DNA Test Exposed Cheating Wife's 20-Year-Old Secret: I Got Nuclear Revenge.Sad Audio Story
In this shocking and emotional story, a DNA test uncovered my wife's 20-year-old secret of infidelity. Devastated by the betrayal, I devised a nuclear-level revenge that turned our lives upside down.
Watch the full video to learn how I discovered the truth, the steps I took to uncover her long-hidden deceit, and the explosive revenge that followed. This is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the lengths one can go to seek justice.
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In this shocking and emotional story, a DNA test uncovered my wife's 20-year-old secret of infidelity. Devastated by the betrayal, I devised a nuclear-level revenge that turned our lives upside down.
Watch the full video to learn how I discovered the truth, the steps I took to uncover her long-hidden deceit, and the explosive revenge that followed. This is a gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the lengths one can go to seek justice.
Our Workflow:
1. Begin by formulating inquiries, conducting research, crafting a script, and developing insightful opinions or commentary. Refine these elements until they are polished and ready for production.
2. Engage in voice recording sessions to narrate the stories, pose questions, and express opinions in a dynamic and captivating manner, ensuring an enjoyable experience for viewers.
3. Capture gameplay footage until a sufficient amount of engaging material is amassed for background usage.
4. Utilize editing software to incorporate the gameplay footage, while simultaneously transcribing captions, refining voiceovers, integrating sound effects, adjusting colors, and refining the composition by adding or removing clips as necessary.
5. Conduct a thorough final review of the video to ensure it meets the quality standards expected for our channel. If any shortcomings are identified, return to the editing phase to make necessary adjustments, including re-recording lines or modifying opinions and commentaries.
Subscribe for more real-life stories of betrayal, dramatic revelations, and epic revenge!
If this story resonated with you, please like the video and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Stay connected for more updates and exclusive content:
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FunTranscript
00:00As we strolled away from my youngest son's dorm, Amanda, my wife fought back tears.
00:05We had just moved him in, and Amanda was sniffling.
00:08Katie, our neighbor whose son was rooming with ours, also looked emotional, pulling a napkin from her purse.
00:14I can't believe our boys are grown up already, Katie said, wiping her eyes.
00:18Amanda took a napkin.
00:20Yes, it's hard to believe, she replied, drying her tears.
00:24Now they have to make so many decisions on their own.
00:27As we headed to the parking lot, my mind was spinning with a major decision of my own.
00:32Doubts crept in. Should I go through with it? I'd been planning this for nearly a decade.
00:37Was now the right time?
00:39Did I need to do this at all?
00:41Amanda reached for my hand, but I dodged it, pretending to search for my car keys.
00:46Katie gave me a puzzled look.
00:48Mark, it's okay, Amanda murmured. I understand what you're going through, if only you knew.
00:54I thought back to when Amanda and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary during an election year.
00:59Politicians seemed as dishonest as ever.
01:02I wondered, when these corrupt politicians die, do you dig a hole for them or just screw them into the ground?
01:08Later I checked the mail and saw a padded envelope among the bills and junk.
01:12I had won some SD cards on eBay, but the shipment was delayed.
01:16Opening the envelope, I found a smaller manila envelope inside.
01:21I muttered, pulling out the enclosed letter.
01:24I hope this bet doesn't bankrupt me.
01:27This is going to ruin my whole day, not just today but for many days.
01:31Dear Amanda, the letter started.
01:33I hope this finds you well and happy.
01:35What the hell? I blurted out, examining the torn envelope more closely.
01:40It was addressed to my wife, Amanda.
01:42Josh regrets his actions. What actions? I wondered.
01:46Josh I recalled was a former neighbor, a perpetual drunk we nicknamed Slinky, who fancied himself a photographer.
01:52Tossing aside the letter and envelope, I opened the larger manila envelope.
01:56Several 8x13 photographs spilled out.
01:59The first few showed Amanda, 10 years younger, in rather revealing poses.
02:03Tight blouse, shorts.
02:05The outfits looked familiar.
02:07Flipping them over, I saw no dates.
02:10Rushing to my home office, I grabbed a framed family photo from my desk,
02:14a picture of Amanda with our first son, less than a year old at the time.
02:19Amanda had given me this photo for Christmas.
02:22In the framed picture, she was wearing the same outfit.
02:25The lighting in the framed photo of my oldest son was almost identical to the one I received in the mail today.
02:31I turned the framed photograph over and the date was nine years ago.
02:34Now I had a date that matched the photos.
02:36As I looked through the series of photos, Amanda went from being half-dressed to topless and eventually completely unclothed.
02:43With each revealing photo, my blood pressure surged.
02:46In the last series, Amanda was shown in various intimate positions.
02:50I sank into the chair at my desk, feeling dizzy as if all the blood had drained from my head.
02:56How long has Amanda been cheating on me?
02:59I muttered, glancing at the family photos scattered on the table, searching for any sign of Josh.
03:05The collection showed my family's evolution, Amanda on our wedding day, Amanda with my eldest son as a baby, Amanda with both boys as they grew up.
03:13Except for the first one, all had logos from various photo stores.
03:17A terrible thought struck me. What if the boys aren't mine?
03:20I grabbed the most recent photo of my wife and our two boys in their summer baseball uniforms.
03:25Pride surged through me.
03:27The pride any father feels looking at his children, but I scrutinized them more critically.
03:32Both boys resembled Amanda in appearance, but seemed to inherit my build and jawline.
03:37Leaning back in my chair, I felt weary, yet this did not ease my mind.
03:42Then a thought flashed.
03:45I rummaged through my desk drawers and retrieved a copy of the medical form my sons had filled out for baseball season.
03:51In my day, paperwork was mostly about emergency contacts.
03:55Now it spanned nearly six pages covering food allergies, insurance details, waivers, medications, and permissions.
04:02Even the document ending World War II could fit on one sheet of paper.
04:06It took some time, but I found the information I sought amid the extensive paperwork, the blood type certified by our doctor.
04:13I reached into my wallet and withdrew my red cross-blood donor card.
04:17The card read, Group O.
04:19Amanda shared the same blood type.
04:22We often joked about how we could donate blood for each other.
04:25Relief washed over me as I confirmed my eldest son's form also indicated Group O.
04:30Carefully looking at my younger son's profile, I found his blood type.
04:34Bold black letters showed blood type A.
04:37Even a high school biology student knows that two O types cannot produce in a type child.
04:42I thought my world couldn't collapse twice in one hour, but it did.
04:45I stared at the letters A for what felt like forever, hoping they would somehow change.
04:50They did not.
04:51Wild thoughts raced through my mind.
04:52I'll confront Amanda.
04:54No, I'll leave Amanda.
04:55No, I'll confront her.
04:57Then leave.
04:58Or maybe I'll take the boys and leave Amanda.
05:00They were nine and eleven.
05:02Surely they'd choose their dear old dad if given a choice at all.
