- 2 hours ago
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00:00My wife Emma told me our three year old son had gone missing. As I was searching frantically for him,
00:05I saw a post from Emma's ex on Instagram. Just the three of us. Happiness really is this simple. My
00:10blood ran cold when I saw the photo. Ethan Cole was holding my son and my wife was right there
00:15beside him like they were a family. Everyone in the comments was congratulating them. My comment was the only one
00:21out of place. Ten minutes later, the post was gone. Soon after that, Emma called, already furious.
00:26What is wrong with you? It's just a child. We can have another one later. Ethan is never going to
00:31have kids of his own. Why not give him one?
00:34I could hear Ethan's voice in the background. He was right there with her as she yelled.
00:38Take some time to think about what you've done.
00:40An hour later, Ethan posted again. This time he tagged me. If someone really loves you, they'll place everything you
00:45want right in front of you.
00:48It was a photo of the ring. I had bought it for Emma six months ago. I knew what Ethan
00:52was hinting at. Well, this time I just won't make it so easy.
00:55Emma didn't come home until after nine that night. I was packing. The bedroom was a mess. She stormed in,
01:00demanding to know why I'd upset Ethan.
01:02You knew he just found out he can't have children. So why would you rub salt in the wound? Do
01:06you have any idea how cruel that was?
01:08I looked at her, my wife. She cared more about Ethan's feelings than what I went through when I thought
01:11my son was missing.
01:12I didn't answer, just kept stuffing my son Liam's clothes into a suitcase. That's when I thought back to two
01:17days ago. I had just gotten to work. That's when Emma called.
01:20Babe, oh my god, I can't find Liam. I looked everywhere.
01:22She said he went missing at the mall. I panicked. I called everyone who could help. I drove straight there.
01:28I searched every floor, every parking lot, every exit, and I was still the one comforting her.
01:32But Emma, she was probably with Ethan the whole time because Ethan had just gotten the diagnosis that he was
01:39infertile.
01:40Emma took it harder than he did. She wouldn't leave his side.
01:43I kept calling her, trying to find out where Liam had gone, and she got annoyed, like I was interrupting
01:47something more important.
01:48Eventually, she blocked my number and blocked me on all social media.
01:52I searched for my son for two straight days.
01:54I was so wrecked.
01:55Then I saw Ethan's post.
01:56He held my son like Liam was his.
01:58His arm was around Emma.
01:59In that photo, they looked like a real family.
02:01For the first time, I wondered what I even was to her.
02:04When she saw me standing there silent,
02:06Why aren't you saying anything?
02:07Quit standing there like I did something wrong.
02:09I already explained this on the children.
02:10Giving Liam to himself's everything.
02:12He can ask for anything, but Liam is my son, and you're bringing him back.
02:15I said, her face twisted. She grabbed a bundle of clothes and hurled it at me.
02:19Jason, are you serious right now? Haven't you done enough?
02:23I've told you over and over. Ethan and I are not having an affair. We're just trying to help him.
02:28Every time I even spend time with Ethan, you get jealous.
02:31And now he is going through something devastating. This is not about you.
02:34She said the part Ethan had clearly fed her.
02:37He was right about you.
02:38You're one of those men who need to dominate everything just to satisfy your own ego.
02:41For a second, I couldn't even speak. The wound I got while out there searching for Liam started to throb.
02:46I was still shaking from the pain when the doorbell rang.
02:49Emma saw I wasn't getting up, so she went to answer it.
02:52Ma'am, we got a report about a missing child.
02:54Before the officer could finish, Emma cut him off.
02:56No, our son has been found. Sorry for wasting your time.
03:01Then she slammed the door shut. When she turned back to me, she was furious.
03:05Are you insane?
03:06She snapped.
03:07Why would you call the cops? This is exactly what you do. You try to scare me into falling in
03:15line.
03:15I didn't say a word. She was about to keep going, but she noticed how pale I looked.
03:20She stepped closer for a second.
03:21Oh, please, cut the act. You practically live at the office, and now you're falling apart after just two days?
03:27She sneered.
03:28Let me guess. You're trying to act like Ethan.
