AITA for leaving my husband after discovering he had been secretly seeing our maid for months?

I (32F) have been married to my husband, Mark (35M), for seven years. We met in college, married after three years of dating, and built a seemingly perfect life. We have two children, Lily (5) and Noah (3), and a comfortable home. Mark worked in finance, while I managed my own online consulting business from home.

A year ago, we hired a maid, Maria (25F), to help with house chores and the children because my schedule had become hectic. She seemed sweet and hardworking, and I trusted her completely. Mark praised her efficiency, and she quickly became part of our home. At first, everything seemed normal.

But over time, I began noticing little things that felt off. Mark started coming home late more frequently, sometimes citing extra work or “client meetings.” Maria also seemed to be around a lot more than needed, especially during Mark’s late nights. At first, I didn’t think much of it, trusting both of them, but the feeling in my gut kept growing.

One evening, I came home unexpectedly from work and saw Mark and Maria in the living room. At first glance, it seemed innocent—just talking—but then I noticed the intimacy in their body language. They were sitting very close, whispering, and occasionally touching each other’s hands. I froze in shock.

I decided to investigate discreetly. Over the next few weeks, I checked for patterns and discovered text messages and emails between them on Mark’s devices. They were explicitly flirting, discussing secret meetups, and even making plans for weekends alone—plans that were disguised as “business trips” or errands. I felt sick to my stomach. The man I loved and trusted with my children had been betraying me with someone I welcomed into our home.

When I confronted Mark, he initially denied it. He tried to say I was imagining things and that the messages were “innocent.” But I showed him the evidence—texts, emails, and even notes he had left about their secret meetings. His face fell, and he finally admitted everything. He claimed it started innocently but “spiraled out of control.” He apologized repeatedly and begged me not to leave him.

Maria, when confronted, admitted she knew he was married but justified herself by claiming she “didn’t want to interfere” but couldn’t help developing feelings. Her lack of genuine remorse made my anger even worse.

The next days were unbearable. I couldn’t sleep, eat, or focus on anything. I felt betrayed, humiliated, and utterly alone in my own home. I realized I could no longer trust Mark around our children or in our home.

After consulting friends and family and thinking long and hard, I decided to separate. I asked Mark to leave and began the process of divorce. Some friends told me I should forgive him for the sake of the children; others told me I did the right thing—betrayal this deep cannot be overlooked.

Months later, I am rebuilding my life with Lily and Noah, focusing on healing, work, and teaching my children about trust and resilience. I still feel pain and anger, but I know leaving was the only way to protect myself and my family.

So, AITA for leaving my husband after discovering he had been secretly seeing our maid for months?