AITA for leaving my husband after discovering he was cheating with our neighbor?

I (33F) have been married to my husband, Jason (36M), for nine years. We met in college, bonded over music and sports, and got married two years later. We have two children, Mia (6) and Ethan (4), and we live in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Jason has always seemed loving, attentive, and committed to our family.

A year ago, a new neighbor, Lauren (32F), moved in next door. She was friendly and often visited to borrow things or chat. At first, everything seemed normal—just neighborly interactions. But over time, I began noticing Jason spending more “time outside,” chatting with her, and taking longer walks around the block. His phone was often locked or taken with him, and he became defensive when I asked about his whereabouts.

Then came the day that broke everything. I returned home unexpectedly from work and saw Jason and Lauren in our backyard. At first, I thought they were just talking, but the way he was leaning toward her, laughing and holding her hand for a moment, felt deeply intimate. My stomach sank.

Over the next few weeks, I discreetly monitored the situation. I discovered text messages, emails, and social media interactions between Jason and Lauren that revealed months of emotional and physical intimacy. They had been arranging secret meetups, sharing romantic messages, and spending nights together while I was at work.

I confronted Jason immediately. At first, he denied it, claiming I was “imagining things” and overreacting. But when I showed him the messages, he admitted the affair. He said it started innocently but “grew out of control,” and that he felt a connection with Lauren that he couldn’t resist.

I was devastated. My husband—the man I trusted with my children, my home, and my heart—had been living a secret life with our neighbor. The betrayal felt personal and humiliating. I confronted Lauren as well, who admitted she knew he was married but tried to justify her involvement, saying she “fell for him and didn’t know what to do.”

The emotional toll was unbearable. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or focus. Every memory of our life together—birthdays, vacations, quiet nights at home—felt tainted. I realized I could no longer stay in a marriage where I couldn’t trust my husband, and where betrayal was so close to home.

After weeks of reflection and discussing with friends and family, I asked Jason to leave and filed for separation. Some friends advised me to forgive him for the sake of our children, while others supported my decision, saying betrayal of this magnitude cannot be ignored.

Now, months later, I am rebuilding my life with Mia and Ethan, focusing on healing and work. I’ve cut off communication with Lauren and am slowly learning to trust myself again.

So, AITA for leaving my husband after discovering he was cheating with our neighbor?