Crazy Pepper Stories My cheating wife was in shock when I calmly sat down at their table, In The Mi

[Music] before that winter I loved how snow blanketed the world bringing peace and silence as a child I eagerly awaited the first snowfall Imagining the adventures to come even as an adult I found comfort in the cold and how it slowed life down but this particular January changed my perspective recently my marriage had hit a rough patch with cracks I'd been ignoring we were still trying but that January tested our resilience Winters are always tough where we live but this one was different for 2 weeks the sky stayed gray with snow barely accumulating by mid-mon

a big storm was forecasted and everyone including us prepared to be snowed in Linda and I had a date planned for the 15th but the snow kept falling canceling work and shutting down the city instead of going out we stayed home in cozy clothes while the kids tested bedtime excited for a snow day later after they were asleep I handed Linda a glass of wine I'm sorry Linda this isn't how it was supposed to go it's okay Jim it was fun looking forward to it and I got a new dress you haven't even seen yet

she said with a smile you know the rule she teased you don't see it until we go out I looked at her remembering how effortlessly stylish she was she made her own clothes when she couldn't find exactly what she wanted and she made made many of Emma's dress up outfits too Linda always had a way of standing out without being flashy I looked at the diamond on her finger and said thank you for saying yes Linda I love you I love you too she replied softly we sat in a comfortable silence after a moment I

apologized again I've been on edge lately it's not your fault I know Jim I've been the same this winter is everyone grumpy she laughed but we have each other and the kids and that's enough our first first date at Wendy's had become a joke between us back in college I had no money but Linda didn't care about fancy dates she just wanted to spend time together we still grab Wendy's now and then for Old Times Sake that weekend the storm delivered 2 feet of snow and everything shut down the kids were thrilled no school Pizza

movies and playing in the snow Linda and I loved it too no obligations just time together as a family the only downside the kids insisted on watching Frozen on repeat and Linda still wouldn't show me the new dress you have to take me out in it she teased the real world returned Sunday evening when the plows cleared the streets school and work were back on Monday but the weekend left us with a warm lasting memory one evening Linda got a call from D her close friend she hung up excited and told me about a plan

to end the miserable month with a night out dinner dancing and a hotel stay with friends it sounded perfect there's just one condition I said looking into her eyes you wear that dress I haven't seen seen yet with pleasure she whispered her smile promising a night I wouldn't forget the dress was blue though I couldn't tell you exactly what shade whatever it was it made her blue eyes glow the dress had long sleeves a high neck and a skirt below the knee but it was far from conservative the skirt swirled as she walked and when

she danced it moved in a way that demanded attention the fabric hugged her just right tight but not too tight highlighting her slim feminine figure as Linda descended the stairs I was speechless she smiled and gently closed my open mouth with her finger it's still just me she said softly at dinner our group of 10 enjoyed a lively evening Linda was the most stunning woman there and I made sure she knew it I touched her arm or hand every chance I got and she returned the affection with warm Smiles we headed to the club after

checking into our rooms and Linda whispered to me we don't have to stay too long do we I knew she was eager to get back to the room and was just as excited at the club Linda caught a lot of attention but she only had eyes for me when Dave asked her to dance she politely declined saying she wanted the night to be special for us during the evening Dante Romano a well-known football player showed up creating a buzz to my surprise he approached Linda and asked her to dance I watched as she accepted and

they danced two slow songs together the sight of her melting into his arms unsettled me after they returned to the table I asked Linda if it was time to leave for a brief moment I saw fear in her eyes she quickly excused herself saying she needed to go to the restroom D went with her but only D returned when Linda didn't come back after several minutes I asked the bartender to check on her de interrupted saying she's not in the restroom she's left the club I scanned the bar glanced at our table and then down

the hall toward the restrooms realizing the situation I rushed outside just in time to see a Honda sedan leaving the parking lot inside was a large man and a dark-haired woman they were definitely not Dante and Linda at that moment I heard a powerful engine start up I turned to see a black Corvette speeding away instinctively I reached for my car keys but realized I'd left them inside I pulled out my phone and called Linda the first call Rang until voicemail picked up when I tried again it went straight to voicemail she had turned off

her phone frustrated I headed back inside and ran into D who had been looking for me D what's going on I demanded Jim Linda's gone she's with Dante tonight D said the words hit me like a punch my mind raced with images of Linda in her dress at dinner and at the club anger flared up so she left me for some jock on our special night I growled Jim it's just tonight she'll come home to you tomorrow D tried to reassure me she didn't even have the guts to tell me she snuck out my voice

grew louder and people started to notice calm down Jim it's just one night he said she loves you and always will I couldn't hold back my bitterness and you helped her you kept me distracted so she could leave D admitted it she didn't want you to embarrass yourself but shek come back and everything will be fine what if it's not fine what if she can't make this right I shot back you're a good man Jim you'll forgive her because you know she loves you D said trying to calm me down I shook my head angry

and disgusted I couldn't believe what I was hearing so if Dante had picked you you'd have done the same I asked bitterly de has hesitated but didn't deny it no and Dave doesn't need to know I left D and went back to our table where everyone was avoiding eye contact they all knew what was happening seeing the empty seat next to mine the reality of what Linda had done hit me hard I grabbed my jacket and keys choking back tears and turned to leave just as I did De and her husband Dave blocked my path

what are you doing Jim D asked I'm leaving I can't stay here I said coldly come on Jim you two will get through this Dave said I lared at him why shouldn't I divorce her we agreed a long time ago once and done Jim think of your kids Jane said trying to intervene I shot back is that what Linda's thinking about right now Jane tried to reason with me Jim what if a supermodel picked you tonight can you honestly say you wouldn't be tempted yes I'd be tempted but I wouldn't do it I have a

wife at least I did until tonight I said looking at her coldly Dave then chimed in saying I was overreacting which pushed me over the edge I got in his face warning him to back off and shoved him back into his chair the room went silent as I threw down a 20 on the table that covers my tab you can cover hers too then without another word I left I stormed out of the club my mind spinning as I walked back to the hotel what was supposed to be a joyful night had turned into one

of the darkest moments of my life Linda should have been beside me holding my arm laughing with our friends but instead I was alone I took the elevator to our room memories of happier times in similar Hotel elevators flooding back inside I saw the remnants of what should have been a special night chocolates on the pillows and a new blue lingerie set laid out on the bed I held the delicate fabric imagining Linda in it but the reality hit me hard she wasn't coming back tonight I broke down realizing my wife was with someone else

after what felt like hours I woke up in the same position still clutching the lingerie my mind racing I packed up both our things ate the chocolates and threw the lingerie in the trash it was meaningless now I checked out of the hotel and drove home overwhelmed by pain and anger on the drive I realized I'd been reacting all night waiting for Linda to stop Dante trying to chase them down doing nothing to take control of the situation this wasn't me I was always the one in charge the one solving problems I decided it was

time to stop reacting and start acting I turned the car around and headed back to the club there I asked the bartender about Dante learning he regularly prayed on married women frustrated I was about to leave when a woman at the bar gave me a lead Dante lived in a big gray House near Meadowbrook Park I drove around the area until I found the house a large mansion with a black Corvette parked out front I approached the door and rang the bell Dante answered in a bathrobe clearly annoyed to see me I'm here for Linda

