My story is about how my ex-husband’s girlfriend realized a truth about him that I grew too comfortable with while married to him. With one important question, his new girlfriend taught me a valuable lesson about self-love after reaching out unexpectedly. I’ve been divorced for five years now, and it’s been an interesting journey navigating life post-marriage. My ex-husband, Ben, 48, and I, 45, were together for 13 years and had two wonderful kids. Even after our split, we’ve managed to stay on good terms. A mother with two children | Source: Pexels A mother with two children | Source: Pexels We co-parent effectively despite our marriage having its ups and downs. Ben and I are best friends and have also maintained a friendship that surprises most people. Our divorce wasn’t messy; we simply wanted different things out of life. Yesterday was our eldest’s 16th birthday, and we decided to celebrate with a family dinner. Ben has been seeing someone new, a woman named Lisa, for about four months. He told me about her as soon as their relationship got serious. Someone’s birthday party | Source: Pexels Someone’s birthday party | Source: Pexels Transparency was part of our agreement to keep things open and honest for the sake of our children. He asked if he could bring Lisa to the birthday dinner, and while I wasn’t thrilled as I would have preferred to meet her one-on-one first, I didn’t want to cause any drama or be intrusive. So, I agreed. On that fateful day, I finally got to meet Lisa who was friendly, and eager to make a good impression, which was a relief. I preferred her to be a good person if she was going to be around my children. Two women clinking glasses | Source: Pexels Two women clinking glasses | Source: Pexels She’s got a kind smile and she immediately struck up a conversation with me about the kids’ school and activities. I could tell she was trying hard to fit in, which I appreciated. As the evening went on, I noticed how attentive Lisa was to Ben. It was sweet but also a little unsettling because I never saw that side of him during our marriage. I chalked it up to new relationship energy and tried to focus on the kids and the celebration. A happy couple bonding | Source: Pexels A happy couple bonding | Source: Pexels Halfway through dinner, things got weird when my eldest handed me a birthday card from her father. This caught me off guard because my birthday was months ago. No one usually remembers it, and Ben has never been one to recall such occasions. Don’t get me wrong, my children’s father is a great man. But he’s really terrible with things like anniversaries, birthdays, or any special occasions. During all the years we were together, Ben never got me a present or card. Someone lighting the candles on a birthday cake | Source: Pexels Someone lighting the candles on a birthday cake | Source: Pexels It was also my responsibility to handle events like the kids’ birthdays, Christmas, and more. I don’t know if I was wrong for this, but his forgetfulness didn’t bother me. I thanked my daughter, feeling touched by the gesture. Lisa, sitting across from me, saw my surprise. I had assumed she’d made him get it, but then I noticed how she was giving me these funny looks. Unsure what they meant, I decided to mingle with other guests to avoid the awkwardness. A woman holding a card | Source: Freepik A woman holding a card | Source: Freepik But, Lisa somehow managed to get my attention. “Ben mentioned he’s not great with birthdays,” she said with a chuckle. “He forgot mine a few weeks ago. Is it intentional?” I laughed, remembering all the missed anniversaries and forgotten special days. “I have no idea, Lisa, but 13 years of marriage and two kids wasn’t the benchmark because he never really got the hang of it,” I replied. “It’s just who he is.” Two women talking | Source: Pexels Two women talking | Source: Pexels Lisa seemed disappointed and tried to hide it, but I thought nothing of it and wandered off to talk to other guests. I decided to shift the conversation to something lighter and talked about family plans and the upcoming holidays. The rest of the evening went smoothly, and we all parted ways with smiles and hugs. Later that night, as I was getting ready for bed, I received a text from an unknown number. It was my ex’s new girlfriend. “Hi, this is Lisa. I got your number from Ben. I hope it’s okay to text you. I wanted to ask you something.” A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels Curious, I replied, “Sure, what’s up?” Her response came quickly and when I read it, I was STUNNED. She hadn’t gotten over our brief conversation earlier and was asking if Ben’s forgetfulness of special occasions was something that could be fixed. “I know this might seem odd because we touched on it earlier, but I need to know…” “…Does Ben ever improve when it comes to birthdays and anniversaries? I don’t want to make a big deal out of it if it’s something that won’t change.” I stared at my phone, feeling a mix of emotions. Part of me wanted to warn her, to tell her not to ever expect much. A shocked woman reacting to something on her phone | Source: Freepik A shocked woman reacting to something on her phone | Source: Freepik But another part of me debated whether to give Ben a heads-up as it seemed like this was a serious issue for his new girlfriend and that she expected more attention to such things. Yet, a part of me resented having to teach him to be better about something he never tried with me. I also felt like it wasn’t my place to interfere. After a moment, I typed back, “Honestly, he’s my ex for a reason. I can’t say if he’ll change or not, and I’m not going to