I Never Thought I’d Be Fighting over a Wedding Dress with My Future MIL While the Real Reason Stayed Hidden – Story of the Day

I thought wedding planning would bring us closer, but I never imagined it would lead to a showdown in a bridal shop. Who knew my biggest rival wouldn’t be just another bride but my future mother-in-law? And the reason behind it all? Let’s say it left me speechless.

Bryan proposed to me after just six months of dating. To some, it might seem rushed, but at 36, I had spent years waiting for someone who truly felt like my person. Bryan was the one I had always dreamed of. So when he knelt, holding that small velvet box, tears of happiness blurred my vision, and I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

We flew to the small town where Bryan’s mother, Alice, lived, the kind of place where time seemed to move a little slower. I kept imagining our first meeting.

Will she approve of Bryan’s choice? Or will she find me lacking somehow?

As we pulled up to her cozy, charming white house with flower pots lining the porch, my nerves spiked. But when Alice stepped onto the porch, her smile was warm, genuine, and welcoming. She embraced Bryan tightly and then turned to me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Maya, it’s wonderful to finally meet you!” she said, offering her hand.

“It’s great to meet you too, Alice.”

Inside, the house smelled like roasted turkey and apple pie. Dinner was already set, the table adorned with candles and fall decorations. It felt so inviting that my nerves started to ease.

As we sat down, Alice asked about my life in New York, how Bryan and I met, and even about my favorite Thanksgiving traditions.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“New York must be such an exciting place to live,” she said, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. “I’ve always wondered what it’s like to wake up in a city that never sleeps.”

“It’s lively,” I said with a small laugh. “But sometimes, the quiet of a small town like this feels just as magical.”

Everything seemed perfect until Bryan and I shared our big news.

“We have something special to tell you,” Bryan said, his voice brimming with excitement. He reached for my hand, and I felt his warmth steady me. “We’re engaged!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Alice’s smile froze for a fraction of a second. She quickly recovered, offering a polite “Congratulations,” and leaned in to kiss Bryan.

What was that? Disappointment? Uncertainty?

Before I could dwell on it, her partner, Richard, stood up, tapping his glass with a spoon.

“Well, since we’re sharing news,” he began, grinning from ear to ear, “Alice and I have an announcement too. We’re engaged!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Bryan clapped enthusiastically, and I joined in.

Two engagements in one evening? This is unexpected.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. As the conversations unfolded, it became clear that Alice and I had chosen the same date for our weddings.

My dream venue in New York was already booked, but Alice admitted she’d always imagined her wedding there, too. She hadn’t been able to secure the booking in time.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I guess I’ll have to figure something else out,” she said wistfully.

Bryan, ever the peacemaker, leaned over and whispered, “Maybe we can work something out?”

He suggested that I give up the venue and move our wedding date. The request stung, but I couldn’t bear the thought of creating a rift between us or with his mother.

“If it means that much to her, I’ll do it.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Alice’s reaction was immediate and heartfelt. “Thank you, Maya. I don’t know how to thank you for this.” She smiled warmly, the tension from earlier melting away. “Let’s go dress shopping together on Black Friday. My treat.”

It felt like a strange olive branch, but I nodded.

“Sure,” I said, unsure of what to expect.

After all, how bad can shopping with my future mother-in-law really be?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

On Black Friday, my alarm buzzed before the sun even rose. I groaned but rolled out of bed, reminding myself this was for my wedding dress. A little sacrifice was worth it.

I threw on layers to combat the cold and headed out, clutching my thermos of coffee like a lifeline.

When I arrived at the store, the line was already forming. The air was biting, and I shuffled from foot to foot, trying to stay warm. Each time someone joined the line behind me, I glanced at my phone. Alice was running late.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Where is she?

Finally, 20 minutes before the store opened, Alice showed up. A gaggle of her friends, all laughing and clutching coffee cups, trailed behind her.

They looked far too cheerful for such an ungodly hour and judging by their rosy cheeks and bubbly chatter, I suspected a little champagne had been involved.

“Maya, you’re a lifesaver!” Alice said, patting my arm like I’d been holding the line just for them.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Without so much as a thank you, her friends breezed past me into the prime spot I’d frozen myself for. My red nose and stiff fingers were invisible.

