My mom Hope had a long discussion with me on the eve of my 20th birthday. I had no idea that we were part of a Legacy (I just assumed the last name was a coincidence…) but was more than happy to share my life as a part of this story Cookie Fresh was putting together. It felt like I had my own reality television show!I had a small family birthday for my 20th. In terms of careers, I knew I wanted to get into law. I loved talking to people, and debating. As soon as I was able to I applied for a job as a Legal Secretary at a San Myshuno law firm.My highschool sweetheart Aaron and I seemed to lose our spark when we both reached adulthood, but we wanted to try and make it work.I had become a Vegetarian, but Aaron insisted on us both getting the Steak. Apparently the place we went out to for Love Day was known for it. I told him no, that I was a Vegetarian but when the waiter came around he still had to audacity to order me a ‘Medium-Well Done’ steak on my behalf.He gave me a rose, which was sweet, but that didn’t make up for the disrespect.I spoke to my bestfriend Caiden about it to get his thoughts. I didn’t want to end the relationship but felt so disrespected. He agreed that what Aaron had done was gross.Much of my time during my early twenties was consumed by work. It seemed the paperwork I had to file was never ending, and once it was all filed I had to worry about studying for the bar exam. If I wanted to continue having nice things, and make something of myself, I knew I had to grind. I couldn’t depend on my aging parents to take care of me and maintain my lifestyle.Aaron and I kept having fights, but Caiden was always someone I could confide in.Something just clicked in my head one Friday evening when we were hanging out. I didn’t realize how hot Caiden had become, and was used to his usual semi-grubby punky teenager appearance. Of course, I didn’t know if he saw me as attractive like I did him. We went to a lounge and discussed our feelings – that sounds so corny to write, but whatever I’m trying to be as transparent as possible!That night we decided to officially become a couple. It probably seems silly to jump into a relationship that quickly, but we had known each other for so long it blossomed and we were completely comfortable with one another.I still had the issue of Aaron though. We hadn’t officially broken up. Getting into another relationship while already being in one is crappy, I know, but after how he treated me on Love Day he had to have seen the breakup incoming. It didn’t seem like he wanted to be with me anyways, I mean he literally forced me to eat steak when he knew I was a vegetarian.

It wasn’t a messy breakup, and we remained on OK terms but just as friends.We found out that Arabella and Julius were expecting their first child that Spring as well. I was surprised because Arabella never really seemed like the motherly type to me, but nevertheless I was still supportive.I found their home depressing though – budget couch, empty walls, I don’t know how they live like that. The two seemed happy though, and all of us have always gotten along well.I convinced my parents to have a proper cemetery built for my Grandma, my mom’s childhood dog Betty, and the little girl Kaylee that tragically drowned in our pool. How the messy paint got on the grass, I don’t know…My dad Orion was a character as always, and he was approaching his 65th birthday.We threw him a big party. I offered some Vegetarian dishes (like grilled fruit, yum!) but my dad has always been a meat lover.He looked just as dashing with grey hair.Work continued to stress me out, but I finally took and passed the bar exam. I was an apprentice lawyer for a while at the firm I was originally a secretary at. I was tasked with finding new clients for the firm.Initially it was a hard sell, but I got better at grabbing new clients.After work I would typically head straight for a lounge to meet new people, and offer them legal representation. I found that I had better luck with people who were my age, but sometimes landed an elderly client with lots of money.To celebrate our one year anniversary as a couple, Caiden took me out for a meal (and no, he didn’t force me to eat meat – in fact, he actually offered to get a vegetarian dish as well, but I told him that wasn’t necessary).We got engaged that night. I had never been so excited in my life.We wanted to get married sooner rather than later. We planned to have a lovely wedding in our backyard.My mom got some great shots of me on my wedding day.The ceremony was just as beautiful as we had envisioned, with our all of our friends and family (plus some of my clients) present.Even Aaron attended.This was my favorite photo my mom took of me that day. I hung it up on the wall so that I can reflect on the good times that were had when I’m stressed out with work.