05:06These thoughts exhausted me for an hour, giving me more questions and no solutions.
05:10By the time I went upstairs to bed, I was drained.
05:13The next morning at the kitchen table, I watched Amanda at the sink.
05:18Last night when she and the boys got back from the movies, I skipped dinner.
05:21After a restless night, I felt strangely calm.
05:24The house looked the same.
05:26Amanda hadn't changed, but it felt like I had seen all her secrets.
05:31I wasn't in awe anymore.
05:33I doubted every move.
05:35Amanda, remember Josh? I asked.
05:37Though I couldn't see her face, I saw her tense up before she answered.
05:40Josh, our old neighbor?
05:42Wow, I haven't heard that name in twelve years, Amanda replied.
05:45I was thinking about Josh in his photos.
05:47He was always taking pictures of kids.
05:49Don't you think he was a kid's offender, Amanda sounded relieved and smiled.
05:53Believe me, Mark, Josh wasn't into kids.
05:55And how do you know that, Amanda? I hesitated.
05:58Amanda wiped her hands and called the boys for breakfast.
06:02I often saw Hunlover Josh trying to sneak women out of his basement.
06:05You knew Josh well, Amanda? I asked.
06:08Do you miss him?
06:09Well, no, not really, Amanda said.
06:11Things got better when Katie moved in next door.
06:14Our kids were inseparable.
06:16Katie, a single mom, bought Josh's house after the bank took it.
06:20She used life insurance money from her late husband, a police officer.
06:24Our kids were the same age and quickly became friends.
06:27Katie worked long hours so we took care of her kids too.
06:30Amanda often joked with Katie that we'd claim her kids on our taxes.
06:34Katie couldn't do much handiwork so Amanda sent me to help.
06:38I wasn't a pro, but I could handle basic repairs.
06:42My father always said,
06:43if something can't be fixed with a hammer, you have an electrical problem.
06:47I didn't mind helping Katie.
06:49She was easygoing, but there was nothing between us.
06:52My father taught us to keep our word, and I did.
06:55Amanda walked over and tapped me on the shoulder.
06:58Mark, are you jealous of Josh?
07:00The thief's hat is on fire, Amanda.
07:02Should I be jealous?
07:04Amanda sat at the table, stirring her coffee without looking at me.
07:07Of course not, she said.
07:10Josh was just a harmless drunk.
07:12He always took pictures.
07:14He could have been a good photographer if he hadn't been drinking.
07:16I leaned back in my chair and stayed silent.
07:19Amanda looked up from her coffee for a second before continuing.
07:23Come on, Mark.
07:25We were all just getting started.
07:27You worked two jobs and went to school, and I stayed home with the baby.
07:31After ten hours of Barney and diapers, I was desperate for adult conversation.
07:36Everyone was working.
07:38Josh was just there.
07:40I still didn't say anything.
07:42Amanda seemed upset now.
07:44My God, Mark, what?
07:45You think I had sex with some middle-aged drunk between baby naps?
07:48Calm down.
07:49I put down my coffee cup.
07:51Amanda, you're acting very defensively.
07:53The best defense is a good offense.
07:55Don't you want to say something to me?
07:57Amanda glared at me and jumped up from the table.
08:00The boys burst into the kitchen, noisy and full of energy.
08:03I got up silently and headed upstairs, feeling any hope for reconciliation vanish.
08:08My anger would fade, but the trust was gone for good.
08:12Mark, are you sure you want to do this?
08:15My brother Eric asked the next day.
08:17We were in his office, and he was looking through the photos, letters, and papers I had brought.
08:22Eric was my half-brother from a different mother.
08:25His parents fled Eastern Europe during the Cold War and lived near us.
08:28They died in an accident when we were six.
08:31A social worker asked my parents to watch him for a few days, but they never came back for him.
08:36Eric stayed with us, and I thought it was just a long sleepover.
08:40Looking back, it was a financial strain on our working-class family.
08:43When I asked my mom how she managed, she shrugged.
08:46Slice the bread thinner, add more water to the soup.
08:50My father never turned away anyone in need.
08:52Though religious, he believed faith was about actions, not words and distrusted organized religion.
08:58He ended our dinner prayers with,
09:00Next time let there be more at the table, not less.
09:03And Lord, protect us from your followers.
09:05Dad treated Eric like one of us, which could be both good and bad, given his temper.
09:10Before he died, I asked why he took in another child when he was already struggling.
09:14He just said, this is what a man does.
09:17Eric, with his snow-white skin, reflected his Eastern European roots,
09:22while I was darker, showing our Southern Italian heritage,
09:25introducing ourselves as brothers often puzzled people.
09:28At a father-son event, someone noted my mom must be very fair.
09:33My father quipped, yes, she's translucent.
09:36Eric graduated top of his law school class and joined a top firm.
09:40He worked over 80 hours a week, driving an expensive car,
09:43living in a spitty view apartment, and marrying a model-looking bride from a wealthy family.
09:48She was always by his side at events,
09:50until one day he surprised his mentor with a major contract and found her there,
09:54not in the most respectable state.
09:56Eric stayed until the end of the year for his bonuses,
09:59then left, taking top lawyers and clients with him.
10:02His old firm never recovered and went bankrupt years later.
10:06Now, Eric runs a small legal practice handling contracts and wills.
10:10He also serves as outside counsel in major lawsuits.
10:13He's married with two children and we're still close.
10:16Eric looked through the documents in the folder.
10:19Mark, I think you're still in shock. Take some time to get your bearings.
10:22Is that how you did it? I asked sarcastically.
10:24You're my hero for how you handled that event at your first law firm.
10:28Not all of us can be heroes, Eric answered, trying to lighten the mood.
10:32Someone has to sit on the side of the road and applaud as we pass by.
10:36Then he got serious.
10:38Listen, Mark, your wife Amanda is just a person.
10:41And most people struggle to see beyond themselves.
10:44We only notice how we're treated and don't think about how our actions affect others.
10:48Are you Yoda now, Eric? I rolled my eyes. I want to leave.
10:52My revenge will be making sure this cheating woman doesn't get a penny
10:55and everyone knows what she did.
10:58I don't want Amanda thinking she can cheat on me
11:00and use hormonal excuses like I'm some fool.
11:03Okay, Mark, but remember, revenge only shows that someone got to you.
11:07Letting someone know they can break you gives them great power.
11:10Don't give that power to anyone.
11:12It's better to ignore the emotional abuser.
11:14It may not bring instant gratification,
11:16but in the long run it's the best thing to do.
11:19Take it from someone who's been there.
11:21Eric turned to his computer.
11:23I don't practice family law, but my buddy from the old firm is a real shark.
11:27He takes no prisoners.
11:29Are you sure you want to do this? Call him, Eric.
11:32A week later, we were in a fancy corner office downtown.
11:35Mister, Big Shot had just finished going through the stack of papers I brought.
