I Thought My Son Brought His Girlfriend on Our Family Trip — Until I Accidentally Saw a Text on His Phone

Family vacations are supposed to bring people closer. At least, that’s what I’ve always believed.

But this time, what started as a cherished family tradition turned into one of the most heartbreaking experiences of my life.

My job keeps me constantly busy. I often return home after dinner has been served and the lights are already off. My husband, Mark, used to have a solid career, but he lost his job a few years ago. Honestly, I didn’t mind becoming the main provider.

But recently, I started noticing cracks in our marriage. Small signs that something wasn’t right.

Still, I didn’t overthink it. I assumed our annual family vacation would give us time to reconnect.

We’ve kept this vacation tradition going for years. And this year, I wanted to make it extra special—especially for Mark, who had been struggling to get back on his feet.

Our 20-year-old son, Eric, is in college. When I called to tell him about our trip, he sounded excited.

But the next day, he called me back with a request:

— “Mom, is it okay if I bring my girlfriend along?”

Girlfriend? That was the first I’d heard of it.

— “Um… I guess so,” I replied, a bit hesitant. “What’s her name?”

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

— “Alright,” I finally said. “She’s welcome.”

As the trip approached, I dove into planning. I wanted everything to go perfectly.

Jessica met us at the airport, looking like a model—perfectly styled, flawless smile, fashionable dress. Everyone was captivated, including Mark.

He eagerly carried her suitcase and even complimented her shoes. I brushed it off as him just being polite.

Jessica was sweet at first. But soon, things started to feel… off.

— “Jessica, have you seen Eric play basketball yet?” I asked.

She looked surprised and said,
— “Basketball? We’ve never talked about that.”

Eric has been obsessed with basketball since childhood. His social media is filled with game highlights and team photos. How could his girlfriend not know that?

The next day, Eric suggested we try jet skiing. He was excited—but Jessica scrunched her nose.

— “I’m not really into water sports,” she said flatly.

Later, as they lounged by the pool, I overheard Jessica asking:
— “Your major’s biology, right?” she laughed. “I always forget!”

How could she not even know his major? She didn’t seem interested in him at all.

Midway through the trip, I was looking for sunscreen in Eric’s suitcase when I found a small velvet box. I opened it—and found a stunning diamond necklace.

It looked incredibly expensive. There’s no way Eric could afford something like that.

That night, I casually brought it up.

Eric froze. His eyes widened, and he seemed… panicked.

On our last morning, the motel was quiet. Mark was downstairs having breakfast, and Eric and Jessica were out by the pool.

Eric’s phone was charging on the counter when it buzzed. I glanced at the screen without thinking—and then stopped cold.

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

The sender? Mark. My husband.

It all clicked. Mark and Eric had been planning this for weeks. Jessica wasn’t Eric’s girlfriend.

She was Mark’s mistress.

I was furious. And heartbroken. But I knew I had to confront it.

Jessica’s eyes lit up when she saw me wearing the necklace—then her smile vanished.

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

— “Oh, is that so?” I smiled coldly. “Funny… because your dad bought it with my money.”

“Let me explain,” I said. “Since Mark lost his job, I’ve paid for everything—this trip, that necklace, and even the $500 he promised you, Eric, to keep up this ridiculous lie.”

The next day, I flew home alone.

Eric and Mark kept calling. I ignored every call.

A week later, I filed for divorce.
Jessica disappeared the moment she realized Mark had no money, leaving him humiliated and alone.

Now, Eric and I are working on rebuilding our relationship. He made a mistake. A serious one.

But he’s still my son. And I hope he never does something like this again.