I Had No Doubt My Son Brought His New Girlfriend on Our Family Trip — Until I Accidentally Saw a Text on His Phone.

Family vacations are supposed to bring you closer together, right? That’s what I’ve always believed.
But this year, what started as a beloved tradition quickly turned into the worst experience of my life.

My job keeps me constantly busy. I often get home after dinner’s already been served and the lights are turned down.
My husband, Mark, used to have a stable career, but things changed when he was laid off a few years ago.
Honestly, I didn’t mind being the one to carry the financial load. But lately, I had started to notice cracks—subtle, but present.

I didn’t dwell on it too much. I figured we’d reconnect during our annual family trip.

These trips are something we’ve done every year without fail.
And this time, I wanted it to feel extra special—especially since Mark had been struggling to find steady work.

Our son Eric, who’s 20 and currently in college, was thrilled when I called to tell him about our plans.
But the next day, he called back with a surprising request:

— “Mom, do you mind if I bring my girlfriend?”

— “Girlfriend?” I asked, a bit surprised.
— “Uh… I guess that’s fine. What’s her name?”

— “Jessica. She’s great. You’re going to love her.”

— “Alright,” I said. “She’s welcome.”

I immediately dove into planning every detail. I wanted everything to be perfect.

Jessica met us at the airport looking like she had just walked off a magazine cover. She wore a stunning dress, had perfectly styled hair, and a dazzling smile.
Even Mark seemed unusually impressed—he carried her luggage and complimented her shoes. I brushed it off as him being polite.

At first, Jessica was pleasant. But soon, little things started to feel… off.

— “So, Jessica, have you had a chance to see Eric play basketball?” I asked one afternoon.

Her eyes widened.
— “Basketball? We’ve never talked about that,” she replied.

Eric has been obsessed with basketball his whole life. His social media is filled with pictures of his team, games, and trophies. How could his girlfriend not know this?

The next day, Eric suggested we all try jet skiing. He was genuinely excited.
Jessica rolled her eyes.
— “I’m not really into water sports.”

Later, I overheard her ask, laughing,
— “Your major is Biology, right? I keep forgetting!”

This girl who claimed to be his girlfriend knew nothing about him. And she didn’t seem interested in learning.

Midway through the trip, while searching Eric’s suitcase for sunscreen, I came across a small velvet box. Curious, I opened it and found a stunning diamond necklace.
It looked extremely expensive—way beyond what Eric could afford. I didn’t say anything, but my stomach twisted.

That night, I casually brought it up.
Eric’s eyes went wide, as if I’d said something I wasn’t supposed to.

On the final morning, the cabin was quiet. Mark was having breakfast downstairs. Eric and Jessica were out by the pool.
Eric’s phone was charging on the counter when a text popped up.

I glanced over—and froze.

“+$500 to our deal. Thanks for covering up for me with the necklace.”

The message was from Mark. My husband.

That’s when it all came crashing down.
Mark and Eric had been planning this for weeks. Jessica wasn’t Eric’s girlfriend.

She was Mark’s mistress.

I was furious. Crushed. But I knew I couldn’t let this slide.

Jessica came back inside, smiling—until she saw me wearing the necklace.

— “Mom, why are you wearing Jessica’s necklace?” Eric asked. “That’s her gift.”

I smiled.
— “Oh really? That’s funny. Because your dad bought it… with my money.”

I continued:

— “Ever since he lost his job, I’ve been paying for everything. This trip, that necklace, and even the money he gave you to pretend Jessica was your girlfriend.”

The next day, I flew home alone.
Mark and Eric called me over and over. I didn’t answer.

One week later, I filed for divorce.
When Jessica found out Mark had no money, she vanished. Left him humiliated and alone.

Eric and I are working on repairing our relationship. He made a mistake—one that hurt deeply—but he’s still my son.

And I can only hope he never makes a choice like that again.