11:40Tax returns, payrolls, mortgage payments, paternity tests, wills, etc.
11:45The list seemed endless.
11:47Mister, Big Shot took off his reading glasses before speaking.
11:50Forget about it.
11:52I was shocked to hear these words from an overweight lawyer who was supposed to be a shark.
11:56Mark, I know you and Eric are close, so I'll be straight.
11:59Forget about it. It took me a moment to respond.
12:01You mean I have to act like this never happened?
12:04Mister, Big Shot leaned back in his chair, smiling knowingly.
12:08Yes, unless you have video footage of your wife Amanda Force
12:11feeding your children Red Bull as babies and making them fight for prize money.
12:15He pointed at me.
12:17Currently, you have a nice wife, a house, and two good children.
12:21But if you push this, you may end up with a small apartment, no money,
12:24children working part-time, and your wife with new male friends.
12:28You'll be paying alimony, child support, and more than half of your earnings and savings.
12:33I was stunned.
12:35Amanda has a job, so why should I pay child support for a child that's not even mine?
12:40Mister, Big Shot looked surprised.
12:43Mark, I'll take your money if you want to continue, but let me explain.
12:46What your wife earns at this part-time hair salon does not compare to your income.
12:50So alimony is a given.
12:52The dispute is only about how much and for how long.
12:55As for child support, only six states in America allow men to stop
12:59or avoid paying child support for a child not biologically theirs,
13:03and we don't live in any of those states.
13:05But what if I find out that Amanda knew all along the child wasn't mine?
13:09Is this a scam, Mister?
13:12Big Shot leaned forward, resting his forearms on the massive table.
13:16Here's a dirty little secret.
13:18Let's say we prove your wife knew it wasn't your child.
13:20It would be fraud for her to have presented the child as yours.
13:24However, this type of fraud has no punishment and doesn't require compensation.
13:29Even if you were divorced and paying alimony for 17 years,
13:32your wife could publicly announce you're not the father and knew it all along.
13:36There's no law in all 50 states requiring her to pay you back or face any penalty.
13:40Some poor guy in Florida was paying alimony to a woman he wasn't even married to.
13:45He took a DNA test that showed the child wasn't his,
13:48but the court ordered him to keep paying child support
13:51because it was in the best interest of the child.
13:54That case is still going through the courts.
13:57The child will be 18 before it's resolved, and even if he wins,
14:01the pseudo-father will never see a cent of the money he spent.
14:04I interrupted him.
14:06Can I at least try to get the money back for my cheating wife's boyfriend?
14:10In most states, only the mother can seek compensation.
14:13Only two states allow you to try to get your money back as a man.
14:17You must prove that both the boyfriend and the mother knew about the deception.
14:21Plus, you need to show that it caused undue hardship on the child's well-being
14:25and the family's quality of life.
14:27Our state isn't one of those with such a law I sat back in my chair as he continued.
14:32Ask yourself if a man's pride is worth more than half his property,
14:36spousal support, and child support.
14:38Money won't restore your self-respect or reputation.
14:41Wouldn't it be better to end everything
14:43and find someone who truly appreciates you rather than stay in a sham marriage?
14:47Eric interjected.
14:49Maybe a marriage counselor can help them overcome this.
14:51Mr. Bigshot waved his hand dismissively.
14:55Counseling helps in less than 10% of cases.
14:58In my experience, it only encourages spouses to prepare an escape strategy.
15:02More than two-thirds of women who undergo counseling initiate divorce.
15:06Over 55% of women who cheat end up leaving their marriage.
15:09In custody-split states, it's a little less.
15:12But we don't live in one of those states.
15:14Here, it's winner-take-all.
15:17The advantages heavily favor the mother.
15:20How old are you?
15:2235 years old.
15:24Yes, I muttered, trying to absorb all these blows.
15:27Mark, I hate to give bad news,
15:29but most often a wife cheats on her husband around age 45.
15:32If your wife has already had an affair and she turns 40,
15:35the likelihood of a relapse is high, almost certain.
15:38The pain and guilt from the previous affair may have subsided,
15:41but the memories of what was exciting and thrilling will grow.
15:44It's like a high school athlete scoring the winning point but breaking his leg.
15:48The mind forgets the pain but inflates the significance of the moment.
15:52The desire to relive this moment can turn into an obsession.
15:56While a middle-aged athlete can only relive those glory days
15:59through their children's competitions,
16:01spouses may seek a partner outside the marriage to recapture what led to the affair.
16:06Eric picked up on what I was thinking.
16:08Once she cheats, she won't stop.
16:10Mr. Bigshot spread his arms out, palms up.
16:13Nothing is absolute,
16:15but infidelity ranks second after money as the main reason for divorce.
16:19I swear this won't happen to me, I said through clenched teeth.
16:22Swear all you want, Mark, Mr. Big replied.
16:25Swearing is a compromise between flight and fight.
16:28Crap, I muttered under my breath.
16:30Isn't it more affordable to keep her?
16:33Mr. Big pondered.
16:35Extramarital affairs affect 68% of all married people.
16:39Having children changes the game.
16:41Kids from broken homes often turn to illegal drugs,
16:44become promiscuous, and battle depression and anger.
16:47The sad fact about divorces is that nobody truly wins.
16:51However, it's always the children who lose the most.
16:55Suddenly I recalled the day I informed my father that we were expecting.
16:59Mark, my father advised many men become fathers, yet not all are dads.
17:03To be a man and a father, your kids must come first.
17:06If food is scarce, you starve.
17:08If there's no shelter, you face the cold.
17:11If money is tight, you go without.
17:13Being strong is crucial.
17:14Always be strong, not just outwardly,
17:16but by seeking and accepting help when necessary.
17:19You only discover your true strength when it's all you have.
17:22Son, you'll often AR, but you must not waver.
17:25Mistakes are expected and acceptable for a real man.
17:28Your efforts will seldom be acknowledged.
17:30They may even be mocked.
17:32But a real man doesn't chase applause.
17:34He acts for his family, for his children,
17:37because he is genuine and authentic.
17:40I leapt from my seat as if electrified,
17:43reaching out to Mr. Big Shot.
17:45Thanks for your time.
17:47I definitely learned a lot about law today,
17:49but I think I won't be needing your services just now.
17:52How much do I owe you for this?
17:54Mr. Big smiled, extending his hand.
17:58No charge, Mark.
17:59We're just two old lawyer pals chatting.
18:01He then looked at my brother Eric.
18:03Plus, I owe your brother a huge thanks
18:05for helping me out of trouble back at our old firm.
18:08Things are going much better for me now, thanks to him.
18:10Just call me whenever.
18:12My door is always open to you.
18:14I mean it.
18:15As Eric and I drove away, I asked him,
18:17Eric, after finding your fiancé with your mentor,
18:19why didn't you leave immediately?
18:22Why stay at that company for nearly a year?