“Sure,” I muttered under my breath.

When the doors opened, chaos erupted. Women swarmed the racks like bees to honey, and Alice’s friends were no exception.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Oh, Maya, this one’s perfect for you!” one of them chirped, holding up a dress with more ruffles than a flamenco costume. Another waved a gown that sparkled so much it could double as a disco ball.

“Thanks, I’ll…think about it,” I said. I darted between the racks, trying to escape their well-meaning but overwhelming advice.

Finally, I spotted a few dresses that looked promising. Clutching them like a prize, I headed to the fitting rooms.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The little cubicle felt like a sanctuary after the madness outside. I pulled on a dress and turned, examining myself in the mirror. It was almost perfect, but something was missing.

Then I heard Alice’s voice. It drifted through the thin fitting room walls. “She’s a nice girl, but…”

My heart sank. “But” was never a good sign.

“She announced her engagement just days ago, and now everyone’s forgotten about my proposal!” Alice’s voice dropped, but I could still hear every word. “That was supposed to be my moment! I won’t let her outshine my wedding.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I froze, the zipper of the dress halfway up.

Outshine her? Bryan’s happiness is all I cared about. How could she see me as a competition?

Deciding to act like nothing had happened, I stepped out and pretended to browse. That’s when I saw it! The dress. Simple yet stunning, it was everything I’d imagined.

I reached out, but just as my fingers brushed the fabric, another hand appeared. Alice’s hand.

“Oh no, you don’t,” she said with a laugh.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I saw it first,” I replied, gripping the hanger tighter.

“I think you’ll find I did,” Alice shot back, tugging at the dress.

The tug-of-war began. Women around us stopped to watch as we wrestled over the gown like it was the last life raft on a sinking ship.

“Let go!” I hissed, yanking harder.

“You let go!” Alice retorted, pulling with surprising strength.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Then, with a loud “rrriiiip,” the dress tore straight down the middle. The room went silent except for the collective gasp of the onlookers. Alice and I stood frozen, each holding half of the ruined dress.

“Well,” she said finally, “I guess we’re even now.”

***

Bryan’s face paled when I told him what had happened. “You tore the dress? Together? How does that even happen?”

“It’s not the dress,” I said sharply. “It’s what she said.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

My voice trembled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “Alice doesn’t even care about us. She thinks I’m stealing her moment!”

Bryan ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn. “Maya, you might’ve misunderstood. Mom isn’t like that.”

“Misunderstood? I heard her, Bryan. Every word.”

The argument spiraled. He wanted to play peacemaker, but I was done. Hurt and exhausted, I took off the engagement ring and placed it gently on the kitchen counter.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I can’t do this right now,” I said, grabbing my coat. “I’m going back to New York.”

“Maya, wait. Don’t go. Let’s talk about this.”

But I shook my head. “I need space.”

Stepping out into the snowy driveway, I realized how quickly the storm had worsened. No taxis were running, and my phone had no service. I felt trapped, stuck in that town.

Alice appeared in the doorway. “Maya, I’ll drive you.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The last thing I wanted was to spend more time with her, but I didn’t have another option. Reluctantly, I climbed into her car.

We drove in silence for a while, the tires crunching over fresh snow. But then, instead of heading to the airport, Alice pulled into the parking lot of a small workshop. I frowned, glancing at her as she turned off the engine.

“This isn’t the airport,” I said.

“Just come inside, Maya. Please.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I unbuckled my seatbelt and followed her into the building. The smell of fabric and the soft hum of sewing machines filled the air. Then, I saw it.

There, on a mannequin, was the dress. The very one we’d ruined, now repaired and adorned with delicate embellishments—tiny beads that shimmered like morning dew and intricate lace added to the sleeves. My breath caught.

“It’s… it’s perfect,” I whispered, taking a hesitant step closer.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Alice stood behind me, her hands clasped nervously. “I asked them to fix it. And to add a few touches. I thought… well, I thought it might be something you’d still want.”

I turned to her. “Alice, why would you do this?”

“Because I owe you an apology, Maya. I let my insecurities and selfishness get in the way. This wedding, this whole idea of perfection blinded me. I was so afraid of losing my happiness again that I forgot to make space for anyone else’s.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You didn’t have to go this far to make it right.”

