Hosting a Birthday Party While Injured Taught Us an Unexpected Lesson

Every holiday, every gathering, every dinner had rested on my shoulders while he enjoyed the praise. Even now, injured and exhausted, he spoke only of his upcoming celebration and how disappointed he would be if it didn’t go as planned. Rather than argue, I simply nodded and told him I would “handle it.” That night, while he went out with friends, I made a different kind of plan.

I booked a cleaning service, arranged professional catering for the party, and paid for everything myself. Then I called my lawyer and confirmed I was ready to move forward with a long-considered decision to end the marriage. By the time the party arrived, the house looked perfect and the food was beautifully arranged.

Jason greeted guests proudly, taking credit for an event he hadn’t lifted a finger to create. People asked about my arm, and he brushed it off with casual remarks. Then the doorbell rang.

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