18:25Eric's face tightened as he answered.
18:27Honestly, my first impulse was to leave right then,
18:29he said, managing a small grin.
18:31Actually, that came right after I head-butted the old guy
18:34when I caught them together.
18:36Eric paused to change the radio station.
18:38After knocking him down,
18:40I went to my office and drafted my resignation.
18:42So why didn't you hand it in?
18:44I was angry, Mark.
18:45Then I felt sorry for myself.
18:47Then I remembered Dad's words about self-pity.
18:50So I thought,
18:51why should I let those two take away
18:53what I've worked so hard for?
18:55The very next day,
18:56the top partner came to see me for the first time.
18:59He was worried about the mix-up with my former mentor.
19:02Ridiculous.
19:04It was really because I had strong connections at high levels,
19:07and he was scared I'd leave
19:08and take all the clients and billable hours with me.
19:11He offered me all kinds of fantastic fixes,
19:13and I made him write them down.
19:15From that point, I controlled my own joy.
19:18I even kept that woman around for a bit more.
19:20Why not?
19:21We weren't perfect,
19:22and it's not like we'd never been together before.
19:24When I found something better, she was gone.
19:26Same with the law firm.
19:28When my contract was up, I left them behind too.
19:31I took Dad's advice to heart.
19:33From then on, I did what made me happy,
19:35sticking to his principle that kids come first.
19:38Amanda didn't matter to me anymore.
19:40I made sure to have as little to do with her as possible.
19:45A week after my talk with Mr.
19:47Big Shot Mark,
19:48I have fantastic news Amanda shared at dinner.
19:51The salon wants to promote me to full-time manager.
19:54Initially, I'll need to work evenings and weekends.
19:57But I'm confident that for a while,
19:59you and the boys can handle making your own dinners.
20:01This setup was perfect,
20:03as I was out the door before Amanda woke up.
20:05And by the time I returned home,
20:07she was already working as the salon manager.
20:09By the time she locked up, I was fast asleep.
20:12On her days off.
20:13I told Amanda I played darts.
20:16In fact, I chose to meet with a psychoanalyst alone several times.
20:20I found out I wasn't any more spoiled than anyone else.
20:23But more significantly,
20:24I realized that besides my duties to my kids,
20:26I had to look after my own happiness.
20:29What Amanda did as doing or will do was out of my hands.
20:32We face temptations everywhere.
20:34It is our own weakness and responsibility
20:36if we succumb to these temptations.
20:38The truth is, once I stopped trusting Amanda,
20:41my feelings for her changed.
20:43I soon realized I didn't care about her actions anymore.
20:46As time passed, my intense hatred for what she did faded,
20:49but the resentment lingered.
20:50I do all this for my children, and that's that.
20:53Amanda turned into something like the girl next door with perks.
20:56She was so focused on her job
20:58that I don't think she even noticed.
21:00Meanwhile, the boys and I were enjoying ourselves.
21:02I took a big home equity loan, added a pool, an outdoor deck,
21:06and transformed our basement into a real man cave.
21:10I traded my dull car for a huge SUV with terrible gas mileage.
21:14My boys and Katie's kids rode in style
21:16as I got season tickets to all the sports games.
21:18I drove the team around because everyone and their gear
21:21could fit in this huge S-huge SUV.
21:23And after each game, win or lose,
21:25I treated them to pizza or ice cream.
21:27Katie often joined us on these outings.
21:29People sometimes thought we were one big family.
21:32I would like to, I replied half seriously.
21:35This always gave Katie a confused look.
21:37Amanda always had excuses, blaming her work schedule,
21:40feeling too tired, or wanting to relax on her days off.
21:44Soon the boys just stopped asking her.
21:46A few years later, my oldest son and Katie's eldest
21:49were accepted to the same college, mine on a partial scholarship.
21:53Katie never knew I paid for the rest in his expenses.
21:56Three years later, we repeated the process with our youngest kids.
21:59This brings us to today and my current choice
22:02to stay or leave, to move forward or keep things as they are.
22:06Amanda was sitting on our deck, savoring the last days of summer,
22:10overlooking the pool, wine in hand.
22:12I came back after cleaning out the SUV from our trip.
22:15As I settled into the lounge chair opposite her,
22:17Amanda closed her eyes.
22:19Mark, now that the boys are gone, the house feels so empty.
22:24Amanda sipped more wine. What difference does it make?
22:27But I'm ready for a change. I had already made up my mind, I thought.
22:30Wait dear, you'll see changes soon.
22:33I threw the papers on the glass table between us.
22:36Amanda, I don't think we should be together. I want a divorce.
22:40Amanda stood up, grabbed the papers, and looked them over quickly.
22:44What is this nonsense, Mark?
22:46She asked.
22:47Amanda, that's just a copy of the divorce papers.
22:50Once you get a lawyer, mine will send the official ones.
22:53I'm being quite reasonable. The savings are.
22:56Are you out of your mind? Amanda nearly yelled.
22:59You're leaving me after 20 years, she continued,
23:02rifling through the documents.
23:04No alimony? Where's the savings?
23:06Total household debt? What are you trying to pull?
23:08I tried to stay calm.
23:10We both earn about the same, and our retirement funds are nearly equal.
23:14This was accurate since I had put off all salary increases
23:17from my recent promotions and minimized my 401,000 contributions
23:21after taking out money for my son's college tuition.
23:25Amanda looked shocked as she kept reading the petition.
23:28We only make the same because I work twice as many hours as you do.
23:32I'm not selling my house. I've put too much into it.
23:35Amanda, we're underwater on the house
23:37because of the home equity loan you took to buy it.
23:40Where do you think the money for this porch or new kitchen came from?
23:43She slammed the papers down on the table.
23:45We are not getting a divorce, and that's final.
23:48Suddenly a realization seemed to strike her.
23:51You son of a bitch, Amanda snapped, pointing at me.
23:55Found someone new? I gave you the best years of my life
23:58and now you want to run off with some young woman?
24:00Her face turned red.
24:02How long have you been cheating on me with some young woman?
24:05Her face was red.
24:07How long have you been cheating on me? You're a pig.
24:09Please, I sighed. Let's not get into that.
24:12The reason doesn't matter. We live in a no-fault state.
24:14Everything, both assets and debts, will be split equally.
24:18But Amanda wouldn't calm down.
24:20You're wrong, Mark. It does matter.
24:22I need to know, and I deserve to know.
24:25Who have you been unfaithful with?
24:27I shook my head and said gently it's true there were instances of infidelity.
24:31But please, let's not discuss it.
24:33It's better if we just leave it alone.
24:35My vision blurred for a moment
24:37as Amanda splashed her glass of wine in my face.
24:40As I got up to head to the kitchen,
24:42I felt a wine glass hit my back and shatter on the porch floor.
24:46Amanda was furious and followed me,
24:48continuing to yell while I rinsed my face in the kitchen sink.
