We Played a Game Answering Calls and Texts with Family on Thanksgiving — I Accidentally Exposed My Husband’s Second Family

What started as a playful Thanksgiving game turned into Mary’s worst nightmare. When a mysterious text on her husband Emmett’s phone mentioned a daughter she’d never heard of, Mary’s world spiraled. Her investigation uncovers a shocking double life—a second family, complete with a wife and teenage daughter.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. There’s something magical about gathering the people you love the most, laughing over turkey and stuffing and spilled gravy, and sharing stories that never seem to grow old.

This year, my family decided to try something a little different: a phone game we’d seen in a movie.

A Thanksgiving dinner | Source: Midjourney

A Thanksgiving dinner | Source: Midjourney

The rules were simple.

Everyone placed their phones in the center of the table, and whenever one buzzed, the person whose turn it was would answer or read the message aloud. It sounded harmless and hilarious, and you know, just a way to spice up the evening.

My husband, Emmett, and I have been married for 25 years. He’s tall and broad-shouldered, with salt-and-pepper hair and a charming smile that’s disarmed me since the day we met on our college campus.

A smiling man | Source: Midjourney

A smiling man | Source: Midjourney

I’ve been a little plain compared to him, with my curly brown hair that rarely cooperates and a fondness for sweaters that my kids tease me about.

Emmett, with his tailored shirts and polished shoes, always seemed to be the one who turned heads.

That night, the table was buzzing with energy as we piled our phones into the center and took turns reading texts aloud. When Emmett’s phone buzzed during my turn, I grabbed it with a laugh, expecting something mundane, like a work email or a reminder about a bill.

A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney

A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney

Instead, the screen displayed a message that made my blood run cold.

Don’t forget, on Thursday, we’re moving Eliza’s things for her performance. Excited for our daughter’s premiere, Em!

I froze.

Daughter?

A lit screen on a phone | Source: Midjourney

A lit screen on a phone | Source: Midjourney

We didn’t have a daughter named Eliza. There was no performance on Thursday, nor any premieres that I knew of. I stared at the message, my stomach churning.

But everyone was watching, waiting for me to share the text. My palms were sweating, and my pulse was racing. I wanted to scream.

Thinking fast, I scrolled to an older, innocuous text about a phone bill and read it aloud instead.

A woman sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney

A woman sitting at a table | Source: Midjourney

“Looks like we need to update the plan on this number, babe,” I said, forcing a smile.

“Damn, I was hoping Emmett would get something juicy!” his brother, Jacob, laughed.

The table laughed together for a moment, and the game continued, but I was spiraling inside.

A man sitting at a table and laughing | Source: Midjourney

A man sitting at a table and laughing | Source: Midjourney

Why would Emmett be so careless? I remembered him fumbling with his phone earlier, mumbling something about needing to call a client.

“I’ll be back in a second, Mary. I just need to sort this out quickly—it’s about a meeting for next week. Plate up for the kids though,” he had said.

At the time, I hadn’t thought twice. Maybe he’d been too distracted to realize how risky this game was.

A man using his phone | Source: Midjourney

A man using his phone | Source: Midjourney

That night, I barely slept. Every single time I closed my eyes, I saw the words from that text.

Daughter? Performance?

My mind raced with so many questions. Who was Eliza? What was Emmett hiding?

Who was Emmett hiding?

And why?

A woman laying in bed | Source: Midjourney

A woman laying in bed | Source: Midjourney

The next morning, while Emmett was out walking Lila, our dog, before heading off to work, I found the address attached to the follow-up text message. It was all the details about the performance.

Picking up my notebook, I took down the address and the number belonging to a woman named Alice.

Then, I got into my car and punched it in. According to my GPS, the address led to a school theater in a nearby town. I didn’t want to drive there — not yet.

A notebook and phone on a table | Source: Midjourney

A notebook and phone on a table | Source: Midjourney

But soon, I’d know the truth. Thursday would come. Soon.

Instead, I went to work.

I felt beyond ridiculous pulling into the parking lot on Thursday evening, but curiosity and suspicion firmly had their claws in me. Inside the theater, the dim lights illuminated a stage where a teenage girl, around 16, was performing a ballet solo.

A girl performing a ballet routine | Source: Midjourney

A girl performing a ballet routine | Source: Midjourney

She had long, dark hair tied back in a neat bun, and her confidence radiated from the stage.

My breath caught when the music stopped, and she bowed. She looked just like Emmett.

In the audience, I spotted him sitting beside a woman holding a bouquet of flowers. They both looked proud, their smiles glowing as they watched their girl perform.