03:31I looked at her and almost laughed. Ethan looks fragile, but I'm the one faking it? I said nothing.
03:36I just wrapped the bandage tighter around my leg and sat there until the pain eased a little.
03:42Then Emma pulled a box of chocolates out of her purse and dropped it on the table.
03:46Here, eat something. Ethan told me to bring you this. He said Liam's fine, so you can stop worrying.
03:53Consider it compensation. We're doing what's best for him.
03:56If you can just accept that, we can still be civil.
04:00And if you miss Liam, you can always go visit him.
04:04I looked at the box on the table. It had already been opened. The almond chocolates were melted.
04:09I'm severely allergic to almonds. Emma used to know that.
04:12But ever since Ethan came back, it was like none of that mattered anymore.
04:17I don't want it.
04:18She stared at me for a second, then grabbed the box and hurled it at me.
04:22Enough, Jason! Don't push me!
04:25If you keep acting like this, you'll never see Liam again.
04:28Don't forget, I'm his mother. I gave birth to him.
04:33I had never imagined my wife would one day use our son to threaten me.
04:36I want to see Liam.
04:38I said he was so little. What if he was crying for me?
04:41Emma saw she had leverage. She picked up her phone.
04:45Fine, but first you call Ethan and apologize.
04:49I stared at her.
04:51You stole my son, gave him to your lover, and now I need to apologize to see my own child?
04:57She threw her phone at me.
04:59Your child?!
05:00She yelled.
05:01Don't forget, I'm the one who gave birth to him!
05:05He's my kid too, and if I want someone else to raise him, that's my choice!
05:11She took a step toward me.
05:14If you won't apologize over the phone, you can go say it to his face!
05:19Then she grabbed my hair and tried to drag me toward the door.
05:22No!
05:25No!
05:26The pain in my leg made me think of Liam.
05:29He was such a good kid, he had to be scared.
05:31Ever since Emma picked Ethan up from the airport, she'd changed.
05:34She stopped caring.
05:35About a week ago, she suddenly came home early and cooked dinner.
05:39She apologized for neglecting me and our son because of work.
05:42Liam was so happy that night.
05:43He was too young to know that no job makes a mother disappear for three months.
05:47It was a terrible excuse, but I chose to believe her.
05:50One call from Ethan and she abandoned our son.
05:52That's when everything made sense.
05:54Now I finally understood.
05:55All the things she chose to ignore were because of another man.
05:58The blood dripping onto the floor finally caught Emma's attention.
06:02You're actually hurt?
06:04I laughed.
06:06When we first got married, she used to notice everything about me.
06:08If I lost a couple pounds, she would be home early to make me a big meal.
06:12If I got a small paper cut, she insisted on doing all the chores.
06:16Now I was bleeding through bandages and she hadn't even noticed.
06:20Fine.
06:21If you're hurt, we're going to the hospital.
06:23I let her pull me to the car.
06:25When I got in, I realized even her car had changed.
06:28Their photo was taped to the rearview mirror, Emma and Ethan.
06:30When she saw where I was looking, she stiffened.
06:33Don't get the wrong idea.
06:34It was just a random picture.
06:36If you want, I can take it down.
06:38I leaned my head against the window and shut my eyes.
06:41I said I knew exactly what Ethan was doing.
06:44He was marking his territory.
06:45The old me would have taken the bait.
06:47Now I didn't care.
06:48We had only been on the road a few minutes when Ethan called.
06:51I could hear him panicking.
06:52I heard Liam screaming.
06:53What happened to Liam?
06:54Why is he crying?
06:55She didn't answer me.
06:56She just pulled over, unlocked the door and shoved me out of the car.
07:00Ethan is not in a good place right now.
07:02I'm going to see him.
07:03You can get to the hospital yourself.
07:05And then she drove off.
07:06Then the car disappeared into traffic.
07:08My wounds split open again when I hit a fire hydrant.
07:11By the time a stranger got me to the hospital, I was covered in blood.
07:14When I got home from the hospital, Emma confronted me, furious.
07:17Who is she?
07:18The woman pushing my wheelchair was a college classmate.
07:20She was on shift at the hospital and offered to bring me home.
