I Brought My Husband a Surprise Meal at Work and Found Out He Had Been Dismissed Three Months Earlier

I delivered my husband's preferred meal as a surprise to his workplace, only to uncover he hadn't been employed there for several months. This unexpected discovery would tear apart our two-decade marriage and guide me down an unforeseen route. I prepared Jonathan's beloved meal—lasagna with garlic bread and tiramisu for dessert. He had been staying late at work for many weeks, so I thought a special lunch might cheer him up. When I requested to see Jonathan, the building's security staff gave me an odd glance.

"Jonathan left this company more than three months ago," he informed me. My heart sank instantly.

"That's impossible. He comes here daily," I replied, confused.

The guard responded with certainty, "I'm afraid he was dismissed. You should probably discuss this with him."

I departed with embarrassment filling my face. What was actually happening? The following day, I observed Jonathan's usual morning routine before "work," but he paused to check his phone before leaving.

"Any news about your possible job advancement?" I asked with feigned casualness.

Without looking away from his device, he replied, "You know how it is. Still pushing for it. Very busy."

After his car left our driveway, I phoned for a taxi. "Track that blue car," I directed the driver. Despite his puzzled expression, he complied without question.

We pursued Jonathan to a shabby neighborhood. He parked in a questionable area and entered a small coffee shop. From outside, I saw him join an elderly woman at a table.

"Stay here," I told the driver. I moved closer and captured images with my phone. Soon, a younger woman arrived, then others, until six women sat with Jonathan. What scheme was he involved in?

When they dispersed, I questioned one woman, "How do you know my husband?"

She frowned deeply. "That inconsiderate man? He fails to recognize true ability. I wish you well with him." She walked away before I could learn more.

That evening, I confronted Jonathan with the pictures. "Would you like to explain this?"

His complexion whitened immediately. "You tracked me? Rebecca, why would you do that?"

"Why would I? How could you deceive me for months? What's really going on?"

Jonathan exhaled heavily and dropped into a seat. "I left my job to pursue my passion. I'm directing a theatrical production."

I gazed at him stunned. "A theatrical production? What about our house payment? Our children's education funds?"

"How can you pay for a theatrical production without employment?" I questioned.

"I withdrew from our joint savings," he confessed. "Around $50,000."

"Fifty thousand dollars?" I exclaimed loudly. "Have you lost your mind?"

"Consider it a business venture," Jonathan argued. "This production will launch my career. I'm certain."

I inhaled deeply to calm myself. "You must cancel this show and recover our money, or I will seek divorce."

Jonathan observed me silently for a moment. "I cannot abandon my aspirations, Becca. I apologize."

His words felt like a physical blow. "You apologize? That's your entire response?"

Jonathan rose, fists tight. "What should I say instead? That I'll return to a miserable occupation just to please you?"

"I expect responsibility!" I yelled. "We have children, Jonathan. Financial obligations. Future plans!"

"What about my personal goals?" he retorted. "My ambitions? Are they meaningless?"

I laughed without humor. "Not until they jeopardize everything we've built together!"

Jonathan moved restlessly around the room. "You fail to comprehend. This show represents my opportunity for achievement."

"You already had achievements," I said with emotion. "A complete family. A stable existence. Wasn't that sufficient?"

He looked away. "That's not the issue. I need this for myself."

"For yourself," I echoed. "Not for our collective benefit. Not for our children."

"They will appreciate it when I succeed," Jonathan claimed.

I disagreed with a head shake. "And if failure occurs? What happens then?"

"Success is inevitable," he stated confidently. "Just wait."

"No," I replied, experiencing unexpected composure. "I refuse. I cannot witness you sacrificing everything for an unrealistic fantasy."

Jonathan's expression became rigid. "Then perhaps our relationship is finished."

As he exited angrily, I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling the crushing weight of our disintegrated relationship. How had our lives reached this point?

The subsequent period passed in a haze of legal consultations and documentation. I proceeded with divorce proceedings, struggling to reclaim my portion of our savings. Jonathan relocated and devoted himself entirely to his beloved production.

Emily, our firstborn, struggled with the situation. "Can't you forgive Dad?" she inquired one evening.

I exhaled heavily. "The issue isn't forgiveness, sweetheart. It concerns reliability. Your father destroyed that foundation."

One evening, Jonathan telephoned. "The show premiers next week."

"Would you attend?" he asked.

"I believe that would be unwise," I replied.

"Becca, please. It would matter greatly to me."