Orion and I were very proud of the new home we had built – I think my mom would have been too. The old double wide trailer was too small for the four of us, and I wanted a home that our kids wouldn’t be embarrassed to bring their friends back to.Lucy invited home one of her friends Kaylee one afternoon after school, but tragedy struck.For some reason, in the dead of winter, Kaylee decided to jump into our swimming pool.She ended up drowning due to the shock of the cold water. Me and Orion weren’t home at the time, but Arabella tried her best to speak to the Grim Reaper. Alas, this attempt failed and Kaylee passed away.Things continued semi-normally after the incident, with the odd emotional outburst from Arabella. We had a bittersweet Christmas that year.The house looked gorgeous with Christmas lights, which I think helped bring up everyone’s spirits a bit.Arabella grew into a Young Adult, and developed the Evil trait. The drowning of Kaylee and failed attempt to plead for her life with Grim changed her.Lucy became a Materialistic Teenager.Lucy would always have her old childhood friends coming around, much to Arabella’s dismay. I think Arabella quickly grew sick of living at home. She enrolled at the Foxbury Institute for a Distinguished Degree in Economics.Lucy became close friends with one of our neighbours, Caiden Landgraab. I had my qualms with her spending time with a Landgraab given their reputation, but the two appeared to be just close friends.Puff grew out of kitten hood, into a Skittish cat. She was still just as Fluffy and Spoiled though as she was during her kitten stage.Arabella and Lucy continued to have a close friendship despite their personality differences. They often did their coursework together.The new home seemed to attract odd individuals – I always got a negative vibe from the Vatores. Lucy tagged along with Arabella on a university tour, and unbeknownst to me brought along her friend Aaron. Apparently the two had been dating since they were in their mid teens, which I only found out when Lucy reached her late teens.While at school Arabella met Julius, a bright young man studying Psychology at Foxbury. The two seemed to hit it off well.Lucy frequently went out on the weekends, but because she was doing so well in highschool I wasn’t very concerned.After reaching the top of the Tech Guru Entrepreneur career, I started participating in Professional Game tournaments. It helped me scout new budding talents in the gaming industry whilst earning some cash on the side.Arabella started bringing Julius around the house more often, and the two seemed serious.Lucy also started to bring around Aaron. He seemed like a nice quiet young man.I did hear rumors though that Arabella had been seeing another fellow on the side, but I was never home to witness anything.Arabella and Julius became engaged quite young, while they were still in school. She announced it to us during breakfast the day after it happened. I was happy for Arabella but also worried she wouldn’t continue to take her studies seriously. Orion did not seem pleased at all.Despite Lucy being in a relationship with Aaron, she was still bestfriends with Caiden Landgraab.Arabella and Aaron did not seem to get along, and apparently at some point he called her ‘Carrot Top’. Arabella had a flair for the dramatic though so I didn’t delve that much into it or confront Aaron.Arabella’s wedding day arrived. The weather wasn’t that great (it was a cloudy Spring day) but she seemed overjoyed.The ceremony was small, and Arabella insisted on wearing a black wedding dress. After actually having a conversation with Julius, Arabella’s new husband, Orion seemed less concerned.We helped them buy a small home next door. I knew Arabella had been itching to move out, and highly doubted she would be interested in pursuing this ‘Legacy’ my mother had so willingly participated in. I knew I had to talk to Lucy about it, but I figured she would be a more willing participant than even I had given her ‘flashy’ materialistic ways.

