— Here she is — the very woman who will soon give our family a new life! My mother-in-law showed up at the anniversary with my husband’s pregnant lover… After those words, my husband stood up and said something that gave me chills, and the guests were shocked…
Me — My name is Anna, and it’s hard to put into words what I experienced that night. My husband Alex and I were walking home after a terrible visit to the doctor. I was told my chances of becoming a mother were almost zero. The world shrank down to the doctor’s white coat and the cold chart on the wall. Alex sat next to me, frozen, not looking me in the eyes.
On the way home, there was a heavy silence between us. I tried not to cry as I watched the lights flash past the window, and he just gripped the steering wheel, quietly whispering, “Mother will tear us apart.” I knew he was right.
On his father’s birthday, I felt like a true stranger in my own family for the first time. At the long table, among fifty guests, I sat with a frozen smile and trembling hands under the tablecloth.
His mother, Sofia, ruled the room like a queen of the ball. Her cold stare pierced right through me. In the middle of the celebration, raising her glass, she spoke words I will never forget:
“Every woman here is to give life, to carry on the family line. And our Alex will finally become a father!”
Everyone turned to me as if I were invisible. At the door appeared a young pregnant woman — the future mother of his child. Sofia hugged her tenderly and proudly introduced her to the guests:
“Here she is — the one who will give our family continuity.”
Alex stood up and said words that gave me chills, shocking the guests…
Continued in the comments.
— This is… a misunderstanding — Alex finally broke the silence. His voice was firm, but I felt a tremble. — Yes, I knew that girl. But it was long before our wedding. We broke up and haven’t had contact since. I didn’t know she was pregnant. I found out only today. And this was not my decision.
He looked at his mother:
— Mom, you crossed a line. You had no right to stage this spectacle. This is my life. And if you want to separate me from Anna — you won’t succeed.
I stood rooted to the spot. My heart was pounding, blood was ringing in my ears. I wanted to scream but I just turned and walked toward the exit.
Tears burned, but I held on. Outside it was cold, the air sharp. I took a few steps when I heard footsteps behind me.
— Anna! — Alex caught up with me and stood before me. — Listen. I didn’t know she was expecting a child. And I’m not sure it’s mine. I offered her a DNA test. If it turns out it’s my child — I will take responsibility. But it doesn’t change anything between us.
I was silent. He took my hands.
— I love you. And it doesn’t matter if we can have children. We are a family. I won’t let anyone destroy what we have. Not even the past.
I looked into his eyes — and for the first time that evening I felt like I could still breathe.