24:51You are a son of a bitch.
24:53I'm not going to be thrown out just because you want to mess around with some girl.
24:57No wonder our bed life has been terrible these last few years.
25:00But let me tell you something, buddy.
25:02I've had plenty of chances in the past, but I never.
25:05Amanda stopped mid-sentence as I turned and laid out photos of her
25:08and Josh in various poses,
25:10each more revealing than the last, on the kitchen table.
25:13Her face turned pale, and she hurried to the kitchen sink.
25:16I gathered the photos into a stack and sat at the kitchen table.
25:19Well, Amanda, it seems you took those opportunities you mentioned.
25:23She rinsed her mouth with tap water and splashed her face.
25:26Then she dried off with a towel and sat in the chair across from me.
25:29Please, Mark, take them away.
25:31Amanda nudged the pile of photos toward me with one finger.
25:35As if they were venomous snakes,
25:37I slid the photos into an envelope and tossed it into the dresser drawer behind me.
25:41Amanda covered her face with her hands.
25:44Oh my God, I don't know what to say.
25:47I was just tired.
25:49It doesn't matter, Amanda. I don't care anymore.
25:52Amanda grabbed my hand.
25:54Mark, please listen.
25:56It was only one time. You have to believe me.
25:59No, Amanda, I shouldn't believe you and I don't.
26:01I leaned back in my chair.
26:03And why should I like you would never lie about cheating?
26:06Amanda gripped my hand tighter.
26:08It was so long ago.
26:10I didn't realize being a mother was this hard.
26:12I barely slept because of the baby.
26:14And you were always exhausted from work.
26:16I felt like I was losing myself.
26:18Just another mom or just your wife.
26:20I pulled my hand away.
26:22I worked two jobs and went to college all for us, for our family.
26:25So I really don't want to hear about being tired.
26:27Mark, I know how to beg.
26:29I want to make everything right.
26:31Josh was just a fun-loving drunk.
26:33Sometimes Josh's mom would come by for a few minutes to watch the baby.
26:37It gave me a chance to be around an adult for a bit.
26:40Just to stay sane.
26:42I tried to stand up.
26:44Amanda, I really don't care.
26:46She kept talking.
26:48Josh always had a drink in his hand.
26:50Eventually I'd take a sip or two.
26:52He always snapped photos of me with a camera that had a fast shutter speed.
26:56I started to play along, pretending it was some kind of big photo shoot.
27:00Josh always cheered me on, telling me how great I looked, how natural I was,
27:04how much the camera loved me.
27:06Amanda bit her lip as she looked at me.
27:08It was just fun that spiraled out of control.
27:10I'd pull my blouse down to show my shoulder or lift it to reveal my belly button.
27:14Pretty soon I felt so at ease that I stripped down to my bra.
27:18It wasn't a big deal.
27:20People see more at the beach.
27:22I noticed Amanda's tears.
27:24One day when I mentioned wanting a photo of you for Christmas,
27:27Josh offered to do it for free.
27:29It all went very well.
27:31The photo came out great.
27:33Right after our son fell asleep on the couch in Josh's studio.
27:36You mean his parents' basement, Amanda?
27:38She wiped away a tear.
27:40I thought he'd be asleep for a while and didn't want to disturb him,
27:43so Josh and I had a drink.
27:45Well, one drink turned into a whole bottle and, well,
27:47you and I haven't been intimate in such a long time.
27:50I began to stutter.
27:52Are you telling me you slept with that damn drunk
27:54while our son was sleeping just a few feet away?
27:57Oh God, Mark, I'm so ashamed.
28:00I don't know what came over me.
28:02I was so-so.
28:04Amanda paused, her head falling to the table as she started to cry.
28:08Amanda, we can't change the past.
28:10We need to face what we've done.
28:12Please sign the papers.
28:14We'll tell people we've chosen to part ways.
28:16No one beyond our close family needs to know the details.
28:19Amanda raised her tear-streaked face from the table.
28:22It doesn't have to end like this, Mark.
28:24Please, it was so long ago.
28:26It was just a small mistake, a foolish error without any repercussions.
28:30I took out another set of documents from the folder,
28:32laid them in front of Amanda and spoke as she looked them over.
28:35Amanda, every action has consequences, some more significant than others.
28:40Mark, what are these?
28:42Amanda asked, flipping through the pages filled with graphs and charts.
28:46Amanda, these are the results from our family DNA test and our blood types.
28:50You see there's a discrepancy.
28:52Amanda clutched her chest and began to hyperventilate.
28:55I stood up and fetched a paper bag from the kitchen cabinet.
28:58Amanda, breathe into this paper bag.
29:01I instructed, handing it to her shaking hands.
29:04You're hyperventilating. Slow down.
29:06Take calm, steady breaths through your nose.
29:09There. That's better.
29:12After a minute, Amanda's breathing stabilized.
29:15I moved back and sat down across from her at the kitchen table.
29:18She put down the paper bag as color returned to her cheeks.
29:21Amanda, you knew all along I declared more as a statement than a question.
29:26Amanda began shaking her head while toying with the paper bag.
29:30I suspected, but I just hoped while I prayed,
29:33but I was never, I was never certain.
29:36She stumbled through her words.
29:38Amanda, come on, I pressed.
29:40You graduated with honors in biology, if I remember right.
29:44You must have thought I was naive to buy all those stories
29:46about premature births and early deliveries.
29:48I shook my head.
29:50Now you understand why it's tough for me to trust you.
29:52Not only did you cheat, but you also made me raise another man's child.
29:56It wasn't like that, Mark.
29:59After Josh and I, I felt so ashamed.
30:01I didn't want anyone near me, not even you.
30:04I vowed to be the best mother and wife possible.
30:07When I discovered I was pregnant, I panicked.
30:10I had nightmares about you kicking me out,
30:12taking our son, or forcing me to get an abortion.
30:15Amanda, did I ever threaten you during our time together?
30:18Did I ever make you do something you didn't want to?
30:20You know how family-oriented I am, how I was brought up.
30:23I paused to rub my temples.
30:25If you had told me, we could have figured something out.
30:28Instead, you chose to lie.
30:30It was just one lie, Mark.
30:32No, Amanda, it was not just one lie.
30:34It was a lie every single day up to today.
30:36Each day you chose to live a lie.
30:38You had other choices.
30:39But I felt I had no choice, Amanda pleaded.
30:42You always had a choice, Amanda.
30:44You could have told me at any point.
30:46You chose to keep up this deception, and I don't know what else.
30:49Now it's my turn to choose.
30:52Please, Mark, Amanda implored.
30:54Don't tell the boys.
30:55Amanda, we can't continue with lies.
30:57Children who grow up around secrets and lies struggle to trust
31:00and often feel insecure and dependent.
31:02When their family falls apart,
31:04they might not have any truthful relationships to rely on.
