Wife Demanded Open Marriage - I Refused & She Cheated On Me. But Then Karma Played Hard. Audio Story

[Music] just a few days ago life felt normal busy with work deadlines and family responsibilities my wife Kelly and I had our ups and downs but nothing seemed unmanageable we had built a life together full of joy and shared experiences though I couldn't shake a growing unease I tried to dismiss it as just the stress of daily life but the tension between Kelly and Me grew and our small disagreements became bigger she seemed distant and erratic and every time I tried to talk about it she brushed me off I knew something was wrong but never

imagined how bad it would get now sitting on the bedroom floor exhausted and overwhelmed I could hardly believe where I was just a few days ago I couldn't have imagined I'd be in this situation the carpet once a point of Pride was now ruined a symbol of everything that had gone wrong I closed my eyes and muttered what the hell am I doing I'm better than this when I opened them I saw the hardwood bed and for a moment I imagined Kelly standing there but I knew that vision would never be real again everything was

spinning out of control my hands were shaking as I tried to steady myself feeling overwhelmed by the situation the world around me blurred but I noticed a half empty booze bottle and an empty pill bottle on the bed I forgot to cap the bottle I thought bitterly the smell of booze filling the room panicked I looked for the letters I had written they were on the bedside table not the mattress safe from being ruined what if the wrong person finds them I wondered but quickly dismissed the thought I wouldn't be around to worry about it

why did it have to be this way I asked myself feeling bile rise in my throat my daughter would hate me for this but she probably already did after what happened last week I can't take this pain anymore I whispered even as my life drained away the pain remained a week ago I would have fought to survive but now I felt broken unwanted and despised I saw no other option the pain in my wrists had subsided slightly leaving me in a days as I drifted into a deep sleep I expected something maybe a flash of

my life a light or even Darkness but there was nothing just the realization that I wanted to survive but it was too late as the Blackness consumed me I felt the last of my strength fade away a week ago I was laughing with my daughter Grace spinning her around our home in Perth Australia she was 19 and her boyfriend John had just proposed dad he proposed she had said her eyes shining I had known it was coming and had given my blessing Grace and John had been together since middle school and I couldn't have been

happier for her then Grace excitedly told Kelly and me about the proposal Jon sent me on a treasure hunt around town and finally proposed under a tree in King's Park she said her Joy contagious I hugged her and twirled her around thrilled for them the next day in the kitchen I reassured her even though they're young their love is strong I admired the engagement ring on her hand smiling it's beautiful Gracie I said then turned to John you did a great job picking it out Kelly sitting nearby snorted at 42 she was still a beautiful

woman brown hair brown eyes and a tan complexion she raised her wine glass and said you should thank me I helped Jon choose it mom that was inappropriate Grace said turning to her it's okay sweetie Kelly replied I know you made the final Choice the comment made me un comfortable Kelly had been acting strangely over the past few months little things comments and actions that didn't seem like the loving woman I knew we continued to celebrate the engagement with a festive dinner after dessert Grace and John left for their apartment and I couldn't shake the

unease from Kelly's comment the next morning Kelly and I woke up slowly as we started to get physical engaged she suddenly pulled away and walked off to the bathroom leaving me stunned Kelly I called what's the matter from the bathroom she replied is there anything for me a minute later she added I'm already getting cleaned up shocked I took a shower and found a note in the kitchen saying she was leaving for the day anger boiled up in all our years together Kelly had never been so disrespectful I started to wonder is she cheating on

me I was lost in thought when my friend Roger called hey Bart what's up he asked in his usual cheerful tone nothing much I replied trying to hide my unease something's off off Roger said sensing it I spent the next 10 minutes telling him about Kelly's strange Behavior Roger laughed if she's cheating there's not much you can do divorce is 50 50ths and she's out of work she'll take you to the cleaners that's not helping I said annoyed I'm just being realistic Roger replied letun talk tomorrow at work we have a report on the Pembrook

project due and we can discuss this afterward sure I agreed without much enthusiasm Roger and I worked together I was the senior engineer and he was the program manager we made a great team balancing each other's strengths somehow I got through Sunday Kelly came home late nearly midnight and didn't say a word even though she knew I was awake the next day she tried to act as if nothing had happened it's not going to happen Kelly I said getting out of bedou saying no she asked surprised I started dressing for work after your disrespect last

weekend I can't if you're cheating on me I trailed off Unsure how to finish she sneered what are you going to do Bartholomew there's nothing you can do her tone softened slightly but still carried a hint of mockery come on just go back to bed she urged we both need this I shook my head who are you you can't treat me like this Kelly the contempt you're showing is unbelievable well screw you she snapped her voice full of Venom I left the room disgusted with my wife for the first time in 21 years of marriage

