When I walked into the kitchen, I never expected to see a poster of my husband’s ex-wife on our fridge. Eric said it was “just a little motivation for you,” to remind me “what a real woman is supposed to look like.”

I was shocked and hurt, but instead of confronting Eric directly, I reached out to Monica, his ex. “Hi, Monica. It’s Jane. I need your help,” I said. She agreed to move in temporarily to show Eric what living with his “ideal woman” was really like.

When Monica arrived, Eric was baffled. She left messes, criticized him, and demanded attention, mirroring his unrealistic expectations. After a few days of chaos, Eric called me, desperate and apologetic. “Jane, please come home. I’m sorry. I was wrong. I miss you and Ava.”

I returned, and we had a heartfelt conversation. “It’s about respect,” I told him. Eric promised to change and showed genuine effort, taking on more parenting duties and supporting me emotionally.

A new family photo replaced Monica’s poster, symbolizing our fresh start. “We’re in this together,” Eric said, and for the first time, I believed we could truly be happy.