31:07They'll feel abandoned, so you tell them or I will.
31:10My God, Amanda murmured.
31:12What do I say to them?
31:14Tell the boys your mother made a mistake,
31:16but you both are still our sons and it doesn't change how much we love you.
31:20The boys handled it quite well.
31:22Considering all their friends have step-parents,
31:24two moms, two dads, and blended families,
31:27it wasn't much of an issue for them.
31:29Amanda felt bitter about it all.
31:31She kept saying we could sort things out,
31:33that not enjoying the house we worked so hard for would be a waste.
31:37But I was through with it all and ready to move on.
31:40Oddly enough, dealing with the house was more of a headache
31:43than the divorce itself.
31:45Our mega-bank was a nightmare to work with
31:47when we tried to give back the house.
31:49They rejected all the short-sale deals we proposed
31:52and we never talked to the same person twice.
31:55Depending on which employee at the mega-bank they spoke to,
31:58they got different answers to the same questions.
32:01Plus, the paperwork was ridiculous.
32:03I think we've single-handedly chopped down most of the trees
32:06in Washington state with all our written submissions.
32:09Thankfully, my brother Eric got one of his friends
32:11who was a sharp real estate and law expert to help us out.
32:15Over several months, he proved that Mega-Bank
32:17had broken not just its own rules,
32:20but also many state and federal laws
32:22designed to protect homeowners with underwater mortgages.
32:25Oddly enough, Mega-Bank ended up owing us money.
32:28They didn't even show up for the court hearing,
32:30despite receiving four certified letters,
32:32and we got a default judgment.
32:35According to it, we got the house for free,
32:37and the bank had to pay all the court and attorney fees.
32:41It turned into a spectacle that resembled a three-ring circus
32:44when our attorney went to the Mega-Bank branch
32:46with two armed sheriffs, a court order,
32:49and a moving company to seize their assets,
32:51like furniture, computers, etc.,
32:54as Mega-Bank had ignored numerous notices about attorney fees.
32:58But local media covered it extensively,
33:00and even passersby pitched in to help dismantle the bank's offices,
33:04while a bewildered bank manager
33:05desperately tried to reach his superiors on his personal cell phone,
33:08since his work phone had been taken.
33:11When this story of a modern-day David beating Goliath spread nationwide,
33:15our lawyer and I briefly became celebrities.
33:18I don't want to be ungrateful,
33:19but adding to the house helped us finalize our divorce.
33:23Amanda didn't want to sell the house right away,
33:25so after a lot of discussion,
33:26she agreed to pay me half the rental value,
33:29and she would handle the utilities like gas, electricity, and water.
33:33We split the insurance and taxes evenly,
33:35and any money from a future sale will be divided equally.
33:39I did what any newly single middle-aged man does,
33:42and rented a lousy apartment temporarily
33:44while I figured out my next steps.
33:46Naturally, I joined a gym to try and get back into shape.
33:50I despise going to the gym.
33:52And there I was at the reception looking forward to a free session
33:55with a personal trainer when I heard Mark,
33:57oh God, how happy I am to see you.
34:00I turned around and saw my former neighbor, Katie.
34:03She looked fantastic.
34:04Katie was wearing a tight leotard
34:06branded with the gym's logo on both the front and back.
34:09She hugged me.
34:10Wow, she was in shape everywhere.
34:12Katie, you look fantastic, I said as she released me from the hug.
34:16What brings you here?
34:17I work here, Mark.
34:18Well, part-time anyway.
34:19Katie glanced at the clipboard she was holding.
34:22Turns out I'm your personal trainer tonight as well.
34:25Which machine do you want to start on?
34:27Um, how about we swap, I suggested.
34:29I'll buy you a chocolate of your choice.
34:32Katie laughed and guided me toward a collection of devices
34:35that looked like they belonged in a medieval chamber.
34:37I didn't recognize any of the exercise machines
34:39that I remembered from gym class at school.
34:43I tried to appear strong,
34:44but after 90 minutes I had thrown up twice.
34:46Like any typical tough guy,
34:48I lied and said I needed the bathroom
34:50because I drank too much coffee at work.
34:52Those scales must have been set to metric
34:54because I swear pounds were never that heavy.
34:57Katie showed some sympathy and agreed to meet me at a cafe
35:00after I hobbled to the locker room.
35:02She looked bright and energetic, linking her arm with mine
35:05as we waited in line at a local cafe while I felt like a zombie.
35:09Katie, since when did ordering coffee get so complicated?
35:12I asked after she ordered something that sounded like a chemistry formula.
35:16I mean, last I checked, there were only three sizes of coffee
35:19small, medium, and large.
35:22Katie laughed.
35:24She still had that high-pitched, melodic laugh I remembered.
35:27Mark, just tell the barista what you like,
35:29and he'll make it for you.
35:31Barista?
35:33My goodness.
35:34I shook my head in disbelief.
35:36All right, just give me something a guy could drink at a football game
35:38without being teased.
35:40Katie patted me on the shoulder as we moved to our table.
35:43Mark?
35:44I really missed you.
35:46Damn, Katie, you just missed having someone to do your home repairs for free.
35:50Katie cooled her intricate coffee drink before taking a sip.
35:54Well, there's that, too.
35:55I feel sorry for you and Amanda.
35:57She took a sip of her drink.
35:58It's hard to believe that woman cheated on you.
36:01I almost choked on my coffee.
36:02What?
36:03Who?
36:04How?
36:05How do you know?
36:06Katie paused, setting down her cup.
36:08Nobody told me.
36:09I've known you and Amanda for years.
36:11She shrugged.
36:12I can't prove it, just the intuition of an old cop's wife.
36:15Amanda always had that hope I don't get caught.
36:18Look what I got away with, look.
36:20I considered what Katie had said.
36:22So Amanda never told you anything.
36:24Katie shrugged again.
36:25No, Mark, she didn't confide in me.
36:27Would knowing more details help you reconsider getting back with her?
36:31Well, knowing more might.
36:32I shook my head.
36:33No, it's not just about the cheating.
36:35Yes, it's about the cheating, but it's also the lies and mistrust.
36:38I can't get over it.
36:39I have about as much chance of trusting Amanda
36:42as a blind man using a microscope and without trust.
36:46I let my voice trail off, gesturing hopelessly with my hands.
36:50Why bother?
36:51The marriage is done.
36:52I tried to lighten the mood and soon had Katie laughing as I told her about our argument
36:56and how we split the house between me and Amanda.
36:59I was actually enjoying the conversation and time flew as we both had fun.
37:03Suddenly, Katie checked her watch.
37:05Sorry, Mark, I need to leave.
37:07The last bus goes in a few minutes.
37:09Don't worry, Katie, I'll drive you home.
37:11Thanks so much.
37:13Otherwise, I couldn't start my car.
37:15It's getting later, I think, and work has reduced my hours.
