I met Victoria, an Art History professor, in college. She was ten years older and refused to date students, but after I graduated, she agreed. We quickly fell in love, though she was more reserved. After a few months, we married.

Seven years into our marriage, I grew suspicious of Victoria’s monthly business trips. She always returned sad but brushed off my concerns, saying, “Traveling is just tough on me.” I offered to join her, but she insisted I save my vacation days. Worried she might be seeing someone, I hired a private detective.

The detective found out Victoria was visiting her ex-husband, not cheating. Her ex was in a psychiatric hospital after a severe episode before their divorce. “Your wife has actually been visiting her ex-husband all these years,” the detective revealed. Shocked, I confronted Victoria, who explained, “I always felt so guilty… I thought I should’ve saved him.”

Victoria admitted she couldn’t stop feeling responsible for her ex’s condition. I comforted her, saying, “You can’t put that on yourself.” We decided I would accompany her on her next visit for support. We learned the importance of honesty and being there for each other through difficult times.