I Wanted to Divorce My Cheating Husband, but My Mother-in-Law Threatened to Use Something Against Me That Could Take My Kids Away — Story of the Day

 

They say when a woman forgives infidelity, a part of her dies. I felt that shift myself, like a light inside me went out, never to return.

I have two kids — Noah, 8, and Lily, 5. For most of their lives, I’ve been the one holding everything together, from packing lunches to comforting nightmares. Ethan, my husband, always claimed long work hours, returning late with tired eyes and the faint scent of perfume on his shirt.

But when I found the texts—the late-night messages with emojis, the “Mike from Work” who was actually a woman—that was the moment I was done. When I told Ethan I wanted a divorce, he didn’t even try to defend himself. He shrugged, like it was no big deal.

Then, his mother, Carol, who I never had a good relationship with, got involved. She had always questioned my every move with the kids, but I never expected her to go this far.

One evening, after putting the kids to bed, I told Ethan the divorce papers would be ready soon. His response was cold. “We’ll see what the court says,” he muttered. I wasn’t just fighting for myself anymore, but for my children.

Carol texted me to visit with the kids, and despite my hesitation, I agreed. She brought chocolate for the kids, ignoring the rule of no sweets during the week. Then, I found Lily eating chocolate that had peanuts in it, even though she was allergic.

I rushed to give her medicine and called the doctor. Carol, unfazed, shrugged it off. That night, I realized it wasn’t an accident. She wanted a reaction, and she got one.

The next day, Carol confronted me, offering me two options: stay with Ethan or lose my kids. I refused to compromise, no matter what she threatened. Later, she revealed a video of me shouting at Lily during the incident, intending to make me look unstable. But I had proof.

I found a video on Carol’s phone where she admitted to planning the incident. I used it in court, and the judge ruled in my favor, granting me full custody of the children. Ethan looked defeated. Carol was livid.

I left the courtroom with my kids, feeling like we were finally safe.