He dumped me for my mom, whom I trusted most, and I believed the anguish would destroy me. He wanted to betray me and escape without consequence. He didn’t realize I wouldn’t pardon him.

For a long time, I believed Mark and I were in a flawed relationship. Yes, we fought.

Mark was cold, ignored me, and made everything about himself. I believed we had love.

My favorite coffee with almond milk and two sugars was brought to bed by him.

He posted notes on the fridge saying “You’re awesome” or “Today’s your day.”

He sometimes played music on his phone in bed and said, “This song’s for you.”

I persuaded myself love was about persevering through hardships, not perfection.

We’d lived together almost a year. I believed we were constructing something real.

My mom, Susan, visited often. She constantly said she wanted to help.

She brought fresh veggie soup, folded our clothing when I didn’t have time, and gave me unsolicited suggestions like how to reorganize the living room or cook pasta without sticking.

Honestly, I was grateful. I was once. Even having a caring mother made me feel lucky.

Until that dreadful afternoon. I left work early. My head was pounding, and I wanted to sleep quietly before dinner.

When I entered, I heard soothing living room music and subdued, familiar voices.

I suspected Mark was watching TV. Then I entered and saw him. I saw Mark kissing my mom. His hands were on her waist. The girl smiled. My world collapsed.

What’s up?! I yell. Voice broke. I’d never heard myself so loud. My chest tightened. My hands shook.

Mark sighed. His expression was irritated. Not guilty. Not sorry. I didn’t want Jessica to learn this.”

He stayed put. Not even a step back. He stood there unconcerned.

Susan crossed arms. The girl tilted her head like I was having a tantrum. “You always make everything a big deal,” she observed. “We planned to tell you.”

My jaw fell. My face heated up. “Where were you going? Sit me down like a family meeting and say, ‘Surprise, we’re together now’? My mother!

Walked approaching them. My voice shook. “How could you hurt me?”

Susan didn’t blink. Her tone was icy. “Mark deserves attention. Not always exhausted or moaning. If you’d stepped up, this might not have happened.”

I fixated on her. Not believing my hearing.

Mark spoke next. “Jess, you’ve been hard to live with. You shut down whenever we communicate. Susan gets me.”

Like a stomach kick. I saw him as a stranger. From the chair, I flung his jacket at him. Get out. Both of you.”

They didn’t argue. They passed me by like nothing. No tears. I couldn’t. I stood transfixed in the midst of the room, in silence.

The nausea came two days later. The stress, shock, and pain of watching my mom leave with the man I loved was my first thought.

Being ill didn’t seem weird because my stomach had been in knots all day.

After throwing up three times that morning, I knew this was more than heartbreak.

I drove silently to the pharmacy. I had freezing steering wheel hands.

I took two pregnancy tests at home after buying them. Both had 2 lines.

Looking at them, I hoped I was mistaken. Later, I bought four more. I felt silly, but I needed certainty.

I sat on the cold bathroom floor with six tests at home. Each stated the same thing.

Was pregnant. With Mark’s baby. The one that kissed my mom. He abandoned me like nothing.

Another three days passed before I called him. I lingered on my phone. My hands weighed. My heart raced. My response was direct.

“I’m pregnant,” I said.

It was quiet. He eventually spoke. You sure?

“Six tests,” I said. Everyone says the same thing.”

He spoke little afterward. Just announced his visit. Didn’t instruct him not to.

He arrived at my door that night. Small paper bag in hand. His expression was tired. He looked blank like he did when he forgot my birthday.

“I brought some stuff,” he added. He put the bag on the counter. Crackers, ginger tea. I checked what helps.”

I stayed put. I crossed arms. “You think snacks fix betrayal?”

He thought I was unjust. I want to rise. You usually say I’m absent. Well, I’m here.”

I watched him. Got caught—you’re here.”

Mark returned throughout the week as if nothing had happened. He inquired if I phoned the doctor.

He asked if I liked Lily for girls or Ethan for boys. He discussed baby clothes and cribs like a normal couple.

He sometimes asked how I was or what I needed. He sometimes sat on the couch and talked about work like old times.

I didn’t understand his aim or motivation. I let him continue. Still needed time.

In the evening, my phone rang. I gazed at her name on the screen. Something told me this call would hurt. Still, I replied.

