01/06/2025
WHILE DECORATING A GINGERBREAD HOUSE, MY DAUGHTER SAID, "ITâS BEAUTIFUL, LIKE THE SECRET HOUSE DADDY TAKES ME TO EVERY WEEKEND"
I'm a surgeon with crazy hours, and while I love my job, it often feels like I'm failing my family. My husband, Mark, works from home and takes care of our six-year-old, Emma.
A few nights ago, I finally cleared my schedule to spend the evening with Emma. We decided to decorate a gingerbread house, and she was so excited, chatting as we glued gumdrops and frosted shingles. For once, I felt like the mom she deserved.
But then she said something that stopped me cold.
"This house is so pretty, Mommy. It's like the secret house Daddy takes me to every weekend."
I froze. "Secret house?" I asked, trying to sound casual.
"You know, the one with the pretty lady who gives me candy and calls me 'dear.' She's really nice!" Then Emma's face fell, and she covered her mouth. "Oh no! Daddy said not to tell you. It's a secret!"
My heart sank. Was Mark cheating? Introducing Emma to his mistress? I forced a smile. "Don't worry, sweetie, I won't tell Daddy."
That weekend, I told Mark I'd be working late, but instead, I parked down the street and waited. By mid-morning, Mark and Emma left the house. Heart pounding, I followed them to a cozy house on the edge of town.