“Yes, I did,” she said firmly. Her voice softened. “You’re going to be a part of this family, and I don’t want our relationship to start on the wrong foot. You’re good for Bryan, Maya. I see that now.”

For the first time, her words felt genuine, and something inside me eased. I reached out, touching the soft fabric of the dress.

“Thank you, Alice. This means… it means a lot.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

A small smile played on her lips. “I’m just glad it turned out okay. And you’ll look stunning in it.”

I laughed. “We’ll see if I even fit into it after all the stress-eating this week.”

Alice chuckled. It felt like the first true step toward understanding each other.

When we got back to the house, the tension had melted. We talked late into the night, and Alice suggested something unexpected.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Why not share the day? Two families becoming one. Isn’t that what this is all about?”

It felt right. Bryan’s face lit up when we told him, and we toasted to a new beginning. That night, I realized perfection wasn’t about venues or dresses. It was about the people who shared the moments with you.

Alice and I became family. And that was the greatest gift of all.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought I had crafted the perfect lie—charming stories of rural life that my boss adored. But when he decided to visit for Christmas, I faced a nightmare: exposing my truth or pulling off the biggest act of my life. I never expected what happened next. Read the full story here.

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Lady Informs Fiancé’s Family She Is Pregnant, ‘He’s Infertile!’ His Mom Says – Story of the Day

Chris’ parents didn’t accept his relationship with Amanda. When she announced her pregnancy at the dinner, they rushed to call her a cheater because they had just gotten some shocking medical results. Their lives would never be the same.

“I just want to get this over with,” Chris sighed in front of his parents’ house door.

“They’re your parents, honey. We want them to finally accept me and come to our wedding, right?” his wife, Amanda, caressed his arms.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Chris grunted. “I really don’t care about that, Amanda. I’m sorry, but if they can’t accept the woman I love, I don’t want anything to do with them.”

“Please, honey. We have to make peace with them. What about the future? They’re family. We want them to be a part of our children’s lives, don’t we?” Amanda continued, smiling slightly. The problem is that the young, beautiful woman didn’t see the tightening of her husband’s mouth.

Chris tried to keep his composure after her words, but he only barely managed. “Yeah. I guess,” he muttered through his stiff lips.

“That’s… fine. When are you going to quit your job?” he continued.

“OK! Now, cheer up. We’re in this together,” Amanda perked and hugged his side.

Chris’s mother, Mrs. Castillo, opened the door with her signature fake grin, only slightly lifting her lips.

“Hello, Amanda. It’s nice to see you,” she said, nodding her head subtly and moving, so they could walk through the door.

Chris wanted to roll his eyes. It had been years since he and Amanda got together. They were engaged, and his parents still viewed her as the woman who “ruined their plans.” They wanted their son with someone else and were salty about his decision.

***

When Chris graduated from college and got his first job, his parents introduced him to Ciara, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey. Her father was on a local private clinic board and highly well-respected in their town.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Chris came from the Castillo family, and they had always been wealthy thanks to their great-grandfather’s investments. Chris didn’t care much for that stuff. His parents were obsessed with status and what others would say.

However, he made the most amazing friends at college who came from all walks of life. It truly changed his life, and he realized that the girls he had been exposed to through private school and country club parties were not for him. He wanted a real woman.

And Amanda appeared. He had been at his job for a couple of years and collided with her on his way out of a parking lot. It was love at first sight for him, so he tried to joke, smile, and invite her out straight away.

She worked at a nearby building and was not happy about his advances. But eventually, she said yes to a date, and they had been together since.

The first time she met his parents was a disaster. They told Chris to break things off as soon as she left the restaurant table for the bathroom.

“She’s an assistant. Why can’t you date Ciara? She adores you. This is not the girl for you,” his mother said quietly, but her face showed desperation and disgust.

“Listen to your mother, son. You must marry a woman from your own… ugh… class. It won’t work otherwise,” his dad joined in, shaking his head.

“The two of you need to shut up. I will not listen to this. Ciara is a vapid little princess, and I don’t want to be near her… ever!” he said, forcefully but still discreetly enough.

