{"id":11645,"date":"2025-03-29T08:36:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T08:36:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/archives\/11645"},"modified":"2025-03-29T08:36:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-29T08:36:47","slug":"my-best-friend-stole-my-husband-and-ten-years-later-she-showed-up-at-my-doorstep-story-of-the-day-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/archives\/11645","title":{"rendered":"My Best Friend Stole My Husband, and Ten Years Later She Showed Up at My Doorstep \u2013 Story of the Day #10"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='\"PostImage_post-image-container__PlDZN' postcontent_thumb-image__ih052 data-testid='\"thumb-image\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' postimage_post-image__xnmzf src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/c62d544e23527dab4f575fb5706d51f49fbe671205b5f6b4628658071ea4ba15.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"Woman' near open door. source: midjourney>\n\n<div class='\"PostContent_thumb-title__SoMYI\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Woman near open door.\n<div class='\"InfoLine_wrapper__C_h_D\"'>\n<div class='\"ShareButton_share-button-wrapper__vOvTc' infoline_post-share-button__ie8ii>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"ContentRenderer_content-container__XYPLT\"' data-io-article-url='\"https:\/\/thecelebritist.com\/my-best-friend-stole-my-husband-and-ten\/?m=doa\"'>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36' contentrenderer_paragraph-first___d_vf>I thought I had it all \u2014 a loving husband, a newborn daughter, and a best friend who felt like family. But one night changed everything. Ten years later, just when I had finally moved on, she showed up at my door, looking like a ghost of the woman I once knew.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Probably everyone had a best friend who felt almost like a sister, someone closer than anyone else. Someone who knew you inside and out. Well, my best friend like that ruined my life.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/qqAVmmxWRqK_tPgUP6GDTKCy2HddgiRYFsr7c8G-sMY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjk3Y2M4OTQ4OWFiNzA3MWRhNzU5M2E0OWNhZjQzZjg3YzI1MTdmYzJiYmMwYmY5ZmEwNjc2Y2I0ZDczYzViYS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/b97cc89489ab7071da7593a49caf43f87c2517fc2bbc0bf9fa0676cb4d73c5ba.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie and I became friends back in school and had been inseparable ever since. We did everything together \u2014 school projects, birthday parties, sleepovers.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>People used to call us twins, even though we looked nothing alike. And although the older we got, the more different we became, it never interfered with our friendship.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie had always been the life of the party \u2014 a party woman, free and confident.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/YWq5U8gjpyXX0fHnQDcCMQvEct98G7ZgvsJrH8Nj9BE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWU0MDdmZmU4YzdmMWE5Mzg4ZDQ5YzU5MTljMmExZTA0ZDdmNDI2NjVhMDlmN2JmMDBlOWQwYzk2OTRlNWE5OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/9e407ffe8c7f1a9388d49c5919c2a1e04d7f42665a09f7bf00e9d0c9694e5a99.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She was the one dancing on tables, laughing the loudest, catching everyone&rsquo;s attention without even trying.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>So when I announced to her that I was getting married, I did not expect any other reaction than, \u201cWell, never mind, I will have fun for both of us.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Still, Katie and my fianc\u00e9 Dave became friends \u2014 they actually had no choice because Katie and I spent a lot of time together.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Ohi1xCYjJwtDAxqGJ1uyjQLHakkhQXnlvXsJEvfDPBU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTU4MmJlZWE3MDJiYjFiNWJmZDBkZmViMjQ3ZjVkYzMzYWI4ZDVkYmJmNTA5YTAxMTJlMTA0ODk1NTUwZmNkNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/9582beea702bb1b5bfd0dfeb247f5dc33ab8d5dbbf509a0112e104895550fcd7.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only.\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If you wanted to be close to me, you had to accept Katie as well. She cried at my wedding, although she had promised she would not.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDo you want me to throw the bouquet so that you catch it?\u201d I asked Katie in the middle of the wedding.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIf you throw the bouquet at me, I will never forgive you. My soul is not ready for commitment,\u201d she replied, and we both laughed.