Surprise Work Visit Reveals Husband’s Secret Unemployment

I Brought My Husband a Surprise Dinner at Work and Found Out He Had Been Dismissed Three Months Earlier

My husband had not worked there for months when I surprised him with his favorite dinner at work. I had no idea that this realization would tear up our 20-year marriage and send me down a path I never would have thought.

I packed lasagna, garlic bread, and tiramisu, which is Jonathan’s favorite dish. After weeks of working late, I thought he could benefit from some encouragement. When I asked for Jonathan, the security guy at his office building gave me a strange look.

“Ma’am, Jonathan hasn’t worked here in over three months,” he replied.

My stomach fell out. “What? That isn’t possible. He arrives here each day.”

The sentry gave a headshake. I apologize, but he was let go. It could be a good idea to discuss it with him.”

My cheeks flaming, I walked out. What on earth was happening?

As usual, I watched Jonathan get ready for “work” the following morning, but before he left, he took a seat on the couch to check his phone.

“How’s that potential promotion coming along?” I questioned in jest.

He seldom took his eyes off his phone. “Oh, I see. Still putting effort into it. Many things to do.”

I called a taxi after waiting for his car to come out of the driveway. Tell the driver to follow that blue vehicle, I said. He looked at me strangely, but he didn’t dispute.

Jonathan brought us to a dilapidated area of the city. After parking in a dubious lot, he strolled towards a tiny café. I watched him sit down with an older woman via the glass.

I motioned to the driver to wait here. I slipped up on them, taking pictures with my phone.

First one, then a second younger woman joined them. Before long, Jonathan was seated with six women at the table. What was he planning?

I went up to one of the women as they were leaving. “Excuse me, how do you know Jonathan?”

She frowned. “That bastard? Genuine talent is not appreciated by him. I wish him luck.”

She pissed off before I could ask additional questions.

I showed the pictures to Jonathan that evening. “Care to explain?”

His countenance turned pallid. “You trailed me? How on earth could you, Rebecca?”

“How was it possible for me? You lied to me for months, how could you? What is happening?”

With a groan, Jonathan slumped onto a chair. “I left my work to pursue my passion. I’m in charge of a play.”

I fixed my gaze on him. “A performance? Our mortgage, what about it? The cash for the children’s college education? Without a job, how can you afford to sponsor a play?”

He said, “I used some of our savings.” “About $50,000.”

“Fifty thousand dollars?” I cried out. “Are you insane?”

Jonathan emphasized, “It’s an investment.” “My big break will come from this play. I am aware of that.

I inhaled deeply. “Either you cancel this play and return the money, or we’re getting divorced.”

Jonathan gave me a long, hard stare. “Becca, I can’t give up on my dream. I apologize.

I had a slap-like feeling. “Are you sorry? All you have to say is that?”

Jonathan got to his feet, fists clenched. “What am I supposed to say? That in order to please you, I’ll return to a soul-crushing job?”

“I want you to be responsible!” I yelled. We are a family, Jonathan. Cash. A future worth organizing!”

He shot back, “And what about my future?” “My aspirations? Are those not important?

I gave a sour laugh. “Not when they cost us everything we’ve worked for!”

Jonathan moved around the space. You’re not understanding. This play is my opportunity to establish myself.”

I broke into a sob as I responded, “You already had something.” “A household. One life. Was that insufficient?

He moved on. That is not the issue. This must be done for me.”

Again, “For you,” I said. “Not for us, please. Not with our kids in mind.”

Jonathan argued, “When I succeed, they’ll understand.”

I gave a headshake. “What if you’re not? Then, what?”

Hardly saying “I will be,” he said. “You’ll see.”

“No,” I replied as an odd serenity descended upon me. “I refuse to. I can’t watch you waste everything on a fantasy.”

Jonathan grew stern-faced. “Then I guess we’re done here.”

I collapsed into the couch as he stormed out, our broken life weighing down on me. How did we get to this point?

The ensuing months were a haze of attorneys and documentation. I followed through and pursued a divorce, battling to get my share of the savings. After moving out, Jonathan threw himself into his priceless play.

Our eldest daughter Emily took it hard. One night, she questioned, “Why can’t you forgive Dad?”