I said coldly shek not here he lied trying to shut the door I didn't back down let me talk to her or I'll call the police we both know you don't want that kind of trouble reluctantly he let Linda come to the door she stood there in a robe surprised to see me what are you doing here Jim she asked I'm here to bring you home letun leave now and we can deal with this privately I pleaded but Linda refused I'm staying the night with Dante he'll take me home tomorrow her words felt like a

punch to the gut I warned her that her actions would have serious consequences but she remained indifferent go home Jim wek talk tomorrow she said dismissing me I left knowing things would never be the same again she stepped back inside the mansion and slammed the door shutting me out of her life as completely as she had closed the door I stood there for a moment numb then walked to the back of my car opened the trunk and calmly narrated into my phone I'm taking out my emergency bag and cutting the valve stems on all four

tires of Mr Romano's Corvette this should cost no more than $100 to repair after finishing I left a $500 check under the windshield wiper then called emergency there's someone vandalizing Dante Romano's car I reported giving the address I wasn't done I grabbed a lug wrench from the trunk and continued speaking into my phone now I'm breaking the driver's side window the replacement should cost less than $200 I smashed the window setting off the alarm within minutes Dante came storming out of the house cursing and threatening me I held up the wrench warning him that I

was prepared to defend myself is it worth risking your career I asked he stopped in his tracks confused and angry as the police arrived I dropped the wrench and raised my hands the officer separated us and I admitted to the vandalism the female officer cuffed me Whispering that she was sorry but had no choice I asked her to note the check under the windshield Linda stood off to the side watching the officer pick up the check as I was loaded into the patrol car I caught a glimpse of Romano tearing the check in half a

smug look on his face at the police station I made my one call to the local news paper offering them a story about Dante Romano then I spent the night in a holding cell dozing off among other detainees the next morning I was released greeted by my lawyer Derek over coffee I told him everything by the time I finished he suggested starting divorce proceedings I agreed Derek dropped me off at my car just in time to see Romano's Corvette being towed away I drove home expecting Linda to be there but the house was empty I

showered changed and fell asleep on the couch 2 hours later I woke to the sound of the front door Jim I'm home Linda called sounding like nothing had changed she looked exactly the same wearing the blue dress from the night before as if nothing had happened she launched into accusations blaming me for the night's events Dante could have eliminated you Jim what were you thinking I replied coldly are you proud of yourself Linda how will your parents feel when they find out she tried to reassure me claiming nothing had changed between us that her love

for me was the same as ever but I couldn't believe her if that's true then I guess we never had what I thought we did Linda's face fell she went upstairs and when she came back down dressed in sweats she asked about the lingerie she had left on the bed I threw it in the trash I said just like you threw away our night she replied sadly trying to convince me she had planned to make things right but it was too late I asked was it everything you expected the question hung in the air unanswered

Linda met my eyes looked worried Jim I know you have questions and I'll answer them honestly but are you sure you want to hear it I don't want to hurt you more it's a bit late to worry about hurting me now isn't it she winced I know but telling you might make it harder for us to move forward can't we focus on the future instead of letting one night ruin everything that's something you should have thought about last night I replied I pointed to a vase on the mantle how many times would I have to

throw that for it to shatter even if you could put it back together it' never be the same right Jim I love that vase but I can live without it I can't live without our marriage what we've built is stronger than one mistake I know you're hurt but I believe you love me enough to get past this until last night I thought you loved me enough not to cheat I guess we were both wrong Linda slumped in her chair was the night with him everything you expected Dante isn't an a-hole Jim he's a good man

any guy who takes a woman away from her husband to sleep with her is an a-hole I shot back he didn't take me from you then where were you last night okay he took me for the night but I'm here now and I'll stay with you forever so you're like a toy he played with and returned what if the next celebrity comes along Another Night Alone for me no I'm here because I love you because this is our home if he asked you to stay longer would you still be here Linda blushed you're right but

he was kind and respectful I wish you wouldn't call him that oh I should thank him for treating you nicely like a free hooker I was standing now Angry she shrank back I sat down trying to calm myself all right was it everything you expected I asked again more she said meeting my eyes with sympathy I sighed how did it start she explained how Dante asked her to dance and though she didn't expect it she couldn't resist she thought it would just be a couple of dances but after the second dance she felt something more

I didn't decide to do it I just knew I would she admitted her words Hit me hard but I stayed quiet as she continued he told me to meet him by the back door I appreciated that he didn't rub it in your face I thought you were eager to be with me after dancing I didn't realize you were eager to leave me I said bitterly I wasn't leaving you it was just one night like running an errand I knew I'd come back running an errand really sleeping with him was like going to the store she

flinched no but I was never leaving you I asked if she would have stayed if I cut in she looked me in the eye no her answer cut deep do I mean so little to you no Jim you mean the world to me your actions say otherwise from the moment he approached I meant nothing I checked the clock I'll get the kids help settle them then I'm going out I can't deal with this right now Jim I didn't do this to hurt you please don't do anything that makes it harder for us to stay together

you already made it hard enough think of Emma and Tommy she pleaded you didn't think of them last night I snapped before I left I told her to write down what happened I don't need details of what you did but I need to know what you were thinking I can't stand to look at you right now I'll do whatever you ask but how can I make it up to you if you're not here she asked not until you show me a clean STD test Linda blushed must you embarrass me Dante's an athlete he has to

be clean did you ask him no you didn't I grabbed my coat and left disgusted that she hadn't even considered the risk when I picked up the kids they ran to me shouting Daddy and filled the car ride with excited chatter it was loud chaotic and exactly what I needed back home the kids repeated the same excitement with Linda while I unpacked their bags and packed my own after supper and story time we tucked them in as I kissed them good night I promised myself that no matter what I would always do right by them

later that evening Linda approached me cautiously Jim are you sure you want me to write it all down do you really want to read it and feel the pain again later exhausted I replied I never wanted this but you did it anyway obviously what I want doesn't matter to you anymore I don't want to read it but I need to understand what happened to make decisions going forward she reached out to touch me but I stepped back her hand dropped and her face went pale I'll do what you asked I'll even Mark the parts that

might hurt you the most so you can skip them if you want I nodded picked up my bag and said I'll see you tomorrow after dinner I love you Jim you know I used to believe that as I walked out my phone rang it was an unfamiliar number but I answered hello hi this is Janet Norton from The Sentinel do you have a moment to talk about your incident with Dante Romano over the next half hour I shared the story with her answering her questions by then I had told the story enough that I could

do it without feeling the crushing sadness Janet said she'd write it up for the next day's paper and asked if she could contact me with more questions I agreed afterward I checked into a cheap hotel halfway between home and work I grabbed a few beers at a small local bar but barely registered anything around me my life as I had envisioned it felt shattered I knew I had to focus on the kids they needed stability and a home where they could grow that was non-negotiable but Linda she seemed to think everything would go back to

normal once I got over it but I knew things would never be the same R Linda and I over I didn't have an answer yet but the thought of our kids being shuffled between two homes was unbearable we had to figure something out for their sake the next evening I returned home to our usual chaotic greeting from the kids Linda greeted me with a smile but I held out my hand don't touch me until you give me what I asked for after the kids were in bed she handed me a stack of handwritten pages I

spent a lot of time on this jim I've tried to answer everything honestly I know it will hurt and I cried while writing it but I won't lie to you she tentatively placed the papers in my hand good night Jim I love you she tried to kiss me but I held up my hand and she left I stared at the pages appreciating her familiar handwriting it reminded me of the person I thought she was I sighed and began to read dear Jim when you left you said you didn't understand what I meant when I said