Despite my reservations, I consented. The venue was sparsely populated. Jonathan's production was... inadequate. It featured awkward conversations and a perplexing storyline. The quality was so poor that I departed during the break.

Seven days later, Jonathan arrived at my residence. His appearance was disheveled – stubbled face, wrinkled attire.

"The show failed," he admitted. "I deeply regret my actions, Becca. I committed a terrible error."

I experienced brief compassion but suppressed it quickly. "I regret your disappointment. However, our situation remains unchanged."

"Could we attempt reconciliation?" he begged. "For our children's sake?"

I declined with a head movement. "You may visit them according to legal arrangements. But our relationship has concluded, Jonathan. I have progressed."

As I shut the entrance, I sensed relief wash over me. The pain persisted, but I recognized my decision was correct. Now I needed to concentrate on my children and my life without Jonathan's deceptions burdening me.

That evening, I contacted my sister. "Do you recall our discussed European journey? Let's make it happen."

She responded with laughter. "Are you serious? What about your job?"

"I will manage it," I stated. "Life offers limited opportunities for hesitation, correct?"

After ending the call, I smiled. For the initial time in several months, I felt enthusiastic about possibilities. Who could predict what experiences awaited?

The following morning, I awakened early and exercised. The fresh air felt revitalizing. While running past our previously frequented cafe, I noticed Jonathan inside, leaning over a journal. Momentarily, I considered entering. Instead, I continued my exercise. Some stories deserved permanent conclusion.

Upon returning home, I found Emily awake, preparing food. "Good morning, Mom," she greeted. "Would you like pancakes?"

I embraced her firmly. "That sounds ideal, darling."

During our meal, I introduced the topic of our future. "I've contemplated making alterations. How would you feel about relocating?"

Emily's gaze widened. "Relocating? To what location?"

"I lack certainty," I confessed. "But I think a new beginning might benefit us all."

Michael entered, rubbing his eyes sleepily. "What discussion involves moving?"

I clarified my thoughts. Unexpectedly, both children seemed receptive to the proposal.

"If we relocate, can we adopt a dog?" Michael inquired.

I chuckled. "That possibility exists."

"Let's proceed gradually, alright?"

Later that afternoon, I connected with my friend Lisa for beverages. She had experienced divorce herself a few years prior.

"How are you managing?" she questioned.

I exhaled deeply. "To be truthful? It's challenging. Yet also... liberating? Does that sound strange?"

Lisa disagreed with a head motion. "Not at all. It offers an opportunity to find yourself again."

"I'm considering returning to education," I revealed. "Perhaps complete that unfinished qualification."

"That's wonderful!" Lisa responded enthusiastically. "You would excel at that."

During our conversation, I noticed enthusiasm growing within me. Perhaps this situation represented a beginning rather than an end.

That night, while assisting Emily with schoolwork, my mobile device signaled. Jonathan had messaged.

"Can we discuss matters?" his message asked.

I paused before answering: "Regarding our children, yes. Other topics, no."

"Understandable," he wrote back. "Midday meal tomorrow?"

We gathered at an impartial restaurant. Jonathan appeared healthier than during our last encounter.

"I've been reflecting considerably," he started.

I gestured to stop him. "Jonathan, our discussion concerns the children exclusively."

He acknowledged this with apparent remorse. "Correct. My apologies. How are they faring?"

We discussed Emily's mathematical difficulties and Michael's recent fascination with robotics. The interaction felt almost regular until I recalled our circumstances.

As we concluded, Jonathan cleared his throat nervously. "I received an employment proposition. In the financial sector again."

"That's positive news," I said sincerely. "The children will appreciate hearing that."

He paused momentarily. "The position is in Chicago."

I was surprised. "Oh. That's... distant."

"Indeed," he responded quietly. "I remain undecided. I wanted your opinion first."

I inhaled slowly. "You should accept if it matches your desires. We can arrange visitation schedules."

Jonathan seemed relieved. "Thank you, Becca. For everything."

Watching his departure, I experienced sorrow for our past together, yet also optimism for what lay ahead.

Life seldom progresses as anticipated. However, sometimes unexpected pathways guide us precisely where we need to be.

What action would you have taken? If this narrative appealed to you, here's another story about a woman who attempted to surprise her husband at work with lunch, but discovered he was supposedly on vacation. Confused and doubtful, she tracked him the following day and revealed a shocking truth at her sister's residence.

What she discovered made her doubt all her previous knowledge about my marriage and my family.