I exhaled. “My dear, it’s not about pardoning. It all comes down to trust. That confidence was betrayed by your father.”

Jonathan called one evening. “Next week, the play opens. Are you coming?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I replied.

“Please, Becca. It would have great meaning.”

I consented in spite of my better judgment. Half of the theater was vacant. Jonathan’s performance was a letdown. convoluted storyline and stilted speech. At halftime, I departed.

A week subsequently, Jonathan arrived at the residence. His clothes were all crumpled and he was unshaven.

He declared, “The play flopped.” “Becca, I really apologize. I committed a grave error.”

I suppressed a tinge of sympathy. “I apologize that it didn’t turn out. However, that has no bearing on our relationship.”

He begged, “Can’t we try again?” “For the kids?”

I gave a headshake. “The court schedule will determine when you can see them. But Jonathan, we’re done. I’ve moved on.

My shoulders began to lighten as I shut the door. Although it stung, I knew I had made the correct decision. It’s time to put my children and my future first, free from the burden of Jonathan’s lies.

I gave my sister a call that evening. Hey, do you recall that vacation to Europe we kept bringing up? Come on, let’s do it.”

She chuckled. “Really? How about your job?”

“I’ll work it out,” I declared. “Life’s too short for what-ifs, you know?”

I was grinning when I hung up. I was feeling optimistic about the future for the first time in months. Who knew what experiences were in store?

I got up early the following morning and went for a run. The clean air was refreshing. Jogging by our old haunted café, I noticed Jonathan sitting in there, leaning over a notebook.

I thought for a second before going in. But I continued to run after that. Certain chapters were supposed to remain closed.

Emily had already started preparing breakfast when I arrived home. “Dad, it’s morning,” she remarked. “Want some pancakes?”

I gave her a strong hug. “Sounds perfect, sweetie.”

I brought up the topic of our future as we were eating. “I’ve been considering a few adjustments. What would you think about relocating?”

Emily’s gaze expanded. “Transporting? Where?”

“I’m not sure yet,” I said. “But I think a fresh start might be good for all of us.”

Michael walked in and began to rub his eyes. “What’s this about moving?”

I outlined my ideas. Remarkably, both children appeared receptive to the concept.

“Can we get a dog if we move?” Michael enquired.

I chuckled. “We’ll see. Please, one step at a time.

I went to coffee with my buddy Lisa later that day. She had gone through her own divorce a few years prior.

She enquired, “How are you doing?”

I exhaled. To be honest? It’s challenging. But also liberating? Is that unusual?

Lisa gave a headshake. “Not at all. It’s an opportunity to find yourself again.”

“I’m considering returning to school,” I said. “Maybe finish that degree I never completed.”

“That’s fantastic!” Lisa cried out. “You’d be great at it.”

I could feel the spark of excitement developing as we spoke. Perhaps this was a fresh start rather than the end.

My phone buzzed that evening when I was helping Emily with her homework. Jonathan was the one.

It said in his text, “Can we talk?”

After hesitating, I answered, “Yes, regarding the children. Nothing more, please.”

Alright, “fair enough,” he said. “Lunch tomorrow?”

We convened at an impartial café. Jonathan appeared more handsome than when I had last seen him.

“I’ve been thinking a lot,” he said at the start.

I extended a hand. Jonathan, let’s talk about the kids. That’s it.

With a chastened gaze, he nodded. “All right. Apologies. What state are they in?”

We discussed Michael’s recent interest in robotics and Emily’s difficulties with math. It seemed quite ordinary until I realized why we were at this place.

Jonathan cleared his throat as our conversation came to an end. “I received an opportunity to work. going back to finance.”

With sincerity, I answered, “That’s great.” “The kids will be glad to hear it.”

He paused. “It’s in Chicago.”

I gave a blink. “Oh. That’s quite a distance.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “I’m still undecided. I wanted to speak with you first.”

I inhaled deeply. “If that’s what you want, then you ought to accept. We are able to work out visitation.”

Jonathan was relieved as he nodded. “Many thanks, Becca. For everything.”

I was filled with hope for the future as well as regret for what we had lost as I watched him go.

Seldom does life work out the way we plan. However, there are moments when the detours bring us exactly where we need to be.

How would you have responded in that situation?