that morning at the office I was visibly stressed my assistant Myra noticed immediately Bart are you okay you seem off she said with concern Myra had been my assistant for 10 years when she was hired she had just left an abusive relationship and showed up to the interview with a black eye despite that she was more than qualified for the job intelligent capable and much more than just a pretty face over the years she earned my respect for her strong moral code and ability to handle herself I hesitated but eventually told Myra about the situation

with Kelly as I spoke her frown deepened and by the end she was clearly angry on my behalf I don't know what to do Myra if she's cheating on me I didn't see it coming I admitted feeling defeated Myra who rarely touched me placed a comforting hand on my shoulder first letun get through the Pembrook meeting there are some issues with the pipes and concrete she said shifting Focus to work what why didn't Roger mention this I asked already thinking about how to handle the situation before we could discuss it further Roger popped into my

office you ready buddy he asked smiling Roger what's this about problems with the pipes and concrete I asked quietly he waved it off don't worry we'll sort it out the meeting turned out to be a disaster the penbroke owners usually friendly were visibly upset as I gave my progress report their expressions grew darker Peter the CEO asked what about the concrete and pipe overruns in the Northeast I looked looked to Roger who just Shrugged with everyone staring at me I said I'll need to check last week's figures showed everything was within budget Peter's frown deepened

then why have I signed off on over $200,000 in extra costs for concrete and pipes over the last 3 months I was stunned and looked to Roger again but his expression was unreadable he suggested we step outside to figure things out in another room we met with our boss Clarence before I could explain Roger handed Clarence a folder they asked about the missing materials as we expected Roger said Clarence turned to me his eyes full of anger what are you saying Bartholomew he nearly hissed I was shocked by his tone sir I've been informed everything

was on track I didn't approve any extra costs Clarence opened the folder and glared at me so this is the story you're sticking to he asked sharply I was confused Roger now serious said we have requisitions for $26,000 the payments went to a bank account in your name after all these years this is how you repay me Clarence was almost yelling and I felt the situation spiraling out of control the meeting ended and Clarence and Roger took turns accusing me of fraud refusing to believe I was innocent they called in HR and I was fired

on the spot with Clarence threatening to involve the police to make matters worse Myro was also fired because of her close association with me as I was escorted out with a few of my belongings I caught Roger smirking thinking I wouldn't know notice outside I found Myra by her car crying and shocked Myra are you okay I asked but she spun around Furious you prick Bartholomew you committed $200,000 in fraud and ruined my job I trusted you she shouted it wasn't me Myra I tried to explain she cut me off I saw the signed papers

with your signature how could you and that story about Kelly cheating was that a lie too you've destroyed my career for the first time in our years working together I I saw pure anger from Myra she slapped me hard calling me a liar and a thief before driving away stunned I drove home where Kelly was waiting she sneered the cheating husband returns pathetic in the days that followed I noticed Kelly seemed almost happy about everything confused I confronted her what's going on Kelly I didn't do any of this Kelly grinned it doesn't matter Bart I'm

done with you a little later there was a knock at the door a man handed me a thick envelope you've been served he said before leaving it was divorce papers Kelly a divorce I whispered feeling my world fall apart even more Kelly laughed of course I've been seeing someone else for months he's everything you're not interesting and with money you've lost your job your family and soon your freedom she leaned closer enjoying my misery make it easy for me sign the papers I'm taking the house and most of the property you'll be in jail soon

anyway so so you're staying with your lover I asked feeling utterly betrayed she laughed again yes and once you're in jail we'll be renting out the place don't even think about stalking me or I'll have you arrested I sat down overwhelmed by everything Kelly noticed the handprint Meer had left on my face and smiled cruy at least that strumpet got fired too go die in a hole Bartholomew and with that she walked out I spent the rest of the day doing nothing not even drinking the next day still unsure of what to do I tried

calling Grace but it went to voicemail after about 20 Rings she finally answered what do you want she asked coldly Grace I I began but she cut me off just stop Dad she said harshly mom told me everything about your cheating lying and affair with your assistant you've ruined so many lives and I've never been more disappointed in anyone I was speechless and just as I tried to respond she interrupted again listen John and I want nothing to do with you you were on the news the police are after you don't come to our wedding

I don't want a man like you walking me down the aisle I'll find someone else I said nothing as tears streamed down my face are you even listening do you realize how badly you messed up Grace asked but I could only SOB goodbye Dad you're dead to me don't ever contact me again she said then hung up I collapsed crying 2 days later the police arrested me bombarding me with questions about the alleged fraud they released me but told me not to leave town as I had a court date the following week back home I

looked around at the family photos and Grace's trophies so many memories now felt Hollow the past week had been a blur deep down I knew I was missing something but I had no idea what my wife left me my daughter disowned me I was fired and Myra blamed me even friends turned their backs asking me to stay away I was alone defeated with no idea what to do next as an engineer I was used to solving problems but this felt impossible after a shower I forced down a stale sandwich The Taste only deepening my despair

