Abbie’s world came crashing down when her husband, Matthew, vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a puzzling message. A ground-shifting phone call from her mother-in-law, received days into his mysterious absence, changed everything. Had Matthew disappeared?
“What about Matthew? ” “Where on earth are you? This is no joke.” I yelled out, partially hoping he would hear me from across the room.
The house, however, remained hauntingly silent, with just the subtle hum of the fridge breaking the silence.
Upon seeing a note on the kitchen table, a surge of unease swept over me.
“Quit trying to find me.”
My heart sank as I glanced at the note, hoping it was all a prank from Matthew. Despite his usual fondness for such things, something about this seemed sinisterly different. My attempt to reach him by phone went to voicemail as soon as I picked up the phone.
I begged Matthew to return my call while attempting to hide my quivering voice. “I don’t find this funny.”
I then called his mom, Claire. Greetings, Claire. This is Abbie. Is Matthew still around?”
“No, my darling,” was her response. Is everything alright?”
“No problem at all. “Perhaps he simply went outside for a little,” I said, attempting to come across as unhurried.
James, his best friend, was similarly unaware of his whereabouts when I hung up. “No, Abbie, I haven’t received any communication from him,” James said, his voice marked with worry.
Our children’s inquiries on their father’s location became increasingly frequent and difficult to avoid as the days without a return evolved into a week. At last, armed with the note, I went up to the cops.
“Ma’am, it’s difficult to justify starting a search with this note,” the officer remarked, his tone empathetic but strong.
“But he has gone AWOL!” I objected, my voice betraying my growing despair. “Is it possible that something horrible has transpired?”
The cop tossed his head in disapproval. It is within their legal rights for adults to vanish at will, I’m afraid. We will not be able to assist you unless there is undeniable proof of wrongdoing.
I went back to our once-warm home, which was now a cold, haunted shell where Matthew’s spirit lingered, feeling defeated. Feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation, I rounded up our children and gathered them in the living room.
The words “kids, I need to tell you something” came out of my mouth as my voice quivered. The father has been absent for some time, “Daddy.”
The youngest one inquired, “Why, Mommy?” before answering.
I kissed her and said, “I don’t know,” before embracing her tightly. “But let’s not give up, shall we?”
A haze of grief and unsaid anxieties enveloped the days that followed.
His favorite jacket was still hanging in the closet, his shoes were by the door, and his coffee mug was on the counter. Whenever I looked around the house, he was there. Keeping things normal for the kids became increasingly difficult as their questions about their father weakened my resolve.
Then, out of the blue, my phone went off. Claire, who is Matthew’s mom, was on a FaceTime conversation. “Promise me you won’t tell Matthew anything if you want to know the truth,” she said, her voice quivering.
“What on earth are you referring to?” A queasy feeling began to develop in my gut as I inquired.
Matthew is at my house right now. They had a baby together, and he’s with his mistress, she admitted.
The world seemed to crumble beneath my feet.
“He instructed me not to tell you,” Claire went on to say. “He intends to divorce you on her behalf and is using money from your joint account to maintain them. That young lady is only nineteen years old.
When I finally accepted the truth of his treachery, my vision became clouded with tears.
Who did he do? I stammered, disbelief and hurt overtaking me.
“I’m sorry I lied about knowing his whereabouts,” Claire added, her voice thick with shame. At first, I was at a loss for what to do since he is my son. However, you are also part of the family and have a right to know the reality.
I thanked her for being honest, but I was shaking with anger and sadness. “I must ensure the safety of my children and myself,” I declared with conviction.
I was left to deal with the shock on my own after the call ended. The man I had trusted and loved, Matthew, had intended to leave us for another woman.
Something seemed strange to the kids. “Mommy, where’s Daddy?” my youngest queried, looking up at me with huge, innocent eyes.
As I embraced her tightly, I told her, “He won’t be returning, my love.” The most important thing is that we have each other.
I called a lawyer to go over my options because I was hell-bent on fighting for what was ours to begin with. Another call, this time from an unknown number, came in at that very moment.
“Hi there?” I responded with caution.
Welcome, Abbie! Meet Lisa, who happens to be Matthew’s… partner. The voice timidly suggested that they needed to have a conversation with you.
I felt a flash of anger. “How are you so bold to try to get in touch with me?”
Meet me, please. More information is required of you. It’s crucial, she pleaded, for the sake of your loved ones.
The tone of her voice, which may have hinted at desperation, convinced me to meet with her despite my wrath.
“Where is it located?” My voice was chilly as I asked.
She suggested, “The old café on 8th Street, 6 p.m.” I agreed.
After checking the time, I consented. Lisa was the first person I saw when I entered the café at 6 o’clock in the evening. She appeared much younger than my initial impression.
Sitting down, she said, “Thank you for coming,” but she avoided making eye contact with me.
“Why have I come all this way?” The question was asked directly by me.
With her voice quivering, Lisa started to say, “Matthew lied to both of us.”. I had no idea he intended to abandon you in such a state. Surely you are aware of our situation.
“Why do you think I should believe what you say?” With my arms crossed, I issued a challenge.
She retrieved a plethora of correspondence from her bag. “Matthew sent these. We’ve both been taken advantage of by him.
I was shocked to see how extensive Matthew’s dishonesty was as I perused the paperwork. My voice quivered as I whispered, “I am astounded by this.”
A look of regret crossed Lisa’s face as we locked gazes. Please, I will assist you in your struggle against him. No way did I volunteer for this. To be honest, I had no idea who he was.
Her sincere remorse made me understand that she could turn out to be an ally I hadn’t imagined. Assist me in collecting as much proof as you can if you’re being serious. We require protection for my children and myself.
We deliberated for the hour that followed. Lisa was helpful in understanding Matthew’s intentions and was willing to testify if called upon.
It seemed strange to work with the other woman, yet having her help could be crucial.
I met with my attorney the next day, bolstered by the overwhelming evidence. We were ready to face Matthew and defend our possessions as a group. It would be a tough fight, but I had allies.
After this happened, what would you have done differently?