In fact the wife is really having half her assets ripped away. He FULLY knew the risk and decided it was worth it. He chose to canoodle with someone and by hiding it suggests he totally understood the risk as it’s clear he thinks his wife isn’t aware. (If not why hide?). So it’s his wife who I feel bad for.
He gambled his assets and lost.
Whereas his wife was presumably playing by the rules they agreed as a married couple.
If he has lost his job too that will also affect his children.
Half her time with her children potentially ripped away.
Her past memories ripped away.
Her future plans ripped away.
Photos destroyed - was he cheating then?
Memories destroyed - he went to work early that day?
Songs destroyed.
Films, books and plays will contain triggers for a very long time.
All while grieving her marriage and trying to piece together what the hell her life is going to be going forward. No doubt while working (now she’s possibly the sole earner in that house - so no time to breakdown) and caring for her three young kids.
The betrayed did not make this choice and is now stuck between a rock and a hard place. Stay with a Sleazy, scrotey Steve who will now be a sobbing, sleazy, scrotey, Steve. He’s no doubt Wailing and begging and moping about in the dressing gown of doom. A man with no integrity, class or morals.
Or she gives up access 24/7 to her beautiful children.
So she will lose half her assets because she is collateral damage to his choices.
Cheating is Abusive. Very Uncool.