In many caught - cheating romance novels, the ending is ambiguous. The author leaves it up to the reader to decide whether the couple will stay together or not. This can be done by showing that both partners are still struggling with their feelings and the future of their relationship, without giving a clear resolution.
Often, they end with the couple separating. The betrayed partner realizes they can't forgive the cheating and decides to start a new life alone.
Often, they end in divorce. Once the cheating is caught and admitted, the trust is broken and it's hard to repair. For example, if the wife has been having an affair for a long time, the husband may feel so betrayed that he can't see a future with her anymore.
Often, they end with the truth being revealed and the couple getting back together. For example, the hero explains his actions that were misconstrued as cheating, and the heroine forgives him. They then have a happy ending.
Often, they end with the two parting ways. For example, in many novels, the realization of the wrongness of their relationship hits them hard, and they decide to end it to preserve the family.
In some cases, the people caught might get into a bit of trouble at first. But then, as the real story comes out, like if two kids were caught playing a prank together, they might be scolded briefly but then end up laughing about it later. Say a boy and a girl were caught putting a fake bug in someone's locker. They'd be in hot water at first but then it'd be all okay once the truth is known. The end result is usually a resolution of the initial shock or concern.
Often, there's a period of conflict. The heroine may be angry and distance herself from the hero.
They often end in separation or divorce. Once the cheating is out in the open, the trust is broken and it's hard to repair.
Often, they end in separation or divorce. Once the cheating is out in the open, the trust is so broken that the couple can't go back to how things were.
Often, they end with a breakup. Once the cheating is discovered, the trust is broken, and many couples can't move past that. Another way is that the cheater might end the affair and try to work on the relationship, but it's very difficult to rebuild trust.
There are those who, when caught cheating, will try to shift the blame. In a business deal, if one partner is caught cheating on the contract terms, they might try to say that the other party didn't communicate clearly. But in general, being caught cheating often leads to a loss of trust. Whether it's in a friendship, a relationship, or a professional setting, once caught cheating, it's very difficult to regain the respect and trust of others.
Often, they end with a lot of apologies. If it's in a family setting, the person caught might apologize to their parents or siblings for doing something that goes against the family's norms.