I Gave Equal Gifts to My Granddaughters on Their 16th Birthdays, but Their Reactions Were Different

Margaret thought she had chosen the perfect birthday gifts for her granddaughters Isabel and Patti, identical presents for their 16th birthdays. While Isabel responded with a warm smile, Patti’s reaction caught her completely off guard. Margaret’s simple choice—and her response to what happened next—was about to stir up major family drama.

A woman in deep thought | Source: Shutterstock

A woman in deep thought | Source: Shutterstock

Hello, I’m Margaret, and if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that families can be wonderfully complicated.

You see, I’ve been blessed to be a grandmother for sixteen years, ever since my son, Dan, and his high school sweetheart, Laura, gave me my first granddaughter, Isabel.

An older woman and a little girl whispering in her ear | Source: Shutterstock

An older woman and a little girl whispering in her ear | Source: Shutterstock

They had what seemed like the perfect marriage until life threw us all a curveball. A few years ago, Dan confessed to an affair with Pam, a woman he worked with, which led to a painful and bitter divorce that shook our whole family.

A man and a woman with their backs turned to each other | Source: Shutterstock

A man and a woman with their backs turned to each other | Source: Shutterstock

Dan and Pam married last year, and their union brought Patti, Pam’s daughter, into my life. Patti was already fifteen when I first met her, nearly sixteen, just like Isabel.

A woman and a young teenager riding her back | Source: Shuttterstock

A woman and a young teenager riding her back | Source: Shuttterstock

Adjusting to this new family setup has been a challenge, especially since I’ve known Laura since she was a child, and our bond remains strong despite the divorce.

A woman smiling with a oyunger woman | Source: Shutterstock

A woman smiling with a oyunger woman | Source: Shutterstock

This made my relationship with Pam and Patti a delicate balancing act—Pam, still somewhat of a stranger to me and Patti, caught in the middle of it all.

A woman sitting at a table with another woman, both seeming distant | Source: Shutterstock

A woman sitting at a table with another woman, both seeming distant | Source: Shutterstock

As luck would have it, both girls were set to celebrate their sixteenth birthdays just a week apart, only a month after Dan and Pam celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

I saw this as a pivotal moment—an opportunity to show both girls they were equally valued, despite the complex layers of our family’s recent history.

A pink birthday cake | Source: Pixabay

A pink birthday cake | Source: Pixabay

I chose simple yet thoughtful gifts: some money to cover their hair and makeup for the parties they were each having, and a piece of simple jewelry. It felt fair, a gesture of goodwill amidst the unspoken tensions.

Two gift boxes | Source: Pixabay

Two gift boxes | Source: Pixabay

Isabel’s birthday came first. We held it right in our backyard, which I’d helped Laura decorate with strings of fairy lights and balloons that gently swayed in the summer breeze. The table was set with her favorite foods—mini pizzas, cupcakes, and a homemade lemonade stand. It was quaint, filled with laughter from her close-knit group of friends who’d grown up right before our very eyes.

A group of girls in a garden party | Source: Shutterstock

A group of girls in a garden party | Source: Shutterstock

When it came time for gifts, Isabel unwrapped mine with a beaming smile, her eyes lighting up as she carefully put on the delicate silver bracelet and tucked the cash gift into her purse for later. She hugged me tightly, whispering a heartfelt “Thank you, Grandma,” that warmed me through and through.

Teen girl hugging her smiling grandmother from behind and attempting to kiss her | Source: Freepik

Teen girl hugging her smiling grandmother from behind and attempting to kiss her | Source: Freepik

A week later, Patti’s celebration was a different affair altogether. Pam had rented out a room in a trendy downtown restaurant, complete with a DJ and a dance floor that pulsed with pop hits.

The atmosphere was buzzing with Patti’s school friends, many of whom I was meeting for the first time. The decorations were lavish, with metallic balloons and a towering chocolate fountain that the kids seemed to love.

