Every Saturday, I Drive to My In-Laws to Build a Shed. I Accidentally Found Out Why My Brother-in-Law Was So Eager to Help

Every Saturday morning, like clockwork, Alyssa and I would find ourselves on the road, heading to her parents’ house in the countryside. The project? A new shed that her dad, Andrew, decided was absolutely necessary. And somehow, in the family lottery of tasks, Alyssa and I drew the short straw. Don’t get me wrong, I love Alyssa’s family, but spending every weekend hammering nails and hauling lumber wasn’t exactly my idea of quality time.

The first few weekends weren’t so bad. The weather was nice, and there was a sense of accomplishment in the air. Plus, Alyssa’s brother, Ethan, showed up to help, which was a surprise. Ethan was the kind of guy who’d rather spend his Saturdays at a golf course than at a construction site. Yet, there he was, every Saturday, bright and early, ready to work.

As the weeks went by, the novelty of building the shed wore off. My back ached, my hands were perpetually sore, and the thought of another weekend spent working made my stomach turn. But Alyssa was so appreciative, and her parents, Charlotte and Andrew, were always so grateful, showering us with homemade goods. It felt wrong to complain.

Then, one Saturday, everything changed. Ethan and I were working on the roof of the shed, a task that required a lot of coordination and patience. During a break, Ethan’s phone rang. He stepped away to take the call, but not far enough. I couldn’t help but overhear his conversation.

“Yeah, I’ll be there next Saturday. No, I can’t this weekend. I’m helping with the shed. It’s the perfect cover. Alyssa and Caleb don’t suspect a thing,” Ethan said, his voice low but clear.

My heart sank. A cover? For what? I debated whether to confront him or to keep it to myself. In the end, curiosity got the better of me.

“Ethan, what was that call about?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

Ethan’s face went pale. “It’s nothing, man. Just work stuff,” he replied, avoiding eye contact.

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The following week, I decided to follow Ethan after our shed-building session. What I discovered was a betrayal that cut deep. Ethan was having an affair. The shed wasn’t just a project; it was his alibi.

I was faced with a dilemma. Do I tell Alyssa and shatter her world, or do I keep Ethan’s secret and live with the guilt? The weight of the decision was crushing.

In the end, the truth came out, as it always does. Alyssa found out about Ethan’s affair, not from me, but through a friend. The fallout was devastating. Our weekends at the shed came to an abrupt end, not because the project was finished, but because the family we were helping to build was now broken.

The shed stands unfinished, a stark reminder of the secrets and lies that tore a family apart. And every time I look at it, I can’t help but wonder if things could have been different if only…