37:18Money's tight, so I have to wait for my next paycheck to tow the car to the shop and get it fixed.
37:22I looked at my watch.
37:25Darn it, Katie.
37:26Why didn't you tell me sooner?
37:28I'll grab a starter and we can make it to the auto parts store before they close.
37:32That would be fantastic, Mark.
37:34I've had to leave home three hours early to catch the buses for the past month
37:37and the nearest stop is a 30-minute walk.
37:40Katie hesitated.
37:42But, um, I can't afford it right now.
37:44I dismissed her concern.
37:45Don't worry about it.
37:46You need your car.
37:47We'll sort out payment later.
37:49Plus, all my tools and stuff are still in my—well, Amanda's garage.
37:52I haven't moved them out yet.
37:55Standing up, I reached out my hand to her.
37:57Come on, beautiful lady.
37:59The Prius hybrid chariot awaits you.
38:01Katie looked at me, puzzled.
38:03A Prius hybrid?
38:06What happened to that huge macho SUV you used to drive?
38:09I made a face.
38:11Yeah, I got sick of stopping for gas all the time.
38:13I think my carbon footprint was single-handedly wiping out half a hectare of rainforest daily.
38:19People started looking at me like I was some kind of eco-villain.
38:22Katie stared at me in disbelief.
38:24I just can't picture you driving a hybrid.
38:27Yeah, I feel like my testosterone levels plummet every time I cram into this plastic bubble.
38:32You know how it is. Size matters to us guys.
38:34She laughed as I opened the car door for her.
38:37Luckily, the auto shop had a starter that fit Katie's car.
38:40And even better, it was on sale.
38:42Amanda wasn't home, but I still knew the garage door code,
38:45so with the right tools in hand, it took me only an hour and a half to get Katie's car running again.
38:51Katie was so thankful that she hugged me tightly and kissed me on the lips.
38:55I didn't hug back, holding the oily tool in my hand.
38:58While washing my hands, I noticed the faucet wasn't fully turning on, and the drain was slow.
39:04As I dried my hands, I pointed towards the sink.
39:07Katie, why didn't you tell me?
39:09I could have fixed that for you.
39:11Kirk, I knew you and Amanda were dealing with more serious issues.
39:14I didn't want to trouble you with small stuff, especially since my work hours were reduced.
39:19She turned away, tears shining in her eyes.
39:22I don't want to be seen as a charity case.
39:24I walked over and put my arm around her shoulders.
39:27This isn't charity, just one neighbor helping another.
39:30I squeezed her hand.
39:32Besides, I have plenty of free time now, and you seem to have enough to keep us both busy.
39:36Let's make a list and check it twice, like Santa Claus.
39:40Now, would you mind grabbing me a pen and paper, please?
39:43Katie wiped her eyes but managed a faint smile as she faced me.
39:47Okay, Santa, but if you're too nice, I can't promise I won't become cheeky.
39:52For the next two weeks, I spent all my free time at Katie's house.
39:56Her place didn't need major repairs, just lots of small fixes,
40:00from mending the screen door and rusty hinges to painting the splash guard.
40:04I never saw her cheeky side, but I cherished our time together.
40:07One evening, after a few glasses of wine, Katie talked about her first husband.
40:12He was a good man, Mark, always helping others.
40:15He died when a drunk driver hit him.
40:17He wasn't even working, just stopped on his way home from the gym to assist a woman with a flat tire.
40:22The drunk didn't even slow down.
40:24She took another sip of her drink, but he fought hard, lasted four days.
40:29Do you know what he told me last?
40:31I stayed quiet, letting her continue.
40:33Mark, his last words weren't about himself but about our family.
40:37Tears streamed down her face.
40:39He said, take care of our boys.
40:41Look after them and yourself.
40:43I moved around the table to embrace her and she went on.
40:46I never imagined life would turn out like this.
40:48Since he was off duty, we didn't get any survivor benefits.
40:52His modest life insurance policy helped us buy this house.
40:56Cops take care of their own, and his colleagues were always supportive, but I had to move.
41:01As kind as they were, it just kept reminding me of his death.
41:04I just never thought it would be this tough.
41:07I let Katie weep.
41:09There were no right words to offer.
41:12The next morning I was lying under the bathroom sink, fixing the drain when I felt a tap on my leg.
41:18Mark, where did you disappear to last night?
41:20I heard Katie ask.
41:22Back to my shabby little apartment, I replied, removing the drain trap.
41:26You were sound asleep.
41:27I made sure you were in bed before I left.
41:30I reached out from under the sink and showed Katie the drain trap.
41:34Wow, girl, look at all this hair.
41:36Were you showering in a mongoose den?
41:38Suddenly the front door slammed shut and I heard footsteps followed by a shrill voice.
41:43Where is he? What are you doing with my husband?
41:46I bumped my head as I pulled out from under the sink and saw Amanda's legs in the bathroom doorway.
41:51Leave him alone, Amanda, Katie shouted.
41:54I stood up, caught between a stunned Katie and an irate Amanda.
41:58Amanda, what are you doing here? I asked, trying to calm the situation.
42:02Amanda shifted her gaze from Katie to me.
42:04Damn it, Mark. I know what's happening.
42:07Every night you leave this woman's house with your clothes all messed up, sweating like a farmer after a hard day.
42:12I know what you've been up to.
42:15Amanda paused, trying to collect herself.
42:18I get it. You're trying to get back at me but you've had your fun with this woman.
42:23It's time for us to get back together.
42:26I was so taken aback I could barely respond.
42:29Amanda, we can't get back together. That ship has sailed.
42:33Besides, there's nothing between Katie and me.
42:36Before I could finish, Katie wrapped her arms around me from behind and then spoke up.
42:40That's right, Amanda. There's nothing going on here.
42:43But you know what? Everything is about to change.
42:46Katie stepped around me and took Amanda's hand, guiding her towards the open front door.
42:51Now please, even though you're no stranger, call ahead next time.
42:55We'll be busy for a while.
42:57With that, Katie shut the door behind a still dumbfounded Amanda.
43:02Katie turned back to me once I regained my composure.
43:05Katie, that was quite the scene.
43:07Thanks for supporting me and boosting my ego, but it wasn't necessary.
43:11Katie stood directly in front of me and started to unbutton her blouse.
43:15She wasn't wearing a bra, and despite her age, Katie's breasts were impressive.
43:20I forced my gaze away from her chest and looked into Katie's eyes,
43:24scolding myself internally for what I was about to say.
43:27Are you sure about this? I asked.
43:30Katie wrapped her arms around my neck.
43:32Mark, I've known you longer than my husband.
43:35I loved him deeply and I kept my promise to him to look after our boys.
43:39Now I'm ready to keep my other promise to him to take care of myself.
43:43With that, she took my hand and led me upstairs to the bedroom.
43:47I wasn't sure who was more nervous.
43:49I didn't want to mess anything up and Katie hadn't been with anyone in nearly 20 years.