I love you I was stunned I think you meant that if I truly loved you I wouldn't have done what I did and I would have agreed with you right up until Dante came to our table then somehow everything changed I want you to know that my love for you hasn't changed even though I know my actions hurt you deeply I didn't cheat on you to hurt or humiliate you I didn't do it out of Revenge I'm trying to be honest because you deserve the truth even if it hurts when Dante took me in his

arms I felt overwhelmed his size and strength made me feel small and Powerless though he never forced me it wasn't as if I had no choices but it felt like everything had already been decided from that first slow dance I knew I was his for the night and I didn't resist I just went along with it did I like that feeling at the time yes now I hate that I gave up control so easily and to someone I knew didn't care about me would it have been the same with any other big assertive man I

don't think so you know Paul is big and strong but I never felt anything with him like I did with Dante it was just Dante when I signaled D to take me to the restroom she already knew what was going on she said Dante wanted the only girl who didn't chase him and told me I was lucky she promised to keep you distracted long enough for me to get away and reminded me to have have fun then I went outside and Dante was there with my coat I don't know how he got it without the

ticket celebrity perks I guess when he help me into my coat and touched my shoulders I felt overwhelmed just like on the Dance Floor he drove me to his house put on soft music and we danced in his living room I think he wanted to show he was a gentleman by not rushing me to bed which I appreciated we kissed as we danced and he was completely in control after a while he carried me to his bedroom and laid me on the bed he undressed Me Slowly almost reverently and I've never been so aroused in

my life I don't know how long we had sex it felt like forever and it was everything I wanted at one point I thought about texting you to say I was safe and loved you but I was too tired I just fell asleep then I woke up to someone pounding on the door I didn't know it was you when I saw you in the doorway I was shocked I hoped Dante would make you leave but when he told me to talk to you I didn't know what to say so I just told you to go

home afterward I was sobbing and Dante comforted me we went back to bed and he held me until I fell asleep in the middle of the night I heard the alarm go off and Dante shouting he somehow knew it was you by the time I got to the door I was terrified I thought something terrible would happen between you two but the police arrived before it escalated it was humiliating to give a statement and explain who I was and why I was there the officer judged me Jim and it wasn't fair then they arrested you

and I cried for the next 20 minutes in Dante's living room how could something that started so beautifully go so wrong I woke up in Dante's arms again even then I felt the same pull toward him we had Zex again and then he made me breakfast it wasn't as good as yours but after everything I would have eaten anything then we were together one last time and I showered after that something shifted it felt like Dante had released me I could think clearly again I think you were right he got what he wanted and didn't

need me anymore that's when I started thinking about you and how devastated you must feel I knew it would be tough but I don't believe our marriage is in danger our love is too strong Dante dropped me off at home thanked me for a wonderful time and gave me a hug and a light kiss it was over as I walked through the door I was eager to show you how much I love you and want to spend my life with you I still feel that way I don't think Dante meant to hurt you he just

assumed he had a right to me but if I'd said no he would have moved on he treated me well like a lady opening doors and remembering my name it wasn't about me it could have been any woman but I can't help but think well of him because of it this part will hurt Jim Dante is an excellent lover skilled from lots of practice he knew exactly how to please me it was the best ZX I've ever had had but it wasn't with me or for me it was on me you'll never have his experience

and thank God for that you've learned how to love me over time and that's far more valuable than the greatest sex this is the hardest part but it gets easier from here Dante gave me great ZX but it didn't have anything to do with me as an individual I was just another woman to him and that made it impersonal one last thing if Dante asked me to leave you and marry him I'd say no even without and Tommy I would always choose you Dante is an excellent lover but you are an excellent man I know

you're upset my love didn't stop me from giving Dante what was meant only for you but now everything has been returned and my love for you remains unchanged love Linda I felt mentally and physically drained How could a married woman have an affair and then come back to her husband asking him not to do the same is this the modern idea of marriage commitment with no loyalty if so what's the point of marriage at all well she played her game and now it's her turn to face the consequences I gathered the papers turned off the

lights and left for my hotel I couldn't focus at work on Monday going through the motions until a 1: p.m meeting with the divorce lawyer Derek had set up I arrived at Diane Hoffman's office unsure of what to expect she was a no-nonsense older woman energetic and direct it was unsettling when she repeatedly said if I decide to take your case even though I thought her representation was a given after hearing my story she asked are you sure you're not exaggerating I told her everything even showing her the recording from Romano's house as she listened

to Linda's confession and the altercation her smile grew I need a copy of this recording and that confession too she said amazed I had it all in writing when she asked what I wanted out of this I admitted I wish none of this had happened but that's not possible I'd like to magically be okay with it but that's not happening either I'm deeply hurt and I think the best thing is to start the divorce Diane warned me about trust issues moving forward suggesting I hire an investigator to verify Linda's promises she gave me a card

and mentioned it could cost a few thousand dollars but it might help rebuild trust or reveal the truth I was hesitant but understood the cold logic before leaving Diane assured me I'll handle the legal side you focus on your life later that day I met Ron Jackson a middle-aged unremarkable Man Who Sold surveillance equipment I spent nearly $3,800 on tools to monitor Linda's calls texts and activities he helped me set up an app on her phone that would record everything discreetly I didn't feel like returning to work so I headed home early Linda was starting

dinner looking tense I greeted her but there was no hug or kiss she knew our upcoming conversation would be tough I spent time with the kids enjoying their excitement while Linda stewed in her own thoughts that morning I had secretly installed the surveillance app on her phone it took less than 10 minutes and she hadn't changed her password which made it easy later that night after the kids were in bed we sat on the sofa with a glass of wine how was your day she asked typical Monday I replied tired I'm sorry she said softly

mine wasn't too bad it was nice to think about something other than everything I couldn't hide the sharpness in my voice I wish I could say the same Linda flinched then added D called this afternoon what did she want she's not as bad as you think she asked about you first before Dante she said she's sorry for your pain but she's sure it'll get better and be just a bump in the road that shows how much she knows I said coldly we sat in silence for a while looking and acting like we always did just

another night at home but something had shifted there was a distance between us that hadn't been there before and I could tell Linda felt it too do you have any questions about what I wrote Linda asked I shook my head unsure where to begin I was looking for something in your letter but it wasn't there her body tensed what's that any sign that you understand what I have to get past if we're going to stay together she shuttered do you want to talk about that now or are you too tired you need to know but

it doesn't have to be tonight the sooner we talk the sooner you can start healing all right I said Gathering my thoughts let's imagine this was our first date and you left with another man spent the night with him and came back the next morning if that happened would there have been a second date but Jim it was Dante why does that matter you still chose him over me if it were our first date I'd never call you again but after almost 10 years of marriage how am I supposed to move past it Jim I

didn't choose him over you the hell you didn't for the rest of my life I'll have to know I'm only your first choice when a better op option isn't available Linda looked horrified no Jim you've always been my first choice one night doesn't change that one night did change it you chose him from the moment he asked you to dance until he was done with you how can I convince you that's not true you can't because it is you made choices every step of the way signaling D telling her to cover for you walking toward

him you chose him over me every time Linda was quiet then almost whispered maybe I just don't want it to be true I don't want to believe I'm the kind of person who could do that even though my friends think it's okay but that's not what's in my heart a week ago we knew everything about each other's Hearts now I don't even know what to believe she sighed I know I hurt you but wounds heal over time don't they this doesn't have to affect our whole future you're right it'll hurt less eventually but this changed

everything you broke the trust I had in you and in our marriage things I thought would always be private between us or gone what's left to count on she couldn't answer just sighed I haven't changed Jim I'm still just me I know and I haven't changed either but what you did Friday night changed us Linda was quiet for a long time I know this is hard and I know I've hurt you deeply but you always find a way through difficult things you'll find a way through this too I sighed what if the man you married

died that night or the next morning she stood tall eyes full of sadness and determination if he did I'd know because I'd have died too but I don't believe it not for a moment I grabbed my coat and headed to the door maybe you're right but I'm still struggling tonight I'm going back to my hotel as I left it hit me how unfair this was she had made the choice had the night she wanted and all our friends thought it was fine meanwhile my life was a wreck and somehow I was the one left to