07:22Seriously?
07:23Since when have you known some random woman from college?
07:26Emma didn't believe me.
07:27I almost laughed.
07:29Funny.
07:29I didn't know your business trips were really flights to France to see Ethan.
07:34That shut her up for a minute.
07:35Then her tone changed.
07:36Jason, are you still mad about last night?
07:38I was worried about Ethan.
07:39He just got back and he's not doing well.
07:41I was going to pick you up, but I thought maybe you'd already gone home.
07:45And you weren't answering my calls.
07:47And after I was this worried about you, you come home with another woman?
07:50Somehow, she actually sounded jealous.
07:52My classmate clearly caught the vibe.
07:54She said goodbye and left.
07:55I watched her walk away, then turned my wheelchair toward the bedroom.
07:58Behind me, Emma called out.
08:00Jason, are you seriously not going to explain yourself?
08:02Explain what?
08:03You left me on the street to go see him.
08:04If you really cared, you would have gone to the hospital.
08:07Then no one else would have had to bring me home.
08:09I opened the bedroom door.
08:10At that point, I only wanted two things.
08:12To get Liam back and to end this marriage.
08:14The next morning, Emma left early.
08:15I packed everything that belonged to me and Liam and moved out.
08:19My lawyer moved fast.
08:21The divorce papers were ready that same day.
08:24But he told me not to serve her yet.
08:26Not while she still had my son.
08:27When Emma got home and saw half the house emptied out, she assumed I was still angry about what happened
08:32with Liam.
08:33She called me over and over.
08:34I ignored every call.
08:36She started flooding her social media with photos of Liam and Ethan.
08:39She still thought this was a game.
08:41She had no idea what I was about to do next.
08:43Two months later, I saw Emma and Ethan again.
08:46They showed up at a charity gala in Hartwell, hand in hand.
08:50I was there too.
08:50My company had sponsored part of the event.
08:53Before the auction even started, Emma stayed wrapped around Ethan like she belonged on his arm.
08:58Showing him off in front of everyone.
08:59And even while she was playing The Perfect Date, she kept glancing at me.
09:03Ethan noticed.
09:04There was malice in his eyes.
09:05Then the host announced the charity auction was about to begin.
09:08That's when Ethan raised a hand.
09:09I'd like to add one more item, he said with a smile.
09:12Then he pulled a ring from his pocket.
09:13My mother's ring.
09:14I froze.
09:15That ring was my family heirloom.
09:16My mother had protected it her whole life.
09:18Before she died, she placed it in Emma's hands.
09:20She wanted it passed down through the family.
09:22Emma had promised her that she would treasure it.
09:24And now, she had handed it to Ethan.
09:26And he was putting it up for auction.
09:27I barely made it through the rest of the night.
09:29By the time the event ended, I just wanted to leave.
09:31But Emma stopped me in the parking lot.
09:33Jason, how long are you going to keep this up?
09:35I've been more than patient with you.
09:37I looked at her.
09:37I used to know that face by heart.
09:39Now, I barely recognized her.
09:41Before I could say a word, Ethan cut in with that soft, innocent voice.
09:44Jason, are you and Emma fighting because of me?
09:46Emma and I are just friends.
09:48She's only nice to me out of pity.
09:50He sounded hurt.
09:51Emma got even angrier.
09:52She shot back at me.
09:53There is seriously something wrong with you.
09:55Ethan has done nothing wrong.
09:57Everything I did, I stand by.
09:59I did it because I wanted to.
10:01She said it so easily.
10:02Then headlights cut across the lot.
10:03A black sedan was coming fast.
10:05Before I could react, someone shoved me.
10:07The last thing I saw before everything went black was her raised hand as she leaned into Ethan.
10:12Then the scream started.
10:13Oh my god, someone got hit.
10:15There's so much blood.
10:16Call an ambulance, now.
10:17When I woke up, I was already in the hospital.
10:19The person sitting beside me turned out to be my childhood friend, Sophie Bennett.
10:23What do you mean I can't go in?
10:25He's my husband.
10:26Then she glanced at the door and scoffed.
10:29Don't tell me you still feel sorry for her.
