Michael and I were so excited for the birth of our first child. We had everything planned – from the music to the tiny hat he’d put on our baby. But when the big moment came, he wasn’t there.

The nurses tried to reassure me that he was just delayed, but deep down, I felt something was wrong. Our daughter Emily was born, filling me with joy, but Michael was still missing.

After two days in the hospital, I went home with Emily, desperately trying to rationalize Michael’s absence. Maybe work had an emergency? Maybe an accident?

But nothing could have prepared me for what I found at home. The house was eerily quiet. I rushed to the nursery, hoping he was preparing a surprise for us. But the room was almost empty. Only the crib remained, with a note inside. My hands shook as I opened it, recognizing Michael’s handwriting: “I love you and our baby. But I had to leave forever. Ask your mom why she did this to me.”

“Mom!” I shouted in shock, gripping the note and running into the living room where she sat with Emily asleep in her arms.

“What’s this?” I demanded, thrusting the note at her. “What did you do? Where is Michael?”

“I didn’t want you to find out this way,” she said quietly, looking troubled.

“Find out what? Tell me now!” I was almost screaming.

Taking a deep breath, she explained, “I found out something about Michael. It was too big to keep to myself. He needed to know that I knew.”

“Know what? Why are you talking in riddles?” I asked, feeling an overwhelming exhaustion wash over me.

“He’s been having an affair,” she revealed gently. “With someone from his office. Imagine the nerve.”

Her words hit me like a physical blow, and I had to sit down to steady myself.

“No, Mom,” I protested. “Michael would never do that. He loves us! He’s been so excited about our baby!”

“I wish it wasn’t true,” she said softly. “I overheard him talking on the phone. They were meeting at a motel. When I confronted him, he admitted it. He’s been seeing his boss, a very wealthy woman. She’s been offering him things we could never dream of.”

“You mean…the promotion? And the car? They weren’t rewards for hard work?” I gasped, my chest tightening as the reality sank in.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “Why didn’t you let me talk to him and try to fix it?”

“Oh, honey,” my mother said soothingly. “I gave him the chance. I told him to tell you or leave for good. His choice showed his true colors. He abandoned you and Emily.”

I didn’t want to believe her. How could Michael, who I trusted with my life, betray me so deeply?

“You shouldn’t have taken that choice from me,” I said. “You should’ve let me decide.”

“I’m so sorry, Elena,” she said, gripping my thigh. “I thought I was protecting you. This pregnancy was so hard on you. I didn’t want you to suffer more.”

Though her words seemed sincere, I felt a surge of anger. Everything I believed in was ripped away in an instant.

Emily cried. “She’s hungry,” my mother said. “Maybe one day you’ll understand why I did what I did.”

“Maybe,” I replied, feeding my daughter. “But for now, I need space. I need to adjust to being a single parent.”

“But you’re not alone, Elena,” my mother said. “I’m here for you and Emily.”

“I know,” I acknowledged. “But I need to do this.”

“I’ll make you some food and then leave,” she offered. “Let me plan meals for a week. Okay?”

“Alright,” I agreed, appreciating the help even though I couldn’t face her.

In the following days, I thought more about Michael’s actions. Of course, he was having an affair. The late nights and dinners with “colleagues” made sense now.

I tried calling Michael many times, but it always went to voicemail. Then one day, he answered by accident. His voice was thick with sleep.

“Michael?” I asked, my heart pounding.

“Elena?” he responded, startled.

“Is it true?” I asked.

“Yes. All of it,” he admitted. “I’m not coming back. I love Gretchen. We have a future together. I’ll transfer the house to your name. Her lawyers will handle it.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

Michael never contacted me again, and I didn’t try either. He vanished from our lives. At least Emily wouldn’t endure the pain of meeting and losing him.

She was safe from Michael.