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.

I checked Richard's Facebook page. He had already changed his relationship status back to “Married to Delilah.” Now she was officially Mrs. Delilah Babylon. No kids yet, but he had posted a picture of himself kneeling before her, kissing her belly. The caption read:

> “Expecting a baby soon. My faithful Delilah is expecting our first child. In my thirties, I finally get to have a biological child.”

I wasn’t astonished or even disappointed. I just scrolled straight to the comments section. It was filled with congratulatory messages—and disgusting encouragement of his betrayal.

Leonard: It’s better how you replaced Theresa. She’s not worth it. Disown Harley and start a new life!

Jasper: Now you’re going to be a father. Huge thanks to Miss Delilah Babylon.

Delilah: Thanks. Nothing can stop us. Let’s not make her jealous.

So this had all been planned. I didn’t give a damn. I snapped photos of our signed divorce agreement and my doctor's report, then posted them with a caption:

“I finally moved on.”

Those words vibrated through my nerves, releasing a tension I didn’t realize I’d been carrying. Marrying Richard had been the biggest mistake of my life. I should have invested my time in those who genuinely loved me, not in someone who never did.

“How do I even start over with Harley? What do I tell my child?” I wasn’t motivated to return home. I needed to rest and figure out how to stand on my feet again. I wasn’t financially stable.

Cherry had warned me about this marriage, but I didn’t listen. Her words echoed in my mind: “No amount of effort will make it work with the wrong person.”

As I stared at old pictures and videos of Richard and Harley, a sharp pain shot through my lower abdomen. I dropped to the floor, wincing in pain.

Cherry rushed over and helped me up. “Careful, Theresa! What are you thinking?” She pulled me onto the bed.

“I’m okay. I just lost my balance.” I inhaled deeply. My favorite food’s aroma drifted through the room.

“Don’t overwhelm yourself with unnecessary thoughts. Harley will be fine.” Cherry’s eyes lingered on me, cautious, probing. “How come Harley isn’t Richard’s child? Did you…cheat with someone else?” Her tone softened, as if coaxing the truth gently.

“Ain’t no way, Cherry. I was a virgin when I met Richard—he knows that. He took my flower. I never thought of being with another man. Harley looks exactly like him.”

I stared at her, my thoughts swirling. My sanity mattered more than any suspicious DNA report. No man had even seen the hem of my underwear, let alone slept with me. Could Harley have been swapped at birth? I couldn’t afford another DNA test.

“Where do I begin?” I had used my last card to get that test. “Did Jayden take custody of Harley?” A bitter part of me was relieved I’d had the miscarriage. I felt sorry for the unborn child at first, but at least I didn’t have another burden to carry.

“There’s something I want to talk to you about,” Cherry said, handing me a cup of coffee.

“What is it?” I took a sip.

“If I’m not mistaken, Jayden is your childhood friend, right?” Her voice was soft. “He’s been in your life forever. Aside from me, he’s the only true friend you have. He took care of Harley like he was his own child. His family treats you like their daughter.”

The room fell silent. It felt like a graveyard.

“What do you think?” she asked, hands folded under her chin.

Jayden’s affection and past confessions flooded my thoughts. Did he send Cherry to talk to me? Was he trying to say something now? Could he know more about Harley’s DNA report?

I sank deeper into my thoughts until Cherry broke the silence again.

“Absolutely nothing. I need rest.” I pulled the blanket over my head.

“Hey! Are you not going to respond?” She yanked the sheet back. “Just like that?”

“His mom loved me like a daughter the first day she met me. He once told me: Don’t waste your life on someone who doesn’t love you to the moon. You’ll live as a prisoner.”

“Jayden and Richard were friends too, remember?”

“Jayden treated me better than Richard ever did. I was just too blind to see it.” Tears trickled down my cheeks.

“It’s not too late. You can still make things right.” She gently wiped my tears.

---

Epilogue

I thought back to my law school days at twenty-three. I had met Richard in a café. I accidentally spilled coffee on his white shirt, and he had been calm, like a dove. He asked for my number, and we talked until dawn.

I told him everything about my career and life. He wasn’t supportive of my ambition—he knew I was a justice-driven woman, but he objected to my career from the start. Still, I fell for him.

One night, after too much champagne, I woke up naked beside him. He said I was “tempting” and “horny.” When I discovered I was pregnant and tried to hide it, he insisted we marry and raise the child together.

I gave up law school for him.

Delilah entered his life two years before everything collapsed. I stayed silent, unwilling to rock the boat. But Richard slowly turned into a monster, accusing me of infidelity and claiming Harley wasn’t his.

After everything I’ve endured, I finally see the truth. Love blinded me, but now I’ve opened my eyes. This chapter of my life is over—and I’ve learned lessons that I’ll never forget.