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/dT42lHEBsdiCpyTE6zn_UCJ0Wq1RYpuyLq9RCJwc-zM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTk4N2JkYmZjNDQ0MDY2YjExMGZiY2IwZjhhNmQ3NDI0YTQyMzYyMWQ0NGJmZTM1ZmVmYTUyMDhiYTU4YzQxMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODk2JmhlaWdodD0xMzQ0.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/a987bdbfc444066b110fbcb0f8a6d7424a423621d44bfe35fefa5208ba58c411.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"896\"' height='\"1344\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I became pregnant, Katie was just as happy as Dave and I were. She was with me throughout the pregnancy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Held my hair when I had morning sickness, helped me pick out baby things, and helped me clean the house when my belly had already grown huge. I was endlessly grateful to fate for giving me such a friend.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The delivery was very difficult, and after I gave birth, Katie did not leave Maya.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/v6zsZ_NgS-sstKwbT_5rYvxBn8Wg-RfLE9Z7ZwHCkKU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2IzZDMzNGQ2MDMwNWEwMmVlNDg2YWUwZDJkNjUxOThjY2NmYTNmNDA5OTI2NmRkMmZiZTJhMWU2YmNkNmUzOS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/7b3d334d60305a02ee486ae0d2d65198cccfa3f4099266dd2fbe2a1e6bcd6e39.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She helped in every way she could and showered Maya with gifts. She even started staying overnight to help me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One evening, Katie and I sat in the kitchen drinking tea. Maya was asleep upstairs. The house was quiet.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMaybe you want a child too?\u201d I asked as I poured her another cup.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/In0ehwBZEoPspf-7NsCIutPh41LxdGi0H-Xrsn2FjpI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmEyNGM2NGMzNWViY2MwNmJkOTVmYjYxYzkxNjU2M2EyNWU1YWJlYWNmMTI2NTBkZjAyMzlhMDk2NjRkMmE4MC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/2a24c64c35ebcc06bd95fb61c916563a25e5abeacf12650df0239a09664d2a80.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She looked at me and shook her head. \u201cOh, no. That\u2019s too much. Too much responsibility.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut you\u2019re so good with Maya,\u201d I said. \u201cYou feed her, change her, rock her to sleep. You help more than anyone.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie gave a small smile. \u201cYes, but she\u2019s your child. Not mine. That\u2019s different. I like helping, but I don\u2019t want this for myself.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/39by-sqrxYjDstQOdQUCTQD1Moo1-W-UTZjMwGYMy4A\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODUyM2MxMGM0NzRhZDYwZTIyZGYyNTI0ZGFiNDBlMjljODQ3ZWY4M2U4OTJjOTAxNGY1ZTRjYmE1N2U2YzU1YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/8523c10c474ad60e22df2524dab40e29c847ef83e892c9014f5e4cba57e6c55a.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou don\u2019t want a family?\u201d I asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo. Not now. Maybe not ever. I don\u2019t want one man, one house, one life. It feels like a trap.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was quiet for a moment. \u201cI want that. I want this life. I want it with Dave.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie looked at me. \u201cYou got lucky. Dave is rare. Most men are not like him.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/UjzQ7bjJU8h-iQH5iwr30tv-qIs_aE6pPhaqTAE7AWg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDMyZDMwZGE4YmI2ODdhMDYxZGUxNGYwNDJlZGNmZmEzZDdhMTk5NDRiY2E3NTUyMjYyMTYzMWMxNjBkZDQ2Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/d32d30da8bb687a061de14f042edcffa3d7a19944bca75522621631c160dd46c.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Just then, Dave walked in. He came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cKatie, here again?\u201d he said with a grin. \u201cMaybe we should give you a key. This is almost your home too.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We all laughed. But later, I realized the joke was close to the truth. Katie was part of the family. And maybe she wanted more.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/_OnxfI0M-YsttGWVIIL1gzn7t82aP5op6-ekPrBicWM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGExNTQyMTUxOTU5Njg5ZDM4ZTZhZDE5NzgzY2RiZWRiNDZmYWQxMzI3NjE1YzdlZWNkYTNmZGM4NDIxYTMxOS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTM0NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/8a1542151959689d38e6ad19783cdbedb46fad1327615c7eecda3fdc8421a319.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"2400\"' height='\"1345\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One night, when Maya was three months old, Katie stayed over again. The baby had colic.