Teen girl in sitting against a birthday party backdrop with metallic balloons | Source: Freepik

Teen girl in sitting against a birthday party backdrop with metallic balloons | Source: Freepik

When Patti opened my gift, her smile briefly masked her disappointment before it flickered away, replaced by a polite “Thanks, Grandma.” The moment was fleeting, lost in the swirl of music and chattering teens.

Young girl in black, frowning | Source: Shutterstock

Young girl in black, frowning | Source: Shutterstock

Both parties reflected the girls’ personalities and, unintentionally, the divide in our family. Isabel’s was warm and intimate, reminiscent of the family gatherings we used to enjoy.

Patti’s, while equally festive, had an air of formality and distance that made me feel more like a guest than a family member.

A formal table setting | Source: Pixabay

A formal table setting | Source: Pixabay

As I drove home from Patti’s party, I couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease about how my gifts would be received in such different settings.

Two teenagers holding a birthday cake, one smiling and the other frowning | Source: Freepik

Two teenagers holding a birthday cake, one smiling and the other frowning | Source: Freepik

The day after Patti’s party, my phone rang early in the morning. It was Isabel, her voice bubbling over with excitement. “Grandma, thank you so much for the gifts! The bracelet is beautiful, and I can’t wait to use the money for the salon. You made my day even more special!” Her gratitude filled me with joy, but it was short-lived.

Woman staring at her phone, smiling | Source: Shutterstock

Woman staring at her phone, smiling | Source: Shutterstock

Not an hour later, another call came through, this one from Pam. The tone of her voice was sharp, each word edged with cold disappointment. “Margaret, we need to talk about your gift to Patti,” she began, her voice strained. “She’s quite upset, and frankly, so am I.”

An angry woman on the phone | Source: Shutterstock

An angry woman on the phone | Source: Shutterstock

Before I could even respond, Patti’s voice replaced her mother’s. “You call this a present, Grandma? Just a few bucks and some cheap jewelry?”

Her words stung, laced with anger and disbelief. “I thought you’d at least try for my 16th birthday. Didn’t you think I deserved something better?”

A young girl looking upset | Source: Shutterstock

A young girl looking upset | Source: Shutterstock

I paused, taken aback by her harsh tone. Gathering my thoughts, I replied, “Patti, I’m sorry you feel that way. I gave you both the same gift because I love you equally. Isabel was just as happy with hers.”

A woman looking worried while on the phone | Source: Shutterstock

A woman looking worried while on the phone | Source: Shutterstock

“That’s not the point, Grandma!” Patti snapped back. “Isabel always gets everything she wants. I thought you’d finally see me too.”

Her words echoed in my head, and a deep sadness settled over me. I tried to keep my voice calm, though my heart was breaking.

A woman with a worried expression on her face | Source: Shutterstock

A woman with a worried expression on her face | Source: Shutterstock

“Oh, honey, maybe you’re right. In fact, when Isabel called me today and thanked me so warmly, it reminded me of something very important about gifts. It’s not just what you give, but how you appreciate what you’re given.”

Woman talking on the phone | Source: Freepik

Woman talking on the phone | Source: Freepik

Pam jumped back on the line, her voice icy. “Are you saying Isabel is more grateful, so she deserves more? Margaret, this isn’t like you.”

A woman in red with her palms up in exasperation | Source: Shutterstock

A woman in red with her palms up in exasperation | Source: Shutterstock

I sighed, feeling the weight of years of family gatherings, birthday parties, and quiet coffees that suddenly seemed so distant.

“Pam, I’ve always tried to be fair. But yes, seeing Isabel’s reaction made me realize something. I had planned a bigger surprise for her that I was unsure about, but now I know she understands the value of small gestures.”

Woman smiling as she talks on the phone | Source: Freepik

Woman smiling as she talks on the phone | Source: Freepik

There was a heavy silence on the other end. Pam’s voice, when it finally came, was filled with a mix of outrage and accusation. “This is unfair, Margaret! You’re clearly still taking Laura’s side, just like you always have. You never really accepted Patti!”