10:30That woman nearly killed you.
10:32Before I could answer, Emma rushed in.
10:35She grabbed my hand like nothing had happened.
10:37Babe, you're awake.
10:39Are you still in pain?
10:41Oh, now you care?
10:43Funny.
10:44You didn't look this concerned when you shoved him towards a moving car.
10:47Emma froze.
10:48Sophie didn't stop.
10:49Do you even understand how bad this is?
10:51His leg was already injured.
10:53Now it's worse because of you.
10:54Emma looked rattled.
10:55I didn't mean to.
10:57I didn't know he was hurt that badly.
10:59Of course, you were too busy with another man to notice.
11:02I can't believe you had the nerve to show up here.
11:05Sophie's face hardened.
11:06Emma looked like she wanted to defend herself, but the words wouldn't come.
11:09I just thought you thought what?
11:10That getting hit by a car wasn't a big deal?
11:12If it's so harmless, why don't you try it yourself?
11:15Jason, I know this is my fault.
11:17She said, I'll do better.
11:19Just forgive me this once, okay?
11:21I closed my eyes.
11:22And I want a divorce.
11:23She saw I meant it.
11:24She looked like she wanted to say more.
11:26Then her phone rang.
11:27She stepped out, took the call, and came back with that fake soft look.
11:31Jason, I know you're upset.
11:33I'm going home to make you some soup.
11:35I'll come back tomorrow after you've had time to calm down.
11:37I almost laughed.
11:38She rushed out.
11:39Did she really think I wouldn't know who she was running to?
11:42Ethan had texted me minutes earlier.
11:44You think her coming to see you means she still loves you?
11:47She just feels guilty?
11:48One call and she's gone.
11:50I didn't even react.
11:51I just took a screenshot and sent it to Emma.
11:53People are strange.
11:54Now that I'm done, she suddenly wants to act loyal.
11:57While I was in the hospital, Emma showed up every day.
11:59But at that point, I only said two things to her.
12:02I want a divorce.
12:03And I want my son back.
12:05She refused to answer.
12:06The longer she stayed, the more desperate Ethan got.
12:08I could tell by the marks on her neck he was trying to claim her.
12:11One morning, Emma walked in carrying a small box.
12:14Jason, I bought back your mom's ring.
12:16I ran my thumb over the gift box and almost laughed.
12:19Do you want me to thank you for returning my own family heirloom?
12:22No, I know you're still angry.
12:23I just wanted to help Ethan, that's all.
12:25Her eyes turned red.
12:27You miss Liam, right?
12:28I brought you something.
12:29Then her voice softened.
12:31These are all recent pictures of him.
12:32She handed me a photo album.
12:34I took it and opened it without saying a word.
12:36The album was thick, page after page of Liam.
12:39They had taken him everywhere.
12:40Anyone else might have thought he looked happy.
12:42But I knew my son.
12:43He wasn't.
12:43His eyes were dull.
12:44Emma noticed.
12:45She moved closer, leaning into me.
12:47Jason, I know you love kids.
12:48We can have another baby.
12:50I'm willing to have more children with you.
12:51Ethan and I made this album together.
12:53We wanted you to see that Liam's doing well with him.
12:55I kept flipping through the pages.
12:57Then I got to the last one.
12:58It was a photo of the three of them together.
13:00Ethan was grinning.
13:01Emma was holding Liam and kissing his cheek.
13:03And underneath the picture, written across the bottom, were the words,
13:06Our first family trip.
13:07Here's to many more.
13:08My voice came out colder.
13:09Since when did my son become part of your little family?
13:12She panicked immediately and tried to rip that page away.
13:16No, no.
13:16That was from a day trip with Liam.
13:17It must have gotten in there by accident.
13:19Get out.
13:20And don't come back.
13:21On the day I was discharged, Emma still showed up.
13:24I stood there on my crutches, looking at that eager smile on her face.
13:28Babe, I already talked to the doctor.
13:29You need rest at home.
13:30Let me take care of you.
13:32Before I could turn her down, she rushed to add,
13:34I already brought Liam home.
13:35He misses you.
