There are times in every marriage when the link between the two people might be strengthened or weakened. That was the exact force that an apparently harmless snapshot held for Emily and James. They had no idea that this picture would set off a dramatic and unanticipated change in their lives.

Emily, who adores horses, is shown in the photo standing next to her favorite and tenderly holding its head. It was a moment in time that exemplified her love of animals. She had no idea, though, how much more of an impact this picture would eventually have.

James shocked everyone, especially Emily, when he discovered the picture online. He gave her a serious call and told her to get ready and head to her parents’ place. With a start, he said, “We’re getting a divorce.” She was completely taken aback by the gravity in his voice, which sent chills down her spine.

Bewildered and in need of clarification, Emily coerced James to divulge the rationale behind this abrupt choice. And what she found revealed an unexpected turn of events that clarified their miscommunication. The horse in the photo wasn’t just any old horse—it was a highly sought-after thoroughbred that James had been raising covertly. On their anniversary, he had planned to surprise Emily with this magnificent gesture. But her inadvertent discovery of his closely held secret on the internet had destroyed the element of surprise he had carefully orchestrated.

Emily started to see the situation from James’ point of view as reality set in. The harmless photo, which was supposed to demonstrate her affection for the horse, had inadvertently revealed a carefully kept secret—one that was supposed to strengthen their bond. Rather, it had caused them to grow apart.