Most newlywed couples probably don’t want to deal with a pregnancy within the first year, but Orion and I were overjoyed to be expecting a baby. Other than some back pain (likely caused by sitting at a desk all day programming) I didn’t have any hindering pregnancy symptoms.Orion, my new husband, was very supportive throughout it all, but I worried he didn’t take enough time for himself. He worked long hours as a writer, and when he wasn’t out on the field trying to dig up a new story, he was working on a novel.My mom Lucilla, now the Chief of Police, was excited as well to become a grandmother, and helped me alot in preparation for the baby’s arrival.We added a wing onto the trailer (which was now becoming a house) to make room.Our household was very family centered, and I always encouraged Orion to invite over his siblings – one of his sisters had become a successful actress. I didn’t see my father very much but since it had been mainly just my mom and I growing up, this didn’t upset me.In the early hours of the morning I went into labor. Orion escorted me to the hospital and was by my side the whole time.I gave birth to a baby girl, named Arabella Legacy. Having had no siblings myself, it was nerve wracking to hold someone so little.My mom was always around to help me out with Isabella, even after a long shift at the station.She still enjoyed working out even in her elder years which worried me, but she seemed to have a good gauge on her limits.Arabella became a bright young toddler. She was very easy going, which was a blessing.The bond between me and my mom grew even stronger.She still missed my childhood dog Betty.While Arabella was still a toddler I found out I was expecting a second child. Having been an only child, I realized the value of having a sibling even more.Most (if not all) of our evenings were spent together as a family, usually watching the television. Mom usually needed a coffee or two to stay awake after a long day running the station.Arabella grew up into a child. Although she looks unhappy in the photo, she became an Active child.Orion turned 40 that year as well. I gave birth to our second daughter, Lucy, at home. I named her after my mom Lucilla.Arabella was very close with her grandma, and I am so happy the two were able to spend so much time together.My mom seemed to have a better knack with Arabella than I did. Me and Arabella got along, but we didn’t exactly bond over the same things. For example, I loved Chess, especially as a child, but Arabella treated it as a chore even when I would try to help her improve her skills.Lucy became a toddler. She was very independent, and also had a strong bond with her grandma.Something that Arabella and I did enjoy doing together was computer work. While I would be programming, she would practice her arithmetic on this math computer game I bought her.She was also quite a good student, taking pride in her school projects.Eventually my mom’s time came. It was a dark time. She was my rock, and we had such a strong bond. We were all devestated – luckily Lucy was napping and didn’t witness her passing.I spent alot of time in bed during the weeks following my mom’s death.I couldn’t face cleaning out her now empty room. It smelt like her, and I thought about keeping it as a capsule of my mom until Orion eventually talked me into refurbishing it. In retrospect, that was a great idea for my sanity.Lucy grew into an Outgoing child. Thankfully she’s smiling in her post birthday photo unlike Arabella was.I hit the big 4-0, and despite the loss of my mom I was happy with where my life was.Arabella grew into a Gloomy teenager.Although she did have her gloomy days, she was still quite the character. She still hated chess though…Arabella and Lucy formed a strong bond. Arabella helped Lucy with her homework, and even played chess with her despite loathing the game.Orion, being a Cat Lover, convinced me that it was the right time to get a kitten. We adopted a small female kitten, and named her Puff.Everyone in the family loved Puff, even though she left hair all over the house and was quite spoiled.After a long discussion between me and Orion, we decided to have a home built in place of the double wide trailer. We were both making good money, and I had reached the top of the Tech career as an Entrepreneur.

“…and that’s why we live on such an oversized empty lot.”

“So I’m supposed to ‘take the family torch’ since I’m the ‘heir’ and start reporting to Cookie?”

“Yes. I did this for myself originally, to get away from my parents. In retrospect I did it for you too, because I cannot imagine having raised a child with them in our lives. They were not good people.”

“This isn’t something I’m opposed to, although I do feel it is kind of being sprung on me. Since it is important to you though, I will take over when it is time.”And sprung on me it was. I hadn’t even written a story longer than five pages for school, let alone chronicled my life and it’s milestones. So uh, here’s me about to blow out the candles on my 18th birthday…And here’s a cute picture of me and my beautiful mother on that same day! I love this one even though we’re both looking in different directions.Oh, and here’s me in that cute little coffee shop after my job interview! See, I originally was a lab assistant (I was hoping to become some big wig scientist) but eventually switched over to a career in computer programming.I also had a thing for working out during this period, and as fate would have it I ended up meeting my Orion at the gym. He was on a health and self improvement kick much like I was, and we hit it off right away.We started going on dates in town every weekend. I loved spending time with him, he always knew how to make me laugh.My mom of course was super keen on hearing all about this mysterious man in my life. I assured her that I was being safe and responsible (AKA not making her past mistakes – how morbid to call myself a mistake but it is what it is).Even though we lived in a trailer I was never embarrassed to bring Orion around. He made me feel… I don’t know, I guess beyond comfortable? around him. Also, check out my cute lab coat.Orion was literally a Genius, and although he wasn’t the flirtiest guy, he was quite the gentleman.His fashion sense was also a little out of whack, but I overlooked that.We took things slow, and finally I decided to invite him to a family gathering. It was my mom’s 65th birthday, and my father would be there. My dad and his new girlfriend didn’t seem all that excited to meet Orion. My dad was never really involved in my life. The only times he came around were when my mom invited him.It was such a pretty night, with the snow falling. I really shouldn’t have worm a mini dress though, I was half frozen by the time my mom and I were done taking pictures.My mom aged ever so gracefully into elderhood (what a risque dress she wore!).I had also decided that evening to propose to Orion. I felt that restaurants were overdone for proposals, and neither of us had the funds for an exotic vacation, so I decided to do it in a humble setting, my mom’s birthday. Looking back perhaps it kind of overshadowed her milestone birthday, but she was overjoyed to see me so happy.We set our wedding date for two months after we got engaged. Neither of us wanted to endure an overly long and drawn out engagement since we were eager to start our lives together officially.We had a small ceremony in a San Myshuno park. We wanted the day to be just about the two of us. I think our wedding pictures turned out great! Both of my parents were in attendance.A few months after the wedding, after recently having accepted a job as a Tech Investor, I found out I was pregnant. It was totally planned, and Orion was excited to be a father. Becoming a mother was going to be the next and most important chapter of my life.