43:53But like getting back on a bike, we found our rhythm and pace.
43:56The conversation took an interesting turn in bed when Katie declared,
43:59Mark, you're moving in with me.
44:01It was a statement, not a question.
44:03Wait, that's quite a statement.
44:05Aren't you worried this might be a mistake?
44:07I asked.
44:09Katie propped herself up on one elbow, giving me a clear view of her chest.
44:13Mark, we've been friends for most of our lives.
44:15She raised a hand to silence any objections.
44:18You're too old for games.
44:20It's beneficial for both of us.
44:23You need a place to stay and I have the room.
44:25I care about you and you care about me.
44:27I have needs and so do you.
44:29Why pay rent to some faceless landlord?
44:31If it makes you feel better, think of it as saving the rent money for your mortgage.
44:36Plus, you know this house better than anyone.
44:38Katie, wouldn't that be awkward?
44:40I motioned across the street to where Amanda lived.
44:43Katie just shrugged, undisturbed.
44:45It's not my problem anymore.
44:47I don't care what other people think now.
44:49I only care about your opinion.
44:51Your old house is still in your name.
44:53This is a big commitment and what's better than seeing it every day.
44:56That's what we decided.
44:58Things were odd for a bit.
45:00Amanda still harbored resentment about everything.
45:03She seemed stuck and unable to move forward.
45:06Damn it, Mark.
45:07Amanda confronted me one day while I was at her place fixing a crack in the driveway.
45:11When are you going to come back home?
45:13It's absurd.
45:14You know you belong with me.
45:16What can I do?
45:17You know I regret it all.
45:19Just tell me what to do to fix things.
45:21I removed the sealant cover before responding.
45:24Amanda, I know you're sorry and I am too.
45:26But we're not getting back together.
45:28It's time for you to move on.
45:30Find someone else.
45:32Who exactly?
45:33Amanda scoffed.
45:34I work in a salon with gay hair stylists.
45:37Most of my clients are divorced women.
45:39She stared at the ground.
45:40I never imagined I'd end up like them.
45:42I didn't respond and started gathering my tools.
45:46Come on, Mark.
45:47Amanda pleaded.
45:48Give me another chance.
45:50Forgive and forget, at least for our boy's sake.
45:53The holidays are near.
45:54We should be together.
45:55Amanda, you're forgiven.
45:57You had more than a decade to make things right.
45:59Every day you chose not to.
46:02As for forgetting, I shook my head.
46:04Yes, the holidays are coming.
46:06The boys will be home from school and we can have alternating dinners at yours and Katie's like old times.
46:11Amanda crossed her arms, defiant.
46:13I will not have that woman in my house.
46:15And I won't step foot in hers.
46:17I just shrugged.
46:19I think the kids will miss you.
46:21I worried the holidays might be awkward for them, given the new living situations.
46:25But it turns out my fears were unnecessary since all the kids have adjusted well.
46:30I guess that's good, but wow, doesn't this generation just roll with things?
46:34The boys attended dinners at both homes to keep the peace.
46:37By Christmas, the kids had convinced Amanda to make a brief visit to Katie's.
46:42Katie pleaded with her to stay longer, but she wouldn't.
46:45Katie tells me she holds no grudge against Amanda
46:48and doesn't mind if I spend time there doing renovations or activities with my boys and Amanda.
46:53They might not be friends like before, but Amanda has softened and at least acts politely towards Katie now.
46:59After a year with Katie, I couldn't be happier.
47:02It's not the wild rush of young love, but a deep, mature love filled with affection and respect.
47:08Still, I felt compelled to ask Katie about making it official.
47:12Mark Katie said, holding my face in her hands,
47:15You're a great man, and I want to be with you for the rest of our lives.
47:19But I promised myself I'd only marry once. I hope you understand.
47:23Honestly, I never could see myself marrying again.
47:26But I remember something my dad always said,
47:28If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
47:30Update.
47:31Hey everyone, I saw some comments asking for more info about the kids and what happened next,
47:35so here's an update.
47:37After I found out about Amanda's affair and the truth about our younger son,
47:41I knew I couldn't keep it from the boys.
47:43It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
47:45I insisted Amanda tell them, and we gathered in the living room.
47:49The boys were sitting on the couch, looking curious and a bit worried.
47:53Amanda started talking, but she was clearly struggling.
47:56Boys, there's something I need to tell you.
47:59A long time ago, I made a terrible mistake, and it's affected our family in ways I never intended.
48:04Our eldest Michael frowned and asked,
48:06What do you mean, mom?
48:08Amanda took a deep breath.
48:09I had an affair, and it turns out that your brother David isn't biologically your father's son.
48:14David's face went white.
48:16What?
48:17Who?
48:18Who is my father then?
48:20Amanda looked down, crying.
48:22His name was Josh.
48:23He lived next door when you were a baby.
48:25The boys were silent for what felt like forever.
48:28Michael was the first to react, his voice shaking with anger.
48:32How could you do this to dad, to us?
48:34David looked at me, his eyes full of confusion and fear.
48:37Dad, does this mean you're not my dad anymore?
48:40I moved to sit between them, putting an arm around each of their shoulders.
48:44Listen, David, I am your dad, and nothing will change that.
48:48Blood doesn't define our relationship.
48:51I raised you, loved you, and I always will.
48:53The boys broke down crying, and we sat there for a long time.
48:57I just held them, telling them we'd get through this together.
49:00The next few weeks were tough.
49:02The boys had a hard time processing everything, especially David.
49:06He had a lot of questions about his identity and where he fit in.
49:09We got them into counseling, which helped a lot.
49:12Eventually, they told me they wanted to move in with me.
49:15They felt betrayed by Amanda and needed some space.
49:18I started looking into the legal stuff to make it happen.
49:21My brother Eric helped a lot,
49:23and we worked with a family law attorney to make sure it was done right.
49:26Amanda and I finalized the divorce without too much drama.
49:29We agreed on joint custody, but the boys spend most of their time with me.
49:33They still see their mom, and we're trying to keep things civil for their sake.
49:37Amanda is doing her best to make up for her mistakes.
49:40The boys are slowly rebuilding their relationship with her,
49:43and we're finding a new normal.
49:45As for me, I'm figuring out single parenthood in this new chapter of my life.
49:50Katie has been amazing through all this.
49:52Her kids and mine have become close, and we've sort of become a blended family.
49:56Katie and I are taking things slow, but it's looking good.
49:59I still have moments of anger and betrayal, but they're getting less frequent.
50:03My focus now is on making sure my boys feel loved and secure.
50:07We're taking things day by day,
50:09and despite everything, we're getting stronger as a family.
50:12Life has thrown us a lot of curveballs, but we're moving forward.
50:15I finally feel hopeful about the future.
50:18Thanks for all the support and advice.
50:20It means a lot.
50:26For more UN videos visit www.un.org