman who his firm represented. Her famous husband was a serial cheater, and after the huge divorce settlement they became a couple, married, and raised her ten-year-old daughter in Brad's Beverly Hills home. They stayed together as a happy couple, never to betray each other's love.

Katie and Kylie reconciled with their mother but never forgave her for destroying their once happy family. They helped their mom get a job as a dental receptionist at one of their friends' dad's offices. The girls went off to college, leaving Troy alone in their big home. The only good thing that came out of this is that neither of the girls would ever make the same mistake their mom made and would never betray or disrespect their husband.

Sara's life took a drastic turn after her divorce and the trauma of her assault. Struggling with her self-esteem, she withdrew from society, rarely venturing outside except for work. Neglecting her appearance, she gained twenty pounds, indifferent to her physical appearance. The once vibrant and happy woman became a recluse, haunted by the consequences of her actions. She abandoned dating and socializing, consumed only by guilt and remorse. Despite her efforts to reconcile with Troy, her attempts went unanswered for several years, leaving her to deal with the enduring scars of her choices.

Troy, unable to overcome Sara's betrayal, immersed himself in adventure and self-discovery, finding solace in newfound passions. Unlike Sara, he spent his free time outside the home, took up martial arts, ice hockey, and skydiving. He became a free spirit, dated several women but was never close with any of them. He buried his sadness with activity and was able to keep his youthful looks and was highly sought after by the women he met, which helped his confidence that had been weakened by Sara's affair.

Five years later, at their daughters' college graduation, Troy and Sara tentatively reconnected, their old wounds resurfacing in the wake of their shared memories. Despite their physical transformation, their emotional bond endured, offering a glimmer of hope for some type of reconciliation.

At first their meeting was tenuous at best, but after several hours their old feelings took over and they found some common ground. The difference in appearance between them was staggering to their friends, as Troy looked better than he did before the divorce while Sara looked twenty years older, out of shape, and without her well-known energy.

Alone after one of the dinners, she broke down and cried, explaining how horrible she felt and how sorry she was for her actions. He held her and comforted her, a feeling she had dearly missed and hung on to him for dear life.

"Please, Troy, can we be friends?" Sara's voice trembled with emotion, her eyes pleading for forgiveness. "You were always my best friend, and I've missed you so much. I know you'll never forgive me for what I did, but can you please be my friend again?"

Troy felt a pang of sadness at Sara's words, the pain of betrayal still fresh in his heart. Yet, he couldn't ignore the sincerity in her voice, the longing for connection evident in her eyes. "Of course," he replied softly, his own voice thick with emotion. "I do miss you as well. We had a good life together."

As he spoke, memories of their shared past flooded his mind, a mix of joy and sorrow blending together. "When we get back home," he continued, "let's plan dinner and a movie and try to rekindle some of the friendship we once shared. We may be divorced, but there's no reason we can't be friends, considering everything we've been through, the children, and the years we've spent together."

Though their relationship had been fractured by betrayal and pain, Troy couldn't deny the bond they shared. And as Sara reached out to him in a moment of vulnerability, he found himself willing to take a step towards healing, to rediscover the friendship they had lost.

He offered friendship, no love or reconnecting sexually, which was more than Sara dreamed possible. The girls were taken aback by the news but thrilled at the prospect of their parents reconnecting, even if it was just as friends. While they held onto hope for a reconciliation, they understood that their father's forgiveness might be out of reach. Only time would reveal what the future held for their family.

Ours was a painful lesson, and one I sincerely hope you never experience.

"The soul cries out for what it has lost,

and the body for what it can no longer feel."

— Anaïs Nin