have the answers you need.” I continued, “It’s something you’ll have to figure out together. Lovely meeting you, though.” A woman texting on her phone | Source: Pexels A woman texting on her phone | Source: Pexels Months went by without much thought about that night. Then, one evening, Ben called me out of the blue. “Lisa and I broke up,” he said, sounding frustrated. “What happened?” I asked, genuinely curious. “She kept making a big deal out of nothing, busy complaining about birthdays and anniversaries. I told her it’s not something I care about, and she just wouldn’t let it go,” he said, sounding furious. “It turned into this huge argument when I forgot our anniversary, and she left,” he explained, his voice tinged with annoyance. A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels A man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels I sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt as I wondered if I could’ve helped them if I had been more supportive of Lisa when she texted me. “Ben, did she tell you it was important to her?” I asked, feeling like my responses to Lisa played a part in their breakup. He was silent for a moment. “She told me on many occasions that such things were important to her.” “But WHO CARES! You never made it a big deal,” he said defensively. Tired of coddling him, I said, “Well, sir, and that’s why we divorced.” An upset woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels An upset woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels “That’s mean, Kim,” my ex replied, sounding sad. “Look, I’m sorry, but I stopped trying because I knew it wouldn’t matter to you,” I replied calmly. “But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t important to me. Or to her. You have to meet people halfway.” Ben grumbled something under his breath, and I could tell he wasn’t ready to accept that truth. We ended the call on a neutral note, and I sat there, thinking about Lisa. She deserved someone who would appreciate her efforts and reciprocate her feelings. An upset woman thinking | Source: Pexels An upset woman thinking | Source: Pexels A few days later, I bumped into Lisa at the grocery store. She looked tired but managed a smile when she saw me. “Hi, how are you?” she asked politely. “I’m good, thanks. How about you?” I replied, genuinely concerned. “I’ve been better,” she admitted. “Ben and I broke up.” “I heard,” I said softly. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.” She sighed. “I couldn’t deal with feeling unimportant. I tried to explain it to him, but he didn’t seem to care.” Two women at a grocery store | Source: Pexels Two women at a grocery store | Source: Pexels I nodded, understanding her frustration all too well. “It’s hard when someone doesn’t value what you do. You deserve someone who will.” Lisa smiled sadly. “Thanks. I appreciate that. I guess I hoped he could change.” “Change is hard for some people,” I said gently. “But don’t lose hope. You’ll find someone who values you.” Two women at a grocery store | Source: Pexels Two women at a grocery store | Source: Pexels Read also A little girl in the backseat of a car | Source: Amomama My Daughter and I Have a ‘Code Word’ – What Happened Yesterday Is Why You Should Have One with Your Loved Ones Too A woman holding a baby | Source: Amomama A Woman with a Baby Knocked on My Door & Claimed It Was My Husband’s – We Made Him Regret His Double Life Bachelorette party | Source: Freepik I Cut My Bachelorette Party Short When I Found Out My Fiancé’s Ex Attended His Bachelor Party We parted ways, and I felt a strange sense of closure. Lisa’s struggle mirrored my past frustrations, but it also highlighted how much I had grown since my marriage ended. I had learned to accept Ben’s flaws, but I also realized that I deserved more than what he was willing to give. That evening, I sat down with my children and talked about their dad. I wanted them to understand that while he had his shortcomings, he loved them deeply. We laughed about his forgetfulness and shared stories of the good times we had as a family. A mother bonding with her child | Source: Pexels A mother bonding with her child | Source: Pexels As I reflected on everything, I felt a deep sense of peace. I had moved on from the hurt and disappointment and was ready to embrace whatever the future held. I hoped Lisa would find the happiness she deserved, and I knew that I had done the right thing by not getting too involved in their relationship. In the end, it wasn’t about birthdays or anniversaries. It was about finding someone who truly valued and appreciated you for who you are. I did not doubt that Lisa would find that person someday, and I knew I was finally content with my own life. A woman thinking | Source: Pexels A woman thinking | Source: Pexels As I looked at my children, I felt grateful for the love and joy they brought into my life. We had our good and bad moments, but we were a family, and that was what mattered most. And as for Ben, I hoped he would eventually learn to value the important things in life. For now, I was happy. I had my kids, friends, and a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in a long time. And that was more than enough. Two children bonding | Source: Pexels Two children bonding | Source: Pexels If you enjoyed Kim’s story, you’ll love this one about a woman who got pregnant around the same time her son’s girlfriend was also expecting. The son’s girlfriend caused a rift in the family when she made demands of his mother about naming her child. This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author. The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

