Upon learning of my wife’s extramarital affair, I saw a chance rather than sadness. I had no idea that my scheme to profit from her adultery would put me in a moral bind and make me face the real price of liberty.

Claire was cheating on me, and I knew it. With all the late-night texts, last-minute work travels, and cryptic phone calls, it wasn’t difficult to figure out. I didn’t confront her, though. Hell, after learning the truth, I had no feelings at all for her. We’d been married for so long that my emotions had been sapped.The issue was that I was afraid getting divorced because I thought it would destroy my finances. Her large salary was what kept things afloat for me. Everything was covered by her, including groceries, insurance, and our flat. I decided to just grit my teeth and act like nothing was wrong.

I discovered this crumpled credit card receipt from a posh restaurant in her jeans pocket one day while washing laundry. The name that appears on it? Alex M—.
I loudly said, “Ohhhh,” toward the deserted laundry room. Everything made obvious at last. I was acquainted with the man. I’d seen him a few times at her dad’s birthday celebrations; he was her father’s friend.

Alex was someone I knew from those parties. Wealthy man with a gentle demeanor, who always gazes at Claire as though she were the moon. I assumed he was simply being friendly back then. Right now? I was aware of this now.

With a chuckle, I took a seat on the chilly tile floor and held the receipt. It was not a joyful chuckle. More akin to a laugh you could hear in a mental health facility.
“Tom?” Claire’s voice came from upstairs and drifted down. “Everything okay?”

I re-crumpled the receipt and stuffed it back into my pocket. Yes, all right. I merely stubbed my toe.

I was unable to sleep that evening. I couldn’t stop thinking about Alex and Claire, our unexpected financial windfall, and the beautiful car I received for my birthday. Now everything made clear.

I didn’t start digging through Claire’s old phone until after she left for “work” the following morning. Her passcode had always been handled carelessly by her. 4673. Our jubilee. Seems ironic, doesn’t it?

What I discovered turned my stomach. Love and kisses in old messages to Alex. raving in messages to her pals about how wonderful he was. However, there was also another thing. Something unexpected.

One of her messages to her pal said, “I still love Tom.” However, we required the funds. Alex is only a tool to achieve a goal. Is that awful?
Her companion said right away: “You have to do what you have to do, girl. However, exercise caution. This might backfire on you.”

I laughed heartily. If only she were aware.

As I continued to scroll, I came across texts between Claire and Alex. It was evident as day that Claire was playing tricks on Alex and that he was infatuated with her.
Alex wrote, “I wish you’d leave him.” “We could be so happy together.”

Claire gave a vague response. “Alex, you are aware of its complexity. Just relishing what we have, please.”

I hung up the phone, my thoughts racing. A wild yet wonderful idea was beginning to take shape. How about I take advantage of this?
I located and downloaded Alex’s phone number on my device. After that, I bided my time and made plans for my move.
I picked up the phone a week later. I was listening to the ring with my heart thumping.

“Hello?” Alex had a confident, strong voice.
I inhaled deeply. “Alexa? This is Claire’s spouse, Tom.”

There was an unbearable quiet on the other end. I could just hear his head’s gears working.

At last, he said something. “His name is Tom. How may I assist you?”I get right to the point. “I am aware of you and Claire.” You are paying our bills, I know that. I’m ready to give up, get a divorce, and give her to you. However, I require something from you.
“And what’s that?” He now spoke in a reserved tone.

“Fifty thousand dollars. to begin anew.”

One more extended silence. His respiration was audible to me.

At last he said, “Why would I give you money?”
I let out a brief, sour laugh. “Because she will ultimately be yours if I break her heart and part from her. All I need is a new beginning. Consider it an investment in your happiness for the future.”

Would you do that? Simply go on?” He sounded astonished.

“Alex, my dear, I left this marriage a very long time ago. All I want is a route out that doesn’t cost me the earth.”

He was so silent that I believed he had hung up. After that, “I’ll think about it.”

“Avoid overthinking,” I advised. “Offer expires in 48 hours.”

Before he could answer, I hung up. I set the phone down with trembling hands. I had completed it. I had no choice but to wait now.
My life’s longest two days were the ones that followed. Every time my phone rang, I startled, thinking it was Alex. But it was someone else every time. An unsolicited call. a message from my mother. Never, Alex.

Claire sensed a problem. Over supper, she said, “You okay, honey?” “You seem distracted.”

I feigned a laugh. “Just get things done. There is nothing to be concerned about.

She grabbed my hand from across the table. Though reassuring at the time, the gesture made my skin crawl. I withdrew, acting as though I had to fill my water glass again.

As the 48-hour period drew near, I became anxious. What if Alex exposed my deception? And suppose he did tell Claire? How about if…
There was a buzz on my phone. A figure that is unknown.

“Hello?” My reply was hardly audible above a whisper.

With a “do,” Alex declared. “Check your account.”

With trembling fingers, I reached for my laptop and logged into my bank account. There it was, exactly $50,000. In that very moment.

With a raspy voice, I said, “Thank you.” “Just… take care of her, okay?” I continued, in effect begging.

I was too cowardly to tell him the truth. Claire was abusing him in the same way that she had abused me. I simply said, “Goodbye, Alex,” and hung up instead.
I sat there looking at the computer screen for a very long time. $50,000. My pass to be free. My opportunity to start over.

Claire’s automobile was heard pulling into the driveway. Now was the moment.

When she entered, I was seated on the couch with a folder containing divorce documents on the coffee table in front of me.

“Tom?” She spoke in an unsure tone. “What’s going on?”

For the first time in months, I truly gazed up at her. Of course, she was gorgeous. But I felt nothing at all.

“It’s over, Claire,” I stated in a firm voice. “I know about Alex.”

Her countenance turned pale. “Tom, I can explain…”

I extended a hand. “It’s not worth it. I want no justifications. My desire is for a divorce.
She got up, took a few steps away, and collapsed into the armchair across from me, as if her legs could no longer support her. However, what about money? The apartment? Our existence?”

I smiled, and it was a real smile for the first time in a long time. Kindly forget about me. I’ll be all right.

I felt lighter than I have in years as I left that apartment for the last time, carrying a duffel bag over my shoulder. Behind me, Claire was inconsolable, pleading with me to stay and discuss it. However, I had had enough.

That evening, I stayed at a poor motel, staring at the water-stained ceiling while laying on the rough bed. My phone was beeping nonstop. Claire. Alex. Claire once more. I disregarded each one of them.

I would begin my search for a new location to reside in the morning. a new position. a fresh start. For now, though, I merely laid there, feeling as though the years’ worth of weight were gradually slipping off my chest.

I was about to fall asleep when my phone chimed again. I checked it against my better judgment.

It was Claire saying, “I apologize. I truly did adore you.”