Grace cutting me out of her life was the hardest blow I stared at the table where a bottle of sleeping pills and booze sat for the first time dark thoughts crossed my mind but I shook them off I just needed time the next morning I received a restraining order barring me from Kelly John or Roger and demanding I leave the house by Monday it struck me as odd that Roger was included something clicked in a fit of rage I texted him you prick this is all your fault I'm going to find you and destroy you

I got no reply but soon after the detectives returned reprimanding me for violating the restraining order they didn't care about my side they just wanted me in jail they told me to stay in the house and pack my things with a detective monitoring me frustrated I downed three shots of booze and decided to write notes to Kelly Grace and Myra to Kelly I wrote I'm disappointed in you you're a traitorous strumpet and I hope you burn in hell for what you've done to me I filled the note with curses then spat on it before sealing

it in an envelope to Grace I expressed my deep sadness and disappointment that she never asked if I was guilty I never cheated on your mother she cheated on me I never stole any money I wrote I urged her to see through the lies and to grow up then I softened my tone encouraging her to love Jon fully and think kindly of me once things settled I also asked her not to let Roger walk her down the aisle as he had betrayed me tears stained the letter as I sealed it in an envelope to Myra

I started with an apology you're not to blame for this situation I wrote I explained how I believed Roger had betrayed us both and that he was likely the one involved with my wife I apologized if I had ever made her uncomfortable with my glances assuring her they were just a timid appreciation of her beauty I asked for her forgiveness when her anger subsided after sealing the letters I placed them on the bedside table attaching a Post-It note for the detectives to investigate Roger finances if they wanted the truth next time do your job and

don't drive an innocent man to this I wrote I then took a bottle of booze and sleeping pills into the bedroom after placing the letters on the bedside table I attached a note for the detectives to investigate Roger I took a long hot shower sipped more booze and swallowed the pills I dressed neatly before collapsing on the floor near the bathroom holding a straight razor as I considered ending it all I thought about how I'd become unwanted and despised later I learned detective David rlight had come to my Aid he had been monitoring the situation

and after being alerted by a concerned neighbor entered the house to find me in need of immediate help an ambulance was called and the house became a crime scene I was in a critical State when they found me barely conscious and quickly taken to safety the investigation found three hidden cameras I knew nothing about along with the booze pill bottle and letters I was unconscious for 3 days when I woke a nurse quietly told me I was in a private Hospital in Hollywood she pointed out Myra who had stayed by my side despite everything seeing

her I quietly said her name waking her up she immediately took my hand Bart what were you thinking she demanded her voice gentle despite her frustration Tears In Her Eyes I thought it would be better this way I admitted overwhelmed with shame she snorted you think ending your life is the answer I've known you for over a decade and I've never seen you give up so easily what were you thinking Myra kept asking the same question her voice steady as we sat in Silence with only the hum of machines around us finally I spoke Myra

I'm so sorry when Kelly you and Grace turned on me I felt trapped no one asked if I was guilty I was just condemned my wife told me to die my daughter disowned me my friend betrayed me and I hurt you I wasn't thinking clearly I got drunk and in a weak moment did what seemed right at the time I shouldn't be here I said sadly she nodded then gently sat on the edge of the bed I'm sorry too Bart she whispered tears forming in her eyes I was angry and didn't consider that you might

be innocent I was wrong it's okay Myra I replied softly no it's not the fact that you're here thinking I'm part of what drove you to this I don't know if I can forgive myself she said starting to cry it's okay Myra I repeated closing my eyes exhausted we sat in silence her hand holding mine until a doctor interrupted us smiling as he looked at my chart well Mr other it's good to see you awake how are you feeling he asked alive didn't expect to be I replied the doctor frowned and Myra did too letun

work on keeping you that way he said downplaying my comment he checked my stitches and vitals while Myra watched gasping at the sight of my wounds the doctor explained I needed to take it easy due to the blood loss and the effects of the stomach pumping He also mentioned a detective wanted to speak with me when we were alone again I asked Myra are you here because of my letter she shook her head no I haven't seen it detective rlight told me about it she said her voice shaking my cousin works here and called me

when you were admitted after the self-destruction attempt I couldn't look at her feeling overwhelmed with shame Myra continued I was still angry when I left but deep down I knew you couldn't have done it I've worked with you for years when I heard what happened I realized you had been set up I'm so sorry Bart she sobbed her head resting on my chest tears soaking my gown after a few minutes she stood up wiping her face when she tried to pull her hand away from mine I held on she gently wiped the tears from my

