The physician’s face twisted in outrage as he glared at Harley and me. He wasn’t just any doctor—he was someone we trusted, practically our family doctor.

“Mr. Babylon, we need to talk,” he said, forcing a tense smile. “Mrs. Babylon, if you don’t mind, could you excuse us?”

Embarrassed and confused, I stepped out of the office. Our daughter, Harley, is physiologically challenged, but what had he discovered that he couldn't tell me?

Or is he hiding something from me? I'm her mother—I deserve to know everything about her.

From beyond the closed door, I caught only a few hushed words:

“Eight-year-old Harley Babylon is…”

The rest faded into silence. My heart raced like wildfire, pounding loudly in my ears.

A few minutes later, Richard pushed Harley’s wheelchair out of the office.

“Let’s go,” he said coldly. His voice was unfamiliar—detached and void of warmth.

He didn’t open the car door for me like he always did. Instead, he drove silently, passing the restaurant we had planned to visit without a word. His gaze was locked straight ahead, his face darkened by a deep scowl.

When we got home, Harley wheeled herself inside. Even she could feel the change in her father. Richard didn’t speak to her or touch her as he usually would.

Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist roughly and shoved me to the floor. He held an envelope in one hand.

“I don’t even know what’s inside this,” I said, terrified.

He threw the envelope on the bed.

“What’s this, Theresa? So this is who you are? How could you?” His voice was thick with pain and fury.

“What are you talking about?” I stammered, tearing open the envelope. My hands shook as I read the doctor’s report.

“No… this can’t be right. Richard, please—we can fix this. Harley is your child!” I fell to my knees, clutching his leg, pleading.

He bit his lip, trying to hold back emotion.

“Your tears won’t solve anything,” he muttered, sinking into the chair beside the bed.

“I... I don’t understand. I know nothing about this. Maybe we should get a second DNA test—at another hospital,” I begged.

“Leave me, Theresa!” he yelled, slamming his fist against the wall. “She’s a bastard.”

My breath caught. “Something isn’t right. You met me as a virgin—no man has ever touched me. This isn’t just hurting me—it’s traumatizing Harley.”

“I don’t care anymore,” Richard snapped, pointing at our daughter. “You know what, Theresa? Pack your bags—and hers. Get out of my house! I want a divorce!”

“A divorce?” I cried, gripping his arms. “After eight years of marriage? You really believe this?”

“Did you pity me when you deceived me?” he shouted. “I gave you everything. Is this how you repay me?”

“Richardson, wait—please. We can work through this.”

“No. I’m done. And there’s a good chance your unborn child isn’t even mine.” He ripped his arm away and stormed out.

Harley had been watching everything in silence.

“Mommy, what’s happening?” she asked, tapping my shoulder gently.

I was speechless.

“Everything will be fine soon, Harley,” I whispered, smoothing her bangs and kissing her forehead. “Dad’s just… angry.”

“I heard him say I’m a bastard,” she said, rubbing her eyes. “He used to be the best dad ever. Why did he change?”

“Don’t worry,” I said, stroking her hair. “We’ll be okay.”

I sat on the bed, stunned, replaying the nightmare that just unfolded. Something had gone terribly wrong. That doctor had ushered me out too quickly. And Delilah—Richard’s ex—had always been around, scheming. What if she tampered with the results?

Tears blurred my vision as I hugged Harley tightly. I had to act. I grabbed Richard’s spare car keys and drove straight to another hospital—Annoiting Hospital.

This is not over. I knew Harley was Richard’s daughter. I had to prove it—and expose Delilah if she had a hand in this. I have not been myself, my thinking weren't accurate. His ex— returned like a predator, devil and snake in the grass.

Our conversations and intimacy ended all because of a sheet of paper that doesn't guarantee any success. Countless memories of when we entwined our legs on the bed, thousands of screams while moaning. Many times when he pulled my waist, rolled his tongue with mine, in the shower having fun together.

I summoned courage, wiped my tears and headed to the hospital. Fear filled my heart, my mind thick with intrusive thoughts.

