My Husband Forgot to Hang up the Phone before Starting His Therapy Session — What I Heard Made Me Rethink Our Marriage
Colleen was convinced that she was in complete control of her husband’s life until she inadvertently overheard his therapy session. Colleen was left to reconstruct their family after Michael’s shocking confession exposed his most sinister secrets, resulting in the dissolution of their 12-year marriage.
Greetings, everyone. I am Colleen. In the event that you were to uncover a shocking fact about your spouse, how would you react? Something that caused you to doubt every aspect of your marriage? That is precisely what transpired to me, and I would have been unaware of the situation had it not been for a single fateful phone call…
My life was reminiscent of a family album that was pristine until recently. For twelve years, Michael and I have been blissfully married.
Shawn and Milly are our two delightful children. Everything appeared to be in perfect order.
Michael’s recent promotion at work was celebrated, as were the small things, such as family game evenings. Oh, that evening was unforgettable.
Michael treated us to an unexpected dinner. I still recall the way his eyes sparkled when he informed us of the news, and we chuckled and toasted.
However, that afternoon, everything changed.
It was an ordinary day. While conversing with Michael via telephone, I was engaged in laundry. He was on the brink of commencing his therapy session.
Michael had been exhibiting symptoms of stress recently, as the pressure of his work and the frequent business travels were having an impact on him. Therefore, in order to alleviate his tension, he began consulting with a therapist named Dr. Hanks.
We discussed the typical topics, such as his day and the children’s well-being.
I informed him that I would be preparing his preferred turkey roast for dinner. Michael informed me that the therapist had arrived, and we bid each other farewell with affection. I continued to fold clothes while contemplating the evening ahead, leaving my phone on the table.
However, ten minutes later, I retrieved my phone to contact a friend regarding a recipe. At that moment, I observed that Michael had not terminated the call. I could hear every word he was uttering to his therapist.
Initially, I was hesitant. There was an unpleasant sensation associated with listening in. However, I then heard a statement that caused my heart to sink.
Dr. Hanks’ voice was audible: “All right, Mr. Fox, let’s revisit our most recent discussion.” You mentioned that your family is not the only family you have.
“Yes, Doctor Hanks,” Michael responded.
I was paralyzed.
“Can you please elaborate, Michael?” As perplexed as I was, Dr. Hanks inquired.
Michael’s voice was constant and nearly dispassionate.
“My family is not limited to my wife, Colleen, and our children, Milly and Shawn.” I have two additional families. One is located in California, while the other is in New York. I have a daughter with one woman and two children with the other.
My limbs buckled. The phone remained pressed to my ear as I fell to the ground. I was unable to hear Michael’s progress as my pulse pounded so loudly.
“I inform Colleen that I am embarking on business trips; however, in reality, I am visiting them.” Additionally, he stated, “I have been engaging in this activity for an extended period of time.”
Dr. Hanks’ voice penetrated my fog. “Michael, that is an immense burden to bear.” Do you have a method for managing it?
Michael exhaled. “Doctor, I am uncertain.” I cherish each one of them; however, it is quite taxing. I experience the sensation of residing in three distinct lifetimes. Occasionally, I contemplate disclosing my true intentions; however, I am unable to endure the thought of losing any of them.
I had the sensation that I was about to become ill. How could he love us and deceive us in this manner? The queries that were racing through my mind were overwhelming, but I was unable to think clearly or move.
The only thing I could do was listen, as each word tore at my heart.
Michael continued, “I am aware that it is incorrect.” I am aware that I am deceiving each and every one of them. However, I am uncertain of how to cease. I am uncertain about how to make a decision.
The tone used by Dr. Hanks was compassionate. Michael, it is crucial to resolve this matter, not only for your own benefit but also for the well-being of all individuals. Secrets of this nature can be extremely detrimental.
Michael’s reply was scarcely audible. “I am aware, Dr. I am aware. However, there is no action I can take. It is… it is too late.
I was frozen to the ground, my world shattered into a million fragments. What is the possible explanation for this? How could the man I adore, the father of my children, be leading a double—no, triple—life?
My body was racked with weeping as the tears continued to flow. I was uncertain as to what to do or where to proceed. Life would never be the same again, that was all I knew.
As the weight of Michael’s betrayal crashed over me, I sat there clutching my chest and allowing tears to trickle down my face. Every memory, every experience, appeared to be tainted. I was filled with anguish and contemplated how I would ever confront him again.