eyes and smiled I thought about it more and realized it didn't make sense you always loved your job but when Roger showed me the documents I was so angry she said noticing how I tensed at Roger name it was him wasn't it Roger set you up I nodded I think so I can't prove it but the signs are there he didn't warn us about the overspending and there are signed documents I've never seen I also think he's involved with Kelly I paused eyes closed holding Myra's hand I'm sorry Myra I never thought Roger and Kelly

would d you into this but I can't prove my innocence which is why I did what I did we fell silent until a new voice entered the conversation you're right you can't prove it they did a good job framing you but real criminals don't act like this the man who entered the room was large and fit exuding confidence Mr other I'm detective David rlight I along with your neighbor Mrs Hawkins found you glad to see you're feeling better I Shrugged thanks but I'm sure you'll be arresting me when I'm released I said bitterly feeling Myra

squeeze my hand tighter about that detective rlight began Myra and I looked at him as he ran his hand through his hair I've been assigned to your case and some things don't add up would you be willing to be interviewed again I think so I've got nothing left to lose I replied Myra suddenly asked what about a lawyer shouldn't he have one the detective sighed yes he should have a lawyer and it's a good idea Myra nodded and told me I'll take care of it she left the room making a call as the detective and

I watched her go detective round light commented she cares about you a lot Mr other I think you need people on your side right now I'm the one you're investigating I reminded him he grinned true but I think there's more to this case than meets the eye you do believe you're innocent don't you absolutely I'd never steal from a company I loved working for I said showing him my bandaged wrists just then Myra returned my cousin Reagan Brown will be representing Bart she announced the detective smiled I know Reagan she's a good lawyer have her

contact me as soon as possible we talked for a few more minutes before the detective left that was unusual I remarked yeah cops aren't usually this friendly Myra agreed we sat in silence for a bit before I asked who's looking after Tilly my mom's got her Myra said handing me a drawing from Tilly a hospital scene with a get well soon message it brought tears tears to my eyes thank you I said hely have you heard from Grace Myra shook her head I've tried calling but no response she said sadly we talked quietly until Reagan

arrived after introductions Myra stepped out leaving us alone Reagan like Myra was attractive with Sandy brown hair and it was clear they were related she likes you you know Reagan said echoing the detective I snorted we've worked together for years Reagan smirked men can be clueless I laughed without humor I think my ex-wife proves that Reagan gave me a sad smile don't worry I've talked to detective rlight and it seems he's on your side I have some theories about what's going on and I'll handle your case your only crime was trusting the wrong people she

then asked what do you want from the divorce my face darkened I want as much as I can get Reagan understood my anger Kelly and Roger set you up possibly stole from the firm and left you to take the fall you have every right to go after them with everything you've got don't hold back I liked my new lawyer Reagan she spent time with me asking about the events leading up to my self damage and reassuring me that things would be okay she said she'd contact me for a formal police interview after my release the

next few days were slow I stayed in the hospital with doctors and nurses checking on me regularly without my phone I couldn't call anyone and I doubted anyone wanted to hear from me anyway but Myra visited the next day bringing me a paperback book and Demi in by Dan Simmons which made me laugh it was a book I'd enjoyed years ago as Myra sat beside me reading her Pride and Prejudice she smiled and said I'm here to look after you we chatted and at lunch she brought me roast beef with chips and a chicken wrap

for herself despite the pain in my wrists I began to feel a bit more like myself later Myra returned just as the doctors removed my IV and informed me I'd be discharged the next morning if my blood tests were clear I told her I don't know where to go I don't have a phone or wallet to get a hotel and I can't go home Myra smiled Reagan got a court order to access your belongings I brought your phone wallet clothes laptop iPad and shaving supplies I was stunned by her kindness thank you now I can

at least find a hotel but I noticed she looked worried what's wrong I asked you were right about Roger and Kelly she said quietly when Reagan the officer and I went to get your things they were there living together they weren't expecting visitors I sighed I'm sorry you had to see that what happened she smiled slightly they yelled at me to leave until the officer warned them they'd be arrested for violating a court order then I got your things tears welled up in her eyes as she recalled seeing the blood stain on the carpet don't

ever do that again she pleaded I promise I replied holding up my bandaged hands the next day freshly cleaned up Myra met me as I was discharged and we walked to her car she drove me to a condo complex in Kings Park Myra why are we here can I stay at your place I asked of course you can't she smiled you don't need to spend money on a hotel stay in my guest room for a few days Reagan is meeting us this afternoon to discuss your case I'd been to Myra's house before a cozy two-story

home she shared with her daughter Tilly after settling in Reagan arrived bringing legal documents and a serious expression Bart you're a very lucky man she said she explained that Roger and Kelly almost got away with everything but their plan unraveled my accounts were Frozen including one they'd fraudulently opened in my name Reagan had obtained video evidence of them opening the account and was pursuing legal action for fraud and mental cruelty she assured me they'd face consequences soon Reagan also told us she had initiated legal proceedings against my former employer for unfair dismissal she expected everything

to be resolved by the end of the week and arranged a formal interview with Detective rlight for the next day advising me to follow her instructions she believed my wife and Roger would be arrested soon over the next hour we discussed details and signed documents Reagan assured me that all charges would be dropped the next day after she left I unpacked my clothes and toiletries Myra and I spent the afternoon talking about what might happen next when Myra left to pick up Tilly from school I turned on my phone for the first time in days