find a way forward later that night I got a call from Derek hey man did you know the Sentinel ran your story romano and your wife are getting dragged through the mud I hadn't thought about it since talking to the reporter so I stopped by a store and grabbed the paper sure enough there was a story complete with pictures of Romano's shattered Corvette window the article dove into his career endorsements and his contract negotiations and while it wasn't written as fact it was clear they were pushing the Scandal for the next couple of hours I

kept getting phone calls from friends about the newspaper article eventually I stopped answering and let them go to voicemail when I got back to my hotel and checked the messages one stood out it was from Doug coffee the host of coffee in the morning a local Sports Talk Radio Show Jim he said I saw the article and wanted to know if you'd call into our show tomorrow morning our Peak audience is between 7:30 and 8:30 if you can call at 7:00 we'll see about getting you on air he gave the producer's name and number a

little before 11:00 I Got a notification I hadn't seen before when I checked it was a message through the app I'd installed on Linda's phone dear Linda the message read I was sorry not to see you at Morrison's last night I hope you aren't ill I remember dancing with you and everything that followed very fondly I'd like to get together again soon I'll call you Dante the aole had texted my wife this meant she gave him her number what happened to it's over one and done why would she give him her number if she didn't

plan to stay in touch I anxiously waited to see if she'd respond but thankfully she didn't exhausted I finally fell asleep but my dreams were filled with torment during the day I could distract myself but at night I was defenseless I relived everything that happened at Morrison's imagining Linda's time with Dante in Vivid detail thanks to her letter I saw her give herself to him willingly and in ways she'd never done with me she'd said it was the best Zex she'd ever had and that's what haunted my dreams night after night I woke up sweating

sometimes crying only to fall back asleep and continue the nightmare Linda wasn't helping either while she felt bad for hurting me and damaging our marriage it was clear she didn't regret being with Dante and thanks to his text I suspected it wasn't over how could I trust her that night at the club I thought our marriage was at its strongest but Linda let Dante sweep her off her feet without a second thought for me even when I stood at his porch she still turned me away she shut the door on me on our love on

our marriage these thoughts plagued me until Tuesday morning when I woke up Before Dawn grateful to escape my nightmares I remembered I had to call the radio show so I got dressed and prepared to tell my story as usual I listened to coffee in the morning on my phone while I shade and showered the discussion was focused on the team's performance with some criticism of Dante's play but nothing too harsh at 7:00 I called in the producer reminded me to stick to the facts and avoid getting too emotional then put me on hold when Dan

coffee finally brought me on I felt my nerves rise so let's bring in Jim Lewis Dan said Jim you're not a sports analyst right no just a fan like everyone else I replied but you saw Dante on Friday night and you've got some insight into what went down over the weekend correct yes you could say that Dante and I had some words and that might have affected his game on Sunday I walked the audience through the events at Morrison's including my arrest Dan kept me on track and by the end of my 10minute recount my

story was out callers then flooded the lines some tearing into Dante for letting his personal life affect his performance while a few DieHard fans tried to defend him but they were quickly drowned out Dan kept me on for another 40 minutes as callers continued to vent their anger at Dante toward the end of the show Dan revealed that the team's VP of public affairs and Dante's agent had requested to come on the show the next day to set the record straight Dan asked if I'd be willing to call in afterward to respond it was clear

Dan saw this as a win-win situation for him either the team cleared Dante's name or my story would dominate either way he'd get great radio after the show art the producer called again now treating me like an old friend he was floored when I told him I had recorded the whole incident at Dante's house he asked if I could send the recording over so they could use it on air I agreed but my phone was blowing up with more messages from Linda's phone it was hard to believe how much time she spent texting reviewing all

her conversations felt overwhelming so I decided to wait until lunchtime to tackle it but before I could get back to work I heard the familiar chirp again I checked and it was another message from Dante hi Linda it's Dante i' I'd really like to see you again is this a good number to call let's set something up 20 minutes later another message hi Linda Dante again I really feel we have something special I loved what we did and I'd like to do it again and more I felt my heart racing unlike before I didn't feel

relieved that she hadn't responded instead I felt like I was under attack I was trying to get control of myself when my assistant knocked on my door saying my boss wanted to see me since I had spent so much time at the radio station I arrived at work over an hour late expecting the worst I peaked into my boss's office bracing for a stern look instead I was greeted with a smirk come in Jim sit down I want to talk to you he said motioning to a chair I sat preparing for the conversation I heard

you on case Port this morning while driving to work hell half the company heard you he chuckled I just want to say I'm sorry about what's happened you should have told me what was going on on Monday well Paul I replied I was still in shock and honestly it's humiliating when your wife does something like that with a celebrity I'm not sure I've even processed it yet he nodded in understanding I know you'll keep up the great work but if you need time off let me know I'll cover for you I was relieved by his

supportive tone especially since he didn't mention the radio interview as a potential issue for the company I thanked him and headed back to my office noticing the way my co-workers looked at me everyone knew the rest of the day the atmosphere felt lighter women in the office smiled at me more warmly and the guys would give sympathetic comments whenever I went for coffee the sympathy was nice but it was strange being the center of attention while knowing how broken my personal life was before Friday my life had been steady no major highs or lows I

didn't seek out excitement and maybe that's why Linda felt free to tear it apart knowing I'd work to put it back together but now I realized that my normal life had been an illusion and there was no going back as lunchtime rolled around I stealed myself to sift through Linda's Communications I started with her texts quickly realizing how much women gossip most of her work texts were trivial filled with small talk about co-workers and their outfits I decided to save those for a late night read with a beer the text with her friends were a

bit more substantial but for real insight I turned to the phone calls the first voicemail was from Jane one of the couples we were with at Morrison's it was brief just asking Linda to call her back I suspected Jane had been more involved than I knew then just as I was deleting Jane's call I got another chirp from Linda's phone she had texted Dante hi Dante thanks for the texts I'm in a meeting with my boss right now but can I call you in 30 minutes I was worried you'd ignore meure call whenever he replied

great talk to you soon she sent back I held my breath reading their exchange hoping it was nothing it wasn't Earth shattering but it certainly wasn't good was she just going to tell him to stop contacting her I would find out soon enough I decided to take a quick break visiting the restroom copier and grabbing some coffee when I returned to my desk I began deleting more of Linda's mundane calls from vendors and co-workers then one call stood out hello Dante is that you Linda's voice was soft and eager of course Linda I miss you

babe Dante replied I miss you too I can't get you out of my mind but we need to be careful Jim can't find out I'm talking to you don't worry it's not you he's after it's me he's making a big deal of this he even went to the newspaper and did a radio show this morning trying to make me look bad no Jim wouldn't do that he was just here last night having dinner with us he didn't say anything about it well he did and people are getting upset you need to talk to him and

get him to back off before he digs himself into a hole I'll talk to him Dante but this isn't going the way I thought it would I figured Jim would be mad for a bit and then we'd get back to normal but this time feels different I don't know why you're making this so hard we had something special didn't we you said I made you feel things no one else did not even him yes but Jim is a good husband and a great father I feel safe with him with you it's exciting but you've said

you've never been faithful how can I give up Jim for you if I can't trust that you'll stay but isn't it worth the risk I can't risk my kids's future I love you but I need stability for them just give me more time Linda we'll figure it out I'll talk to you tomorrow I need to deal with Jim tonight okay babe love you me too she said softly hearing those words drained all hope from me I sat staring at my computer realizing Diane had been right trust but verify but now with my worst fears confirmed