A woman looking bothered on the phone | Source: Pexels

A woman looking bothered on the phone | Source: Pexels

The call ended shortly after, leaving me to stare at the phone in my trembling hands. The divide had deepened, and I feared it might never be bridged. I had made my choice, perhaps driven by old loyalties and new revelations, and now I had to live with its consequences.

Woman holding her phone up | Source: Freepik

Woman holding her phone up | Source: Freepik

That evening, as I sat in my kitchen nursing a hot cup of tea, I couldn’t stop thinking about the day’s events. You know, I’ve always tried to be fair, treating everyone equally. But the way Isabel and Patti reacted today really made me think.

Woman in the kitchen with a cup of tea | Source: Freepik

Woman in the kitchen with a cup of tea | Source: Freepik

I kept thinking about how happy Isabel sounded over the phone, thrilled with the small things Patti didn’t care about. Then I thought about how mad Patti got, expecting something big. It really showed me how differently they both see what I do for them and even the little joys in life.

Woman in deep thought | Source: Shutterstock

Woman in deep thought | Source: Shutterstock

I reached for the phone and dialed Dan. When he answered, I took a deep breath, “Dan, I’ve made a decision about something, and I want you to hear it from me first.”

I explained my initial hesitation about giving Isabel a more substantial gift I had secretly planned.

Woman talking on the phone in front of a laptop | Source: Shutterstock

Woman talking on the phone in front of a laptop | Source: Shutterstock

“It’s a car, Dan. I bought it months ago, thinking I’d give it to her when she turned sixteen. But I was worried about seeming unfair to Patti.”

Dan was silent for a moment before responding.”Mom, you’re fair to everyone. But it’s also important to acknowledge when someone shows real gratitude.”

Man gesturing while talking on the phone | Source: Freepik

Man gesturing while talking on the phone | Source: Freepik

“That’s just it,” I continued. “Isabel’s thank you was so heartfelt. It reminded me why I thought of the car in the first place. She appreciates the little things, and I want to acknowledge that. So, I’m going to give her the car.”

“Sounds like you made your decision then,” Dan replied, his voice warm but worried about potential fallout.

Man standing as he talks on the phone | Source: Freepik

Man standing as he talks on the phone | Source: Freepik

The next day, I invited Isabel over. I handed her a set of keys and watched her face light up like a Christmas tree. “Grandma, for me? But why?”

“Because you’re gracious, and that’s something special,” I told her, feeling a mix of happiness and a little heartache.

Young girl hugging a blue car's hood | Source: Freepik

Young girl hugging a blue car’s hood | Source: Freepik

Isabel hugged me tight, her excitement filling the room. It was a beautiful moment, but I knew it might complicate things with Pam and Patti.

Grandmother and granddaughter hugging | Source: Freepik

Grandmother and granddaughter hugging | Source: Freepik

And sure, the conversation with Pam keeps nagging at me. She accused me of playing favorites, and that hurt because it wasn’t my intention.

As I watched Isabel drive off in her new car, I felt proud but also a bit sad, knowing this might upset Patti and Pam.

Happy young girl inside a car while holding up her car keys | Source: Freepik

Happy young girl inside a car while holding up her car keys | Source: Freepik

It’s tough, balancing these things. Family’s about love, and sometimes love means making hard choices. I just hope that down the road, Patti understands it wasn’t about the car. It was about recognizing someone’s good heart.

It didn’t take long for the news about Isabel’s car to reach Pam, and boy, was she upset. She called me up, her voice icy, saying, “Margaret, giving Isabel a car just shows you play favorites.”

Woman looking unpleased as she talks on the phone | Source: Freepik

Woman looking unpleased as she talks on the phone | Source: Freepik

I got where she was coming from, but I had to stick to my guns. “Pam, I love both girls, but showing gratitude matters a lot to me,” I tried to explain, hoping she’d see where I was coming from.

That call ended pretty awkwardly, and after that, I saw less and less of Patti. When she did drop by, her smiles seemed forced, and she barely said much.