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She cried often and woke up a lot during the night. Katie said she wanted to help. She called herself \u201cAunt Katie\u201d and said she didn\u2019t mind losing sleep.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was late. The house was quiet, but something woke me. I heard a noise and sat up in bed.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/HY-A0cyELmtjmZe9-zOWfI-ADMUUv9zKqXjPLOdWtZA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGVlMjM1NTAzYjZhODY5ODllNDg1MDYyMTBiOTlmZDNhN2Q5MTllNGQyMGQ1OTQ3YTI3NmI1MTAzZWY2M2RjNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/8ee235503b6a86989e48506210b99fd3a7d919e4d20d5947a276b5103ef63dc7.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At first, I thought Maya was crying again. I listened closely, but it wasn\u2019t her. The sound was coming from downstairs.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I reached out and felt the empty space beside me. Dave was not in bed. That felt strange.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I got up and slowly walked toward the kitchen. I was still half asleep, but as I came closer, I heard soft voices. Then I saw them.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/PhQoHtqRnbHsZG8Id9d46elf1foQ0Q8NT0t4JfuOMYE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWRkZGFlYThhZTA1MmFiNGE0ZjFlYzVjYmZmYjlkYmIyNmRkYjk3NzI1Y2Q3ZWY2MDIxOTYxMTk2M2Q5MWEzZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9ODE2JmhlaWdodD0xNDU2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/9dddaea8ae052ab4a4f1ec5cbffb9dbb26ddb97725cd7ef60219611963d91a3e.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"816\"' height='\"1456\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie and Dave. Right there. In my kitchen. I froze. My heart pounded. I could not speak. I could not move.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie saw me first. Her eyes went wide. She pushed Dave away and scrambled to grab her clothes. Dave didn\u2019t move fast. He stood there, calm, as if nothing was wrong.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was my home. My baby is upstairs. And they did that.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/z483sAUegLW1hOa-zKp_EFv6ArAUQE8Upjcb6XxLUMQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTk4MTcwOGI4Nzg2NGIwOGYzZTQxZWMyZjQ0NWVkOTZiYTVjYmYxYzc3Y2ZlZGMyYTM0MDU3MjVlMGUzMTUzZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/a981708b87864b08f3e41ec2f445ed96ba5cbf1c77cfedc2a3405725e0e3153d.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie stood there, shaking. Then she dropped to her knees and started crying. Her face was wet with tears. Her voice was loud and broken.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAlexis, I\u2019m sorry! I\u2019m sorry, I didn\u2019t mean to \u2014 please, forgive me,\u201d she said over and over.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I just stood there. My hands were cold. My whole body shook.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhy?\u201d I asked. My voice came out thin and weak. \u201cWhy would you do this to me?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/99ikTubzmddsmhbUtP6g3uHAHA4sBTGvvbPItOkMosA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTA4YmJjMmU4MmRmZjlkZTYxOTVlY2ZkNjU5YjIyNjdhYjJhNzg0OWJmNTNmM2YxNzExZTZhMmE4OGU5YTA5Ni5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/508bbc2e82dff9de6195ecfd659b2267ab2a7849bf53f3f1711e6a2a88e9a096.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie looked up at me. Her eyes were red. Her face was pale. \u201cI don\u2019t know what happened. Please, forgive me. It was a mistake. It won\u2019t happen again. I promise.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She reached for me, still crying. But Dave grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t humiliate yourself in front of her,\u201d he said. Then he looked straight at me. \u201cYou brought this on yourself, Alexis. We haven\u2019t done anything for months.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/SHePWTBito6C30jOXzOunETKJ-LdX7dF9lWl-6dW1Cw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMxZjcyYWEzZGE4ZDg0YmE1ZWZiYmU3ODcxNDc4MmNhN2E3ZjRlODNmZGJmOWY4ZTdiYmNmMWRjMGZjNzNhNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/331f72aa3da8d84ba5efbbe78714782ca7a7f4e83fdbf9f8e7bbcf1dc0fc73a5.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stared at him. \u201cBecause I was pregnant with your child!\u201d I shouted. \u201cI gave birth to our daughter! Do you know what that did to me? And now you say this?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m your husband. I have needs,\u201d he said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAnd I\u2019m your wife!\u201d I yelled. \u201cBut that didn\u2019t stop you from sleeping with my best friend!