Layla’s husband, Tom, had a tradition of taking annual vacations with his family, leaving her and their kids behind. For twelve years, Tom claimed his mother didn’t want in-laws on the trip. “You know this. It’s the same story every year,” he would say.

But when Layla saw photos on social media of Tom’s vacation, she realized the story didn’t add up. “It’s clear that she just didn’t want you there,” she told herself. Determined to uncover the truth, she contacted Sadie, Tom’s brother’s wife, who hinted that Layla’s absence was due to a misunderstanding about childcare.

Layla then spoke to her mother-in-law, Denise, who was shocked by the claim that she had banned in-laws. “My husband and sons go on vacation every year, but they’ve never taken me with,” Denise said.

Together, they investigated and discovered Tom with another woman during the vacation. Shocked and betrayed, Layla decided to leave Tom and file for divorce. Denise, also disillusioned with her own husband, joined Layla in starting anew, and their shared grief brought them closer.