Young girl sitting on a couch and staring at her cellphone | Source: Freepik

Young girl sitting on a couch and staring at her cellphone | Source: Freepik

Feeling the gap widening, I took the first step to fix things. I invited Patti out, just us, hoping to clear the air. I told her straight up, “It’s not about the money, Patti. It’s about being thankful for what you get.” She listened, really listened, and I could tell she was trying to understand.

Woman smiling with a younger woman | Source: Freepik

Woman smiling with a younger woman | Source: Freepik

As we said goodbye, Patti gave me a long hug and whispered, “Thanks, Grandma.” Things weren’t perfect, but they were getting better. And sometimes, that’s enough to start mending fences.

I hope, with a bit more time, Patti and Pam see that I do love them equally. Families can be a handful, with all their ups and downs, but they’re ours to love and look after, no matter what comes our way.

Lady Informs Fiancé’s Family She Is Pregnant, ‘He’s Infertile!’ His Mom Says – Story of the Day

Chris’ parents didn’t accept his relationship with Amanda. When she announced her pregnancy at the dinner, they rushed to call her a cheater because they had just gotten some shocking medical results. Their lives would never be the same.

“I just want to get this over with,” Chris sighed in front of his parents’ house door.

“They’re your parents, honey. We want them to finally accept me and come to our wedding, right?” his wife, Amanda, caressed his arms.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Chris grunted. “I really don’t care about that, Amanda. I’m sorry, but if they can’t accept the woman I love, I don’t want anything to do with them.”

“Please, honey. We have to make peace with them. What about the future? They’re family. We want them to be a part of our children’s lives, don’t we?” Amanda continued, smiling slightly. The problem is that the young, beautiful woman didn’t see the tightening of her husband’s mouth.

Chris tried to keep his composure after her words, but he only barely managed. “Yeah. I guess,” he muttered through his stiff lips.

“That’s… fine. When are you going to quit your job?” he continued.

“OK! Now, cheer up. We’re in this together,” Amanda perked and hugged his side.

Chris’s mother, Mrs. Castillo, opened the door with her signature fake grin, only slightly lifting her lips.

“Hello, Amanda. It’s nice to see you,” she said, nodding her head subtly and moving, so they could walk through the door.

Chris wanted to roll his eyes. It had been years since he and Amanda got together. They were engaged, and his parents still viewed her as the woman who “ruined their plans.” They wanted their son with someone else and were salty about his decision.

***

When Chris graduated from college and got his first job, his parents introduced him to Ciara, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey. Her father was on a local private clinic board and highly well-respected in their town.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Chris came from the Castillo family, and they had always been wealthy thanks to their great-grandfather’s investments. Chris didn’t care much for that stuff. His parents were obsessed with status and what others would say.

However, he made the most amazing friends at college who came from all walks of life. It truly changed his life, and he realized that the girls he had been exposed to through private school and country club parties were not for him. He wanted a real woman.

And Amanda appeared. He had been at his job for a couple of years and collided with her on his way out of a parking lot. It was love at first sight for him, so he tried to joke, smile, and invite her out straight away.

She worked at a nearby building and was not happy about his advances. But eventually, she said yes to a date, and they had been together since.

The first time she met his parents was a disaster. They told Chris to break things off as soon as she left the restaurant table for the bathroom.

“She’s an assistant. Why can’t you date Ciara? She adores you. This is not the girl for you,” his mother said quietly, but her face showed desperation and disgust.

“Listen to your mother, son. You must marry a woman from your own… ugh… class. It won’t work otherwise,” his dad joined in, shaking his head.

“The two of you need to shut up. I will not listen to this. Ciara is a vapid little princess, and I don’t want to be near her… ever!” he said, forcefully but still discreetly enough.

Amanda returned to the table, and the dinner continued. His parents never had much of a poker face, so this meeting wasn’t pleasant. However, it was worse after those comments, and Amanda sensed it.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

He explained everything later, and she understood, telling him to give his parents time. But it had been a while, and they had yet to warm up. They behaved to her face but grumbled behind her back. Mostly, they tolerated her, especially since they got engaged. Meanwhile, she remained hopeful. Amanda was a glass-half-full kind of person. Therefore, she still called his mother to plan dinners and included her in some of the wedding details.