Amanda returned to the table, and the dinner continued. His parents never had much of a poker face, so this meeting wasn’t pleasant. However, it was worse after those comments, and Amanda sensed it.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

He explained everything later, and she understood, telling him to give his parents time. But it had been a while, and they had yet to warm up. They behaved to her face but grumbled behind her back. Mostly, they tolerated her, especially since they got engaged. Meanwhile, she remained hopeful. Amanda was a glass-half-full kind of person. Therefore, she still called his mother to plan dinners and included her in some of the wedding details.

The only thing Amanda had not been open about was the fact that they were already trying for a baby. She wanted that to be a surprise. With some luck, Mr. and Mrs. Castillo would finally warm up when they started having babies.

***

As they sat at his parent’s dinner table, Chris could only think of wrapping this gathering up quickly. He had something to tell his fiancée, and it was extremely urgent. It might change the nature of their relationship forever. She might even decide to leave him.

“They don’t know what they’re missing. Let them eat cake in their country clubs while you and I find real happiness.”

He had actually talked to his parents about this a few days ago when he received the news. They didn’t have a lot to say about it. Their faces showed sadness and concern, but they remained their stoic selves.

“If Amanda leaves you, let her do it,” his mother told him, but that would kill Chris. So, he had been afraid of telling her the truth.

“So, Amanda,” his father began, snapping Chris out of his thoughts. “How’s work?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Oh, Mr. Castillo. Work is going great. My boss has this huge event coming up, and I’m helping plan everything. It’s been fun, actually,” she replied, happy they showed interest in her.

“That’s… fine. When are you going to quit your job?” he continued.

“Excuse me?”

“Quit. To become a housewife,” Mr. Castillo clarified.

“I’m not quitting,” Amanda said, confused.

“She’s going to keep working, Dad,” Chris intervened, peeved.

“That’s… just fine. Amanda is a modern woman after all, darling,” his mother said, not quite smiling but not angry either.

“Well, I don’t know my plans yet. It’ll depend on the future,” Amanda said and swallowed nervously. “Speaking of which, I have an announcement. I’m pregnant!”

There was extreme silence at the table, which seemed to expand for hours, but it was only a few seconds. Amanda had been sure that a baby was everything this family needed to accept her finally, but she had no idea what Chris had just discovered.

The first person to break the silence was Mrs. Castillo. “He’s infertile!” she yelled, seething. Her eyes were almost red from anger.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Chris was frozen in complete shock. They had been intimate for a while without protection, hoping for this. But he just got medical results proving that he couldn’t father anyone. That meant… that Amanda had cheated.

“YOU WORTHLESS TROLLOP!” his mother screamed some more. “YOU CHEATED NO MY SON AND GOT PREGNANT? NOW YOU WANT TO BABY-TRAP HIM?”

“Baby trap him? Mrs. Castillo, Chris and I have been trying for months. We wanted to surprise you and start our family right away. What do you mean by infertile? That’s impossible!” Amanda shook her head rapidly, not knowing what to do.

Mr. Castillo wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin and stood. “Get out of this house immediately. Never show your face near my son again, or we will get a restraining order,” he threatened quietly.

“Sir! Chris, please. Do something. I don’t understand!” Amanda begged her fiance, but Chris couldn’t move. Suddenly, Mrs. Castillo grabbed Amanda’s hair and started pulling her toward the front door.

“Get out of here now!” the older woman yelled like a banter.

Amanda held onto her hair to prevent more pain, but she repeatedly called out to Chris. It was futile. He was still at the table, looking at his plate and not moving.

“CHRIS!” Amanda shouted finally as the heavy front door slammed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

The next few days were a confusing blur. Chris moved out of their shared apartment, leaving the medical results on their kitchen countertop. He also left a Post-it.

“I was concerned and got tested. I’m infertile. Completely. I hope you have a happy life, but it won’t be with me,” he wrote, breaking Amanda’s heart.

That doctor had to be wrong. She was pregnant, and it was 100% Chris’s baby. She hadn’t been with anyone else for many years. How was this possible? And why wouldn’t he talk to me?

Despite her best efforts, Chris refused contact. When she went to his parent’s house, they called the police, who told her to leave or risk being arrested.