As if I could hear it, my heart cracked open in my chest.

A woman holding a bouquet of roses | Source: Midjourney

A woman holding a bouquet of roses | Source: Midjourney

When the performance ended and Emmett stepped away, I forced myself to approach the woman. My legs felt like lead, but my voice was steady when I spoke.

“Hello, I’m Emmett’s wife, Mary,” I said.

Her face went pale immediately, the color drained from her face before I could blink.

“Excuse me, what?” she gasped.

A woman holding a bouquet of roses | Source: Midjourney

A woman holding a bouquet of roses | Source: Midjourney

It turns out that this was Alice, and she and Emmett had been married for 20 years.

20 years.

She had no idea about me or our family.

“He told me that work was demanding, Mary. He made it known when we met years ago. I didn’t question it because a job is a job, and it’s important, you know? I also wasn’t working at the time, so Emmett was supporting me. How could I question his job when I didn’t have one?”

I was silent for a moment.

A man in a suit | Source: Midjourney

A man in a suit | Source: Midjourney

“He said that the holidays were the worst for him. I never thought to question it.”

Neither had I.

Whenever Emmett mentioned work or business meetings, I didn’t ask anything beyond where he was staying and when he’d be back. Then, I would help him pack his clothes and pack enough snacks for his trip.

Look at my life now…

Containers of food on a counter | Source: Midjourney

Containers of food on a counter | Source: Midjourney

The next day, Alice and I met at a coffee shop. We pieced together Emmett’s double life over matcha lattes neither of us finished.

We learned that he had been moving Alice and their daughter, Eliza, closer to his “primary residence” while claiming work required him to travel frequently.

He’d built two entire lives — one with me and our three children, and another with Alice and Eliza.

Lattes on a table | Source: Midjourney

Lattes on a table | Source: Midjourney

Alice was petite with short, caramel-colored hair and kind eyes, but there was an edge of hurt and anger in her gaze that mirrored my own.

I could see her hesitation when we first sat down, as if she wasn’t sure whether to trust me.

“I almost didn’t come, Mary,” she admitted. “I wasn’t sure if you were part of this… scheme. I know it sounds so bad, but nothing feels real anymore.”

A woman sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney

A woman sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney

I sighed, nodding.

“I understand exactly what you mean,” I said. “But trust me, I’ve been in the dark as much as you… Do you know that last night, when I sat across from him at dinner, he looked so unfamiliar? It was like I hadn’t seen him before.”

She nodded.

“But I think we both deserve answers and justice.”

A woman sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney

A woman sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney

She nodded again, and from that moment, Alice and I were allies.

Over the next few weeks, Alice and I stayed in touch, sharing more details and uncovering more lies than we had ever thought possible.

We realized that we weren’t just two victims of Emmett’s deceit — we were the heads of two families connected by his betrayal.

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

“The most difficult part is coming, Mary,” Alice told me on the phone one day.

“I know. Telling the kids is going to be… devastating.”

And sure enough, getting our kids involved was the hardest part. My grown children — Mark, 23, Cami, 21, and Jenelle, 18 — were furious and confused.

Jenelle cried for days; suddenly, she wasn’t the last born. Suddenly, she wasn’t the apple of her father’s eye.

An upset girl | Source: Midjourney

An upset girl | Source: Midjourney

Mark paced the living room, constantly cursing Emmett’s name. Cami was the only one who remained nonchalant.

“What do you want me to say, Mom?” she asked when I went into her bedroom to check on her. “The others have always been closer to Dad. I’m just the middle child.”

“I want you to tell me how you feel, darling,” I said.

An angry young man | Source: Midjourney

An angry young man | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t… care. It’s disgusting that he did this to you and Alice. What self-respecting man does this to two women? Two families? I don’t care what he does, but he’s not my father anymore.”

Alice’s daughter, Eliza, was blindsided, and her teenage world came crumbling down at her feet. It turned out that she and Emmett were really close. She couldn’t take the heartbreak when she discovered the truth.

Eventually, after long conversations and reassurances, we convinced the kids to join us for a joint “celebration” under the guise of blending families.

A nonchalant young woman | Source: Midjourney

A nonchalant young woman | Source: Midjourney

Emmett arrived at the restaurant, unaware of what awaited him. When he stepped into the room, his confident stride faltered. His face twisted as his gaze darted between me, Alice, and our children, all standing together.

“Your deceit ends today, Emmett. We all deserve better. You’re pathetic.”

Emmett stammered, his usual charisma failing him for once.

“I can… explain,” he began.