I didn't know what to do the rest of the day was an emotional roller coaster sympathy from co-workers mixed with the crushing knowledge of Linda's continued connection with Dante by the end of the workday my assistant Karen came in with a concerned look hey boss you've seemed off today anything I can do to help she asked gently I gave her a polite response thanking her but insisting I would work through it she nodded unconvinced but mollified later when I arrived home for dinner the atmosphere was off the kids were in the family room watching Frozen

again while Linda hovered over the stove smells good I said trying to sound normal dinner will be ready in about 20 minutes the kids would love to spend some time with you she replied coldly clearly avoiding me dinner was strange the kids were chatty but Linda was quiet barely looking at me every attempt to engage her was met with short clipped replies she was angry but trying to keep it from coming out in front of the kids after dinner I offered to wash the dishes but Linda told me to help get the kids ready for

bed instead once Tommy was asleep and Emma was reading in her room Linda sat down at the kitchen table with her arms crossed it was clear she wanted to talk I can't believe you did that she said angrily how could you be so callous and not consider my feelings what exactly are you referring to I asked though I had a feeling she meant the newspaper article or the radio interview I know you're mad at me but to say such mean things about Dante publicly you're messing with his career what about our friends my parents and

my co-workers what do they think of me now her voice grew louder with each sentence if Dante was worried about his career maybe he shouldn't have messed around with married women I replied calmly and as for what people think of you they see you for what you are a cheap oh sorry a free hooker I gave you the chance to handle this privately but you chose to stay with Dante life is the sum of our choices and with actions come consequences even someone as arrogant as Dante should know that Dante is furious with you Jim

she snapped you have no idea what he's capable of he's rich influential and well-connected you don't even know the kinds of people he's friends with so when did you talk to him I asked staying calm but firm her anger briefly flickered into guilt before returning he called me at work how did he know where you work he didn't he called my cell phone she admitted quietly and how did he get your number I gave it to him she whispered when did you give it to him when he brought me home Saturday morning she said almost

pleading and and why would you give him your number if you weren't planning to see him again as you claimed I wasn't thinking when he asked she stammered well the next time you talk to him let him know it's only going to get worse from here I stood up and grabbed my jacket as for your other problems we'll deal with them as they come I need to go home now I've got a busy day tomorrow I said heading for the door but this is your home Jim Linda said hesitantly I'm not so sure Linda we'll

see I grabbed my backpack and left my visit to Ron was looking smarter by the minute my laptop had been downloading the recordings from the phones and cameras during our conversation I just needed time to check them out but it would have to wait it was past midnight when I got to my hotel after a few hours of restless sleep filled with nightmares I woke up Wednesday morning at 4:30 too anxious to go back to sleep I got up showered and by 6:30 I was on my way to the radio station once there artic explained

the setup Romano's agent and public affairs rep would be in the main studio with Dan while I would watch from an adjacent Studio behind a glass window unseen by them at 6:55 I received a text from Linda Jim I know where you are and what you're doing please don't do this think of me think of our family Let It Go please I stared at the message clearly Dante had tipped her off shaking my head I turned off my phone at 7:00 Dan started the show with news commercials and then an intro yesterday we heard the

story of Jim Lewis an average guy whose wife was taken by Superstar Dante Romano leaving him humiliated and alone but today our guests claim it's all just the ramblings of a disgruntled man going through a messy divorce great I muttered were they setting me up but art gave me a reassuring gesture so I sat back and watched the interview unfold Romano's team spun the story Dante didn't know Linda was married he only took her home to make sure she was safe and I had overreacted vandalizing his car in a fit of rage they portrayed Dante

as the good guy even offering to help me get my life together as the hour ended Dan teased my upcoming segment and the men glanced at me now visibly irritated art walked them out and the text began prepping for my part of the show Ry one of the texts explained we pulled clips from your recording and theirs Dan will ask you questions and I'll handle the audio just focus on speaking clearly Ray added I stayed up all night working on this because I think you were screwed over most guys are afraid this could happen to

them but this is real I'll make sure you don't get screwed again Dan's intro kicked in and we were live the show went smoothly Dan played clips from Romano's team followed by my recordings that contradicted their claims when they said Dante didn't know Linda was married we played a clip of him talking about her when they said she wasn't at his house I explained what actually happened and Dan played more audio proving my side of the story it was a perfect L choreographed takedown of their lies after dinner I offered to do the dishes but

Linda told me to help with the kids baths and bedtime routine once Tommy was asleep and Emma was reading Linda sat down at the kitchen table with her arms crossed it was a clear signal that she wanted to talk I can't believe you did that she said her voice tight with anger how could you act so thoughtlessly without caring about my feelings what are you talking about I asked calmly suspecting she was upset about the newspaper article or radio interview I know you're mad at me but publicly humiliating Dante you know you're messing with his

career right and what about our friends my parents my co-workers what do they think of me now her voice rose with every sentence if Dante was concerned about his career maybe he should have thought about that before getting involved with a married woman I replied evenly and as for what people think of you they see you for what you are are a cheap oh sorry a free hooker I gave you the chance to handle this privately but you chose Dante our choices have consequences even someone as arrogant as Dante should know that Dante is furious

with you Jim she spat you don't know what he's capable of he's Rich influential and connected you're messing with powerful people you don't even know so when did you talk to him Linda I asked keeping my voice calm but firm her expression shifted from anger to guilt then back to anger he called me at work how did he know where you work I pressed he didn't she replied he called my cell phone and how did he get your number I gave it to him she whispered almost inaudible when I asked sharply when he brought me

home Saturday morning she answered her voice nearly pleading and why would you give him your number if you told me you were never going to see him again my tone grew more accusatory she hesitated then said I wasn't thinking when he asked I stood up Gra my jacket well next time he calls let him know this is just the beginning as for your other problems we'll deal with them as they come I need to go home now busy day tomorrow she muttered but this is your home Jim Linda said her voice uncertain I'm not so

sure Linda we'll see about that too I grabbed my backpack and left as I walked away I thought about my visit to Ron it was proving to be a smarter move by the minute my laptop had been downloading the recordings while we talked I just need time to review them but that would have to wait by the time I reached my hotel room it was already past midnight I managed only a few hours of sleep haunted by nightmares of humiliation on Wednesday morning I woke up at 4:30 unable to fall back asleep by 6:30 I

was dressed and headed to the radio station when I arrived art explained the plan I'd watch from a separate Studio while Romano's agent in public affairs rep sat with Dan in the main Studio at 6:55 my phone buzzed with a text from Linda Jim I know where you are and what you're doing please don't do this think of me think of our family Let It Go please I stared at the message shaking my head Dante must have tipped her off without responding I turned off my phone at 7:00 Dan kicked off the show introducing the

guests and recapping my story from the previous day then he gave the floor to Romano's team who spun a tale of misunderstandings according to them Dante didn't know Linda was married he only orded her home to make sure she was safe and I had overreacted by vandalizing his car as the hour ended Dan teased my segment and the two men shot me angry looks art escorted them out and I prepped for my time on air Ry one of the tchs explained how they'd pull audio clips from both sides to show the truth I stayed up

all night working on this because I think you got screwed I'll make sure it doesn't happen again Dan's intro kicked in and we were live for the next half hour Dan played clips from Romano's team followed by my recordings which contradicted their claims with each clip I provided context showing how they were lying the whole thing was perfectly executed and by the end it was clear to the audience who was telling the truth was it embarrassing sure but I had made it clear that romano and his people were lying the audience calls that followed were

