My in-laws told me to skip the 4th of July parade this year because my pregnancy migraines might make the noise too much. I believed them — until I accidentally saw the real reason.
I’m Penny, 25 weeks pregnant after two years of trying. The migraines have been brutal, so when my mother-in-law insisted the parade would be “too loud,” I agreed to stay home. Steve backed her up, saying I should rest. I watched him leave while I planned to nap.
Then the kitchen faucet exploded. Water flooded everywhere and Steve didn’t answer my FaceTime — until I finally got him. He seemed annoyed and hung up, but the call stayed connected. I saw him in someone’s backyard at a party… with his ex, Hazel. His family was there, laughing and eating, insisting this was a “family” reunion — with no place for me.
I drove over, soaked from the water mess, and confronted them. Steve claimed he needed “closure” with Hazel. His parents made it clear they preferred her, even suggesting a paternity test. Hazel left in shock. Steve offered weak excuses. I left and stayed with my friend Lia.
Steve has been begging me to come back, but I realized I deserve better. I’m looking for my own place and thinking about raising our baby without someone who lied to me and a family that never truly accepted me. I’m not scared anymore — my baby deserves better.