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/nG3RdKfHe-4SBq6Ds7ELJdbROCcNYC_VG72Kbk-LBw8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDU5YjAwZTA2Y2I1N2M0YzAyYzM3ZDQ3ZTE2Mjk2MjMxMmJhMTYyMjllZDk4ZjU0NDI2ZmI4ZmU5Y2FmMTcyYS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/d59b00e06cb57c4c02c37d47e162962312ba16229ed98f54426fb8fe9caf172a.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie kept crying. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Dave\u2019s voice got louder. \u201cWhat was I supposed to do? It\u2019s instincts. You let Katie stay. You let her sleep here. I couldn\u2019t resist.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cInstincts?!\u201d I screamed. \u201cWhat instincts?! Are you an animal?!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Dave\u2019s face changed. He looked tired. \u201cI\u2019m not going to explain anything. You won\u2019t understand anyway,\u201d he said.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/yLD-9ZGeZpqFnUdJo6LwrO0tEONsSfUSrETYQg8Inik\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGM1MDAyZWY2MDExYzMwODdmNmMzNTcxMGE3MjE2MmMxZTM0MWQzMmNkOWZiNGJmYTVmMzU3ODI4MmMzYTE0Zi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/0c5002ef6011c3087f6c35710a72162c1e341d32cd9fb4bfa5f3578282c3a14f.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He took Katie by the hand and walked to the door. She kept crying. She kept looking back at me. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d she said again. Then the door slammed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I collapsed into a chair and started sobbing. My whole body shook. My chest hurt. I could barely breathe.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>How could they do this to me? My best friend. My husband. I kept seeing them in the kitchen.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/SRLqkzlDz9INzmo9EHYdRtkiJxjND5ZGCiCuyJVyVVE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmEwZjk2OWQ1OTVjOWFiY2ZhNWQzNWYwZDY2N2Q1YWFhZTg4N2U4N2YzM2RjZjk0N2E1YjI3OGUxODg2MmRiNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/ba0f969d595c9abcfa5d35f0d667d5aaae887e87f33dcf947a5b278e18862db6.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I kept hearing Katie cry and Dave\u2019s cold voice. I just could not wrap my head around it. Nothing made sense.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Dave never came back. Not even once. He left everything behind. So I packed up his clothes, his books, everything he owned.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I put it all outside. Then I filed for divorce. I took away his parental rights. He did not even fight me. I got the house too.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/CevPZhU5K1HgtqtvtLOJZHoy1UvBkkjBV8ZfLpV2Lt8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vM2ZjOGM5ODJhMzRmYTQ4YjZhZjZjYTAxODRjYTFlNzk0ZDNkYWI3MmIyMjY4YmY1NjY1MWYxNDA1ZjM5OTZiMS53ZWJwP3dpZHRoPTgwMCZoZWlnaHQ9NTMz.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/3fc8c982a34fa48b6af6ca0184ca1e794d3dab72b2268bf56651f1405f3996b1.webp%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: pexels width='\"800\"' height='\"533\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I went through the divorce with great difficulty. Every day felt like a fight to stay strong.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was left alone with a small child in my arms. Maya cried a lot. So did I. My parents helped me as much as they could.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>They took turns holding the baby, cooking meals, and trying to cheer me up. But the pain of betrayal stayed with me. It hurt deeply.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/6Cue79OdtF-qXCwb2ZiNHyDmBMruGljIvHt5tfarw_c\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzRmNzIxMWRmYTFhMWZmZmQ0OTA0NzQyOGE4MjgzZTdiODkyOTFlZTRjMGU0ZDUwMDI5NWQ1NzE2Mjk3OWExNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/34f7211dfa1a1fffd49047428a8283e7b89291ee4c0e4d500295d57162979a16.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Still, time passed. Ten whole years. Maya grew into a smart, kind, and beautiful girl. I found a new job and slowly rebuilt my life and career.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I made peace with the past. I stopped thinking about Katie and Dave. I believed they were gone from my world forever.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then one day, I heard the doorbell ring. I opened the door and froze. A woman stood there.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/CJ9aYOJM2aci6TDB7AePaiqMuVoPHYajwaON8EA78-M\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGZjNDhhN2JmYTNjMjhkNTRkODAxYjMzMTFiNmJiMzc0ZTQ4OWUzMTMxYmY0N2NjMTY5OTM3MzRjOGQ5Mzk2Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTUzNiZoZWlnaHQ9NzY4.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/8fc48a7bfa3c28d54d801b3311b6bb374e489e3131bf47cc16993734c8d9396b.