supportive of me though many focused on how the agents had misled them sports fans are loyal to honesty and they hate being played after the show the team in the the studio cheered and congratulated me even Dan asked if I would call in again sometime as art walked me out he warned be careful big Sports is full of Rich powerful people like Romano stay sharp and avoid trouble I thanked him and left feeling Victorious back at work the atmosphere was celebratory everyone had heard me on the radio but reality hit when I found multiple messages

from Linda on my desk and phone all asking variations of the same question how could you do this to me to our children to Dante I felt a little guilty until I heard her concern for Dante really just then Derek called Jim you've got an arrangment on Monday at 9:00 don't forget you've been charged with vandalizing Romano's car I remember Derek what should I expect mostly just entering your plea and setting a trial date but you admitted everything on your emergency call so the da might push for a tough penalty since it involves a celebrity

what if I plead guilty and explain the circumstances that might work I'll meet with the da and make sure we have the arresting officers for corroboration let's meet at 8:00 on Monday after we hung up I spent my lunch break reviewing the recordings from my house most of it was routine but a call between Linda and D stood out de advised Linda to use more pressure on me suggesting she remind me the divorce would leave me with nothing Linda hesitated saying she wasn't sure she could do that de encouraged her to be tougher but Linda

seemed conflicted torn between Dante and me the rest of my day was a blur with the high of the radio show balanced against the low of hearing Linda's divided loyalty by the end of the day Corey invited me out for drinks with some of the guys I declined saying I had dinner with Linda and the kids but when I texted Linda to let her know she replied almost immediately I don't think tonight is a good idea letun talk tomorrow it was clear Linda still had feelings for Dante just then my phone chirped with a text

from Linda to Dante 10:00 I stared at it unsure what to think when Cory passed by again I called out hey Corey is that invitation still open he smiled of course we're heading to Allstar see you there Allstar was your typical sports bar large rectangular bar high top tables in the center low tables around the edges and booths lining the walls flat screen TVs covered the walls especially around the bar as soon as I walked in I spotted Cory waving from a high top table joined by Matthew Sarah and Jacob work friends Corey and Matthew

were single Jacob was fresh off his honeymoon and Sarah like me was married with two kids when I sat down the group was unusually quiet waiting for me to set the tone for the evening I smiled and Corey immediately broke the tension with a laugh getting everyone else to relax and join in damn Jim Cory said still chuckling we haven't had this much excitement at work in Forever After ordering a drink the group dove into my story since they had all heard the last part of my radio interview I kept things light focusing on the

more humorous moments which got some laughs especially the sucks to be you comment the bar was getting crowded and the drinks were flowing making me feel that coming here was a good decision I was about to order another drink when I looked up and found myself staring into The Bluest Eyes I'd ever seen hi I'm Ashley are you Jim Lewis I'd never seen her before and was surprised she knew my name tall blonde and beautiful Ashley looked like a runway model crossed with the girl next door yes have we met I asked confused oh no

but you've changed my life her words Hit me hard she quickly explained until two days ago I was Dante Romano's fiance the shock made me Focus instantly she told me how she and Dante had been planning to marry but then everything changed when my story came out despite her smile I could see the pain in her eyes Ashley invited us to join her and her girlfriend friends at a big table by the window Cory and Matthew were clearly eager but it was up to me to decide for the group I agreed and we moved to

the new table where we met Ashley's friends Jessica Alexis and Nicole all cheerleaders the conversation took off quickly but this serious topic of Dante and Linda never really came up then the girl's attention shifted to the front door where a striking woman entered petite and with Mediterranean features she had dark hair that framed her face like a lion man I stood up instinctively as she approached everyone this is Ellen our assistant coach Ashley announced before turning to me and Ellen this is Jim Lewis Ellen was stunning beyond beautiful almost like a work of art as

we shook hands I could see both excitement and sadness in her eyes after we sat down I asked why they all seemed to recognize me Ellen explained that my story had shaken their entire team most athletes are used to getting whatever they want and Dante is no different he's a star and the team always turned a blind eye to his behavior even when he started dating Ashley which was against the rules but you stood up to him in a way no one expected and now the whole team is feeling the heat Ellen revealed that management

had called a meeting that day to address the bad press surrounding Dante specifically mentioning my name they'd implemented a zero tolerance policy for player behavior and Dante was now a pariah in the locker room her words were eye-opening I've been so focused on my own problems that I hadn't realized the broader impact of my actions as the night wore on it became clear that Ashley had dumped Dante after learning about his affair with Linda she didn't seem devastated more upset that it had become public knowledge Corey was trying to fill the void left by Dante

and Ashley seemed to enjoy the attention by the end of the evening the group had dwindled to just Ashley Corey Ellen and me Ellen and I spent most of the night talking one-on-one though she resisted sharing much about herself she seemed genuinely interested in hearing about my situation but kept the conversation away from her personal life possibly out of respect for her role as the cheerleader Mentor given the late hour and sensing that Ashley and Corey weren't leaving anytime soon Ellen turned to me and quietly said Jim I don't want to intrude but I haven't

felt this comfortable with someone in a long time I think there's more we need to talk about but it doesn't seem like we'll get the chance tonight would you like to meet again I smiled I feel the same way Ellen there's so much I don't understand and we haven't talked much about you yet I'd love to meet again soon her face lit up how about lunch tomorrow that sounds great where would you like to go should I pick you up Ellen smiled no I'll meet you how about the Madison it's quiet and I hear the

food is good is that okay I was surprised the Madison was where our evening started the night everything fell apart it wasn't a place I wanted to revisit but seeing 's excitement I agreed 12:30 at the Madison sounds good I'll make the reservation Ellen said wishing me good night it was a little after 10:00 when I left the bar and drove back to my hotel though my conversation with Ellen had distracted me I kept thinking about Linda's cryptic text 10:00 when nothing happened at 10:00 I grew suspicious and decided to drive by the house the

street was quiet and the house looked normal dark except for the living room light I figured the kids were asleep I didn't consider myself a stalker but curiosity got the better of me I parked down the street and crept around to the back of the house peeking into the dark kitchen and family room finally I went to the porch and looked into the living room window there was Linda sitting on the love seat with a glass of wine calmly talking to someone out of view I figured I should leave before getting caught but then I

noticed a shadow move on the wall I leaned in for a better look and my blood froze it was Dante Romano sitting in my living room holding a glass of wine anger and confusion hit me how could this be happening I hadn't received any alerts from the phone tab so she must have called him from work what could I do now if I barged in it would be obvious I'd been spying just then a neighbor's gate creaked open followed by the sound of a trash can rolling down the driveway triggering dogs to start barking feeling

exposed I made a hasty Retreat back to my car crap crap crap that was all I could think what the hell was going on I I reassured myself that everything would be recorded and I'd know the full story tomorrow I barely slept that night replaying the image of Linda and Dante in my head thoughts of Ellen also lingered there was something about her that felt like she was holding back the next morning I woke up early groggy and frustrated as I got ready I listened to the local sports radio rumors of a postseason trade involving

Dante Romano were being discussed which made me wonder how Linda would react to this this especially after what I saw the night before I texted Linda to confirm she had left for work good morning Linda I hope you slept well I miss seeing you and the kids how about dinner tomorrow night her reply was cold what's the matter no more crap to sling on the radio today I responded nope tell the a-hole he's safe today childish yes but I couldn't resist with no reply from her I headed to the house inside everything looked normal just

the breakfast dishes in the sink I set up my laptop to download the surveillance files grabbed the financial documents from my lawyer and check the kids rooms Tommy's room was its usual mess and I smiled as I caught a faint whiff of his shampoo from his pillow Emma's room was pristine and I noticed a new photo of the two of us at her Halloween party framed in a heart that brought tears to my eyes in the master bedroom I found my personal item stashed away replaced by Linda's things my clothes had been pushed to the

back of the closet replaced by outfits I didn't recognize it was was unsettling but I couldn't make sense of it yet back in the kitchen the files had finished downloading I packed everything up and headed to my lawyer's office Diane had things well in hand she gave me a list of Court approved counselors and told me to pick three later back at the office I received a call from D I immediately hung up she was the last person I wanted to talk to a few minutes later my friend Dave called trying to defend her but