My world was shattered in an airport terminal when I discovered my husband with another woman. But a chance encounter with a handsome and charming airline pilot led me on a whirlwind romance to Paris. And yet, my heart wasn’t sure if something like that could last.

Brian and I were at a crossroads in our marriage, though I hadn’t fully realized it. But I was still hopeful for us, so clutching my ticket to Paris, I navigated the crowded local international airport, trying to stifle the nerves churning within me.

I planned to surprise Brian on his business trip to France, so we could reignite our romance in the city of love. However, I saw his silhouette at the airport and quickly realized he had a young woman on his arm, and they were intimately linked.

My heart sank as I realized his deceit. “Brian!” I exclaimed, shocked.

He turned, his face cycling from surprise to detachment. He let go of the strange woman and walked over to me. “Ava, why are you here?” he asked, frowning.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

“I wanted to surprise you, to spend time together in Paris,” I said, my voice trembling as my romantic fantasy shattered.

Brian pulled me farther away from the others with his pursed lips in annoyance. “This isn’t a good time, Ava. It’s a business trip,” he dismissed, snatching and tearing up my ticket. “And before you get any ideas, she’s just a colleague. Go home.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “I thought we were trying to fix things,” I murmured, heartbroken.

“This was a mistake. Leave,” Brian said coldly, walking away, grabbing the woman’s hand, and leaving me crushed. I sank to the floor, sobbing heavily as I leaned on my suitcase. That’s where Jack found me.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his tone imbued with genuine concern. I looked up into the kindest eyes I had ever seen and noticed his pilot uniform, which made him so handsome.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

After telling him what I had gone through, Jack offered me a first-class seat to Paris, no strings attached.

“Why would you help me?” I asked, touched but shocked.

“Everyone deserves a fresh start,” he replied, smiling warmly.

Grinning back slightly, I accepted, hoping Paris might help mend my shattered heart.

***

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

In the comfort of my first-class seat, I felt a sense of peace, which distanced me from my recent situation. The luxury was perfect for my shattered heart. Yet, the tranquility was short-lived because my Brian appeared out of seemingly nowhere, his face contorted with indignation.

“What are you doing here?” he sneered.

I mentioned Jack’s invitation, only to be met with Brian’s scorn. I saw my husband get angrier and more red-faced as he kept talking, but Jack appeared out of nowhere and intervened, his authority undisputed.

He firmly told Brian, “She’s here at my invitation,” and directed him back to economy class. I thanked him, relieved that someone had stood up for me.

“You’re welcome. Enjoy the flight, and remember, you deserve to be treated with respect, here and everywhere else,” he said, smiling as usual, and retired back to the cockpit.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

Just as I was settling back against my seat, ready to sleep the entire flight, Brian showed up in my face. His breath smelled of cheap vodka, but his words were even more surprising.

“You think you’ve won, don’t you? Enjoying your little victory lap up here? Well, listen closely. The first thing I’ll do when we land in Paris is cut off all your credit cards. Let’s see how far you get without a penny to your name,” he threatened.

Was this truly my husband?

Before I could succumb to the fear his threats inspired, a hostess interrupted and asked him to return to his seat. A few minutes later, Jack was back at my side, and he proposed something I couldn’t refuse.

“I’ll ensure you’re not alone in Paris. You can stay in my hotel suite, all expenses covered,” he offered with his bright, beautiful eyes.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

“But why would you do this for me?” I asked in disbelief. Of course, I was grateful, but the world wasn’t kind, and this man had treated me better in the last hour than my husband had during our entire relationship.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Jack replied. “Besides, I have a feeling that Paris might just be the beginning of a new chapter for you, one filled with hope and healing. Let me be part of that journey, even just as a friend offering support.”

Finally smiling back, I accepted his generosity and felt a spark of hope.

***

In Paris, the vibrant streets became my healing ground. Jack, acting as my unexpected guardian, guided me through the city, each day mending my heart a little more. As we explored this wonderful place, from the serene Seine to the bustling Montmartre, I shared my innermost thoughts with him, feeling an unexpected bond forming.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

One evening, under the Eiffel Tower’s glow, I realized my feelings for Jack had evolved into something deeper. This change was both exciting and daunting, especially because I had just met him. Perhaps, it was this city. Maybe it wasn’t real, but it felt genuine.

And the magic of this place wasn’t over. An unexpected turn came one crisp morning when I received an email that would once again alter the course of my journey.

