Margaret never thought she’d come home to find her husband, Martin, digging up their lovely garden with his ex-wife. Their quiet whispers and dirty hands suggested hidden truths. When confronted, Margaret discovered Martin wasn’t as ideal as she believed. I’ve heard of guys cheating on their wives with coworkers, friends, and even exes but never imagined I’d think that way about my husband. I always thought he was the perfect guy for me.
We met through a mutual friend two years ago after my breakup with my boyfriend of five years. I was at rock bottom… heartbroken and doubting myself when Martin entered my life like a breath of fresh air. From our first meeting, he was kind and attentive; he listened to me talk about my day for hours without checking his phone or looking bored.
What really captured my heart was when he showed up at my door with homemade chicken soup and rom-com movies on his laptop. “Everyone needs a little TLC when they’re sick,” he said smiling warmly. This is it! I thought; this is the man I’ve been waiting for all along! One thing that made Martin endearing was how he’d stammer when nervous or stressed; it was so cute.
There’s this one time about a month into our relationship when we went out to an Italian restaurant for our “monthiversary.” He looked sharp while excitedly talking about new accounting software at work: “It’s going to change how we handle client data,” waving his fork around dramatically until it slipped from his fingers, clattering down and splattering tomato sauce everywhere! His face turned bright red instantly.”I-I’m so s-sorry,” he stammered in embarrassment.
I found him adorable in that moment; reaching across the table, I took his hand saying softly: “Hey, it’s okay! These things happen.” That made him chuckle as we laughed together later over tiramisu where he confessed that stress made him stutter more often.
As time passed in our relationship, Martin shared more about his past—especially regarding Janet, his ex-wife who always wanted more: money things status—nothing ever satisfied her desires according to him. Their marriage fell apart under her endless greed; stories of maxed-out credit cards and fights over expensive clothes filled our conversations.
“That’s why we broke up,” he’d say while cuddling on the couch one night. “I couldn’t keep up anymore—it felt like drowning!” How could anyone treat such an amazing man poorly? That day I promised myself not to be like that—I would appreciate Martin for who he truly is rather than what material things he could provide.
When Martin proposed after a year together,I didn’t hesitate saying yes! Our wedding may have been small but beautiful—the best day ever! Fast forward to last Tuesday—I had just spent time at mom’s place looking forward returning home.I decided surprise him with lasagna but upon pulling into driveway saw something shocking…
In front yard were two people digging up MY beloved garden—not just any two people though—it was MARTIN & JANET!! My heart raced as confusion set in seeing them destroy flowers I’d worked hard growing.What were they doing? Why here? Why now? Getting out car angrily marched towards them demanding answers.Martin looked shocked dropping shovel loudly.”Y-you’re h-home e-early,”he stammered again making me wonder what else might be hidden behind those words…
“W-we were just…”he started but Janet interrupted saying,”Oh you didn’t tell her?” Love,she DESERVES knowing 10 years ago buried time capsule.”A t-time capsule?”I repeated numbly.”Yes!”she revealed gesturing toward muddy box near feet.”We planned digging someday!”Martin nodded sheepishly explaining they’d wanted fun memories back then.I echoed “Your memories” sarcastically asking if destroying MY garden seemed fair?!
“I-I’m sorry”Martin mumbled looking guilty before storming inside pacing living room trying process everything happening right now.How could keep secret from me prioritizing past over OUR life together?! Hearing voices outside followed by call from martin asking if we can talk took deep breath stepping into hallway where they stood holding muddy box between them…”What’s there left discuss?”coldly asked feeling betrayed already…
“Please let us explain!” pleaded martin while Janet added,”We only wanted reminisce bit nothing—”cutting off raised hand stating “Fine go ahead reminisce dig your past I’ll be outside”.Brushing past them headed outdoors staring mess they’d created sparked idea gathering wood bonfire soon flames flickered brightly against darkening sky hearing laughter coming kitchen reminded how far apart we’ve grown since then…
“Hey why don’t you bring stuff out here?” called invitingly few minutes later joined by both placing capsule ground smiling nervously.Margaret reached inside grabbing handful contents old photos letters tossing everything into fire watching flames consume memories thinking this isn’t how imagined future yet maybe hope still existed building something new honest real instead focusing solely on past…
Suddenly breaking silence Janet said”I think should go” backing away neither tried stopping hurried leaving yard alone turning tearful eyes towards me apologizing deeply claiming never meant hurt didn’t know tell truth earlier…I sighed taking deep breath responding honestly “Did you think wouldn’t understand?”He admitted fear held back afraid I’d assume feelings remained afraid upset garden ruined believing quick fix would solve issues…but realized messed big time asking forgiveness…”Don’t know” replied staring fire thoughtfully trust broken isn’t easily repaired overnight needing space tonight agreed sleeping couch quietly returned house leaving behind flickering embers reminding us both gardens need replanting too perhaps relationships can grow anew given chance only time reveal paths chosen moving forward forever changed views regarding each other.
What would YOU do if placed same situation?