“Lucilla, cut the small talk. What was so important you felt the need to tell me in person?”

“I’m… pregnant?”

“Ugh, Lucilla… who is the father?”

“A man I’ve been seeing, Valentino.”

“And are you two together or?”

“No, we were just seeing eachother.”

“So I take it this wasn’t planned. Well, congratulations Lucilla, you’ve gone and made your life a whole lot more difficult than it had to be.”

Cookie was obviously not pleased, so I spent some time with my new friend Nina Caliente. She was my go-to person throughout my pregnancy whenever I was stressed since Cookie wasn’t overly supportive.

I tried improving my cooking skills, in anticipation of having a child to provide for.

I was nauseous throughout my entire pregnancy, even into the later stages.Instead of seeing Valentino after work, I distanced myself and took up fishing.While out one afternoon I met a stray dog who I named Betty. She watched me fishing from afar before approaching, and ended up following me home.I already had alot on my plate with the baby on the way, but I was so lonely by myself all day that I welcomed her into my home (er… trailer).

I went into labor a few days earlier than planned in the middle of the night. I called Valentino up, and he drove me to the hospital.

My daughter Hope was born early that morning. I immediately felt a close bond to Hope, and all of the stresses of my unexpected pregnancy vanished for a time.

Valentino spent a few nights to help me get some rest, but he wasn’t very good at tending to a crying baby.Betty was ill so I had to take her to the vet while Valentino watched Hope. I scraped together what little money I had to pay for her treatment, but it was worth it for Betty.

Before I knew it, Hope had grown into a toddler. She was a very playful toddler – I can still remember her baby giggle.My days were always full with Hope, Betty, and work to worry about.When the Romance Festival came into town, Cookie convinced me to go out with her. Valentino agreed to watch Hope while I was out – I couldn’t afford a babysitter and it was the least he could do.I met a funny young man at the festival, but Cookie didn’t approve (likely because he was donning a knights helmet to hide his face). I wasn’t disappointed though that I hadn’t met anyone, I was perfectly fine with just Hope and Betty. Cookie seemed disappointed though that I hadn’t met a spouse.Hope reached childhood, and was found to be a Genius according to her teachers based on their standardized tests).The two of us were inseparable.I was having continued success at work, and ran a particular bust that saw a Del Sol Valley celebrity’s pyramid scheme closed.I also had the opportunity to meet some of the… odder folks. This man gave me the creeps.Me and Valentino hadn’t been romantically involved since I found out I was pregnant. I was over the hurt though – I looked at it as him showing his true colors early on, which saved me the heartbreak down the line. I invited Valentino over for Christmas. Hope was of course aware Valentino was her father, I never hid that from her. I explained to her though that myself and her father were ‘friends’. There was the odd time where she would ask why me and him weren’t together like the kids she went to school with’s parents. I told her that all families were different, but that we both still loved her just as much as the other kids’ parents loved them.Valentino got Hope an airplane for Christmas, which irked me. The one thing he bought for her, and it seemed like he had just randomly picked it up on the way to the house.Hope was very into Chess and Chemistry. I encouraged her to pursue both hobbies. She was also successful in Scouts.Betty got sick again, and this time the vet advised that she was nearing her end stages of life. I was devastated, and kept the news from Hope.Betty still loved to go on our morning jogs even as an elder.One day I came home from work, and Betty was gone (just before Hope got home from school). I had her cremated and we buried her remains on our yard. It was a very emotional time, and it was Hope’s first experience of loss.It was Hope’s birthday, and how the time had flown by.She grew into an Outgoing teenager, who loved to bring her friends back from school. I was happy that she was getting out and socializing, something that I myself was never very into.Betty would sometimes come and visit me. Hope said I was crazy for believing I had seen her ghost, but it warmed my heart to see Betty again.I also had a near death experience, but Hope was luckily able to extinguish the fire in time.I knew that I would have to fill Hope in on my participation in Cookie’s Legacy, so she could take over the narration once she matured a bit more. So, I sat her down, and gave her the talk.

After having my heart broken by Mortimer Goth, I threw myself into my work even more.