---

At the hospital, a nurse approached.

“Madam, our physiotherapist isn’t in today.”

“I need a DNA test,” I said firmly.

“A DNA test? I’m sorry, our lab technician is off today. You’ll need to come back tomorrow.”

Downcast, I turned away.

What will happen if Richard finds me back in that house?

“Arghh,” I groaned, slapping my forehead.

“What are we going to do, Mommy?” Harley asked softly.

I unlocked my phone and sent a message to Richardson on WhatsApp:

> “Hey sweetie, I’m home—even though I’m not. Just wanted to see your reaction. I promise we’ll fix this.”

He was online, but didn’t respond.

An hour passed. I sat on the couch, holding Harley close. Then, his reply came:

> “I’ll send the divorce papers soon. Sign them ASAP. I don’t want you in my life anymore.”

On his WhatsApp status, I saw a picture of him with Delilah—together in a romantic pose. It wasn’t a new picture.

So he had already reunited with his ex.

He was cheating. That explained everything.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, my body trembling. “I can’t take this anymore.”

I looked at Harley—sweet, innocent Harley.

It was time to stop living in denial.

“Richardson is not a good husband or father,” I said aloud, tears flowing. “I’m sorry, my dear Harley—and to my unborn child—but I have to protect you both. I’ll separate you from your father… and start over.”

The morning light spilled through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the tangled sheets. I blinked against the brightness, my body aching as though I'd been hit by a truck. I reached out instinctively—but the space next to me was cold. Richard was gone.

My hair was a tangled mess, frizzy and wild, much like the storm raging inside me. I turned to look at Harley, sleeping peacefully beside little Tommy. A deep ache clutched my heart. How would they ever adapt to this chaos? And now, another life growing inside me...

My phone lit up—two missed calls from Richard.

Then I heard her voice, floating in from the hallway. “Don’t worry, darling. Just leave her. She’ll understand soon enough.”

The clicking of heels followed her words like punctuation. I didn’t have to look up to know who it was—Delilah.

She entered the room, curls bouncing down her back, her beauty radiant and effortless. My heart sank.

Is this what Richard left me for? I wondered bitterly.

And then he walked in. Without shame, he wrapped an arm around her waist, his hand resting on her stomach.

I sat up, stunned. “So this is the woman you’ve been cheating with? The one who twisted your mind against me?”

He sneered. “Don’t you dare call her that. Delilah is ten times the woman you are, you serial cheater.”

I laughed. Dry. Humorless. “You’ll regret this one day, Richard. Mark this moment.” My voice cracked. “I’ll sign the divorce papers—but don’t come looking for me afterward.”

At that moment, Harley stirred awake, blinking at her father and the strange woman beside him. My heart broke a little more.

“C’mon, Richard,” Delilah said with a smirk. “Don’t waste your time on this... unfaithful mess.”

Tears pricked my eyes as sweat dotted my forehead. Eight years. Eight long years I’d devoted to this man, giving him everything, believing he was the best I’d ever have. Delilah gave me a mocking smile as they left the room.

I looked down at my stomach and whispered, “I’m sorry, little one.” A tear slid down my cheek.

I blinked few times, “This is not the right place for you, the young shall grow.” I summoned courage, acted like nothing happened. I stood before the mirror observing myself, the golden hue casting it's reflection on my skin. Looking beautiful and fit in my dinner dress. Memories flooded back— dejuva, melancholy, nostalgia. Richards words sank in my soul, he ate all without leaving crumbs, his mistress gave my daughter and me a mocking smile. They left me in pieces, scars in my heart, unhealed wounds and everlasting trauma.

I need justice, I will expose Delilah even if it's cost me my marriage. My breathe seizes for seconds…….

*Zzzzzz Zzzzzz*

I received a call from the hospital, “I reminiscenced the conversation I had with the nurse.”

“Hello mam. The lab woman is available for just few minutes. Things would work if you can make it home the hospital before she leaves.”

Excited, “on my way.” I said.