13:36Don't you want to see your son?
13:38I got in the car and sat down.
13:40Then I noticed it.
13:41All of Ethan's stuff was still there.
13:43She followed my eyes immediately.
13:45Without wasting a second, she ripped the photo down,
13:47crumpled it up, and tossed it out the window.
13:49No need.
13:50It's fine.
13:51You don't need to waste your energy on any of this.
13:53Just sign the divorce papers.
13:55Then go be with Ethan.
13:57When we got home, she was trying to take care of everything.
13:59Then I heard little footsteps.
14:01Liam ran straight.
14:02Liam ran his arms, already crying.
14:04Daddy, where did you go?
14:06I missed you so much.
14:08I held him tight and felt tears sting my eyes.
14:10Hey, buddy.
14:11Have you been okay?
14:12Daddy missed you too.
14:14I knew I had failed him.
14:15He was still so little, and I hadn't been there to protect him.
14:18Emma saw me soften around Liam.
14:20She thought I was softening toward her too.
14:22She came over and wrapped her arms around both of us.
14:25Babe, I swear Liam's been okay.
14:28Ethan really likes him too.
14:29Then she looked at Liam.
14:30Tell daddy, sweetheart.
14:32You had fun these past few weeks, right?
14:34I shifted Liam in my arms and pulled away from her hand.
14:37My face stayed cold.
14:38She opened her mouth, about to explain again, but her phone rang.
14:41We both knew who it was.
14:43She glanced at the screen, then walked out to the balcony to answer.
14:45I could hear pieces of it through the wind.
14:47Jason was in a car accident.
14:49I'm his wife.
14:49Of course I had to take care of him.
14:50Liam is Jason's son too.
14:53If he says no, what am I supposed to do?
14:54No, that's not what I meant.
14:56I'm coming now.
14:57She hung up and walked back in.
14:58Babe, something just came up at work.
15:00I have to go in.
15:01I didn't even look at her.
15:02I just sat on the floor and played with Liam.
15:04Once a relationship is dead to me, it stays dead.
15:07No matter what she did after that, there was no bringing it back.
15:09This time, Emma disappeared for three straight days.
15:12Ethan really knew how to keep her hooked.
15:14While she was gone, a college friend helped me move into an apartment.
15:17A few days later, when I was dropping Liam off at preschool, Emma stopped me outside.
15:21Jason, I know I let you down.
15:25I know that's why you moved out with Liam.
15:28Then she started crying again.
15:29But I swear, I didn't do it on purpose.
15:32Ethan got depressed.
15:34His therapist said he shouldn't be left alone right now.
15:37But nothing happened between us.
15:39Nothing!
15:39I reached into the car, pulled out the divorce papers, and handed them to her.
15:43You don't need to explain anything to me.
15:46Just sign them.
15:47Once we're divorced, you'll be free.
15:49She was crying, and her whole body was shaking.
15:52You can keep the house.
15:54I don't want any of it.
15:55I just want Liam.
15:56She kept shaking her head, tears everywhere.
15:58Jason, please!
16:00Please don't do this!
16:02I'm not divorcing you!
16:03I love you!
16:05I swear there's nothing going on between me and Ethan!
16:08And if it really bothers you that much, I won't see him again.
16:11We can still be a family.
16:13Liam is still so little.
16:15Can you really do this to him?
16:17Can you really let him grow up without a mother?
16:20That actually made me laugh.
16:22Emma, I gave you so many chances.
16:24I... I know.
16:25I was still giving you a chance last week.
16:27And what did you do with them?
16:28My voice stayed calm.
16:30You lied to me.
16:31Every time you said you were going to work,
16:34I already knew who you were really going to see.
16:36In this marriage, I was never the one who was unfaithful.
16:40If you still refuse to sign, I'll file and settle it in court.
16:44After helping me move, Sophie grew really attached to Liam.
16:48One afternoon, she looked at me and asked quietly,
16:50You're really going through with the divorce?
16:53Back in college, I heard about your love story.
16:57Everyone was jealous.
16:58Emma and I got together our junior year.
17:00After graduation, we got married.
17:02We didn't have much money.
