Was it for excitement or a need for more connection than I could provide. I might never fully understand but what was clear was the damage to my trust in her. We put the kids to bed together and as she kissed our little angels good night I couldn't help but look at her knowing that by morning she would be gone.
Their young minds were already accustomed to her frequent travels so their unease was minimal. That night we made love but it lacked the usual passion. Sensing my distress Claire asked anxiously. Is your stomach still bothering you dear. I nodded and replied. Yes but I can handle it.
Desperately hoping she would choose our love and marriage over the upcoming trip I asked. Do you really need to go on this trip. Deep down I wished it were all just a nightmare that would vanish. She sighed and replied apologetically. I'm sorry honey but this trip is necessary.
I'll do my best to wrap things up and return home as soon as I can. I'm really looking forward to the weekend with all of you. With a heavy heart I sighed and said. Okay honey it's time to get some sleep. You have to get up early for your flight.
I'll take a quick shower now so I won't have to worry about it in the morning. Okay I replied. While she stepped into the shower an impulse led me to inspect her suitcase to see what she had packed. Though the clothes on top seemed businesslike I was surprised to find upon closer examination a selection of her most seductive lingerie and a small black cocktail dress in which she always looked irresistible.
Respecting her personal space I carefully returned everything to its place closed the suitcase and went back to bed. I couldn't sleep that night and when I heard Claire stirring around five in the morning I remained in bed choosing not to bid her farewell as was our custom.
I felt a mix of weariness and sadness. Bending down to give me a kiss on the cheek before leaving she inquired. Still not feeling well honey. I simply nodded struggling to express the turmoil within me. With the sound of the garage door closing I finally got out of bed and made my way to the shower.
I knew the day ahead would be filled with challenges. After seeing the kids off to school and having breakfast I turned to the phone book to search for private detective services in the yellow pages. My main criteria were to locate an agency with a nationwide presence preferably in the city Claire was heading to.
I reached out to several agencies and eventually found one with a branch in her destination area. I set up a meeting with them for the same morning hoping they could provide the necessary information. Next on my agenda was finding a divorce attorney.
A friend had recommended a specific lawyer so I found his contact details and gave him a call. I arranged an appointment for the afternoon hoping this lawyer could guide me through the challenging process we were about to face. When I arrived at the private investigator's office I discussed my concerns and arranged for Claire to be surveilled on the evening she was away.
I provided them with a photo of Claire and details of her travel route to aid in their identification. They assured me they would gather photos and compile a report on her activities as soon as her business day concluded. To ensure seamless communication they agreed to send information via email to their Denton office and promised to provide a comprehensive report by Monday morning.
Satisfied with their commitment I made a substantial upfront payment as a prepayment for their services. They informed me they might not be able to capture photographs but they would strive to provide as many incriminating photos as possible. I agreed that it would suffice.
My afternoon meeting with the lawyer proceeded as anticipated. He explained that in our state divorce follows a no fault principle meaning there's no need to assign blame. However given that I am the primary caregiver for our children it's likely I will be granted custody.
It was crucial for me to understand that Claire would receive substantial visitation rights for our children. Furthermore our property would be divided equally with both sides getting an even split. Fifty percent alimony wouldn't be necessary due to our similar incomes but since I would have custody of the children Claire would be obligated to pay child support.
As for the inheritance she obtained it held no significance to me and she needed to retain it for herself. My top priority was the well-being of our children. I instructed the lawyer to prepare the necessary documents to be delivered to Claire on Monday citing irreconcilable differences.
I also asked her to agree to vacate our house immediately upon our divorce. The lawyer confirmed that as the children's guardian I had the authority to make this request. It was decided that once the children reached eighteen we would sell the house and the proceeds would be divided between us.
Leaving the lawyer's office I felt a sense of contentment realizing that life would move forward for me and the children while Claire would have to face the consequences of her betrayal. At that moment I didn't take immediate action concerning our finances insurance or other legal matters.
I assumed I'd have sufficient time to address these issues after serving her with divorce papers. Given her inheritance I believed she wouldn't have to be concerned about her share of our joint savings. When it was time for school to conclude I headed home to catch the bus.
On Friday afternoon when Claire returned I kindly offered to take care of her laundry but she politely declined insisting she would handle it later. I couldn't help but grin recognizing how playfully mischievous I had been. Deep down I fully comprehended why she preferred to manage the laundry herself.
It was crucial for her to keep her extramarital affairs concealed at all costs. Later as we lay in bed Claire expressed worry about my ongoing stomach issues and suggested I see a doctor. This has been persisting for too long she emphasized.