Policing is a predominately male career field, and often times I would have colleagues come onto me. Many of them were handsome, but I was determined to be taken seriously and not have my reputation tarnished by sleeping with a loose lipped colleague.

I closed my first case that summer. A teenage shop lifter who frequented Magnolia Promenade was off the streets. It wasn’t exactly a shocking or crime television worthy arrest, but I was proud.

I finally gathered up the guts to confront Eva about why she had remained silent when she knew I was dating a married man. She tried to say that she just wanted to see me happy. That really didn’t make any sense though because even before I had started dating Mortimer, he was frequenting the club and she knew we were both interested in each other. She could have told me then that he was married.

I think she was trying to sabotage me.

I made a bigger arrest in fall, driven by my resentment towards Eva, and lack of hobbies outside of work. It was a murder case. It was pretty cut and dry, with only one suspect who was seen by multiple witnesses to be leaving the scene with bloodied clothes.

I still saw Bella Goth around town. My anger towards her turned to pity. She was clearly unhappy. I mean, how could she be happy if she was married to a cheater, and she herself was constantly hitting on the younger men at the gym.

Then I started to question why I even felt anything towards Bella – she wasn’t relevant to my life, or well being. Why was I wasting energy thinking about her and Mortimer?

That night I decided to make myself up and head out to a bar. I needed to start having a social life again rather than cooping myself up in my tent or working long hours daily to avoid the sting of loneliness.

I met a girl named Nina at the bar. Her and I went on to become bestfriends. She was fun, and carefree. When I was hanging out with her that rubbed off onto me, and I had a great time.

I was also able to upgrade from my tent to a modest trailer. It wasn’t large, but it was enough for me.

In the spirit of putting myself out there, I went to the Romance Festival. I met a bartender who was around my age that insisted I had to meet his friend Valentino since I was ‘totally his type’. 

After his shift, we chatted for a while and set up a date. He said he would willingly be the third wheel so he could ‘admire Valentino’s jawline’. He was a hoot.

We all met up that Saturday for a casual outing to a bar. It was Knight Night, but thankfully neither of them had donned a costume. 

Valentino was extremely attractive, but I think I played off my nervousness well by nursing multiple (re: six) glasses of nectar.

Valentino and I clicked, and he invited me out the following Friday for another date. This time, he took me to the waterside for a romantic stroll and ice cream.

I finally made Sergeant. I couldn’t stop smiling when the Chief told me the news. I knew that it meant more long hours, and even more responsibility for a minimal increase in pay, but at least I was moving up the ladder.

Most if not all nights I would leave work stressed from my new position though.

I continued to see Valentino frequently.

Valentino and I spent many nights together as well at my place. Those long nights really helped me de-stress after work and unwind.

That is until I found out that I was pregnant. My period was a week late but I didn’t really think much of it. I attributed it to my strenuous workouts messing with my cycle.

I was a bit devastated to be honest. Here I was, just finding my bearings, creating a home for myself, and now I would have another person to worry about taking care of other than myself. I knew that this would slow down my progress in my career because I would have to take maternity leave, but I was confident it would only make my relationship with Valentino stronger.

When I told Valentino the big news, I was hopeful that he would take it well. Instead he went on and on about how he wasn’t ready to be a parent, and that he didn’t think I was either. He said that with me being so busy with my career, I shouldn’t even be raising a child right now. He then started talking about our ‘options’.

Valentino even bringing up me aborting the baby within two minutes of telling him that I was pregnant really upset me and put me off him.

I gave the legacy coordinator a call to let her know the news.

Hello to anyone who may actually take the time to read this. My name is Lucilla Legacy. Legacy by choice (formerly Moretti), but Lucilla was bestowed upon me by my doting parents. Throughout my life thus far, I have come to realize how many different pronunciations there are for Lucilla. Some say it with silent a (Lucil), with a hard ‘ch’ (Luchilla), or with a ‘sss’ (Lusilla). My family used the latter pronunciation, which shouldn’t surprise me considering I am bred from a pit of snakes who will lie, deceive, and even murder to keep their piece of the pie, their stake in the game. They’re the reason why I fled Bridgeport, in favor of the less polluted but still just as salty east coast breeze of Brindleton Bay. Now, it may seem bold of me to put this all out there (in the event that they do find me), but by the time anyone reads this, they’ll be long gone. I trust that my brothers don’t have enough moxy to do anything about it – perhaps they’ll prove me wrong.