I found missed calls and texts mostly from Kelly taunting me to sign the divorce paper before I ended up in jail interestingly there were also several missed calls from my former job asking me to get in touch but there was nothing from Grace when Myra and Tilly returned Tilly eagerly shared her day with me full of energy and excitement I enjoyed spending time with her helping with homework and reading together she reminded me so much of Myra and her innocent Joy was a welcome relief from my worries we had dinner and watched TV together before

bedtime Tilly asked me to put her to bed and gave me a hug that almost brought tears to my eyes her genuine affection was a stark contrast to the pain of Grace's rejection afterward Myra and I sat on the couch talking she held my hand and hugged me assuring me that everything would be okay the next day after the interview with Detective rlight and Reagan all charges against me were dropped that evening the news reported that Kelly and Roger had warrants out for their arrest for fraud and identity theft but they were nowhere to be

found later that evening grace called for the first time but I let it go to voicemail I wasn't ready to talk to her the next day she called and texted repeatedly asking me to call her but I wasn't ready her sudden concern felt insincere driven by The Fallout from her mother and Roger's actions I was angry that she had abandoned me so easily and only reached out now that night I had a nightmare about the night I hurt myself in the dream Kelly and Roger were mocking me and Myra Grace and John joined in leaving

me to to die I woke up screaming drenched and sweat Myra rushed to my side with Tilly standing in the doorway crying I put my head in my hands and sobbed I'm sorry I can't do this I said trying to calm down Myra and Tilly climbed onto the bed with me till he reassured me saying it's all right Uncle Bart you just had a bad dream mom and I will stay with you I couldn't sleep after that Tilly eventually fell asleep beside me her hand on my stomach while Myra looked at me with concern are

you okay Bart she asked gently holding me close I thought for a moment no I'm not okay it was a dream about that night I couldn't finish but Myra understood she kissed my cheek and nuzzled into my neck what are we going to do Bart she whispered her voice full of pain I hugged her and Tilly close wek figure it out it'll be okay in that moment Myra's concern helped me feel more like myself than I had since that terrible night I held them both until the sun Rose feeling a glimmer of hope for the

first time in days the next morning after breakfast Myra took Tilly to school while I started searching for a counselor I knew I needed help by the time Myra returned I had already made several calls she smiled at me then became serious Bart can we talk she asked leading me to the couch I nodded thinking I knew where this was going it's okay Myra I said I realized last night was scary with Tilly here it's not good if I'm waking up screaming I'll find somewhere else her her eyes widened and she quickly grabbed my hands

looking panicked no Bart that's not what I wanted to talk about it's actually the opposite she took a deep breath Bartley I'm in love with you Myra said almost babbling excuse me I replied stunned I'm in love with you and have been for a long time she repeated more softly blushing she searched my face as she continued when I heard you were in the hospital I went crazy with worry I couldn't stand the thought of losing you without telling you how I felt I was speaking speechless as she went on I tried to keep it

to myself but seeing you hurt last night broke my heart I had to tell you having you noticed I don't go on dates she asked yes I answered puzzled but I assumed it was because of Tilly that's partly true she admitted but it's also because no one else measures up to you she explained how she had admired me from the moment she started working with me I treated her with respect helped her and made Tilly feel special you've been like a father figure to her Myra said when everything fell apart last week you handled it

with Grace you didn't lash out even when I did she blushed recalling how she had slapped me you're an amazing man Bart I love you for so many reasons if Kelly was foolish enough to throw you away I'm here to pick you up she kissed me and time seemed to stop will you take me Bart will you make me your woman Myra asked I was stunned I had fantasized about her before but this was happening so fast I knew things with Kelly were over and Myra's love made me feel less like a failure but I

also feared it might backfire Myra seemed to sense my hesitation but said nothing she simply took my hand and led me to her bedroom afterward we fell asleep I had another dream like the one before where Kelly and Roger were tormenting me but this time Myra appeared healed my wounds and flew away leaving the scene of anxiety and sorrow we woke to the sound of the alarm I shuddered but didn't scream as we dressed I told Myra about the dream and she looked concerned she took me with her when she went to pick up Tilly

from school a few more weeks passed and both Roger and Kelly were arrested while trying to flee the country they panicked when they realized the charges against me had been dropped and drove from Perth to Adelaide where they were caught by Customs it took two months for them to be brought back to Perth but during that time my relationship with Myra grew stronger I moved into her bedroom now our bedroom and fell like I was in my 20s again I had clearly fallen in love with her when Roger and Kelly were brought back to Perth