The interior of a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

The interior of a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

“No, you’re a horrible excuse for a father and husband, and we’re not interested in your excuses,” Mark said.

Emmett sputtered, attempting to spin a tale about “complicated feelings” and wanting to “keep everyone happy,” but the united strength of both families left him speechless.

In the weeks that followed, Alice and I worked together to untangle the mess Emmett left behind. We sought legal counsel to address any and all financial matters, ensuring our families’ futures were secure.

A lawyer sitting at her desk | Source: Midjourney

A lawyer sitting at her desk | Source: Midjourney

Unsurprisingly, Emmett tried to fight back. He claimed he’d acted out of love and that it was fine to love more than one person. But honestly, going the legal route was the best we could have done. His bank statements, travel logs, and more left him with little ground to stand on.

Ultimately, he slunk away, defeated.

My kids struggled to process the betrayal—Cami too, although she pretended she was fine. I spent many sleepless nights sitting on my window seat, questioning everything I thought I knew.

A man standing in a hallway with suitcases | Source: Midjourney

A man standing in a hallway with suitcases | Source: Midjourney

Therapy helped a bit, as did Alice’s support. Eliza and Jenelle worked through their pain together. Over time, Alice and I built a strong friendship — one silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud.

Our children, despite the strange circumstances, began forming sibling-like bonds. They leaned on each other, finding strength in their shared pain.

Thanksgiving will never be the same.

But we’ve created new traditions, ones rooted in honesty and mutual respect. Emmett’s betrayal shattered our families, but in the aftermath, we found something unexpected: a new family.

A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney

A smiling older woman | Source: Midjourney

What would you have done?

If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you:

Greg thought he and Natalie had figured out the whole co-parenting thing — until a late-night phone call shattered that illusion with news he never saw coming.

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

A Sales Assistant Told My Wife She Wasn’t ‘Attractive Enough’ to Work in Their Store — I Came Back a Few Days Later to Get the Ultimate Revenge

A store assistant dared to bring MY wife to tears by being mean. She did that all because my spouse sought employment at the establishment she worked at. After hearing my wife’s tale, I took action to redress the situation. What I did ensured that the assistant would think twice when addressing anyone else!

This is an exciting tale about pure and sweet revenge! My name is Thomas, and Emma, my wife, has ALWAYS had an eye for fashion. Her wardrobe is a testament to her impeccable taste. Not that I am biased or showing off, but my Emma knows all there is to know about the latest trends!

I mean, most days, she’s the one who dresses me. No, not because I am sexist and think it’s her job, but because she LOVES doing that. And to be honest, I look FANTASTIC each time, so I’m NOT complaining!

For years, my wife skirted around her true passion. She did all sorts of jobs. Like being a receptionist, and a nurse at one point (sadly short-lived), and even dabbled in art. But she still couldn’t find her place.

Recently, my beloved wife decided to turn her passion for fashion (see what I did there) into a career. She started actively searching for a job in retail. Her thinking was that it would fit perfectly with her interests.

When she got home all emotional one day, she told me the story of what happened. Emma explained that on that fateful day, she was at the shopping center in the afternoon. She then noticed a famous lingerie store with a “Now Hiring” poster on the window.

Excited, she revealed, “I immediately went inside to inquire! But boy, was I in for the shock of my life.” She shared how her excitement started dying down when she approached the sales assistant and tried to speak to her.

The rude woman didn’t even glance my wife’s way until she was DIRECTLY in front of her! A bit down but still quite enthusiastic, Emma asked about the job application process. Instead, the assistant looked her up and down with a sneer and an attitude. Then she delivered the stinging words:

“Look, hun, I don’t think you’re pretty enough for this job. NO CHANCE. Don’t even try, okay?”

Before calming down enough to be able to tell me her story, my lovely wife was in tears when she came home. She was heartbroken by the cruel remark. I’ve never seen my wife so utterly devastated before, and my heart broke seeing her that way.

I wrapped my arms around her, trying to console her. “My love, don’t let her get to you. You’re beautiful and talented. You’re worth so much more than her words,” I said softly. “But why would she say that?” Emma sobbed. “I just wanted to apply for a job. I didn’t deserve that.”

“She’s a small-minded person, my angel,” I tried consoling my wife. Seeing her so dejected made me FURIOUS! No one, and I mean NOBODY, should make my Emma feel this way, treat her that badly, and get away with it!

And you know what? As anger took over me, I figured it was high time someone showed that nasty assistant how wrong she was! I decided to give that sales assistant a lesson in humility she would NEVER forget!

