Marie was expecting a typical day of cleaning, but when she found a dusty piggy bank in her son\u2019s closet, she discovered an astonishing story. Her world was turned upside down by what she discovered within, which resulted in a shocking finding that would change her life forever.\n\n\n\n

I was going to spend my rare day off cleaning our suburban house. With my husband, David, out of town for work and our son, Jake, 14, in school, it was a peaceful day. David traveled a lot, so I was mostly responsible for raising the family by myself. Although difficult, it had become the norm for us.\n\n\n\n

I realized how routine my days had become as I slowly completed my responsibilities, which included cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Today was the same as yesterday.\n\n\n\n

I went to the kitchen to make dinner once I had finished loading the washing. I still had time until David and Jake came back; it was just 2 p.m.\n\n\n\n

I then took on Jake\u2019s disorganized room. His desk was a tangle of books and papers, and clothes were all over the place. \u201cTypical teenager,\u201d I thought to myself as I laughed and started cleaning up.\n\n\n\n

I discovered the closet door was ajar while gathering laundry. Looking inside, I saw an assortment of vintage toys and school projects, with a little, dusty piggy bank among them.\n\n\n\n

I felt nostalgic when I lifted it. I said, \u201cI haven\u2019t seen this in years.\u201d A blue elephant was the present for his third birthday. Long ago, Jake gave up on it in favor of more responsible ways to save.\n\n\n\n

Its odd weight peaked my curiosity, and I thought, \u201cWhat\u2019s in here?\u201d I dropped it while trying to open it, shattering it on the ground and spilling numerous hundred-dollar notes.\n\n\n\n

I was so stunned that I said, \u201cWhere did this come from?\u201d while gathering at least $1,000. Since we hadn\u2019t given money to Jake and he didn\u2019t have access to such sums, it was perplexing.\n\n\n\n

Looking through photos, I saw David with a variety of ladies in a variety of situations.\n\n\n\n

My hands trembled, and I felt sick to my stomach. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Unable to believe the treachery in the pictures, I said.\n\n\n\n

Jake\u2019s voice suddenly emerged, \u201cMom, I\u2019m home!\u201d I hastily covered the money and pictures with some clothing. It took me a moment to compose myself before I could face him.\n\n\n\n

I took a big breath and went to welcome him. Hello, my love. How did you find school? I masked my anxiety as I asked.\n\n\n\n

Jake said, \u201cSame old, same old,\u201d putting down his backpack. Observing my discomfort, he said, \u201cMom, are you okay? You appear sallow.\n\n\n\n

I forced a faint grin. \u201cIt\u2019s just that I\u2019m tired from cleaning,\u201d\n\n\n\n

Though he seemed doubtful, he acknowledged my explanation. I\u2019ll get started on my schoolwork now. Tell me when the meal is ready.\n\n\n\n

My pulse pounded at the enormity of what I had discovered as he drove off. I knew I had to say something about this. I had to know the whole tale, which began with asking Jake what was in his piggy bank.\n\n\n\n

I went back to Jake\u2019s room and took out the money and pictures, my head spinning from the deception. Upon closer inspection, I noticed ten or more images, each one more damning than the previous.\n\n\n\n

David\u2019s formerly charming grin now appeared to be a cruel joke because every picture featured him sharing a private moment with a female. The truth struck me suddenly: my spouse had cheated on me.\n\n\n\n

The images\u2019 style gave the impression that they were taken by a pro. Why was Jake in possession of these? I was angry and scared at the same time, and I wanted answers now.\n\n\n\n

Remaining composed, I called Jake down. Jake, will you kindly come here?\n\n\n\n

I shook my hand as I showed him the pictures. \u201cCould you please explain these?\u201d\n\n\n\n

After hesitating, he admitted. \u201cI learned about Dad some months ago. I spotted him with another woman after I followed him. I continued to snap images since I had no idea what to do.\n\n\n\n

He started crying. Mom, I was afraid. I didn\u2019t mean to do you harm. However, I challenged Dad. I gave him the images and made a money-demanding pact to remain silent.\n\n\n\n

Embarrassed, he nodded. Yes, and he gave me money. Since I had nowhere else to put the money, I put it in the piggy bank.\n\n\n\n

I was too overwhelmed to digest it all because my kid and hubby had both betrayed me. I exclaimed, \u201cJake, how could you do this?\u201d while crying. How were you able to hide this from me?\n\n\n\n

Jake also shed tears. \u201cMom, I apologize. I believed I was keeping you safe.\n\n\n\n

I craved distance, feeling like I was drowning in their deception. Go to your room, Jake. I must reflect.\n\n\n\n

I felt hurt and love at the same time as he went. I decided to act because I knew I couldn\u2019t stay in a marriage this deceptive.\n\n\n\n

I called a lawyer the next morning to start the divorce process. Although it was a difficult choice, it was essential for my wellbeing. I could not stay with a man who had harmed me so severely. It was time to let go and become well.\n\n\n\n

I showed David the pictures and the divorce decree when he got back from his vacation. David, it\u2019s over. I am fully informed.\n\n\n\n

He didn\u2019t refute his conduct, but he did look astonished. \u201cMarie, I apologize. I didn\u2019t intend to offend you.\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no time to apologize,\u201d I said icily. \u201cI\u2019ve finished.\u201d\n\n\n\n

The decision by Jake to move in with David dealt the death blow. He said, \u201cI want to be with Dad,\u201d averting my eyes.\n\n\n\n

I stood in the now-empty house, feeling both abandoned and resolved as I watched them go. I knew I made the proper choice. I hoped that eventually Jake would get that I had to start again in my life. I had to start over and rediscover my own strength up to that point.\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"