*Kathy's POV*

She knew it. Always had known it, that Elliot was in love with Olivia Benson. And why wouldn't he be? She was absolutely beautiful, sweet and kind, comforting. Always with Elliot and spending more time with him that Kathy herself. She wasn't shocked that Elliot was in love with Olivia but she was still hurt, especially how he had told her the night before. How he claimed he wanted to cheat on her with Liv...how angry he had gotten when she questioned him. And it really hurt when he had packed his things and left. So what was Kathy doing with the kids at her parents' house? Who was she to pack her things and leave, just like he had done? Because her heart was broken and she needed time away and she needed to leave the house. She knew he'd come back and she just couldn't face him or this situation right now.

Kathy was visiting with her dad in the living room when Lizzie came inside from gardening with her grandma. "Mom, I miss dad," she said sitting beside Kathy on the couch. Kathy gave her a comforting smile and wrapped an arm around her.

"I know, kiddo. I do, too."

"Is it true? Are you two getting a divorce?" Dickie asked running in from another room. Kathy's jaw dropped.

"Where'd you hear that?"

"I overheard Kathleen talking on the phone with dad."

"What? I was wondering where my phone was. And where is Kathleen?"

"Right here. Maybe don't leave your phone unattended," Kathleen snapped tossing her mom the cell phone.

"Ok, Kathleen, drop the attitude. And what did Elliot say exactly?"

"Well he came home this morning and he apologized and said he would always love you." Kathy just nodded in response, not knowing what to say.

"Why can't you and daddy just make up?" Lizzie asked on the verge of tears.

"Because...it's much more complicated than that, sweetie." She couldn't just tell her kids that their dad was in love with another woman...

"Hey kiddos, it's almost time to make lunch. Why don't you all go wash up and then help grandma in kitchen?" Kathy's dad asked the kids. Kathleen just rolled her eyes and went upstairs while Dickie and Lizzie headed for the kitchen with their grandma. Kathy's dad sat beside her and placed a hand on her knee.

"What's really going on, hm?" he asked. Kathy sighed and ran her hand through her hair.

"He's in love with another woman, dad. Olivia to be exact."

"His partner at work?" Kathy nodded bitterly.

"Or as I like to call her...his 'work wife.'"

"Ah, I see. I'm really sorry to hear that, hon."

"It's fine I guess. I'm not really surprised, but I'm still hurt. I knew he'd come back to the house and I just can't face him right now."

"Weren't you upset last night that he walked out?" Kathy nodded. "So in all honesty, you're not any better for walking away."

"Yeah but..."

"There are no "buts" Kathy. You've been having problems with him for quite some time now and you two never talk about it, you only avoid it. You can't just blame him for walking out on you when you yourself packed up your things and left. Now, your mom and I are more than happy that you and the kids are here, but something has to change. Either get a divorce or try to work through things..."

"He's in love with another woman, dad! I just can't work through that!"

"Well then I guess that's your answer." Kathy scoffed and went outside for some fresh air. She knew her dad was right. Her and Elliot always avoided their problems, whenever they tried to talk about them they always ended up arguing. And now he's in love with Olivia so what's the point in trying to save their marriage? Her heart broke at the fact that their marriage was a failed one. She'd spend a few more days at her parents' and then ask Elliot to meet up with her to talk about everything and then begin the divorce process. There was no other choice, other than continue staying married to a man who was no longer in love with her and if she was being honest with herself, was vice-versa.