17:03I couldn't give her a huge wedding.
17:05I couldn't afford a real diamond ring.
17:07Even her dress was rented.
17:08When I think about it now, I do believe she loved me once.
17:11When we first got married, I used to hate myself for not being able to give her more.
17:15And every time, she would tell me the same thing.
17:17That having me was enough.
17:18And that she didn't care about flashy things.
17:20Even so, I made myself a promise.
17:22One day, I'd buy her the best ring I could.
17:24And eventually, I did.
17:26But in the end, that ring became just another symbol of her life with Ethan.
17:29This wasn't the first time she had chosen him over me.
17:32There'd been plenty before.
17:33We used to fight about him all the time.
17:35And every time, she defended him.
17:36Can you not be so petty?
17:38We've known each other for years.
17:41She'd say.
17:42We're just friends.
17:43We've caught in no it's so boaches.
17:45And even really out there dens.
17:47We're married.
17:49Do I really have to explain this to you every time?
17:51Those words used to hurt, but not anymore.
17:53I looked over at Liam, still laughing on the rug.
17:56Yeah.
17:56I said out loud.
17:57I'm done.
17:58Now I have Liam.
17:59That's enough for me.
17:59All I want is a simple life with my son.
18:01I thought that was the end of me and Emma.
18:03Turns out, she had one more nasty surprise waiting for me.
18:06Emma stood there in a white wedding dress, a phone set up on a tripod behind her, holding
18:10the ring I had used to propose to her.
18:12Then she dropped to one knee.
18:13Jason, I know everything that happened was my fault.
18:17I know I hurt you.
18:19And I know I hurt Liam.
18:21I'll accept whatever punishment you think I deserve.
18:23But I love you.
18:24I really do.
18:25I can't lose you.
18:26Three years ago, you proposed to me at school.
18:28I didn't cherish the marriage we had.
18:30So this time, let me do it.
18:31Let me ask you now.
18:32Give me one more.
18:32Take care of Liam with you.
18:34She looked beautiful.
18:34Everything was set up perfectly.
18:36All that was left was for me to play my part and say yes.
18:38This is an apartment building.
18:40Stop causing a scene.
18:41And we're getting divorced.
18:43Sign the papers.
18:44Or I'll have my lawyer handle it in court.
18:45I picked Liam up, turned around, and shut the door.
18:48What I didn't expect was for that live stream to blow up overnight.
18:51Within hours, it was everywhere.
18:53The comments were a mess.
18:54Some people defended me.
18:55Some people mocked the whole thing.
18:57Most of it, I didn't care about.
18:58Then someone online dug up what had happened between Emma and me.
19:01After that, public opinion flipped hard.
19:03How is she begging for forgiveness after giving her own son away and lying that he was missing?
19:09She wrecked her own family and still thinks she deserves another chance?
19:12She's evil.
19:13She hurt her husband, used her child, and played the victim on camera.
19:17The backlash got worse by the day.
19:19I never responded.
19:20I had my lawyer move forward with the divorce.
19:22By the time we got to court, I was ready.
19:25I had everything.
19:25Proof that the marriage had completely broken down.
19:28Proof of her affair.
19:29Proof of what she'd done with Liam.
19:30Proof that my son would be safer and more stable with me.
19:33In the end, the judge granted the divorce.
19:35I got full custody of Liam, too.
19:37When I walked out of the courthouse, Emma was standing outside.
19:40Her eyes were red as she stared at me.
19:42Jason!
19:42Her voice shaking.
19:43Do you really hate me that much?
19:45I know I was wrong.
19:45I wanted to make it right.
19:47Why couldn't you just give me one more chance?
19:49I didn't even look at her.
19:50Maybe I do keep score.
19:51But I will never stay with a woman who could betray me.
19:54And I would never let my son grow up depending on a mother who could throw him away.
19:58After that, Emma disappeared from my life.
20:00And I didn't care enough to ask where she went.
20:02She didn't matter anymore.
20:03These days, my life is full.
20:04And for the first time in a long time, that's enough.
20:07And I'm going to go back to my life.
20:07And I'm going to go back to my life.
20:07And I'm going to go back to my life.
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