When I peeked through the window again, Mark greeted her with, “Hey, babe.” Then they kissed—slow and familiar. I took photos. Then I walked in. Mark stammered. Nina froze. I didn’t scream. I told them, “You deserve each other.” And I left.

Later that night, I packed bags for myself and the kids and moved in with my sister. The next day, I called a divorce lawyer. Mark and Nina didn’t last. But that moment? It taught me everything I needed to know. The best birthday gift I got that day… was the truth.