I realized Myra was right I barely thought about Kelly anymore a month later Myra Reagan and I testified in court against Kelly and Roger Roger avoided looking at me during the trial and was sentenced to 15 years Kelly however kept her eyes on me the entire time it was revealed that Roger had masterminded the entire scheme seduced Kelly and orchestrated the fraud Kelly was sentenced to 20 years as an accessory with an additional 5 years for mental cruelty based on evidence from hidden cameras she had set up for Roger after the verdict the judge granted

our divorce Reagan pointed out that we had split our savings and agreed to sell the house with proceeds divided immediately I also agreed with considerable persuasion from Reagan to act as trustee for Kelly's funds until she served her time I wasn't allowed to use her funds but could invest them the court ordered Roger and Kelly to begin their sentences immediately Kelly's lawyer requested I spend an hour with her before she was taken to jail and after some hesitation I agreed in the interrogation room Kelly looked defeated her shoulders slumped unlike in the courtroom she didn't

meet my gaze after a few minutes of silence she quietly said I'm sorry Bartley I was surprised that she spoke first and apologized are you Kelly I asked letting some bitterness show she looked at me with tears in her eyes yes Bart I'm sorry I wanted to dismiss her apology but she asked to continue I gestured for her to go on thank you she said looking me in the eye Believe It or Not Bart I'm sorry I don't know what happened to me I loved you and still do despite what I did but one day

I woke up feeling a sense of loss I can't explain she looked down at her hands and continued a few weeks after I first felt lost things started spiraling I got angry at you because you still loved me even though I didn't feel the same Roger noticed and started pushing my buttons it took a month before the affair began he played on my insecurities and got me into bed then used my guilt to set his plan in motion you may not have known but Roger was always jealous of you your leadership your success he convinced

me to open a bank account in your name and make it look like you stole money we both knew you were trusted and by the time it all unraveled Roger planned for us to escape with the money we thought we'd be Out Of Reach if we were caught mean while you didn't care that you were destroying me I said struggling to contain my anger she nodded sadly at first I didn't want to but Roger broke me down piece by piece to make the plan work you had to be completely broken you nearly succeeded I replied

if not for detective round light and Myra you might have we sat in silence before Kelly asked can I see them understanding I placed my scarred hands on the table she gasped and started to reach for them but hesitated tears streaming down her face inside I was overwhelmed with emotions rage shame and to my surprise a lingering shred of love for her Kelly seemed to sense my turmoil and looked at me intensely I'm really sorry Bart I'm ashamed of what I did I'm going to serve my 20 years without appeal I deserve it I nodded

relieved she would face her sentence she looked up again Bart just so you know you were never a bad lover you were far better than Roger he was selfish in bet unlike you I have no excuse for how I treated you that last morning we were quiet for a moment then she asked you and Myra yeah I replied a bit unsure she smiled weakly good she's loved you for years you know I just found out recently I admitted with passion and pain in her voice she said may she love you and heal the pain I

caused she'll never betray you like I did she's everything I'm not Kelly I I hesitated unsure of what to say don't worry she said wiping my tears with her sleeve I agreed to your terms I was surprised by how generous you were even after everything I sighed Kelly I once loved you more than you realized if you had talked to me about your feelings maybe we could have avoided all this but I'm trying to move past what you did I still hold a lot of anger inside I want to scream at you strangle you for

what you said but I can't I chose to end my life and I have to live with that we sat quietly for a moment then Kelly said I'm sorry Bart you deserve better than what I gave you I share the guilt for pushing you too far I'll always be ashamed I saw the letter you wrote and you were right I will burn for what I did but I thank God you're still alive I clenched my teeth struggling with the emotions swirling inside me how could Kelly say these things now trying to ease the anger and

pain I was still holding on to it wasn't fair so I changed the subject I offered to manage your money out of respect for our years together you'll have enough to start over when you get out if you want to I said trying and failing to hide my emotions Kelly noticed my attempt but went along with the change in topic laughing bitterly I'll be in my 60s by then hopefully enough to retire on keep at it and you'll make it to 80 we talked briefly about our finances which relaxed us both a bit but I

sensed she had more to say have you talked to Grace she asked hesitating I shook my head Grace cut me off accepted your lies and it broke me she never even asked if I was innocent she just threw me away after that call I I stopped turning away to hide my tears if I had looked back I would have seen Kelly crying too facing away I continued Myra tried contacting Grace while I was in the hospital but there was nothing I wiped my face and sat back down while Kelly did the same I'm sorry Bart

