The night my son Ryan brought his girlfriend Sophie home was supposed to be joyful. I cooked her favorite Brussels sprouts, set the good plates, and welcomed her warmly. She was sweet, polite, and laughed at Ryan’s childhood stories. Everything felt right—until she saw the photo on our mantel.
“That man,” she said, pointing at my husband, Thomas. “He’s been with my mom for four years. She’s pregnant.” Silence fell. Ryan was stunned. I was numb—but suddenly everything made sense. The work trips. The late-night showers. The unfamiliar shampoo. I’d ignored the signs. I asked Sophie where she lived. Minutes later, we were at her house.