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1536\"' height='\"768\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She looked like Katie, but not the Katie I remembered. She was thin, tired, and pale. Her eyes were hollow. Her smile was gone.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;Hello, Alexis,&rdquo; she said. Her voice was soft, almost hard to hear.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stared at her. My heart started to beat faster. &ldquo;What are you doing here?&rdquo; I asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/vPqJ9A6B3NP1eNPtfuYikg4fG_ew2PcxSb9uK45DO8M\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmVkYjk3NTM0MGViMjZjNzUyNTFjYzkwYTBhODE5NmZmMmMyOGUyNzAxMDJiNmE2MzMzNjdkMWRmNDU2Zjg4Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/2edb975340eb26c75251cc90a0a8196ff2c28e270102b6a633367d1df456f88c.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie looked down and began to cry. &ldquo;I have no one else to go to,&rdquo; she said. Her shoulders shook as she spoke.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stood there for a moment. Then I stepped aside. &ldquo;Come in.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She walked in slowly. We sat down on the couch. I watched her carefully. She looked like a shadow of the girl I used to know.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/VINxHET5Er6t3_9VnXblnNBk9GQwQEnK4XpvZiN0kVI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTJhYzRjNzVlYTU5NmJkZTViYWVkYWM3OTdhMzMzODViM2IwMjM1NGEwNzVjOTA0YjAxYTA0NzQxZDUwODJhYS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/52ac4c75ea596bde5baedac797a33385b3b02354a075c904b01a04741d5082aa.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;I\u2019m sick,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;I need treatment. I need money. I don\u2019t know who else to ask.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I looked straight at her. &ldquo;And Dave?&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She gave a dry laugh. &ldquo;We broke up after two years. He cheated again. I was not the only one for him. He never changed.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Pso4IlRpEA48orMH0MSi_Lw8PkyZUmfMNRa6l9twBnc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmE2MTgzMmJkNmY4ZDZiNjI4OWZhZmFiNDRiM2E2NjE3NDdhOGQ2YzU4MDllODExZmFkMDZlM2JiMGQ2OWVhZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/6a61832bd6f8d6b6289fafab44b3a661747a8d6c5809e811fad06e3bb0d69ead.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I nodded. &ldquo;No surprise there.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;You have every right to hate me. You have every right to throw me out,&rdquo; she said. Her eyes filled again. &ldquo;I hurt you. And now it feels like life is hurting me back.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I shook my head slowly. &ldquo;Let me ask you one thing. Why? Why did you do it?&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/yTRm00NLUPhRP2RWoTPYY-87Gtm2oqx6gxfZ_x13u9w\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjk3YTkxY2E0YWViNjc5NzNlMDU2MjdmNGU1ODFkN2VjNDA2ZmQ0MjAwNTgzM2FhMjk3MjRiNWQ1ZmQ2MzE5Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTQ1NiZoZWlnaHQ9ODE2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/697a91ca4aeb67973e05627f4e581d7ec406fd42005833aa29724b5d5fd63192.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1456\"' height='\"816\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Katie looked away. &ldquo;I don\u2019t know. Maybe I was jealous. You had everything. A good man. A home. A child.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;You never wanted that kind of life,&rdquo; I said. &ldquo;And it was far from perfect.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;I know. I said I didn\u2019t want it, but maybe deep down I did. Maybe I just didn\u2019t know how to handle it. I made a huge mistake. I can\u2019t explain it. I just want to say I\u2019m sorry. Truly sorry. Forgive me, Alexis.&rdquo;\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/BXRzHwL2beuvKE4nZqlG7DCMp6N7SG-kFHL3ZjpEsik\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmVlZTA0MDBhNGJlNjQ2NmI1NjRjMGNmNDIzYmQ4NzQ2NjEwZDFmZWJkMjYyYjQzMTI4ODNiNWYzNTgwZWRmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.thecelebritist.com%5C/2eee0400a4be6466b564c0cf423bd8746610d1febd262b4312883b5f3580edf0.png%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only. source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;Apologies won\u2019t change the past,&rdquo; I said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;I know,&rdquo; Katie whispered and lowered her head.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>&ldquo;I think this conversation is over,&rdquo; I said. I stood up and left the room.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I came back, Katie was standing at the door with her bag.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div>