Kelly said wrinkling her nose Roger and I planned this including turning Grace against you I nodded anger flashing in my eyes as Kelly admitted her actions she hung her head in shame knowing she had ruined my relationship with our daughter if it's any consolation Kelly said sadly Grace has cut me off too she's angry and scared and I can't fix it she feels guilty about how she treated you and the fact that you're not talking to her makes it worse Kelly paused then continued Bard I know I don't have the right to ask you for

anything but could you find it in you to forgive Grace she needs at least one parent I realize now that even if I wasn't in prison the guilt of what I did would have destroyed me please Bart take care of our daughter Kelly I took a deep breath what you're asking is hard you hurt me deeply but when Grace told me I was dead to her that hurt more than anything you did I want to reconnect with her but the pain of what she and you did I don't know how to get past it Kelly

nodded understanding my struggle I get it she said sadly knowing I was trying but still had a long way to go I sighed look Kelly I'm trying not to hate you I'm getting professional help but it's hard not to yell and curse at you as for Grace I'll consider talking to her but I can't promise anything Kelly seemed to age before my eyes during this conversation she stood up and said Bart I know it means little now but I'm sorry for what I did I have no excuses and I know I can never make up

for it I'll serve my time and hope that one day you might forgive me she looked up at me her face lined with wrinkles you may not believe me but I still love you I lost sight of that for a while but I always will we stood in awkward silence as tears streamed down Kelly's face she knocked on the door and her prison escort opened it before leaving she looked back at me love Myra Bart give her the love I foolishly threw away live a beautiful life and hold your head high remember there are people

who care about you even in my darkest times I lost sight of that but I'm proud of you you're becoming yourself again goodbye my beautiful man I'll never forget you Kelly said as she walked out I reflected on our conversation there was no shouting Kelly had accepted responsibility and her prison sentence as I left the room I noticed a Trail of Tears on the floor where Kelly had walked I paused mourning what once was then turned and walked away my spirits lifted when I saw Myra waiting for me in the public Gallery looking beautiful even

on such a solemn day did everything go well she asked yes I replied it was surprising I expected excuses but she took most of the blame and showed real remorse what do you think about that Mya asked I still have a lot of anger toward Roger and her but unlike Roger I also feel sorry for her she knows she ruined everything and now she's paying for it Grace has cut her off too I said Myra nodded then hesitated John and grace are here John said they'd be at the cafe across the street if you wanted

to talk apparently they had a big fight over how Grace treated you but she's desperate to see you I took a deep breath you think I should talk to her don't you Myra nodded yes my love there's a pain in your soul that only Grace can heal but I'll be with you the whole time and if I need to I'll defend you like a mama bear I love you Bart I leaned in and kissed her I love you too Myra it was my first public Declaration of love for her and I didn't care who saw

Myra was the only person who mattered letun go I said and we walked hand inhand to the cafe as we entered we saw Grace and John Grace seemed torn between running away or hugging me I opened my arms and she clung to me crying and repeatedly saying I'm sorry Daddy I glanced at Myra who smiled and at Jon who looked unsure of what to do after a few minutes I gently pushed Grace away and we all sat down I just talked to your mom I said quietly Grace nodded I heard Dad I'm sorry I'm just

I held up my hand to stop her I know Gracie your mom explained a lot but your words hurt me deeply I felt abandoned by someone I thought would always care about me what hurt the most was that you didn't even ask if I was innocent Grace blushed with embarrassment dad I she squared her shoulders no I need to say this I should have given you a chance to explain but I didn't I can't blame mom or Roger but they convinced me you were guilty that you were going to jail that you were having an

affair she glanced at Myra by the time you called I was so worked up that I said things I regret JN added that's what caused a lot of our fighting when Myra left messages about you being in the hospital I thought it was a trick mom and Roger made it sound like you were just seeking attention and that Myra was part of your scheme Grace looked at Myra then at me they said you just wanted attention but it's true dad you were trying to she couldn't finish the sentence and none of us could I nodded

took a deep breath and showed Grace my scars I'm sorry Gracie I was at my lowest point and didn't see a way out I got drunk and made a terrible mistake I said slowly it was hard to speak but I knew I had to show her the impact of her words Grace began sobbing into her hands while Myra held me close as our emotions threatened to overwhelm us after a few moments of Silence John spoke up trying to lighten the mood I know this is serious but can I assume something good came out of all

this he asked gesturing to Myra and me Grace looked up eyes widening daddy you and Myra yes I nodded feeling the need to explain but it wasn't an affair like your mother told you I never cheated when I woke up in the hospital Myra refused to leave me even she believed what Roger and your mother said for a while we reconciled and I realized how much she loved me Myra blushed wrapping her arms around me and gave me a quick kiss JN smiled and Grace after a moment found her composure thank you she said to