“Fine! I’ll leave! I’ll raise this beautiful baby on my own! You’re the one missing out, and when you realize the truth, it’ll be too late!” she screamed towards the mansion and walked away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Despite what the Castillo family tried to imply, Amanda didn’t need to trap anyone. She might not be from a wealthy family, but she had a great job. Her company had a fantastic maternity leave policy, and the entire team was ready to support her dearly. Her boss loved her, so she wasn’t worried.

“What? No, that was just our plan,” Mrs. Geoffrey chuckled, waving her hand.

The problem was facing an utterly different future without Chris and as a single mom. But if others could do it, she could too.

Therefore, she had the baby, named him Paul, and did her best. It was suffocating doing everything alone at times, but she persevered every day for her son. The only problem was that her baby was a carbon copy of Chris. It was impossible to miss.

“Those idiots,” she whispered after putting him down for a nap. “They don’t know what they’re missing. Let them eat cake in their country clubs while you and I find real happiness.”

***

Chris tried to move on with life. His usually cold parents were highly supportive after he moved out of his shared apartment with Amanda. He was thankful for that. The last thing he ever imagined was Amanda cheating on him. It didn’t seem possible despite irrefutable proof.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

But his parents told him everything would be alright soon. And life goes on even when you don’t want it to. He returned to work, found a new apartment for himself, and tried to forget the pain. The future was bleak without Amanda, but his parents tried to cheer him up.

One day, they invited him for dinner, and Ciara was there. Surprisingly, they got along, and she had many interesting things to say. His parents were delighted and encouraged the friendship. Chris didn’t have the fight in him to refuse again.

He started dating Ciara. They were taking things slow, but he didn’t discourage his mother when she talked about a country club wedding. Fine. If this is the life I deserve, I’ll just let them plan everything for me, he thought during his depressing moments.

Amanda was out of his life. He just hoped her baby daddy was a good man.

***

About a year after Paul was born, Amanda was walking down the street, focusing on her cell phone, when she stumbled upon someone.

“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking,” she apologized, only to raise her eyes and see Chris. “Oh.”

“Amanda,” he said, swallowing. “Hi.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

“Hello,” she replied awkwardly. “Bye.”

“Wait,” Chris grabbed her hand, but the movement made her drop her phone. “Jeez, I’m sorry.”

He picked it up, and the screen lit. There was a picture of her baby as a screensaver, and his eyes zeroed in on it.

“Give me that,” Amanda snatched it from his hands, finally showing her anger. “You don’t deserve to look at him.”

“Him?” he mumbled, breathless from seeing the image.

“Yes. My son,” she said, lifting her chin. “Mine. Alone.”

Her whole demeanor was surprising. He understood why she would lie about cheating at first, but it had been a while since their split. She didn’t have to pretend anymore.

“I guess it didn’t work out with the father,” Chris commented, wanting to be angry and hurt her somehow.

“Yeah. It didn’t,” she raised her eyebrows. “Bye, Chris.”

And she walked away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For several days, Chris pondered hard on the situation. He didn’t remember the picture of the baby much, as she had snatched her phone too quickly. But he had stunning blue eyes. Amanda’s eyes were brown. Of course, anyone could be the father.

But her attitude. The way she was accusing him without actually saying anything was highly odd. Was it possible that he had been wrong? That his doctors were wrong?

It didn’t seem likely because he had gone to Ciara’s father’s private clinic. They had all the latest technologies, so the chances of a false result were odd. But… what if?

He couldn’t think about it much because Ciara dragged him to her mother’s house for a meeting with the wedding planner. Yes, they were engaged, and things were moving fast. He didn’t care. He just wanted his parents to shut up about it.

The whole situation was insane. He had no idea why he was there when Ciara and her mother were picking up everything. When his new fiancée took a break, Mrs. Geoffrey focused on him. She talked a bit about the wedding, the future, how she always knew this day would come, etc.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

But suddenly, she said, “Oh, my god, and the babies you two will have. Precious!”

“Life’s too short for grudges.”

“Babies? Mrs. Geoffrey, I’m infertile. You should know that. I got tested at your husband’s clinic, and everyone knows,” Chris explained, frowning.

