When her spouse departs with a message, Abbie’s life is upended. A shocking phone call from her mother-in-law few days later reveals a secret that shakes Abbie. Matthew—what happened?
“Matthew? It’s not funny—where are you? I cried out anticipating his voice from another room.
The home was quiet save for the refrigerator’s hum.
A letter on the kitchen table made my pulse accelerate.
Read, “Don’t search for me.”
I wanted a nasty joke. Matthew enjoyed pranks, but this was different. I called him on my phone but got voicemail.
I responded, “Matthew, call me back,” attempting to maintain my voice. This isn’t funny.”
I phoned his mother next. Hi, Abbie. Have you heard from Matthew?
“No, dear,” Claire said. “Is everything okay?”
Yes, it is. I think he went for a walk.”
I hung up and called his closest buddy James.
“No, Abbie, we haven’t heard from him,” James answered, sharing my anxiety.
Matthew never returned.
The youngsters kept asking, “Where’s Daddy?”
No clue how to respond. Holding the letter, I headed to the police.
“Ma’am, with the note he left, we can’t search,” the officer responded.
He’s missing! A lump rose in my throat as I argued. Suppose anything happened to him.
Officer shook his head. “Sorry, but adults can disappear. Nothing we can do.”
I left the station powerless and alone.
Our pleasant suburban home was suddenly scary and empty when I returned. I gathered the kids in the living room.
“Kids, I need to tell you something,” I said, shivering. “Daddy is… He’s been away.”
“Why, Mommy?” my youngest inquired.
“I don’t know, sweetheart,” I hugged her. “But we must be strong, okay?”
The days that followed were filled with tears and questions.
I saw Matthew everywhere in the home.
His favorite coffee cup on the counter, his shoes at the entrance, and his timeless jacket in the closet.
Trying to keep things normal for the kids was hard. My heart bled more each time they inquired about their father.
Later, my mother-in-law called.
“If you want to know the truth, promise me you won’t tell Matthew anything,” she said via FaceTime, shattering the stillness.
“Promise? What’s up?” My stomach knotted as I asked.
Matthew is at my place. She started with his mistress and their newborn.
Horrified.
“Matthew told me to keep it a secret from you, Abbie,” she said. His mistress had nowhere to go, so he brought her here. He wants to rent them an apartment using your joint account money. He told me he’ll divorce you and live with his mistress. “She’s barely 19.”
I felt like the earth had collapsed.
Tears distorted my eyes as I tried to understand her.
He’s what? Stammered.
“I’m sorry for lying about his whereabouts and not telling the truth earlier,” she said. “I was unsure what to do as he is my son… I needed some time to reflect. But you’re also my family and the mother of my beloved grandchildren. Therefore, I told you the truth. Abbie, you have time. You may hire a lawyer and save for your kids.”
Shaking, rage, betrayal, and despair surged through me.
I remarked, “I can’t believe this,” attempting to calm down. “Thanks for telling me. I must defend my kids and myself.”
After hanging up, I sat in quiet, realizing my predicament. Matthew, my trusted and loved boyfriend, planned to leave us for another lady.
The youngsters sensed trouble. “Mommy, where’s Daddy?” my youngest said, confused.
I hugged her and whispered, “He’s not coming back, sweetheart.” “But we have each other, and we’ll be okay.”
I couldn’t believe what my mother-in-law said, but I had to continue for my kids. I called a lawyer immediately.
Unknown caller called as we explored my alternatives. I paused before responding.
“Hello?” I spoke carefully.
“Hi, Abbie? It’s Lisa. The lady Matthew is seeing is me. I need to speak to you,” stated the other party.
A shiver raced down my spine. So dare you! I snapped. “How dare you call?”
Please meet me. You must know something crucial. Please consider your family, she begged.
I raged. Had her speech not sounded helpless, I would never have consented to see her face.
“Alright. You want to meet where? I requested.
Is that ancient café on street 8 familiar? 6 p.m. Does it work?
My eyes searched for her when I entered the café at 6 p.m. I was shocked to see Lisa’s photo and learn Mathew dated a girl so young.
She was at a corner booth.
“Thank you for coming,” she murmured as I sat down.
What prompted your meeting? I requested.
I didn’t know Matthew would leave you like way, but he told me. She started, “I didn’t agree to anything.”
“Why believe you?” I asked defensively, folding my arms.
She took a stack of papers from her backpack.
Matthew sent these emails. He stated nasty things about you, which I know are false. He manipulates us both.”
I started reading the documents.
My hands shook with wrath as the lies and treachery were revealed. “I can’t believe this,” I said, shaking my head.
Lisa stared at me intently. His goal is to steal everything from you. I won’t participate. Want to help.”
How come you doing this? Shocked, I asked.
“Because I didn’t know his true nature until it was too late. “I want to make things right, at least in some small way,” she replied, crying.
She appeared remorseful and desperate to me. Maybe she told the truth.
“Alright,” I replied softly. “If you want to help, we need as much evidence as possible. I must safeguard my kids and our future.”
Our strategy took an hour to discuss. Lisa revealed Matthew’s machinations, and we formed an unexpected partnership.
Trusting the lady who had been with my husband was weird, but her eagerness to assist gave me hope.
Next morning, I sat at my lawyer’s office.
We must face him united. However, I must first safeguard my funds and prevent him from taking anything more from us, I informed my lawyer, Kate.
“With the information Lisa provided, we can freeze the joint accounts and protect your assets,” she said.
We meticulously covered the details.
Kate completed the papers to freeze our joint accounts and safeguard my assets.
I felt rushed, but we had to be thorough.
Everything Lisa told us was vital.
One night, I sat at the kitchen table with papers.
Mom-in-law came to assist with the kids. She served me tea and sat across from me.
“You’re doing the right thing, Abbie,” she whispered. “I am sorry for what my son is causing you.”
Claire, Matthew is solely responsible for this. No one saw this coming, not even Lisa,” I said, sipping tea. “Thank you for your support.”
“You’re stronger than you think,” she confirmed, squeezing my hand. Im always with you, okay?
The day arrived when everything fit. I breathed deeply and approached my mother-in-law’s door with Lisa. Law enforcement followed, ready to pursue our legal activities.
Matthew was astonished to see us when we arrived.
“Abbie, why are you here?” glancing between me and Lisa, he demanded.
“It’s over, Matthew,” I replied. “We know everything. You lied, betrayed, and planned. You’ll be caught.”
What’s this? You can’t hurt me!” Screaming, he became crimson.
Lisa approached, speaking calmly but firmly. “We have. You won’t injure others.”
The cops entered with legal paperwork.
You must join us, Mr. Johnson. One said, “You’re getting a restraining order and to leave.”
Matthew peered about, losing confidence. “This isn’t fair,” he whispered, wobbling as he sought to escape.
“Oh, it’s perfectly fair, ex-husband,” I said, waving the divorce papers. “You chose, and now you pay.”
I felt relieved and exhausted as the cops led him out. Lisa and my mother-in-law supported me unconditionally.
“Thank you,” I murmured, crying with relief. I couldn’t do this without you two.”
I cried again, but with hope and thanks. It was time to rebuild and advance.
