I Overheard My Son Saying on the Phone, ‘Hi, Mom! I’ll Visit You Tomorrow Instead of Going to School!’ — I Decided to Follow Him

Following my son Liam led me to a shattering discovery: my husband Benjamin was having an affair with a young woman named Melissa, who my son had grown to call “Mom.” My frequent business trips as a Senior Marketing Director had left Liam and Benjamin feeling neglected. One day, I overheard Liam excitedly planning to visit Melissa instead of school, sparking my curiosity. Trailing him, I watched him warmly greeted by Melissa, unraveling Benjamin’s year-long secret.

Confronted, Benjamin admitted his infidelity, blaming my absence. Liam confessed he preferred Melissa’s constant presence. Devastated, I filed for divorce. Benjamin moved in with Melissa, and Liam chose to live with them, visiting me on weekends. I declined a partnership, took a no-travel job, and started therapy to rebuild my bond with Liam. Though I’ve learned presence outweighs career success, I still wonder if Liam will forgive my past absence, hoping to mend our fractured relationship.