The only thing Amanda had not been open about was the fact that they were already trying for a baby. She wanted that to be a surprise. With some luck, Mr. and Mrs. Castillo would finally warm up when they started having babies.

***

As they sat at his parent’s dinner table, Chris could only think of wrapping this gathering up quickly. He had something to tell his fiancée, and it was extremely urgent. It might change the nature of their relationship forever. She might even decide to leave him.

“They don’t know what they’re missing. Let them eat cake in their country clubs while you and I find real happiness.”

He had actually talked to his parents about this a few days ago when he received the news. They didn’t have a lot to say about it. Their faces showed sadness and concern, but they remained their stoic selves.

“If Amanda leaves you, let her do it,” his mother told him, but that would kill Chris. So, he had been afraid of telling her the truth.

“So, Amanda,” his father began, snapping Chris out of his thoughts. “How’s work?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Oh, Mr. Castillo. Work is going great. My boss has this huge event coming up, and I’m helping plan everything. It’s been fun, actually,” she replied, happy they showed interest in her.

“That’s… fine. When are you going to quit your job?” he continued.

“Excuse me?”

“Quit. To become a housewife,” Mr. Castillo clarified.

“I’m not quitting,” Amanda said, confused.

“She’s going to keep working, Dad,” Chris intervened, peeved.

“That’s… just fine. Amanda is a modern woman after all, darling,” his mother said, not quite smiling but not angry either.

“Well, I don’t know my plans yet. It’ll depend on the future,” Amanda said and swallowed nervously. “Speaking of which, I have an announcement. I’m pregnant!”

There was extreme silence at the table, which seemed to expand for hours, but it was only a few seconds. Amanda had been sure that a baby was everything this family needed to accept her finally, but she had no idea what Chris had just discovered.

The first person to break the silence was Mrs. Castillo. “He’s infertile!” she yelled, seething. Her eyes were almost red from anger.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Chris was frozen in complete shock. They had been intimate for a while without protection, hoping for this. But he just got medical results proving that he couldn’t father anyone. That meant… that Amanda had cheated.

“YOU WORTHLESS TROLLOP!” his mother screamed some more. “YOU CHEATED NO MY SON AND GOT PREGNANT? NOW YOU WANT TO BABY-TRAP HIM?”

“Baby trap him? Mrs. Castillo, Chris and I have been trying for months. We wanted to surprise you and start our family right away. What do you mean by infertile? That’s impossible!” Amanda shook her head rapidly, not knowing what to do.

Mr. Castillo wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin and stood. “Get out of this house immediately. Never show your face near my son again, or we will get a restraining order,” he threatened quietly.

“Sir! Chris, please. Do something. I don’t understand!” Amanda begged her fiance, but Chris couldn’t move. Suddenly, Mrs. Castillo grabbed Amanda’s hair and started pulling her toward the front door.

“Get out of here now!” the older woman yelled like a banter.

Amanda held onto her hair to prevent more pain, but she repeatedly called out to Chris. It was futile. He was still at the table, looking at his plate and not moving.

“CHRIS!” Amanda shouted finally as the heavy front door slammed.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

***

The next few days were a confusing blur. Chris moved out of their shared apartment, leaving the medical results on their kitchen countertop. He also left a Post-it.

“I was concerned and got tested. I’m infertile. Completely. I hope you have a happy life, but it won’t be with me,” he wrote, breaking Amanda’s heart.

That doctor had to be wrong. She was pregnant, and it was 100% Chris’s baby. She hadn’t been with anyone else for many years. How was this possible? And why wouldn’t he talk to me?

Despite her best efforts, Chris refused contact. When she went to his parent’s house, they called the police, who told her to leave or risk being arrested.

“Fine! I’ll leave! I’ll raise this beautiful baby on my own! You’re the one missing out, and when you realize the truth, it’ll be too late!” she screamed towards the mansion and walked away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Despite what the Castillo family tried to imply, Amanda didn’t need to trap anyone. She might not be from a wealthy family, but she had a great job. Her company had a fantastic maternity leave policy, and the entire team was ready to support her dearly. Her boss loved her, so she wasn’t worried.