I wasn't having it shek no friend of mine I snapped I hesitated briefly then went for it it after Linda left the club with that idiot on Friday de told me something shocking she said if Dante had picked her instead of Linda she'd have gone with him and done the same thing Linda did to me Dave stammered clearly uncomfortable but I could tell he believed me still he pressed on Jim don't you see you and Linda are the best of us we look up to you both why do you think you're always the designated driver

it's not just about you staying sober it's because we trust you to do the right thing if you two can't make it what hope do the rest of us have Dave if we're the best of you then there's not much hope for your marriage we exchanged a few more words before saying goodbye neither of us changing the other's mind I realized Dave needed de in his life just like I needed her out of mine after hanging up I locked my office door and reviewed the video files from my house the night before Ellen's text confirming

our lunch came through as I watched Linda getting the kids to bed she then spent an hour getting doled up like she was preparing for a date not a good sign I muttered right before 10:00 Linda dressed to impress answered a call a man's voice said I'm five out before hanging up moments later she let Dante Romano into the house they shared some wine in the kitchen then moved to the living room where Linda sat on the love seat keeping some distance from him at least they weren't kissing but their conversation took a disturbing turn

Romano complained about how I'd been talking to the press and the radio making him look bad he was worried about losing endorsement deals due to morality Clauses and pressured Linda to get me to stop before things escalated further I was interrupted by a knock at my office door Karen rushed in with a client issue and I had to shift focus by noon we had made enough progress for me to head to lunch when I got back to my office to grab my coat Karen looked concerned sorry for barging in earlier boss you seemed off is

everything okay yeah just caught me by surprise I've got a lunch appointment but I'll check in when I'm back at the Madison I spotted Ellen right away she looked stunning even more so than I remembered as we settled in our conversation flowed easily she opened up about her tough childhood her parents love story and the tragedy that struck when her father died in a car accident her stepfather was abusive and her mother fell into a deep depression Ellen's story was heartbreaking yet she spoke with a quiet strength just as we were bonding my heart sank

as I saw Linda storming toward our table her face Twisted with anger what the hell are you doing here she demanded who is this woman I tried to keep calm lower your voice Linda she wasn't having it you're having an affair this isn't an affair it's lunch I said raising my voice so others could hear an affair is when a wife sleeps with someone who isn't her husband you should know Linda looked shocked embarrassed by the onlookers I asked Ellen to give us a moment and escorted Linda outside where I noticed D sitting with friends

so D was the one who tipped her off everyone in that restaurant now knows what you did and they probably think you're crazy on top of it I said go back to your office or wherever Linda demanded to know who Ellen was still suspicious her name is Ellen and you introduced us I said she didn't believe me well if you hadn't spent the weekend with Dante she wouldn't be sitting with me today but D said she saw you holding her hand Linda pressed she shared something painful with me and I was consoling her I explained

that's what decent people do you've always said married people shouldn't meet others alone without telling their spouse she countered and she was right I had said that before it's not as if you haven't done worse recently Linda she snapped back you keep bringing up what I did can't you understand that was different I'm not talking about Friday I said her face went pale what did you do last night nothing I was with the kids really I stopped by the house last night Linda she looked panicked why didn't you come in because you weren't alone her

face drained of color what did you see enough to know you're lying we needed to talk but not here she agreed to come by after work without another word I walked back into the restaurant passing de's table I stopped stared at her and said you're a vile person de I want you out of my life completely if I see or hear from you I'll be forced to do something you won't like got it witch D looked shocked and I slammed my fist on the table nod your head D do you understand she nodded quickly and

I walked back to Ellen who sat quietly looking out the window that must have been awful she said softly turning to me with kindness in her eyes but you handled it well it amazed me how she thought of me first despite being publicly insulted it was empathy something Linda had been missing throughout this whole mess Ellen and I tried to pick up our conversation but my mind kept drifting back searching for any moment when Linda had shown true empathy during tough times Linda was kind and confident but empathy that had never been her strength especially

lately we finished lunch but the mood had shifted we thanked each other for a nice meal and agreed to stay in touch though no plans were made we parted with a simple kiss on the cheek and as I left I thought maybe some time and space was exactly what we needed when I returned to the office my team greeted me with enthus enthusiasm happy with our recent Project's success but I needed space I closed my office door and began reviewing the recordings from the night before the day blurred by and I vaguely recall Karen saying

good night by the time I left it was after 6:00 and as much as I dreaded it I knew I needed to see the kids at the house it was quiet except for something baking in the oven and a letter from Linda on my plate in the letter she apologized for everything with Dante expressed regret and asked for a chance to rebuild our marriage a week ago I would have cherished that letter even 24 hours ago I might have considered it but after seeing the recordings it didn't mean as much I folded it put it

in my coat grabbed a beer and waited for them to come home the evening with the kids was perfect playing wrestling and laughing but after dinner Linda poured us drinks clearly ready to talk I wasn't I told her I was too tired and would talk tomorrow as I left she asked don't I even rate a kiss I paused gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and walked out back at the hotel as I was getting ready for bed I heard the familiar chirp of my phone it was a text from DEA Linda so how

did he take it I don't know Linda replied he didn't stay long so I didn't get a chance to talk to him HEK such a crap D wrote ignoring my earlier warning he'll never find someone as amazing as you I don't know D Linda responded he seemed distant like someone had died I'm not sure where his head is don't worry you're not stuck in a Convent D replied cryptically after some gossip the text ended it was clear Linda had shared details of her time with Dante but was holding back the worst parts from even D

just as I was about to fall asleep I got another notification it was a recording of Linda's call to Dante after texting d i HIIT play and listened Linda flirted and Dante reassured her even promising to wear his football towel a certain way during the game as a signal T her he complained that I was making things difficult and Linda admitted she hadn't talked to me about stopping Dante pushed her to take the next step with him emphasizing that he could give her a better life than I ever could Linda admitted their night together was

the best zeex of her life and that she couldn't deny the attraction but she still saw me as the father of our children the call ended with both of them professing their love I woke up early the next morning unable to shake the events of the past week it felt impossible that this story could have a happy ending at least for me determined to take control I decided to move back home if only to be closer to my kids and not give Linda more time with Dante I texted Linda to let her know I was

moving back that evening her enthusiastic response came quickly that's great news honey the kids will be thrilled we need to talk at the house I set up my laptop to download the surveillance files after listening to what Linda had said and written I couldn't bring myself to sleep in the same bed with her I moved into Tommy's room setting up an air mattress and organizing his toys I cleared Linda's things from the bedroom and bathroom moving her clothes to Emma's room and storing the extras in the garage Linda wouldn't be happy with the changes but

