Have you ever been unfaithful to me?

In the privacy of a bedroom where time seemed to stand still, Henry asked his wife a question he had long dreaded. Fifty years of marriage, love, and hardship… and yet a doubt lingered. Martha, moved by the moment, finally agreed to reveal three secrets she had carefully buried. Three infidelities—but each, she asserted, for a reason that had changed the course of their lives.Henry’s Last Words

On his deathbed, Henry felt the end approaching. In a whisper, he called out to his wife:

“Martha… soon I won’t be here anymore. Before I go, there’s something I need to know. In fifty years of marriage… have you ever been unfaithful to me?”

The question hung in the air for a moment, heavy like a secret carried for too long.

Martha’s Confession

Martha hesitated, lowered her eyes, then replied calmly,

“Henry… I have to be honest with you. Yes. I’ve been unfaithful to you three times. But always for a good reason.”

Henry’s heart sank, but he remained dignified.

“I never suspected it,” he said. “Tell me… what do you mean by ‘good reasons’?”

The First Time: Saving Their Home

Martha took a deep breath.

“The first time was shortly after our wedding. We were about to lose our little house, unable to repay the loan. Do you remember? That evening, I went to see the banker… and the next day, he told you the loan would be extended.”

Henry nodded, recalling that difficult time.

“I can forgive you. You saved our home. And… the second time?”

The Second Time: Saving His Life

Martha continued, her eyes shining with nostalgia.

“You were very sick, Henry. You needed open-heart surgery, but we didn’t have the money. So I went to see your doctor one evening. The next day, he operated on you for free.”

Henry sighed, moved.

“I remember. And you did it to save my life. I forgive you, of course. Now… tell me about the third time.”

The third time: a vote that changes everything.

Martha nodded gently.

“All right… Remember when you ran for president of your golf club? You were exactly 73 votes short of winning. Well… let’s just say I made sure you got them, one by one.”