I was devastated when I learned my husband cheated, especially since his negligence is why I can’t have children. With help from loved ones, I quietly planned my revenge, which turned out more beneficial than expected.

I’m Emily, 28, and married to David, 33. Three years ago, an accident, due to my husband’s negligence, left me infertile. I have since come to make peace with the fact that I would not be able to bear children.

However, I had considered adoption long before the incident. Although this life-altering event caused deep-seated sorrow, I never let it taint my relationship with David. I’ve avoided discussing my infertility and the pain it causes. David knows he’s responsible, and his guilt is evident.

My therapist helped me handle my feelings without becoming too angry. I’m not resentful toward him and as such, have forgiven him. Even the therapist commended me for not allowing this experience to affect my marriage.

As David carried guilt, we decided to shield him further, by keeping the reason for my infertility a secret from everyone, including my parents and friends.

We both did this because we were concerned that my parents’ opinion of him would change. David even begged me not to tell my friends when I only wanted to confide in my best friend, for support. The only confidants were those privy to my medical files and my therapist.

Two years of healing and discussions led us to a joyous decision: adoption. Just a month ago, our anticipation became palpable; a child would soon join our home.

I sincerely believed that both my husband and I were happy about this new addition in our lives. And that we were on the same page. But things became clearer after a bombshell was dropped on me in the most heart-wrenching way.

Two days ago, my life drastically changed. I received a text from an unknown woman who shattered the facade of marital bliss. She sent me a photo of her and David in bed together, unmistakably in a hotel room. It was a hotel we knew too well, the venue of our 10th wedding anniversary.

The image wasn’t graphic, but the implication was clear and devastating. The woman told me that if that was my husband, that he was cheating on me.

The pain was beyond physical; it was the agony of betrayal from the man I had protected against all odds, whose faults I had veiled with unconditional love.

We were about to adopt, to become parents together. How could he jeopardize everything we had built, everything we were about to build?

The shock rendered me numb, unable to react, unable to grasp the entirety of the deceit. Was this a one-time betrayal, or had David strayed before? And why? Because I couldn’t bear children naturally?

These thoughts consumed me, but amidst the turmoil, a plan of quiet revenge took form while I cried in the kitchen. When David returned home, expecting the usual warmth of our shared space, he walked into an unexpected scenario: a romantic dinner, meticulously prepared by me.

The evening was calm, almost serene. As we dined, I asked him, “Do you love me? Are we still in this together, ready to welcome our child?”

He assured me that he still wanted to go ahead with our adoption plan and that he still loved me. Our evening went smoothly and ended on a beautiful note. We ended up watching TV and I kept replaying his response in my head while staring at him.

Little did David know, that I secretly recorded him. This evidence, along with the support of my best friend and mother—now privy to the cause of my infertility and David’s infidelity—fortified my resolve.

My mom and best friend rallied behind me by helping to figure out the next step concerning my volatile marriage. They suggested a good lawyer to take on David.

Armed with facts and legal counsel, I confronted him with divorce papers shortly thereafter. In court, his promises recorded at that dinner became my strongest ally. I laid bare his betrayal and his broken promises.

The judgment was in my favor, granting me a substantial settlement. The adoption process, though begun with two, would now be completed by one. I remain steadfast, ready to provide a loving home to a child who needs one, as a single parent.

Never did I imagine that I would become a single mother despite marrying a man that I fell in love with. I wanted to raise a family with David, who at this point, seems to prefer betraying me instead of fulfilling that dream.

It pains me that our relationship ended this way and that I was forced to make a decision that would see us parting ways. Although I had forgiven him for causing my infertility, I don’t know whether I would be so forgiving this time.

I had trouble leaving him at first because I meant the world to me. I even kept things bottled up to maintain his image. It still feels surreal that it has come to this.

Just like I became overtly numb to his infidelity, the same feelings continue to overflow following this revelation. David looked me in the eye and told me that he still wanted to build a family with me without batting an eye.

I was a fool to convince myself that he would be sincere even after I discovered that he had been unfaithful. Maybe I hoped that what had transpired wasn’t true. But now I know, that he wasn’t the man for me and I’m relieved that I discovered his cheating ways before the adoption process was complete.