Myra thank you for being there for my dad Myra laughed which eased the tension and we spent the next few hours talking sharing our experiences at one point Grace switched seats with Myra to give me a hug while that meeting didn't heal everything it was a start it took months for grace and me to rebuild our relationship and we went to counseling together to work through trust issues and other challenges one difficult session involved me asking Grace not to cut her mother out of her life completely despite everything Kelly was still her mother and she

was paying the price for her actions Grace agreed to visit Kelly but only if I went with her the first time that meeting was tough and we didn't talk much about it afterward but Grace made an effort and a week later Kelly sent me a letter thanking me for convincing her 6 months later when things had settled I proposed to Myra during a family dinner Tilly and Grace thought it was long overdue and John shook my hand telling me to take care of her repeating my own words back to me soon after Grace and John

got married with my blessing Myra visited Kelly in jail and asked if she could take over as mother of the bride Kelly in tears agreed Tilly was the flower girl proudly calling herself my second daughter from that moment I was no longer uncle Bart but Dad walking Grace down the aisle I felt the last remnants of our strained relationship disappear and later Grace sent photos and a letter to Kelly thanking her for allowing Myra to step in I hear Kelly keeps those on the wall in her cell meanwhile as the legal issues with Roger and

Kelly settled Reagan negotiated a significant settlement for Myra and me Clarence initially resisted but just before the trial he offered a deal that Reagan rejected as too low eventually we secured a high six- figureure sum for Myra and a seven figure sum for me the settlement was small compared to the potential damage of a public trial but it forced Clarence to retire and sell his company for much less than it was worth with the settlement money Myra and I started our own engineering consulting firm offering administrative and Engineering Services within 6 months we had five

employees working on large projects across the country one of our first clients was Peter pemro who took us to dinner to apologize he realized we had been wronged and admitted that the project had nearly failed without my engineering skills since then we've been invited to all major Pembrook events whether we're working on their projects or not Peter was a good man caught in a bad situation eager to make amends we sold Myra's small house and bought a much larger one with a stunning view of Kings Park the old five-bedroom three-b house needed restoration and we

spent two years fixing it up taking breaks only for family holidays a wedding and the birth of Grace and Tilly's little brother Byron life improved though I still had occasional bad dreams with Myra always by my side more than a decade later Byron was 10 until he was in university studying law like Aunt Reagan one lazy Saturday Grace and John were with us on our front Terrace overlooking Kings Park Byron was playing Xbox with my seven-year-old grandson Bruce while my 5-year-old granddaughter hope tried to join in Grace brought up her mother dad I got a

letter from Mom this week she said cautiously although Kelly wasn't a taboo topic everyone tread lightly when mentioning her over the years I had received several letters from Kelly and even visited her a few times I knew she was in treatment and respected in prison despite having 8 years left on her sentence what did she say I asked among other things she mentioned that Roger was released last month Grace said I silently sipped my drink feeling Myra's hand on mine did she say anything else Myra asked Grace nodded yeah she said he came to see

her he didn't look well and it wasn't a calm conversation I'll visit her next week to learn more we discussed this briefly then I called David rlight now a close friend and head of the major crimes team Bart how are you how's Myra David greeted me warmly Myra is great I replied but I just found out Roger was released David's tone grew serious yes I got the report yesterday I plan to tell you at bowling next week he's moving to Adelaide got a job and told his probation on officer he wished you'd rot in hell

for ruining his life he's had a tough time though and I don't think he'll be a problem thanks David that was my concern if I hear anything I'll let you know we talked briefly about bowling in an upcoming barbecue before I returned to the table Myra asked David I nodded he confirmed Roger's left in his moving to Adelaide but he still hates me the feelings Mutual I told the family the rest of the day was subdued but my family made sure I felt supported that night I woke up screaming from my first nightmare in years

in it Roger threatened my family forcing me to use the razor again Myra woke up instantly trying to calm me down without hesitation she called my therapist who kindly took our call at 2: a.m. I explained the dream while Myra cried beside me talking about it helped and my therapist suggested the dream was triggered by Roger's release and my lingering anxiety we arranged a follow-up session afterward Myra checked on Byron who was still asleep till he was awake but when went back to bed after hearing our conversation I lay back down and Myra snuggled close

do you think Roger will be a problem she asked concerned no I think he'll disappear and we won't hear from him again and even if we do we're prepared I said hinting at the hunting gear stored safely Myra nodded I'm sorry this news upset you are you okay sort of I replied there will always be a shadow from those days but I focus on the good now I'm grateful for you the woman who saved my life my Myra looked at me seriously I love you Bart I love you too Myra I replied we fell asleep

and while life wasn't perfect we had more good days than bad there were still fights nightmares and challenges but I knew I had the unconditional love of a woman who made everything possible friends who accepted me and a family that supported me through life storms [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]