“Hey, honey,” Susan said. I heard the biting edge in her lovely voice. I’m pregnant too—just wanted to let you know.”

I froze. I couldn’t speak while holding the phone to my ear. Like my air was sucked out.

“You heard me,” she repeated. I planned it, in case you were wondering. I expected your little surprise to draw him in. So I made him stay with me.”

I didn’t reply. I asked nothing. After hanging up, I cautiously set the phone down. My body was cold and my fingers stiff.

Mark entered as usual that night. He didn’t knock. He sat on the couch edge and stared at me, unsure which version he’d get.

He inquired softly, “Did she tell you?”

Would you suppose she wouldn’t? I inquired. My voice was steady, but I wanted to shout.

Mark exhaled and rubbed his hands. No idea what to do. My contract didn’t include two kids. I hardly manage my life.”

My eyes met his. Perhaps you should have considered that before sleeping with two ladies in the same family.”

Shaking his head. “Perhaps this need not be so messy. Options exist.”

“You think I should get rid of my baby to make this easier?”

“Just saying it might be better. Your situation is bad. You’re anxious.”

I stepped to and opened the door. Get out. Now.”

Jessica, stop it. We can negotiate.”

“I said leave!” I yell. “If you ever tell me what to do with my body again, I swear—”

Mark left, slamming the door so fiercely the walls shook. My hands trembled as I stood frozen.

Tears followed. Hard and sharp, not sluggish. My knees buckled, and I fell.

Loud, terrible tears surged through me. Breathing became difficult. I tried to stop shaking by pressing my face to the floor, but failed.

I cried for the guy I thought loved me, the unplanned baby, and the stranger mom.

I felt different at sunrise. Not better. Just harder. Some part of me shut down.

The hopeful, trusting girl was gone. I wouldn’t ask Mark to stay. I wouldn’t call Susan to inquire why.

I would raise this child alone. They decided. Now my turn.

At the kitchen table, I penned a letter. I didn’t reread. I folded it, got my keys, and drove to Susan’s. My plan was simple—drop the letter and depart.

I opened the door to find Mark carrying a bag down the hall.

You’re doing what? I asked sharply as I entered the hallway. My heart was racing. He had his baggage half-zipped.

Mark recoiled. I wasn’t immediately faced with him. “I was just grabbing some stuff,” he murmured.

I continued. I passed him and opened the suitcase. On top were two plane tickets. I grabbed and supported them.

Plane tickets? I said. You’re fleeing.”

Mark rubbed his face. He appeared weary. I can’t handle this anymore. After learning, Susan has gone wild. She keeps talking about the baby. She watches me constantly. She asks about names, nursery colors, everything. Myself trapped.”

“You wouldn’t tell her, right?” I requested. “You were leaving without saying anything.”

He looked down. “I would text her after leaving. None of this was planned. You two messed things up.”

My gut twisted as I watched him. “You cheated. You lied. You played with lives. And now you blame us?

Mark shook his head. “You two are impossible. I hate always being the bad guy.”

“You are the bad guy,” I said. My voice was low yet steady. “You made this mess, and now you want to flee.”

Eyes narrowed. “You act superior to me. You’ve mistreated me since the beginning.”

You embarrassed me. Your actions destroyed everything. You’re doing it to her now. Think that makes you a victim?

His voice rose. “Maybe I’m not a good dad. Maybe I never was.”

I ripped the tickets in half silently. Throwing the pieces on the floor. I paused, breathing through the fury, then took out my phone.

I said “Susan” when she replied. “Your ideal partner is here with a suitcase and a ticket out. I thought you should know.” I hung up before she replied.

Mark regarded me. The hell was that?

I stated “consequences”. “My lawyer will speak. Paying for both kids. You like it or not.”

I passed him without looking. The torn letter was on the table so he could see that I had meant to be courteous but changed my mind.

I stepped outside and felt the sun. Fresh air smelled like a new beginning. My stability returned after weeks.

My chest knot eased as I drove home. Pain persisted, but it didn’t crush me.

It was unclear what kind of mom I would be. My plan and answers were unclear. But I knew I would never let someone make me feel inferior again.

Mark and Susan took so much from me. My lover and mother were gone. I found something stronger than them both. I found myself.