Over the next couple of days, I concocted a plan. I reached out to my friend Mike, who works in the fashion industry, to get his help. Mike was more than willing to assist when he heard what had happened.

“That’s unbelievable, man. Of course, I’ll help. Let’s give her a taste of her own medicine,” Mike said over the phone. A few days later, my plan was set in motion. I dressed well, with the help of my Emma, and headed back to the lingerie store.

I had done my research enough to make sure the same sales assistant was working on that day. I then started pretending to browse the aisles, waiting for the perfect moment. When the store had only a few customers, I approached the assistant with a friendly smile.

“Hello, I’m looking to buy something special for my wife. Could you help me pick out a few things?” I asked. Her attitude changed immediately, seeing a potential big sale. She became attentive and started showing me various items.

“Absolutely, sir! We have a fantastic selection. What’s the occasion?” she asked, her tone now sweet as we went around the store. “Just a surprise for my wife. I want to get her something really special,” I replied, pretending to be thoughtful.

“Great! How about this piece? It’s one of our most popular items,” she suggested, holding up a delicate lace set. “Do you think this would look good on her?” I asked, examining the lingerie. “Oh, definitely! It’s one of our best sellers. Your wife will love it,” she assured me.

“Can you show me a few more options? I want to make sure I get the perfect one,” I said, keeping her engaged. As she showed me more pieces, I made small talk to keep her invested. “So, how long have you been working here?” I inquired.

“About six months,” she replied. “It’s a great job if you have the right look for it.” I nodded, pretending to be interested. “That’s interesting. Do they hire often?”

“Only when they really need someone. They’re picky about who they bring on,” she said with a hint of pride.

After about thirty minutes, I told her I needed to step outside to call my wife for her opinion on one of the items. Instead of calling Emma, I called my friend Mike. He arrived quickly to enact his part of the plan.

We walked back into the store together. My pal approached the sales assistant and introduced himself. “Hi there,” Mike began, extending his hand. “I’m Mike Gladstone, a talent scout for a major fashion brand.”

He acted impressed with the store, hinting it was a great place to find fresh talent. “I’ve been looking for someone with a unique look and a great personality. Do you think you might have anyone like that here?”

The assistant’s eyes widened with excitement. “Oh, really? Well, I’ve been told I have a great look for this sort of thing,” she said, clearly thinking this was her big break. Mike gave her a critical once-over and shook his head.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think you quite fit what we’re looking for,” he replied. “We need someone who STANDS OUT in the right way, you understand?” The assistant looked UTTERLY crushed!

Before she could respond, Mike turned to me. “What about you?” he asked, gesturing towards me. “You have an interesting look. Have you ever considered modeling?” The assistant’s jaw dropped! She was completely taken aback!

I smiled and replied, “No, but I do have someone in mind who would be perfect for your campaign.” Without missing a beat, I said, “My wife, Emma. She’s stunning, confident, and absolutely beautiful inside and out.”

Mike nodded enthusiastically. “I’d LOVE to meet her. Let’s set up an interview.” I turned to the assistant, who was now pale and visibly shaken. Looking straight into her eyes to get the message across, I said:

“You know, it’s funny how perceptions can be so misleading. Maybe next time, YOU’LL think twice before judging someone based on their looks.”

As we walked out, I could feel the assistant’s eyes burning into my back. Emma met with Mike later. Although she didn’t pursue modeling, the experience gave her a much-needed confidence boost.

“So, how did it go?” I asked my wife when she came back from her meeting with my friend. “It was AMAZING, actually! Mike was so kind and professional!” she beamed. “He said I had real potential,” she said, her face glowing with happiness.

“I told you, darling! You have everything it takes,” I replied, hugging her tightly. That evening, Emma and I sat down for dinner, reflecting on the events. “I can’t believe you did all that for me,” she said, holding my hand across the table.

“I’d do anything for you, my love. No one gets to make you feel less than you are,” I said firmly.

A week later, we were back at the shopping center. This time, Emma walked with newfound confidence. As we passed by the lingerie store, I couldn’t help but glance inside. The sales assistant was there, looking as if she was still recovering from the shock.

“Want to go in and browse?” I teased Emma. She laughed, shaking her head. “I’ve had enough of that store for a lifetime!” We continued walking, hand in hand, knowing that sometimes, the best revenge isn’t just a clever plan. It’s lifting up the ones you love and helping them see their true worth.

So, that’s my story. Sometimes, the best way to handle things is to make someone realize how wrong they were in the most public and humiliating way possible. And trust me, seeing the look on that sales assistant’s face was something I’ll remember forever!

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