The most excruciating thing that happened to me in 2025 was discovering my husband had been unfaithful and that my brother, my cousin, and my father had all known about it from the start.
Wed been married for eleven years. The woman he had an affair with worked as a secretary at the company where my brother is employed. Their affair began only after my brother introduced her to himit wasnt accidental. They crossed paths constantly at work events, client dinners, business meetings, and casual gatherings where my husband was always present. My cousin encountered them often in the same circles. They all knew each other well. They all saw each other regularly.
For months, my husband lived with me as if nothing was amiss. I attended family gatherings, shared meals, and confided in my brother, my cousin, and my father, entirely unaware that all three of them were fully aware of his affair. Not one of them warned me. None of them spoke a word. No hint, no attempt to shield me or prepare me for the reality unfolding behind my back.
When the truth came out in October, my world tipped on its axis. I confronted my husband first. He admitted itcalmly, as though discussing something trivial. Then I turned to my brother, asking him, point-blank, if hed known. He said, Yes. I asked for how long. A few months now. I demanded to know why he hadnt said anything. He shrugged and told me it wasnt his place, that these were matters for a husband and wife to resolve, and, Men dont talk about such things among themselves.
Next, I faced my cousin and asked him the same questions. He knew as well. He told me hed witnessed the flirtation, the texts, the change in my husbands mannersigns impossible to ignore. When I asked why he stayed silent, he replied that he didnt want trouble, that it wasnt his business to interfere in someone elses marriage.
Finally, it was my father I asked. Had he known too? He nodded, admitting hed known for a long time. Why hadnt he told me? He said he didnt want to cause conflict, that such things should be settled between spouses, that he wouldnt get involved. All three of them, in their own words, told me the same thing.
I packed my bags and left our home. Its on the market now, waiting for a new chapter that wont have our names above the door. There was no dramatic public scene, no shouting or throwing of platesI would never stoop so low in front of anyone. That woman still works for my brothers company. My brother, my cousin, and my father remain on good terms with both her and my ex-husband.
When Christmas and New Years came round, my mother rang and invited me to join everyone for the festivitiesmy brother, cousin, father, all gathered at her house. I told her I couldnt. I explained that I simply couldnt sit at the same table with people whod known, for months, about my husbands betrayal and chose silence. They celebrated together as usual. I wasnt there for either holiday.
Since that October, I havent spoken to any of the three men. And I honestly dont believe forgiveness is within my reach.
