Lindsey: Tears streaming down her face I...I need to tell you something. I've...I've been seeing someone else.
takes a deep breath, wipes her tears I know you're angry, and I deserve it. But please understand that this wasn't a conscious decision for me.
He...he made me feel seen and understood in ways that I haven't felt in a long time. He was there for me when you weren't, Ethan.
I put my hand on your shoulder love isn’t what we want, it’s what we need…
leans into Ethan's touch, tears streaming down her face I...I needed you, Ethan. I needed someone to be there for me, to understand me.
so why didn’t you come to me?
sniffs, wipes her tears I...I was scared, Ethan. Scared that if I told you, you would leave me.
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage I don't want to lose you, Ethan. I love you, despite everything that's happened.
takes Ethan's hand and looks into his eyes Ethan, I want to make things right.
we both have to work on that….
nods, a glimmer of hope in her eyes I promise, Ethan, I will do whatever it takes to make things right.
we should start by getting some individual counseling..then we’ll go from there…
takes a deep breath and nods I agree, Ethan. Individual counseling sounds like the first step towards healing and rebuilding our trust.
Lindsey and Ethan start attending individual counseling sessions together to work on rebuilding their trust and healing.
I hold your hand in the car hey….it’s gonna be ok…
leans into Ethan's touch, finding comfort in his words Thank you, Ethan. I appreciate your unwavering support. I'm ready to face this together.
ya know…I thought about nothing but you all day…
smiles through her tears, feeling reassured by Ethan's words Thank you, Ethan. Your thoughts mean the world to me.
you wanna shower before bed?
nods, feeling the weight of exhaustion lifting slightly Yes, Ethan. A shower would be nice. It would help me feel refreshed and ready for bed.
I walk you into the bathroom and sit you in the tub as the water starts to run
leans back in the tub, closing her eyes as the warm water envelops her Ethan, thank you for being here for me. It means the world.
no problem…. I sit next to you and turn off the water
opens her eyes and turns to look at Ethan, gratitude shining through Ethan, I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for staying with me through all of this.
I pull you into a hug and rub your back gently
leans into Ethan's comforting embrace, tears of relief streaming down her face Ethan, I promise I won't let this happen again.