I tried my best to ignore the haunting feeling that my husband might be cheating on me. We had built a beautiful life together, but in the end, he was willing to stab me in the back. Little did he know I was a few steps ahead.

I am Patricia, 35 years old, and until recently, I thought I had a decent grasp on who I was and the life I was leading with my husband, Joseph, 40.

But recently, I’ve noticed a few changes in my husband’s behavior. He’s been more secretive whenever he’s texting or taking a phone call. His phone is always faced down when we’re together.

He’s also been coming home late, claiming work trips and late nights at the office. The other night, when he returned from work, I pretended to sleep while he sneaked into the house. I noticed his shirt unbuttoned more than usual. He usually showers in the morning, but that night he went straight to the bathroom.

The next morning, I inspected his clothes. His shirt had a fruity, feminine scent and a lipstick stain. It seemed like I was close to finding out the truth.

Cheating was the last thing I was willing to settle for. I’m someone who values strategy, which is why I insisted on a prenup before marrying Joseph. It was my safety net if infidelity ever entered our marriage.

One day, I came home early to find Joseph with his coworker on our bed. They tried to act like nothing happened, but doubt had already sunk in. He tried to explain it away, but I knew better.

Days later, I saw messages on Joseph’s phone from a woman named Amber, disappearing quickly. The deceit was suffocating.

After accidentally finding Amber’s contact, I called her. “Amber, we need to talk,” I said, masking my nervousness.

We met, and I explained my plan. I couldn’t catch him in the act, but I was certain of the betrayal. I proposed Amber pretend to be pregnant to trap Joseph and retaliate against his deceit.

During this, I discovered Joseph had forged my signature for financial gain. This was my breaking point.

With Amber’s cooperation, the pregnancy trap was set. Joseph’s reaction was one of dread, as expected. He filed for divorce to protect his assets, thinking he could outsmart me, but I was prepared.

I faced him confidently. “Joseph, sign the divorce papers or prepare for court,” I said, his composed facade crumbling.

His signature was my victory. Amber and I celebrated, but revenge was bittersweet. “It’s not over,” I told Amber. “He must face the consequences.”

I pressed charges for his forgery, and he was imprisoned. Through it all, I found strength within myself. I stood up to Joseph and, in doing so, secured my future.

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another about a woman using a private investigator to catch her cheating husband.

I’m 33, married to James, 39. We planned to have children once we moved into a house and became financially stable, which we now are.

As an editor at a successful magazine and James in cybersecurity, we were ready for a family. But James began acting strangely, always on his phone with different perfumes around him.

I hired a private investigator, Benson, to find out the truth. “Be ready for the worst,” Benson warned over coffee.

I knew my marriage could be at risk. Benson did his job while I worked on magazine deadlines.

At week’s end, Benson called off the investigation. “It’s safer for us,” he said, adding mystery to whatever James was doing.

I wasn’t satisfied and decided to install hidden cameras. But I found hidden cameras already in our home.

Panic set in until James came home. “Why cameras?” I demanded.

James admitted, “I’m an agent, not in cybersecurity as I claimed.”

He revealed his secret life, assuring he did it for our safety. He practiced honesty about his true job.

“Eileen?” James asked. “I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. Is it a deal breaker?”

Despite the risks, I chose love, accepting him as he was.

James plans to transition to a safer desk role. Our future is now honest, and we’re in a good place.

What would you have done in my shoes?