I was sure she'd see it as temporary I grabbed my laptop and headed to work arriving only slightly late throughout the day Linda texted in a good mood eager to get back to normal and asking if I wanted something special for dinner when I walked into the house that evening everything felt surreal the kids were dressed up watching TV and Linda dressed as if she were going out was finishing dinner the table was set with our best dishes she didn't mention the new Sleeping Arrangements but upstairs I noticed she had made changes our wedding photo

was Now by my side of the bed and a glamour shot of her was facing me from the other side dinner was pleasant but subdued Tommy was excited about his new room setup while Emma wasn't happy about losing hers I reassured them it wasn't permanent and I noticed Linda smiling before Emma could even react after dinner Linda insisted on doing the dishes which was unusual I spent the evening with the kids helping with their baths and reading them bedtime stories when I returned to the living room Linda was sitting on the couch with a glass

of wine and had a beer ready for me Jim I know you're tired but we need to talk she said can it wait until tomorrow I asked avoiding eye contact frustrated she replied I just want to discuss everything you've been doing with the newspaper and radio it was clear her priority was Dante I stood up nothing's planned for tonight so it can wait good night I went upstairs leaving her stunned that night my phone chirped with messages undoubtedly between Linda and Dante but I didn't care I slept better knowing I had frustrated their plans the

next morning I started yard work early when Linda called me for breakfast I told her I'd eat later around 10:00 she came outside and asked if I could watch the kids while she went shopping I agreed happy to have more time with them when she returned that afternoon with with only a few bags my suspicions grew later after pretending to nap when she knocked for dinner my phone continued to chirp with messages I ignored them enjoying the piece of shutting out Linda and Dante the next morning I decided to take the kids to the zoo

I left a note for Linda I thought you might be tired so I'm taking the kids to the zoo we'll be back by dinner have a great day we spent the day enjoying the zoo and I turned off my phone to avoid interruptions when we returned home the kids were asleep and Linda was at the kitchen table where have you been why was your phone off she demanded we were at the zoo I didn't want to be disturbed I said calmly her scowl deepened but she dropped the subject I told her I'd be out for

dinner with Derek that evening and she angrily reminded me we were supposed to talk I simply replied I spent the whole day with my family I'm not ready to talk to you I left the Sunday Sentinel on the counter the front page read Romano is history local star traded to Salt Lake City Linda glanced at it showing no surprise that was unfair Jim she said coldly Dante didn't deserve that I felt my blood pressure rise a lot of people are responsible for what happened Linda including someone in this kitchen I left without further discussion pretending

I had plans with Derek in reality I wasn't meeting him I just didn't want to deal with Linda and accidentally reveal what I knew from the surveillance footage that evening I scrolled through Linda's texts and listened to to a furious Romano after learning he was traded the thought of him wooing married women while being humiliated made me laugh a little when I got home the house was dark except for a light in Linda's room after quietly entering the master bedroom Linda knocked on the door she sat on the bed in a revealing robe looking sad

is there any chance for us Jim she asked desperate I don't know Linda I replied honestly if youd come home with me instead of staying with mono maybe but now I'm not sure she broke down pleading for forgiveness I never meant for this to happen I love you Jim please tell me we can fix this I pulled away it's too late now I'm not the same person anymore I have a hearing tomorrow and need to sleep when I asked if she planned to attend Linda immediately said yes determined to do whatever it took to repair

things I simply said good night Linda and closed the door the next morning I woke up early ready for the hearing by 6:00 a.m. I was out the door stopping for gas and glancing at a newspaper with another story about Romano's downfall I met Derek at his office near the courthouse and he reassured me about the day's proceedings I listened hoping his words would calm both of us as we entered the courthouse Lobby the deputy sheriffs were screening everyone much more intensely than Airport TSA since both criminal and civil cases were handled here they likely

preferred dealing with troublemakers at the door rather than inside a courtroom after after clearing security we took the elevator to the third floor stepping into a long hallway lined with Windows on one side and dark panel walls with doors leading to various courtrooms on the other Derek spotted a middle-aged woman in a suit and greeted her Bobby I see you knock me here this morning she chuckled thought I'd have an easy day but you ruined that didn't you Derek excused himself to speak with her leaving me to text Linda letting her know I had arrived

she replied that she was at the office and to let her know when the hearing was starting while waiting I looked up the citation I'd been charged with vehicle 30661 it was clear that I had violated the law by damaging Dante's car the misdemeanor could carry up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine the jail time worried me more than the fine and my anxiety Rose just then Derek returned but the woman Roberta malinoff the assistant district attorney was gone good talk was all he said I told him what I had found in

my brief research but he brushed It Off Jim you're smart but let me handle this he led me into an empty courtroom which looked just like the ones in movies I took a seat in the first row behind the defendants table and Derrik spread out his materials to claim our spot slowly the room began to fill up at 9:00 the bayth announced that all cell phones should be silenced when the judge entered everyone stood and then sat in unison Derek whispered that my case was being pushed to the end of the docket as expected the

the next two hours dragged on as we waited for other cases to be handled each one seemingly more serious than the last I grew more nervous as the judge's patience were thin by 11:20 the courtroom had mostly emptied and Bobby returned with an assistant I noticed Janet Norton the reporter sitting quietly in the back but Linda was still nowhere to be seen the judge called my case and the clerk read out the charges against me malicious mischief to Dante Romano's vehicle the judge asked both lawyers if they had had spoken and believed the case could

be resolved today they both agreed and the judge called them into his Chambers I sat alone feeling the weight of the situation a few minutes later two police officers likely the ones who arrested me entered and sat down then just as I was about to lose hope Romano walked in followed by Linda she tried to make it seem like they weren't together but her guilty expression said otherwise Linda slid into the seat next to me Whispering has it started I briefly explained what was happening and signaled for her to stay quiet after about 15 more

minutes Derrik and the prosecutor returned and the judge re-entered the courtroom Derek signaled me to stand beside him as the judge asked if I was ready to enter a plea Derek confirmed we were and the judge addressed me he acknowledged Derrick's efforts on my behalf but had a question about restitution he asked to see the repair estimates Derrik had presented the judge explained that the damage to the car was minimal with estimates ranging from $88 to $348 he noted that Derek had said I had offered $500 in restitution which Romano declined is that true Mr

Lewis he asked yes your honor I replied Romano immediately stood up shouting that's a lie he never offered me anything the judge turned to Linda and asked is that true Mrs Lewis did your husband offer $500 to Mr Romano as restitution Linda froze clearly caught off guard by being dragged into the proceedings she glanced at Romano who signaled how she should respond then she looked at me but I gave her nothing finally she faced the judge and said no your honor Jim didn't offer Dante anything the judge pressed her again warning her of the consequences

of perjury but Linda stood firm I'm sure your honor I was there the whole time and if he had I would have seen it it was clear that Romano still had a hold on her the judge then asked the prosecutor if she had Witnesses and she called officer Maria Johnson to the stand officer Johnson testified that I had asked her to note the $500 check I left under the windshield wiper of Romano's car she further explained that she had photographed the check and later saw Romano tear it up in front of Linda with that the

judge asked for my plea and I responded guilty your honor he decided to defer sentencing for a year placing me on unsupervised probation if I stayed out of trouble the charge would be dismissed Romano Furious stood up and shouted but the judge silenced him making it clear that the restitution I offered was more than fair the judge concluded by addressing romano and Linda accusing them of attempting to deceive the court and sentencing them both to 3 days in jail for contempt as the courtroom emptied a man approached romano and Linda serving them legal papers Romano's

Fall From Grace was complete his career soon ended and Linda moved to California after our divorce which was finalized within months I got custody of the kids and life slowly moved forward I reconnected with Ellen after the divor course and after some time we became serious I proposed during a quiet moment by the lake and to my surprise she said yes we married a few months later and slowly but surely Ellen became a beloved part of my family the moment I truly knew we had become a real family was when my kids Emma and Tommy

thanked us for a perfect day at an amusement park calling Ellen mom for the first time later that night as we hugged and reflected on how far we had come Ellen smiled up at me and asked do you think it's too soon to start talking about having more kids [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]