I wiped my tears, brushed my messy hair, and renew my makeup.

---

Later, at the hospital, after tests and check-ins, the DNA sample was taken. As I sat in the waiting area, my head resting against the arm of someone familiar, I realized I was leaning into Jayden—my old schoolmate. Now an architect, he’d always been gentle.

He looked at me with concern. “What happened, Theresa? I heard things...”

I hesitated, adjusting myself on the seat. “After the doctor’s consultation, Richard threw a report at me. Said Harley isn’t his biological child.”

Jayden’s brows lifted in disbelief. “What?”

“I’ve never cheated on him,” I said quietly, my voice tight. “But ever since Delilah came back, he’s been paranoid. I wanted a DNA test done to prove that none of my children are bastards.”

Jayden took a breath. “If it were me, I’d be upset—but I’d never stop trusting my wife. I trust you, Theresa. Always have.”

“My heart bleeds,” I whispered.

He rubbed my shoulder. “You’ve always been decent—since we were kids. I still believe in you, even if no one else does.”

I looked at him, desperate. “Can you believe Richard brought her into my home—to taunt me? To mock everything I’ve built? She looked me in the eye and broke me down. And then... he served me divorce papers.”

Jayden didn’t hesitate. “Then let him go. You’ll move on. You’ll raise Harley. And as for the pregnancy... maybe it’s time to let that go too.”

I didn’t respond immediately. My chest tightened.

“Uncle Jayden,” Harley’s small voice cut in, candy clutched in hand. “What are you and mommy talking about?”

“Nothing, sweetheart. Just grown-up stuff.”

---

I tried to stay calm, but my heart thudded in my ears as the lab technician returned with the results. She handed me the envelope gently.

My fingers trembled as I opened it.

“Eight-year-old Harley Babylon is not biologically related to the presumed father.”

My stomach turned.

“No,” I said in disbelief. “There must be a mistake. How much did she pay you? I’ll double it.”

The technician blinked, clearly offended. “This isn’t about money. These results are accurate. I’m sorry.”

I turned to the mirror beside me and caught a glimpse of myself—hollow eyes, broken spirit. Who was this woman?

How could I face my family? My friends? I was carrying this man’s child, and he was divorcing me over a lie.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to end.

I remembered our love story—how it began with spark, with promise. The late-night talks, the honeymoon, the dreams. And now? Betrayal. Humiliation. A home in ruins.

Maybe fate was trying to wake me up.

Jayden’s words echoed in my head. "You need to save yourself."

And maybe... I did.

Harley was mine. She needed me. I couldn’t let this situation destroy her. I had to take her away from Richard and start again.

But the unborn child...

I bit my lip as a fresh wave of guilt surged through me.

Pain stabbed through my temple. My vision blurred. A sharp migraine ripped through my skull.

What’s happening to me?

And then, everything faded.

I collapsed.

My mind and body was restless like a truck had run me over—sores and pain all over. I couldn't think deeply, let alone bring back memories of the past. I lay flat on the bed, glaring at Harley in her prime.

I stretched my body and reached for the water next to me while Jayden was dozing off.

“What should I say? How can I face Richardson in the court of law?” I sank into melancholy and disbelief, thinking of how a beautiful journey of eight years ended in just a minute.

“How’s your health and condition? Harley is more concerned,” Jayden raised a brow.

I took a deep breath and exhaled heavily. “I am perfectly fine now.”

“You are not, Mommy. What about Daddy? I miss him. I need to see him...”

I shunned Harley. “He is not your daddy anymore. You are now fatherless.” I drew my emotions closer, as much as I was also wounded. Tears stung her eyes and she began to cry. I used my small piece of handkerchief to wipe off her tears.

“It’s okay, Harley. Everything will be fine.” Jayden buried her face in his stomach, consoling her.

“I still feel a need to apologize to the little one inside.” My thighs were stung, as if something was hooked between them.

“Which little one? Did you mean your unborn child?” He laid his hands on my stomach.

“Yes, my son. It’s a boy.”