“What? No, that was just our plan,” Mrs. Geoffrey chuckled, waving her hand.

“Plan?” Chris asked, his voice turning to ice.

Mrs. Geoffrey seemed only to realize then what she had said. Her face turned white, and her hand flew to her mouth. “I mean…. Ehhh, no. Those things have errors… I think IVF can work…” she stuttered through her words.

And Chris knew everything right away.

Ciara walked back. “OK, let’s continue,” she said, not reading the room.

“Darling, I’m glad you tricked me, and I get to marry you now,” he said unexpectedly. Ciara’s head turned to him quickly.

“You know about that?” she asked, starting to smile.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Ciara, no!” her mother whispered.

Chris rose from the couch. “Goodbye. I hope you two rot in hell.”

***

Chris got the entire story from his mother, who was on the phone while he drove to Amanda’s apartment. Luckily, she had never moved out of their shared place, and he still had a copy of the key.

“Chris, you don’t understand!” she wailed, and he didn’t care. He demanded the truth.

His results were indeed a plan. A ruse. A scheme. A betrayal. It was all designed so he would dump Amanda and go to Ciara. Somehow, his mother had discovered how much Amanda wanted to have children. They thought they would separate from the news.

But their plan went even better after Amanda’s pregnancy announcement. Mrs. Castillo mustered her best acting and put on that show. Everyone knew. His parents, Ciara’s parents, and the technician they had paid off and fired later to give the erroneous results. His doctor had even been deceived because he had only seen the fake labs and images.

“You will never see me again,” he told his mother and hung up.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

He knocked, realized Amanda was not home, and decided to go in. He entered the second room and saw the beautiful space she had built for their son. It was blue. There were clouds painted on the walls and toys lying around.

Chris also walked into their bedroom and saw that everything was mostly the same. He sat down on her side of the bed and wanted to break down in tears. But he had to contain himself and think hard. How am I going to win her back and apologize for everything? Will she believe me? he pondered, but the tears showed up, and they wouldn’t stop.

Eventually, he fell asleep.

***

“AAAAH!” Amanda yelled after turning on the light in her room. “Get out of here! I’m calling the police!”

“Amanda!” Chris rushed out of the bed. “Amanda! Amanda! It’s me!”

“Chris! Hell! How could you just walk in here? Are you insane? I was about to grab a knife!” Amanda yelled and hit his shoulder slightly; then she saw his tear-streaked face. “Why are you here in the first place?”

“We need to talk…” he looked down, wetting his parched lips.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

***

“I guess… I’m not surprised, but it’s… still… so unbelievable,” she said after telling her the entire story.

“Yeah,” Chris nodded. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve believed you. I should’ve asked for more tests. I was shocked by the news, and I didn’t know if you would leave me because you always wanted a family. I was an idiot.”

“Yeah, you were,” Amanda agreed. “But I guess it finally makes sense. Like… everything fits. I’m not saying it’s right. But I get it.”

“Is there any way you can forgive me?”

“Life’s too short for grudges.”

“And is there any way I can be in his life?”

“That I don’t know,” Amanda looked down. “It’s been… hard. It’s been lonely. It’s not what we planned together. I don’t know if there’s any going back.”

She had held back tears until now, as the moisture ran slowly down her face as she remembered all that had happened in almost two years. Chris cried with her.

“I know it’ll take me forever, but I will make this up to you. No matter what happens… even if you and I can’t pick up where we left off, you and him are my family. My only family,” he swore, and Amanda looked into his aching, puffy eyes and knew that he was determined.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“First… you should meet Paul, your son,” Amanda began, wiping her face. “And then, we probably need to think about suing Mr. Geoffrey.”

Chris laughed and cried at the same time. She was her cheerful self despite everything, and as usual, she was right. He needed a lawyer.

What can we learn from this story?

  • Always get a second opinion. There can always be false results in the medical field, so you should always check with someone else when a diagnosis seems too drastic.
  • Give your partner the benefit of the doubt and let them explain. Chris could’ve saved himself so much pain if he had allowed Amanda to speak. The scheme might’ve been discovered immediately.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who thought her husband was infertile until she met two younger men who looked just like him.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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