I Walked Into My Husband’s Hospital Room And Saw A Woman Holding His Hand. He Said She Was His Sister, But He Is An Only Child. What Should I Do?

“Richard,” I said.

“How long have you been married to Diane?” I asked.

I watched the color drain from his face. I watched his mouth open and close without sound.

I watched 35 years of careful deception collapse in a single moment.

“Margaret,” he finally whispered.

“Let me explain.” Richard said.

“How long?” I asked.

“26 years.” Richard answered.

“And the children?” I asked.

He closed his eyes.

“Marcus is 25. Sophie is 18.” Richard said.

“Does Jennifer know she has a brother and sister?” I asked.

“No. God, no. Nobody knows.” Richard replied.

“I kept them separate. I kept everything separate.” Richard said.

“Why?” I asked.

It was the only question I really wanted answered. I’d figured out the how: the business trips, the fishing weekends, and the carefully maintained separate lives.

Richard looked at me with tears in his eyes.

“I loved you both.” he said.

“That’s not an answer.” I said.

“I met Diane at a conference in Duluth. We fell in love, but I couldn’t leave you.” Richard said.

“I loved you too. I loved our life, our daughter, and everything we’d built.” Richard explained.

“And I thought—I thought I could make it work. I thought I could make everyone happy by lying to all of us. I never wanted to hurt anyone.” Richard said.

I stood up.

“You need to call Diane. Tell her you won’t be coming back this weekend. Tell her you won’t be coming back ever.” I told him.

“Margaret—” Richard started.

“I’ve already spoken to a lawyer. I’m filing for divorce.” I said.

“This house is in both our names, but I’ll be staying here. You’ll need to find somewhere else to live.” I said.

“I suggest Duluth.” I told him.

“You can’t,” Richard said.

“I can. I have. The papers will be ready next week.” I answered.

“I’m not asking for anything except what’s legally mine. That is half of everything, including the house in Duluth.” I stated.

“I’ll be selling my portion to Diane. I’m sure she’ll appreciate owning her home outright.” I said.

Richard’s face crumpled.

“Please, can’t we talk about this?” he asked.

“We just did.” I replied.

Wreckage and New Beginnings

I walked upstairs to our bedroom. I took out my suitcase and I began to pack.

I didn’t take everything, just enough for a week. Richard followed me.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“Jennifer’s apartment. She’s expecting me.” I said.

“For how long?” Richard asked.

“Until you’ve moved out.” I answered.

“Margaret, please. 35 years.” Richard said.

“We’re a lie. Half a lie to be precise.” I replied.

“You gave me half your life, Richard. Congratulations. You’ll keep the other half.” I told him.

I zipped up my suitcase. I walked past him down the stairs.

At the door, I turned back. He stood at the top of the stairs gripping the railing.