“I’m sorry to say, you had a miscarriage. In fact, there were several complications that could have led to your death. Thanks to the proper medical care.”

At first, I was dumbfounded and speechless. I was glad the little one inside was gone. It equaled freedom. I was free from suffering. Harley is the only child I have to cater for. No longer expecting any child.

“I thought of aborting the child. Now a miscarriage took place.” I caressed my tummy.

Zzzz Zzzz

Jayden’s phone rang twice before he picked it.

“Richardson, are you that worse?” he said out of annoyance. I knew a conflict was about to happen, so I instructed the nurse to send Harley out of the room.

“Heartless? How? What did I do wrong?” He sounded rude over the phone. “I disowned Harley all because she’s a bastard and divorced her mother? Or I replaced her with Delilah? No, just answer me.”

Jayden was stunned. He was belittled before himself. “Are you that mean? Your wife’s life is at stake, and all you could do is flex with another woman?” He tightened his grip, clenching his teeth.

“I have clearly stated it—I don’t want Harley and Theresa in my life anymore. I am getting married to Delilah as soon as I divorce Theresa. I have wasted eight years of my life raising Harley, not knowing she’s a bastard.” He sounded so cold that I realized all affection had faded.

I tried my best to keep Harley from being traumatized. My ears oozed fear from the insults he threw.

“Enough!” I shouted over the phone as Richard was about to say something else, which I knew would be an insult. “Enough, Richardson! I overheard the whole conversation. I had a miscarriage. The little one is no longer inside me, and I’m glad about it. No record of my traumatic past.”

He chuckled for just a second. “Wow, young lady, so you’re glad you had a miscarriage? Who’s going to claim Harley and act like her father?”

“I won’t allow you to insult my Harley and Theresa like that. I will take care of everything. Don’t be too relaxed or happy,” Jayden said in a strong voice.

“So, you are secretly dating Jayden. I can see through your conversation.”

Jayden could no longer hide his annoyance in his expression. “And so what if she is—or we are? At least she’s no longer your wife.” Those were the last words he said before hanging up.

“I am prepared for the divorce. We have to go.” I wore my flip-flops.

“I’ll arrange everything and get Harley ready. At least she’s six years and above—she can decide which custody to stay with,” he assured me.

Jayden is more like a friend; he has been with me through thick and thin. He showered me with love and care more than usual and stood for me. Hours after my rest and recovery, the clock struck 12:00 PM.

My worst nightmare came to reality. Before Delilah and Richard, I stood with the papers he handed to me.

“Once I sign this, it’s over. We are in the final stage. Besides, Harley is no longer your child.” I snapped the pen from him and signed the documents without hesitating.

“Mrs. Babylon can’t stay here for long. Please be fast.” He was trying to say something.

“We don’t care. Just leave my Theresa and her angelic Harley to me,” Jayden said nonchalantly.

In a twinkle of an eye, Harley occupied the witness box, challenged with an unthinkable demand.

“Who are you following? Your mom or your dad?” the judge said loudly.

Harley blinked a few times, looking at Jayden and me. “But I still love my father and my mother too. Suddenly, their union collapsed.”

Jayden had earlier told her, “He’s no longer your dad. He will marry another lady, and you will have your stepmother or father’s wife train you till adulthood. It’s better you follow your mom and leave your father. He no longer cherishes you.” I was present. Harley was too young for all this. The most memorable day of my life—the day my sweet husband was separated from me. Not that he died, but he divorced me due to trust issues.

After everything was over, I came to my senses. All years of my life—almost a decade—wasted on the wrong person. Deep down, it hurts, but I have to soldier on. Jayden’s mother, whom I took as my own, took me as hers. She gave me motherly advice I took unserious.

It’s not too late. I can still start all over again. I am just 32. I can still start another life and get out of the trenches. Who Harley belongs to is not the subject of the matter. I want to get married to another man and live a sweet marital life. I will give an answer to my daughter when necessary in the future. I can’t imagine seeing Harley growing up hating me, so I kept the divorce and other necessary records for future purpose.