“What? No, that was just our plan,” Mrs. Geoffrey chuckled, waving her hand.

The problem was facing an utterly different future without Chris and as a single mom. But if others could do it, she could too.

Therefore, she had the baby, named him Paul, and did her best. It was suffocating doing everything alone at times, but she persevered every day for her son. The only problem was that her baby was a carbon copy of Chris. It was impossible to miss.

“Those idiots,” she whispered after putting him down for a nap. “They don’t know what they’re missing. Let them eat cake in their country clubs while you and I find real happiness.”

***

Chris tried to move on with life. His usually cold parents were highly supportive after he moved out of his shared apartment with Amanda. He was thankful for that. The last thing he ever imagined was Amanda cheating on him. It didn’t seem possible despite irrefutable proof.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

But his parents told him everything would be alright soon. And life goes on even when you don’t want it to. He returned to work, found a new apartment for himself, and tried to forget the pain. The future was bleak without Amanda, but his parents tried to cheer him up.

One day, they invited him for dinner, and Ciara was there. Surprisingly, they got along, and she had many interesting things to say. His parents were delighted and encouraged the friendship. Chris didn’t have the fight in him to refuse again.

He started dating Ciara. They were taking things slow, but he didn’t discourage his mother when she talked about a country club wedding. Fine. If this is the life I deserve, I’ll just let them plan everything for me, he thought during his depressing moments.

Amanda was out of his life. He just hoped her baby daddy was a good man.

***

About a year after Paul was born, Amanda was walking down the street, focusing on her cell phone, when she stumbled upon someone.

“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking,” she apologized, only to raise her eyes and see Chris. “Oh.”

“Amanda,” he said, swallowing. “Hi.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

“Hello,” she replied awkwardly. “Bye.”

“Wait,” Chris grabbed her hand, but the movement made her drop her phone. “Jeez, I’m sorry.”

He picked it up, and the screen lit. There was a picture of her baby as a screensaver, and his eyes zeroed in on it.

“Give me that,” Amanda snatched it from his hands, finally showing her anger. “You don’t deserve to look at him.”

“Him?” he mumbled, breathless from seeing the image.

“Yes. My son,” she said, lifting her chin. “Mine. Alone.”

Her whole demeanor was surprising. He understood why she would lie about cheating at first, but it had been a while since their split. She didn’t have to pretend anymore.

“I guess it didn’t work out with the father,” Chris commented, wanting to be angry and hurt her somehow.

“Yeah. It didn’t,” she raised her eyebrows. “Bye, Chris.”

And she walked away.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For several days, Chris pondered hard on the situation. He didn’t remember the picture of the baby much, as she had snatched her phone too quickly. But he had stunning blue eyes. Amanda’s eyes were brown. Of course, anyone could be the father.

But her attitude. The way she was accusing him without actually saying anything was highly odd. Was it possible that he had been wrong? That his doctors were wrong?

It didn’t seem likely because he had gone to Ciara’s father’s private clinic. They had all the latest technologies, so the chances of a false result were odd. But… what if?

He couldn’t think about it much because Ciara dragged him to her mother’s house for a meeting with the wedding planner. Yes, they were engaged, and things were moving fast. He didn’t care. He just wanted his parents to shut up about it.

The whole situation was insane. He had no idea why he was there when Ciara and her mother were picking up everything. When his new fiancée took a break, Mrs. Geoffrey focused on him. She talked a bit about the wedding, the future, how she always knew this day would come, etc.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

But suddenly, she said, “Oh, my god, and the babies you two will have. Precious!”

“Life’s too short for grudges.”

“Babies? Mrs. Geoffrey, I’m infertile. You should know that. I got tested at your husband’s clinic, and everyone knows,” Chris explained, frowning.

“What? No, that was just our plan,” Mrs. Geoffrey chuckled, waving her hand.

“Plan?” Chris asked, his voice turning to ice.

