I have 2 sons. My oldest? James.

A nice, industrious, honest, and loving husband and parent. My other son? Dan.

Dan has always been challenging. Selfish. Lazy.

His charisma let him get by, always searching for the easy way out. Dan changed “passion” while James established a life. “It’s just the way I am, Mom,” he said.

“Life has many opportunities, and I want to try them all!”

His latest? A local fitness blogger marketing “proper nutrition and sports” online courses. Though he had few followers, he appreciated the comments, likes, and a little recognition.

For years, we knew Dan would never settle down. We were surprised when he married Lara six months ago. And Lara?

A dream, she was. I wanted Dan could be like her—sweet, attentive, caring. Lovely wife and much beautiful daughter-in-law.

Suddenly, I thought she could alter him. Dan is Dan. A few nights ago, I realized how foolish I was.

Dan was in my guest bedroom late afternoon. His tiny flat with Lara had little place for his digital setup. I was accustomed to his coming and departing and making noise while shooting.

Dan’s muffled voice came from the hallway after I put the kettle on. “Yes, babe,” he laughed. “I miss you too.

However, she will work until late tomorrow, so we can go to the restaurant and then the motel. Yeah?”

One minute of quiet. “Yes, the upscale restaurant in Paradise, Jen… I’ll text the time.”

I held my teabag container.

My stomach sank. This idiot cheated. On Lara.

The kind girl who prepared him sandwiches. Who laughed at his awful jokes. Who trusted him while we gave up.

I switched off the burner with shaking hands. My choice was decided then. I wouldn’t allow Dan’s selfishness blindside Lara again.

I would tell her everything. We promised Dan a lesson. The following day, I picked Lara up from work.

Wiping her hands on her apron, she smiled at me. “Maggie! What a shock!

Why are you here? She inquired, grinning. Inhaled deeply.

Laura, love, we must talk.”

In my vehicle, I told her everything. Every thing I overheard. Everything I expected.

Her face blanched. “He said that?” her voice broke. Lara, I love and respect you too much to conceal.

“You’re my daughter I never had,” I replied, taking her hand. She cried but didn’t break. She swallowed hard and muttered, “I want to see it myself.

Any idea which restaurant? I nodded. Let’s go, sweetie.

He was on the phone when I heard which restaurant.”

Dan has a luxury restaurant dinner reservation. A darkly lit restaurant with small servings and a bill that may make you weep. Lara and I entered and found a wonderful window location.

There he was. My kid sits opposite from a blonde lady in a tight red dress, grinning foolishly. Jen.

She leaned forward, twisting hair around her finger, smiling at his words. I saw Lara’s nails pierce her palm. My hand touched her knee.

Breathe, Lara. No end yet.”

“Unbelievable,” she mumbled. Nobody confronted them.

Not yet. Just watched. I saw him pour her wine.

Watched him whisper to her. I saw him behave like he wasn’t married to his best lady. Someone a million times over his due.

Hand in hand, they departed the restaurant. And we followed. We waited in the vehicle as they neared the motel two roads away.

Even though we were doing the right thing, I didn’t want to hurt Lara’s heart. Dan was already doing it. I grabbed my phone.

“He probably posted about it on social media, right? Dan is foolish. He can’t resist providing “private life” clues.

“Let’s check his story,” Lara added. There it was. A blurry black-and-white hotel corridor shot with a ridiculous caption:

Protecting privacy is vital.

All the answers were there when Lara zoomed in. “Room 312,” she said. Bingo.

Dan provided everything we needed. Dan and Jen disappeared inside the room as we reached the third level. Do you want to do this, Mom?

She asked, slowly inhaling. I liked being called Mom. My heart melted.

And I realized I loved her. “Oh, sweetheart, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Lara,” I replied. “He cannot get away with this.”

So we stormed in.

Dan lay on the bed with Jen on his lap, his shirt half-unbuttoned. He became pale white as he understood what was occurring. “What the… Mom?” Jumping to shove Jen off, he yelped.

Lara didn’t weep. She didn’t shout. She grabbed Dan’s phone off the table and held it.

“Smile for the camera, Daniel,” she added. Suddenly, she went live on social media. Dan’s followers flocked.

His tiny but loyal following, who believed in his “perfect athlete and family man” reputation, watched. Dan yelled. He grabbed the phone.

It was too late. The world saw him. The genuine him.

The aftermath was terrible. A divorce was filed by Lara. Dan lost everything.

Sponsors deserted him quickly. Followers disappeared suddenly. What about Dan’s classes?

Refund demands poured in. My oldest son James cleaned his hands. “No way.

Dan, I won’t save you. Why would you hurt Lara? You sicken me.

My kids shouldn’t know you.”

And I? I fulfilled my motherly duty. Let him fall.

Because if your kid disrespects his wife, you failed as a mother. Though I lost my son that night, I got a daughter. I’d always choose Lara.