I pressed the phone against my ear, allowing each syllable to penetrate my heart more deeply. Dr. Hanks recognized Michael’s admission and inquired, “What motivated you to deceive your wife, Colleen, and maintain two clandestine families?”
Michael disclosed, “Colleen, she… she’s my third wife,” his words striking my heart like a sledgehammer. His voice trembled.
“Doctor, I am deeply ashamed of my actions.” However, it is too late to disclose the truth. I have a genuine affection for Colleen and our children. Cheating on her was never my intention. In the past, circumstances necessitated that I make decisions.
“What do you plan to do now?” Dr. Hanks inquired gently.
Michael exhaled deeply, “I am apprehensive about disclosing information about my other families to Colleen.” The children of those families are currently enrolled in secondary school. I am unsure of how to confront her. I am… I am apprehensive about losing her.
“Do you feel guilty, Michael?” After a brief pause, Dr. Hanks inquired.
Michael maintained his silence for an extended period before abruptly erupting in sobs. “Even if I intended to rectify the situation, it is too late.” For the duration of my existence, I am obligated to allocate my time among my three families.
“Do your other two families know about each other?” Dr. Hanks inquired.
“No,” Michael replied unambiguously.
I was unable to continue listening. As I dropped the phone, the call was abruptly terminated, and my hand trembled. I collapsed to the floor, wailing uncontrollably, as the room spun around me.
How was it possible for him to do so? How could he betray us in this manner?
At that moment, I heard the children returning from school. “Mom, we’re back!” Suddenly, Shawn raised his voice.
I immediately wiped my tears and applied cold water to my face in an effort to alleviate the puffiness. I was compelled to gather myself for them. I entered the kitchen and began to prepare the turkey roast, my mind racing.
Although a storm was developing within me, I resolved to maintain composure. It was imperative that I provide Michael with one final opportunity to disclose his intentions.
He returned home that evening, maintaining an air of normalcy. When I summoned him, he was observing television with the children.
I bluntly stated, “Michael, we must engage in a conversation.”
“What’s up, honey?” He inquired, his expression betraying his confusion. “Certainly, please wait a moment.” I will be arriving shortly.
Michael sat across from me at the dining table, and I took a deep breath, my pulse pounding.
“For years, I have been eager to communicate with you; however, I was apprehensive about the possibility of our family disbanding.” I initiated, “I have been under the influence of guilt and have resolved to disclose the truth.”
Michael’s pupils expanded. “What do you mean?”
“I betrayed you five years ago,” I confessed, struggling to articulate the words. “I encountered this individual in Spain.” He was divorced, handsome, and unattached. I am aware that it was an error. But it has been a source of anguish for me for the past years.
Michael immediately rose to his feet and began to kick the chair back.
“What?” Colleen, how could you subject me to this? I placed my faith in you. And you… you had an affair with another individual? You are an embarrassment to me… “You are a woman who is destined for failure.”
His visage contorted in fury. “You are unfaithful!” I am ashamed of you.
The words he spoke struck me deeply, yet I maintained my composure. I stood up from the chair, my arms crossed and my eyes fixed on the ground. I exclaimed, “Oh, darling, it’s unexpected that you would begin to doubt me over a story I concocted.”
Michael’s face was etched with astonishment and confusion as he froze. “C-cooked?” What do you mean?
“It was a fabricated tale to see if you would come clean about the two secret families you’ve been hiding from me all these years,” I accidentally spilled the beverage.
Michael’s visage was drained of blood. He began to falter, “Colleen, I… I can explain—”
I interrupted him with a dismissive wave of my hand. “Please, Michael, preserve it.” I was informed of all the details. I placed my faith in you; however, you struck me directly in the heart.
As he pursued me, his shoulders sagged, and his eyes beseeched me. “Colleen, please—”
“I have completed my task, Michael.” Our family has been irreparably damaged by your actions. Turning on my heel, I addressed the children. “Shawn, help Milly pack your bags.” We are departing.
Michael stood there, defeated, as I collected our possessions. Sensing the tension, the children refrained from posing any inquiries. We vacated the residence, leaving Michael in the ruins of the family he had so easily destroyed.
I forwarded the divorce documents to him one week later.
The proceedings are currently in progress, and I have no remorse for abandoning Michael. However, the magnitude of his deception continues to torment me on a daily basis. I am uncertain as to whether I would be able to overcome the wounds he has inflicted on my emotions.
I contemplate how I will ever reconstruct our lives as I nestle Shawn and Milly into bed each night. However, one thing is certain: I will never allow anyone to betray us in such a manner again.