Mrs. Geoffrey seemed only to realize then what she had said. Her face turned white, and her hand flew to her mouth. “I mean…. Ehhh, no. Those things have errors… I think IVF can work…” she stuttered through her words.

And Chris knew everything right away.

Ciara walked back. “OK, let’s continue,” she said, not reading the room.

“Darling, I’m glad you tricked me, and I get to marry you now,” he said unexpectedly. Ciara’s head turned to him quickly.

“You know about that?” she asked, starting to smile.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Ciara, no!” her mother whispered.

Chris rose from the couch. “Goodbye. I hope you two rot in hell.”

***

Chris got the entire story from his mother, who was on the phone while he drove to Amanda’s apartment. Luckily, she had never moved out of their shared place, and he still had a copy of the key.

“Chris, you don’t understand!” she wailed, and he didn’t care. He demanded the truth.

His results were indeed a plan. A ruse. A scheme. A betrayal. It was all designed so he would dump Amanda and go to Ciara. Somehow, his mother had discovered how much Amanda wanted to have children. They thought they would separate from the news.

But their plan went even better after Amanda’s pregnancy announcement. Mrs. Castillo mustered her best acting and put on that show. Everyone knew. His parents, Ciara’s parents, and the technician they had paid off and fired later to give the erroneous results. His doctor had even been deceived because he had only seen the fake labs and images.

“You will never see me again,” he told his mother and hung up.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

He knocked, realized Amanda was not home, and decided to go in. He entered the second room and saw the beautiful space she had built for their son. It was blue. There were clouds painted on the walls and toys lying around.

Chris also walked into their bedroom and saw that everything was mostly the same. He sat down on her side of the bed and wanted to break down in tears. But he had to contain himself and think hard. How am I going to win her back and apologize for everything? Will she believe me? he pondered, but the tears showed up, and they wouldn’t stop.

Eventually, he fell asleep.

***

“AAAAH!” Amanda yelled after turning on the light in her room. “Get out of here! I’m calling the police!”

“Amanda!” Chris rushed out of the bed. “Amanda! Amanda! It’s me!”

“Chris! Hell! How could you just walk in here? Are you insane? I was about to grab a knife!” Amanda yelled and hit his shoulder slightly; then she saw his tear-streaked face. “Why are you here in the first place?”

“We need to talk…” he looked down, wetting his parched lips.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

***

“I guess… I’m not surprised, but it’s… still… so unbelievable,” she said after telling her the entire story.

“Yeah,” Chris nodded. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve believed you. I should’ve asked for more tests. I was shocked by the news, and I didn’t know if you would leave me because you always wanted a family. I was an idiot.”

“Yeah, you were,” Amanda agreed. “But I guess it finally makes sense. Like… everything fits. I’m not saying it’s right. But I get it.”

“Is there any way you can forgive me?”

“Life’s too short for grudges.”

“And is there any way I can be in his life?”

“That I don’t know,” Amanda looked down. “It’s been… hard. It’s been lonely. It’s not what we planned together. I don’t know if there’s any going back.”

She had held back tears until now, as the moisture ran slowly down her face as she remembered all that had happened in almost two years. Chris cried with her.

“I know it’ll take me forever, but I will make this up to you. No matter what happens… even if you and I can’t pick up where we left off, you and him are my family. My only family,” he swore, and Amanda looked into his aching, puffy eyes and knew that he was determined.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“First… you should meet Paul, your son,” Amanda began, wiping her face. “And then, we probably need to think about suing Mr. Geoffrey.”

Chris laughed and cried at the same time. She was her cheerful self despite everything, and as usual, she was right. He needed a lawyer.

What can we learn from this story?

  • Always get a second opinion. There can always be false results in the medical field, so you should always check with someone else when a diagnosis seems too drastic.
  • Give your partner the benefit of the doubt and let them explain. Chris could’ve saved himself so much pain if he had allowed Amanda to speak. The scheme might’ve been discovered immediately.

Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.

If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a woman who thought her husband was infertile until she met two younger men who looked just like him.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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