Too Late For Second Chance

My son said, “You and Dad aren't together. We live here in this tiny place. Dad has everything. Why can't we just go back.”I replied “Because some things can't be undone.”“You are being stubborn and we are the one who suffer.” He said as he grabbed his backpack. Walked out and slammed the door.Going back to my Ex-Husband after Three years apart, and for me, What would i be?A woman who chose her family over pride. A mother who gave her Sons stability. A person who believed in second chances.Or a fool who went back to a cheater. A woman with no self-respect. A cautionary tale about what happens when you forgive the unforgivable.I filled for Divorce Three day after I  found out my Husband is cheating on me. Everyone told me to slow down. To think. To forgive. My mother. My sister. Even strangers at the courthouse whispered warnings I refused to hear.The day I found those texts, rage became my religion. I filed for divorce, took my sons, and walked away. Marcus fell to his knees and begged. I stepped over him without looking back."The door is always open," he whispered every month for three years. I slammed it in his face. Again. And again.When does standing up for yourself become standing alone forever?I learned the answer too late.Because forgiveness felt like surrender. Because wounded pride demanded he pay. Because I thought love would wait while I nursed my anger."Some doors don't stay open. Some chances expire. Some mistakes are permanent."The morning I finally broke exhausted, desperate, ready to forgive. I drove to his house.A pregnant woman answered. His new wife.Was I protecting my heart, or destroying my future?Now I'm forty-five. My sons call her Mom. He's a billionaire with a beautiful family. And I have nothing but the pride that promised to protect me."I didn't lose him to another woman. I lost him to my own reflection."