Olivia is going to have her second child soon. When her friend Ava signs them up for a painting party, she finds out about the fun things her husband does when they’re not together. What will happen next?
I’m pregnant with my second child, feeling the usual mix of excitement and nerves. They say the second pregnancy is more emotional, and I’m starting to believe it.
My friend Ava decided to pull me out of my nesting phase with a pottery party. I wasn’t keen at first—I just wanted to stay home and eat junk food. But Ava insisted, mixing me a strawberry drink and convincing me with talk of painting pots for the nursery.
“Let’s get out of here, Liv! It’ll be fun,” she said, smiling over the mixer.
Reluctantly, I agreed, teasing her that she’d owe me whatever cravings the baby conjured up later.
We arrived at the pottery studio to find a bustling party already underway. Fifteen women chatted and painted, all enjoying a break from daily life. Little did I know, the night would take a shocking turn.
As we mingled, birth stories became the topic. Each woman had a tale to share—some funny, some touching. Then, one woman’s story froze me in place.
She recounted how her boyfriend missed their child’s birth because he was supposedly with his family celebrating July 4th. Except, it was a movie night, and he claimed Olivia was in labor. Confused, I asked why he’d leave such an event.
“He said the whole family wanted to be there,” she explained.
My heart skipped a beat. My name is Olivia, and Ava and I exchanged a bewildered glance. What were the odds of hearing such a similar story?
Moments later, the woman continued, revealing more details about her partner’s absence during their child’s birth. I stared at the paint pots, feeling a knot in my stomach.
“He was there for his niece’s birth but not ours!” she exclaimed.
Ava leaned over and whispered, “Wait, isn’t your husband’s name Malcolm?”
I nodded, showing her a photo of Malcolm, Tess, and me on my phone.
“That’s him,” the woman confirmed, her face unreadable.
“He’s… your husband?” I stammered, my world crumbling.
As her words sank in, the room blurred around me. My husband had not only cheated but also fathered a child with another woman. Tears welled up, and Ava rushed to get me water.
Overwhelmed, I excused myself to the bathroom, trying to process the betrayal. With only five weeks until my due date, I confronted Malcolm. He reluctantly admitted to the affair and the child he had with her.
Our marriage shattered irreparably. Now, I’m navigating divorce proceedings while finding solace in chocolate. This isn’t the life I imagined for my children, but I refuse to expose them to deception and heartache.
Despite the pain, I’m determined to give my kids a stable and loving home. They may have a half-sibling from their father’s affair, but it’s a burden they won’t bear.
What would you do in my shoes? Share your thoughts with family and friends and let’s discuss.
