Before He Cheats (Work In Progress)

Chapter 23

Such fun events that I always look forward to going to.

We also noticed that the billboard that Matthew put up was gone as well, with a billboard advocating for heart health in its place. I was glad that it was gone. Having it up was humiliating and disgusting, and it had no business being put up for all to see. At least, the new billboard was helpful and important.

I don't understand trying so hard to get back someone you intentionally pushed to the brink.

Thankfully, it was gone.

Once we got to Tam’s house, we got out of the car and made it up the driveway together.

There were a few packages on the porch, but the medium-sized basket that was filled with items was intriguing.

I couldn’t stop the frown on my face as I looked at the memorabilia that was clearly meant for an expectant mom, especially the pack of diapers, wipes, pacifier, and teddy bear that said “Best mom.” I didn’t have any children, nor did I plan on having them. Tam obviously didn’t have any children either.

Tam checked her ring camera and saw that a delivery man deposited the basket alongside the packages she ordered when we were in the rage room.

So who was this for? Was this delivered to the wrong address?

I couldn't stop the wave of confusion and disbelief that rushed to my body as I tried to make sense of what was going on, the heavy feelings leaving a deep discomfort in my stomach.

What made the situation more intriguing was the ultrasound of the baby with the words “It's a girl” printed on it, along with my name written in all caps with permanent marker that fell out of the basket. The identity of the mother and doctor information is conveniently cropped out, but I could use my brain and figure it out.

Matthew’s mistress.

What?

I wasn't expecting a baby, but my ex-husband was. A little girl, it seems. It wasn't a secret, with the news being blasted on social media while we were still married, almost sending me into a deeper spiral of the negative and toxic pit that I had clawed my way out of over the past few months. Everyone in our circle knew, including friends, families, and loved ones, so why not share the amazing news with the rest of our city and world?

Then, having the audacity to ask to rekindle our relationship and have a bandaid baby, even though we purposely intended on having a childfree marriage. He's delusional. He is now legally required to leave me alone due to the restraining order that was put in place.

What a cruel gesture. And now the cruelty continues. Did the mistress send this? I don't even know her and have no desire to. I'd put out a restraining order on her if need be. Did Matthew send this? If so, it is a clear violation of the restraining order, and I'll need to report it just like the billboard. If it's the both of them, I would hope that they found better fulfillment in each other and not in tormenting me. And Matthew would be reported.

I wasn't going to entertain their games. That's why I am not hesitating to use legal means. Harass and fight with the legal system, not me.

The basket and its contents were meant to mock me, meant to serve as a reminder that my ex-husband chose to have an affair and conceive a baby with his mistress during our marriage.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the cruel gesture. Only a miserable and hateful person would do this.

It’s insane how this is supposed to humiliate me but not the party that committed infidelity.

I had removed myself from the situation, so there was no need to get worked up about it. I didn’t want any parts of this mess, nor did I have it. I was single, free, and happy.