They say life comes at you fast, but apparently, so does gravel. One moment you’re riding off into the sunset with the person you left your marriage for, and the next, you’re waking up in a hospital room with a broken femur, your partner gone, and your ex-husband standing at the foot of your bed.
In this story, today’s Original Poster (OP), navigating a quiet, post-separation healing arc, found himself thrown back into a bit of a mess when his ex-wife asked him to delay their divorce after a tragic accident . Torn between compassion and closure, he was stuck deciding if he was really her support system or simply her safety net.
More info: Reddit
Sometimes, life throws you into situations where you’re expected to show up for people who once treated you poorly
Close-up of a weathered lock with the words didn’t work symbolizing a wife’s affair partner crash and divorce delay request.
The author’s wife left him for another man who also left his wife for her, leading to their legal separation and ongoing divorce
Text excerpt about wife leaving for affair partner, lover involved in crash, and divorce delay request after injury.
Text excerpt about legal separation and divorce process, wife leaves for affair partner, lover dies in crash, urgent divorce delay request.
Text on a white background stating a person met someone new through their sister and they are taking it slow.
Two people holding coffee cups together symbolizing relationship and divorce delay after affair partner’s loss in crash.
Although really hurt, he eventually started dating someone new after some time and was moving on with his life
Alt text: Woman’s affair lover dies in crash, wife hospitalized, now wants ex to delay their divorce decision.
Text about wife asking to delay divorce after losing lover in crash, discussing timeline with lawyer for marriage dissolution.
Motorcyclist lying injured by roadside after crash, illustrating tragic event in wife affair partner story.
Unfortunately, he found out that the ex-wife and her new boyfriend had crashed their motorcycle, in which he lost his life, while she was seriously injured
Text excerpt about ex receiving money from accident, boyfriend’s ex wife and kids getting estate and insurance payout.
Alt text: Woman conflicted after wife leaves for affair partner, who dies in crash, now asking ex to delay divorce.
From the hospital, the wife then asked him to pause their divorce, leaving him conflicted about what to do, next, as she really wasn’t his problem anymore
The OP and his wife separated after she fell for a man who, like her, left his own marriage behind for this new relationship. Legal separation followed, and the divorce process was set in motion. While the heartbreak stung, the OP began healing and even met someone new through his sister.
However, as often happens in life, the unexpected hit hard. The OP’s ex and her new partner were involved in a motorcycle accident. While the new partner didn’t survive, the ex suffered serious injuries, including a broken femur, and was hospitalized .
During a hospital visit, his ex-wife asked for a pause in their divorce proceedings. The OP was unsure and consulted his lawyer who strongly advised against altering the divorce timeline, warning of potential complications. Meanwhile, it’s likely the ex will receive some compensation from the accident.
The situation was further complicated by the OP’s parents , who criticized him for being “evil” for not supporting his ex during her crisis. However, the OP was torn because while he didn’t wish his ex any harm, he was simply unsure if it was his role to pick up the pieces.
Man and woman discussing divorce papers at a desk with a Lady Justice statue between them in a legal office setting
When a partner or spouse decides to walk away, it can deeply damage one’s sense of safety and trust. According to Psychology Today , setting firm boundaries after such an experience is a vital act of self-preservation as they help protect you from further harm, give you space to process emotional pain, and allow you to reclaim control over your life.
Building on this, The Noble Marriage highlights that key strategies for setting these boundaries include clearly defining what behaviors are acceptable and which are not, and that this might involve limiting contact, demanding honesty, or outlining consequences.
They also emphasize that it is crucial to establish and enforce consequences if boundaries are ignored. However, prioritizing emotional and physical safety is non-negotiable, and one should not be in a hurry to put themselves back into a situation that never favored them previously.
In moments like this, it is not impossible that family might guilt-trip a person back into these situations. According to The Swaddle , parents often may use guilt, intentionally or not, as a manipulative tool to control behavior, frequently through subtle shaming or blaming. However, it’s important to push back if it violates your own boundaries or compromises their mental health.
Netizens supported the OP’s decision to stick to the divorce timeline and not pause the proceedings. They maintained that the ex-wife’s request seemed motivated by financial gain or convenience rather than genuine need. At the same time, there is some acknowledgment of the difficult emotional position the OP is in, recognizing his care in visiting her and the pain involved.
What would you have done if you were in the OP’s shoes? Would you pause the divorce out of empathy, or stay firm and protect your peace? We would love to know your thoughts!
His parents called him “evil” for not wanting to be there during her time of need, but netizens don’t share the same sentiment
Reddit conversation about wife leaving for affair partner, losing lover in crash, and asking ex to delay divorce.
Reddit conversation showing a man torn between his wife who left him and his feelings after a tragic accident involving her lover.
Text message conversation about wife leaving for affair partner, boyfriend dying in crash, and divorce settlement issues.
Text advice about lawyer guidance on managing debt and marital assets during divorce involving wife and affair partner.
Comment text on a white background discussing a wife leaving for affair partner and asking ex to delay divorce after a crash.
Wife leaves for affair partner, loses lover in crash, then asks ex to delay divorce despite betrayal and tragedy.
Screenshot of Reddit comment advising not to delay divorce after wife leaves for affair partner and faces consequences.
Text comment highlighting advice to listen to a lawyer, related to wife leaving for affair partner and divorce delay.
Text from a forum user explaining reasons why a wife wants her ex to delay the divorce after losing her affair partner.
Comment on legal separation and divorce issues after wife leaves for affair partner and faces tragic loss.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a woman involved in an affair and divorce situation online.
Reddit comment discussing emotional support and divorce delays after wife leaves for affair partner who dies in a crash.
Text excerpt discussing wife leaving for affair partner, losing lover in crash, and her request to delay the divorce process.
Screenshot of a forum comment explaining no going back after a wife leaves for affair partner causing a broken relationship.
Reddit comment discussing medical and rehab expenses covered by auto insurance after crash in wife leaves affair partner story.
Comment on Reddit about wife leaving for affair partner, losing lover in crash, and wanting ex to delay divorce.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a woman who left for an affair partner and now wants her ex to delay the divorce.
Screenshot of a forum comment about a wife who left for an affair partner and now wants her ex to delay the divorce.
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