his face fell. Barbara’s smug confidence shattered. Mo’s parents stood by her, fierce and unwavering, refusing to let her be used as a stepping stone for someone else’s comfort. Alex, caught between loyalty to his manipulative family and the wife he betrayed, was left with nothing—no home, no defense, and no sympathy. Days later,

he begged for forgiveness over coffee, swearing it was all a mistake. Mo listened. But she didn’t waver. “Love doesn’t excuse betrayal,” she told him. “You didn’t just embarrass me. You tried to hand away my life like it was a spare coat.” She left that café with her head high, her dignity intact, and her coffee strong in hand. Because love should build you up—not tear down the home you built with your heart.