Julia felt betrayed when her husband took her car and left their kids to sneak into a wedding he said he didn’t want—until the truth came out. But what he didn’t expect? Julia knew how to stop him and used it.
What if your closest confidant betrayed you? Will you fight to the end or go away?
I never imagined this situation. Julia, 32, mother of two, thought my husband and I were on the same team until last weekend.
Then he proved me incorrect.
It began with an invitation.
My college friend Natalie invited Marcus and me to her wedding. Natalie was friendly, intense, yet well-meaning and cheerful, even though we weren’t friends anymore. We spent a lot of time with her before.
So when the envelope arrived, I was thrilled.
Guess who’s marrying!” As I lay on the couch with Marcus, I waved the invitation.
“Not going,” he said, staring at his phone.
“What? Why not?
Sighing, he rubbed his temples. “I don’t want to talk awkwardly to people I barely remember. This Saturday is wasted.”
That hurt. I expected him to change his mind, but he persisted. Distant. A bit jumpy.
I said, “You’ve been off ever since that invite came,” one night.
Marcus glance away. Just not interested, Jules. All done.”
No interest in seeing Natalie? You loved hanging together with her group.”
“That was another lifetime,” he remarked. “People change.”
It felt wrong. Still, I let it go.
I planned to attend the wedding alone. Marcus would remain home with Ellie, 7, and Jack, 4, and take them to the amusement park. He reassured me while I got ready that morning.
“Don’t worry,” he said. This will be fun. Cushion fort, everything.”
When I returned home a few hours later, everything fell apart.
House was a disaster. There were toys everywhere, dishes in the sink, and worst of all, Marcus and my car were gone.
“Ellie?” I called, trying not to panic.
She peeked out from the couch. “Daddy left.”
How do you define ‘left’?
“He got a call,” she shrugged. Discussed a wedding. After dropping us off, he took your car.”
I felt like the floor collapsed.
I phoned him. Voicemail.
Again. Still nothing.
Not simply irresponsible. It was treachery. He stole my automobile. Forgot our kids. Lied to me.
I contacted my mom because I couldn’t leave Ellie and Jack.
I called Mom, frightened, “I need you to come over. Now.”
She did not inquire. She arrived in 10 minutes. I took her keys and fled.
Heart racing, I drove to the venue. He swore he disliked weddings—why attend?
I remembered helping Natalie organize the guest list. I stopped over and called the venue.
Hello, Julia Evans. Is Marcus Evans here?
A pause. “No…not yet.”
“Good. Listen attentively. He is not invited and should not be admitted.”
“Uh… okay. Got it.”
If he asks who blocked him, Tell him I was.”
I parked 10 minutes later.
Outside the venue, he paced maniacally with his phone to his ear.
The phone buzzed. His name.
When I answered, he exploded. Did you do this?
Coldly, I smiled. “Having trouble getting into a wedding you didn’t want?”
“Let me in, Julia!”
“No chance. You lied. Our kids were left. You robbed me.”
“You don’t understand!” he pleaded.
“Try me,” I responded, exiting the car.
Natalie arrived at the entrance, shocked. “Marcus?”
He faced her like she was the only person.
“You called me,” he says softly. “You mentioned being nervous…”
Natalie looked perplexed. “Yes, I called this afternoon. Sorry, just saying. For everything. The call dropped, so I didn’t anticipate you.”
Into vision I came. He left our kids to get here.”
Natalie grew pale. “My God. I didn’t request it. I swear.”
The truth emerged.
“Marcus and I A thing happened. She said before you two got together, looking at us.
Heart thudded in ears.
“It’s not what you think,” Marcus said.
Then explain, I demanded. “Because it looks like you left your family for someone else.”
Natalie apologised and went inside. Left alone with Marcus, whose justifications were unraveling quicker than he could talk.
“I just… I must stop her.”
“Stop her?” I requested.
“I hoped to prevent her from making a mistake. After marrying someone she doesn’t love.”
Marcus, who are you in this story? Her rescuer? Or a husband stuck in the past?”
He looked down. Silent.
My voice broke as I continued, “You left our children, Marcus. All for what? Closure?”
“I thought I could fix it,” he muttered. “Stop her from marrying the wrong person—like I did.”
The words slapped.
“Well then,” I whispered, “I guess we both made the same mistake.”
Turning, I left.
Ellie whispered, “Mommy,” later that night, while the kids slept. Will you and Daddy be okay?
I clutched her. I dunno, baby. But you and Jack will always be OK. Pinky promise.”
Her little finger was extended. “Pinky promise.”
My phone buzzed when I was alone. Message from Marcus.
Please forgive me. I’m sorry. We must talk.”
I studied it at length.
Typed three words:
“Not tonight, Marcus.”
I turned off my phone.
Let me cry eventually.
I don’t know our future. But I know this: I’m done putting myself last. Because sometimes betrayal isn’t the hardest part. This means understanding that the person you love isn’t who you thought they were.