My attempt to save my marriage turned into a disaster!

Brian and I had been together for many years, and our marriage was noticeably fading. So, when he was sent on a business trip to Paris, I thought, “Hell, the city of love is a great chance to rekindle our passion!” I decided to surprise him and fly with him. But you know what I saw there? HIM WITH ANOTHER WOMAN! Me: “WHAT THE HELL?! WHO IS THIS?!” Brian: “Don’t make a scene, you’re embarrassing yourself! It’s none of your business, go home!” Right in the middle of the plane, he mocked and humiliated me. In tears and despair, I thought about revenge. But karma was faster when suddenly, the pilot’s voice stopped him. He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that due to a technical issue, we will be returning to our departure airport immediately. Please remain seated and follow the crew’s instructions.” As the plane began its unexpected turnaround, the tension between Brian and me grew palpable. The woman with him, looking visibly uncomfortable, shifted in her seat, glancing nervously between us. The flight back was excruciatingly silent. Brian avoided eye contact with me, and the woman, sensing the gravity of the situation, stayed quiet. I sat there, fuming and heartbroken, my mind racing with thoughts of betrayal and confusion. When we finally landed back at the airport, the passengers began to disembark. Brian stood up, ready to bolt, but I grabbed his arm. Me: “We’re not done here. Who is she, Brian?” The woman, unable to bear the tension, finally spoke up. Woman: “I’m his colleague, Anna. I didn’t know he was married. I’m so sorry.” Brian: “This is ridiculous. I’m not going to stand here and be interrogated. I have a job to do.” With that, he yanked his arm free and stormed off, leaving me and Anna standing there. I watched him go, my heart sinking. But Anna stayed. Anna: “I really didn’t know. If I had known he was married, I would never have—” Me: “It’s not your fault. It’s his. He’s the one who betrayed me.” Anna looked genuinely remorseful. She handed me her contact information. Anna: “If you need anything, or just want to talk, please reach out. I feel terrible about all of this.” I nodded, taking the slip of paper. As I walked away from the airport, I felt a mix of emotions—anger, sadness, betrayal, but also a strange sense of relief. The truth was out, and it was time to face it head-on. Back home, I packed Brian’s things and left them on the porch. I couldn’t bear to look at his deceitful face any longer. When he returned later that night, he found his belongings outside and the locks changed. Brian: “You can’t be serious. Let me in!” Me: “You made your choice, Brian. Now live with it.” Over the next few weeks, I focused on myself. I reconnected with friends, pursued hobbies I had neglected, and even started therapy to process the trauma. Surprisingly, Anna and I became unlikely allies. We both had been deceived by the same man, and in our shared pain, we found a unique bond. Brian tried to contact me multiple times, begging for forgiveness, but I was done. I deserved better than a man who would betray me so callously. In the end, my attempt to save my marriage revealed the truth I needed to see. It was a painful lesson, but it led me to a new path—one of self-discovery, healing, and, eventually, happiness. And for that, I was grateful.