Married for 17 years, husband cheated on her for 13 years, even had a child outside – wife asked for divorce, but his last words made everyone angry

“Seventeen years ago, Lia thought she was the happiest woman in the world when she wore a white wedding dress. Seventeen years later, she realized: the only thing her husband hadn’t betrayed… was the marriage certificate.”

Lia Santos met Marco Cruz when she was 24 years old, just graduated from a teacher training program. Marco was a civil engineer, 5 years older than her, spoke well, mature, always made Lia feel loved and protected. Two years of love ended in a warm wedding in Quezon City. Lia believed she had married the right person.

In the early years of marriage, life was peaceful. Lia took a break from teaching to take care of Basti—her first son. Marco often came home late, but still gave his wife light hugs and kisses on the forehead. Lia believed in a simple life, in her husband, and in the small family she had sacrificed everything to build.

Then, in the fourth year, everything changed. Marco went on “business trips” constantly—sometimes for a whole week. He was quiet, easily irritated when Lia asked him questions:
— “Why ask so many questions, I don’t understand what you do.”

Sex was rare. The long nights of silence left Lia feeling lost in her own home in Caloocan.

One night, while Marco was taking a shower, his phone rang repeatedly. Lia hesitated, then instinct prompted her to open it. A message appeared:
“Good night, honey. Me and the baby miss you so much…”
Lia’s heart stopped.

— “Who is it?” she asked when Marco walked out.

— “Just a friend. Don’t overdo it.”—Marco snapped, snatching the phone back.

For the first time, Lia was skeptical. But she reassured herself: It could be a misunderstanding. Keeping the house for the sake of the child…

So she kept quiet for many years. She sacrificed, swallowed her tears, became a resigned wife—as long as the money was sent regularly, the child was still full.

On the 17th year, a strange call came in the middle of the afternoon:
— “You are Marco’s wife, right? You should know, he doesn’t only have you…” A woman’s voice challenged.

Lia trembled. For the first time in all those years, she hired someone to follow her. The photos caught her eyes: Marco holding hands with a woman, taking a 6-year-old girl to school. In the recording, the child called Marco “Daddy”.

Thirteen years of lies. Two parallel lives: one side was a gentle and patient wife; the other side was a lover and an illegitimate child.

Lia didn’t cry. She quietly collected evidence: photos, recordings, statements, and the girl’s birth certificate—clearly stating that Marco Cruz was the father. That night, when Marco came home, Lia was waiting.
— “Do you have anything to say?”

— “Did you find out something else?”—Marco said coldly.

— “I know everything. Her. The child. Thirteen years… that’s enough. I’ll file for an annulment.

Marco laughed, the most contemptuous laugh Lia had ever heard:

“Do you think it’s that simple? I bought this house. If you want to leave, leave. As for Basti—I’ll raise him.”

Lia burst into tears—not from pain, but from awakening:

“I’ll leave. But not empty-handed. And you’ll pay the price.”

The next morning, Lia met with her lawyer. She handed over all the evidence. The lawyer advised: a petition for nullity/nullity based on long-term adultery, with legal separation to divide assets according to the couple’s regime, child custody, and alimony.

The trial at the RTC Branch, Quezon City took place after more than a month. Marco walked in confidently, arrogantly, without bringing a lawyer—perhaps thinking Lia would not dare to fight.

But Lia was different. She stood up straight, clearly presenting each piece of evidence. The courtroom was silent. The judge frowned as he read the birth certificate of the illegitimate child.

Marco was still stubborn and said a sentence that made the whole court angry….

— “I raised her for 17 years. She stayed home, did nothing, lived happily. Now you want to leave me?”

The judge said sternly:

“You are the one who committed adultery. Your wife is not at fault. Don’t blame the victim.”

When asked:

“Do you agree with the petition?”
Marco replied coldly:

“No. I will not sign it, and I will not accept an ungrateful woman.”

The whole courtroom hissed in anger. Even the court staff shook their heads at the brazenness.

Finally, the court approved: legal separation; assets sold and divided according to law; custody of Basti given to Lia; Marco must pay monthly child support; the nullity case continues based on the long-term adultery and deception. Marco slammed the table and left before the judge finished speaking.

But life did not end there. Mia—his lover—when she learned that Marco had lost his house and had to pay child support, left him, leaving behind the little girl. Marco lost his job because of the scandal. Now he has to support Basti and raise his little daughter alone.

Lia is different. She enrolled in an accounting course, worked part-time, and opened a small bookkeeping and tax preparation shop in Mandaluyong. Basti grew up calmly, loving her mother more than ever. Without a father, but not without love.

Two years later, at a college reunion, Lia met Paolo again—the friend who had secretly admired her. He was divorced, mature, and understanding. They sat next to each other; they didn’t confess their love, but their eyes spoke for them.

“Back then, I thought love meant sacrifice. Now I understand: love is not giving up on yourself.” Lia smiled.

And she moved on—this time, without holding anyone’s hand to be strong. Because she had learned the most important thing: when self-respect returns, happiness has a place to stay.