While my involvement with the ‘family business’ doesn’t leave me feeling guilty, it still has driven me to redeem myself. What better place to redeem myself than in a small community in which I don’t know a soul. But, it isn’t just about redeeming myself. I want to start a new branch of my family tree, a far more noble, level-headed branch that will actually contribute something to simanity rather than degrading it at it’s very core.

I responded to a job advertisement, that offered a new beginning and a plot of land in exchange for my life being documented. I feel that many of the sims going into the job interview had never heard of a legacy before. I may come from a gungy family, but I am most certainly well-read. I knew full well what I was getting myself into. When the interviewer (who also apparently doubled as the entire coordinator of the legacy) tried to sell it to me as ‘the role of a lifetime’ and ‘the opportunity to found a storied family’, I kept my cool, careful not to disclose any over-excitement as I am sure many of the others had. The coordinator pitched that I wouldn’t have to do any of the writing. I would merely have to carry out a fresh start in a quiet, safe (she really emphasized just how safe Brindleton Bay is) community.

I, of course, no thanks to my background, wanted more. A bigger piece of the pie. I wanted to write my own story rather than leave it up to this coordinator whom I had just met. I wanted it to be as authentic as possible. I was asked to submit some writing samples, which I gladly did, using my myriad of academic papers from college as fodder. Still somewhat apprehensive, the coordinator accepted my request.

Within a matter of days I left my life in Bridgeport for an over-sized empty lot overlooking the Atlantic ocean. The view was beautiful, breathtaking even. The coordinator had asked about my interests in terms of careers. Hopping on the other side of the narrative appealed to me. I wanted to be the one doing the investigating rather than the one covering my tracks. The coordinator secured a spot with the San Myshuno Police Department as a Cadet.

The training was overwhelming at first, but I found that bettering my policing skills gave me a large sense of fulfillment. When I was assigned to my station, and walked through the doors on my first day, I was beyond excited for this new chapter of my life to begin.

Of course, coming home to my small shack on my over-sized ‘complimentary’ plot of land was not always the warmest welcome, but I looked forward to one day building up a modest home I could call my own. A home that would be earned through honest work. It was still lonely though…

I was assigned to a station in Windenberg, but soon found that my work would span all around the county. Luckily, one of the cadets in my squad, Eva, ended up at my station.

Most of the work I did to start was mainly to assist the detectives in the office, and issue citations. I was their boot, and was tasked with gathering evidence for them at the few crime scenes I was allowed to attend. When I wasn’t on a scene, I was doing grunt work, frisking suspects, taking their fingerprints, and their mug shots.

Eva and I had hit it off during training, and to cool down after work we’d frequent Narwhal Arms, a club nearby the station. Much of Eva’s chatter was superficial chatter, which I should have seen as a warning sign.

A middle aged man named Mortimer Goth frequented this club. I caught him stealing glances at me many times before I finally approached him.

He was charming, and seemed very mature. Him and I got along great, and I thought of him as an intellectual. I was smitten by him. Eva remained oddly silent.

He asked me out on a date for Love Day. When he came to pick me up from my lot though, he seemed a bit paranoid, and preoccupied with his phone.

Once we got to the lounge though (which was very fancy and exclusive), all of his attention was on me.

I convinced him to try the bubble blower, but he nearly coughed up a lung.

The date went amazing. I hadn’t felt like this about someone since my high school days. I had avoided dating for the most part due to my family always nosing into my business, but now that I was out on my own, I felt I needed a fresh start.

The next day at work, I gushed to Eva about how the date had gone. She looked like she was biting her tongue and holding something back. I pressed further and she told me that she thought he was married. She went on to tell me that his family has deep roots in the area, and that his wife was notoriously beautiful but had a wandering eye.

Eva gave me his address in Willow Creek. I looked up at the large, imposing old home, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. It was a young child who answered the door. I could hear a young woman from the other room asking him who it was. I knew right away, just from looking at the child that he must be Mortimer’s son. I walked right past him (in my defense, I didn’t have to force my way in, the child stood aside) and made my way upstairs. From behind the door I could inconspicuous noises.

My jaw dropped when I walked in. There was Mortimer’s wife, Bella, on his lap. They were mid-embrace.

I nearly broke down into tears.

I then composed myself and confronted the cheater. Bella took one look at me and assumed I was below her, brushing me off.

Mortimer tried to claim that he had never hidden the fact that he was married, and that we had just been ‘having fun’.

I was heartbroken, but even more-so I was angry. I fought the urge to kick their trash can as I stomped out of the home. I vowed to never let myself develop feelings for anyone ever again.