On a flight of fancy, before I had decided to chase my husband on his “business trip” to Paris, I had applied for a job advertised on LinkedIn at a prestigious fashion house.

This opportunity promised a stable, independent life in this new city. But there was uncertainty, too. Accepting the position meant anchoring myself to Paris, to a life that was still foreign and new.

It also posed a question that tugged at my heart — what would this mean for my budding relationship with Jack? Conflicted, I discussed the job with him during a rain-soaked walk.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

“I’m so proud of you,” Jack said when I finished explaining, his voice warm and encouraging. “This is an incredible opportunity. You’ve come so far, and you deserve every bit of success and happiness that comes your way.”

“But what about us?” I asked.

Jack reached out and took both my hands in his. “What we have is special, and I won’t pretend that this doesn’t complicate things. But I also know that love isn’t about holding each other back. It’s about supporting each other’s dreams, even when it’s hard.”

Tears glistened in my eyes as the truth of his words sank in. Here was a man who truly wanted what was best for me, who understood the importance of finding my own way.

“You have a chance to start anew, to build a life that’s entirely your own,” Jack continued, squeezing my hand. “No matter what you decide, I’ll be here for you. We’ll figure out the rest together.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

As we kissed under the twinkling lights and tumbling rain, the sounds of the city around us, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. Paris had offered me a chance at redemption, and in Jack, I had found not just a lover but a true partner.

***

While we prepared to leave, Jack offered me a choice: return with him to New York or stay in Paris for the job. He would try to make it work, either way. Touched by his support, I realized what I truly wanted.

“I’ve found strength and love here, Jack, but you have changed everything for me,” I shared. “I want to give us a chance.”

So, during our last walk along the Seine, we decided to return to New York together, committed to each other.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

***

However, the reality of our situation set in once we landed at JFK. I met him at baggage claim, and as we walked outside, Jack expressed his concerns about the practicalities of our relationship given his career and lifestyle.

“My job is not just a job to me. Flying, exploring new cities — it’s a part of who I am. I’m away a lot, and I worry about what that means for us,” he said carefully.

“I love you and while I’m scared, I believe we can navigate this together,” I assured him.

“It might not work,” Jack continued, the words hanging heavy between us. “Let’s take a few days to think about this. To think about us. I want you to be sure.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

I nodded, swallowing thickly and feeling like our Parisian love bubble was bursting.

Then, Jack handed me a voucher for a hotel stay in New York. “I don’t want you to feel unsupported,” he said. “Take your time to decide what you want, especially about Brian. I’ll be in touch.”

“I swear I want to make this work, Jack,” I said, desperately.

“I still think we both should take some time. Traveling can muddle your brain, especially about love,” he admitted, and we said goodbye with just a small peck.

I remained alone at the terminal long after Jack left. While I was contemplating my future, Brian’s mocking voice interrupted my solitude. “How’s life after your escapade with the pilot?” he taunted, with his mistress by his side.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

“Go away, Brian,” I said, grabbing my bag and starting to roll away.

“Wait, dear wife. How’s life treating you after your little affair with the pilot? Didn’t take long for that to fall apart, did it? Are you all alone here, waiting for me to rescue you?” my husband asked, mocking me.

“Wife?” the woman at his side finally asked.

“Nina, not now,” Brian said dismissively.

Watching her face, I realized she had no idea Brian was married. Suddenly, her hand moved and a sharp sound echoed through the terminal — the unmistakable crack of a slap. Nina had struck him.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

“You lied to me!” she exclaimed. Brian, stunned, had no defense. Then, she turned to me full of apologies.

I gave her an understanding nod. “It’s not your fault,” I said, crossing my arms as I stared at my husband.

With a firm stance, Nina declared to Brian, “We’re done,” and walked away.

I faced my husband, wanting to laugh, but noting that I didn’t feel an ounce of love for him anymore. “Goodbye, Brian,” I said and walked away from him, just like Nina.

It was liberating.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

***

The vibrancy of New York mirrored my own transformation. I had evolved from my sad, lonely marriage. Reflecting on my journey with Jack, I realized our shared experiences had ignited a deep desire for adventure and growth.

Therefore, I decided to become an air hostess, blending my newfound independence with my love for Jack and the skies. With his support, I navigated the application process and training, and our relationship matured into a fantastic partnership.

At last, I was assigned to my first flight, coincidentally on one of Jack’s routes. Dressed in my air hostess uniform, I met his proud gaze as I walked down the airplane aisle.

His embrace and the kiss we shared were filled with the promise of the brightest future together.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

For illustration purposes only | Source: Youtube/LOVEBUSTER

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