When Nella notices her husband, Eric, acting a bit strange, she follows him to see where he goes off to. A few nights into this new routine, she decides to just ask him the truth. But the truth is deeper and darker than Nella could have expected. And it changes her life forever…
It all started when my husband, Eric, told me he needed some space to think things through.
We’ve been married for 12 years, and while we’ve had our share of ups and downs, this was the first time he’d ever said something like that.
A newly wed couple | Source: Midjourney
“It’s not about us, Nella,” he insisted. “I just need time to clear my head.”
But of course, my mind went to the worst possible place.
Eric was always the steady one in our marriage. He was reliable, grounded, and calm. So, when he packed a bag and casually mentioned that he would be sleeping in his car for a few nights, my anxiety went into overdrive.
A man packing a bag | Source: Midjourney
Was Eric cheating? Was this his way of leaving me? Was this how he was going to slowly slip out of our lives?
“Are you sure?” I asked. “I can give you space here, at home. You can take the guest room, or we can make the pool house into something cozier?”
“Nella,” he said, smiling slowly. “It’s not about us. But this is important to me, okay?”
A worried woman | Source: Midjourney
For ten nights, Eric would leave the house right after dinner and return just before sunrise.
He looked like hell, honestly. His hair would be disheveled, he had dark circles under his eyes, and he would move very slowly like his body just didn’t want to cooperate.
But every single time I asked, he’d brush me off with a forced smile, saying that he just needed a break.
A close up of a man | Source: Midjourney
“I promise, it’s nothing like that. Trust me, please,” he would say whenever I pushed him about whether there was someone else.
But how could I? My imagination ran wild. I pictured him in a hotel room with someone else, living a double life.
By the fifth night, I couldn’t stand it anymore. I decided to follow him.
A frowning woman | Source: Midjourney
Honestly, I felt ridiculous. It was like some cliché out of a soap drama. But I had to know what was really going on. I waited until he drove off and tailed him a few blocks behind.
He didn’t go far. Just to the local park, where he pulled up under a tree and killed the headlights.
I parked a little farther down the street and watched from the shadows. I was nervous, like I was expecting something… or someone to get into the car. Was this where Eric’s mistress met him?
But the longer I sat there, the more I realized that nobody was going to show up. He just sat there, staring at his phone, then stretching out with his pillow and blanket.
A car parked in a park | Source: Midjourney
It was just him, alone, in the dark.
For the next few nights, the same routine played out.
Eric would go to the park, curl up in the front seat, and spend hours there before driving home. My mind was just spinning.
Why would he sleep in his car unless he was hiding something? Why suffer through all that discomfort unless it was for someone else?
A man sleeping in a car | Source: Midjourney
On the tenth night, I couldn’t take it anymore. I had had enough. I needed answers. After putting the kids to bed, I locked them in and drove out to the park. This time, I wasn’t just going to watch from the sidelines.
No, we were too far into this.
I pulled up next to his car and tapped on the window.
Eric looked up, startled. He quickly unlocked the door and motioned for me to get in. The air between us was thick with unspoken words, and as I slid into the passenger seat, all my emotions came rushing to the surface.
A shocked man sitting in his car | Source: Midjourney
“What the hell is going on, Eric?” I demanded. “Why are you doing this? Be honest, are you seeing someone? Is that why you’re here? Are you afraid that the kids would see or find out?”
I spoke too fast, as though all the words just needed to fall out as quickly as possible.
Eric sighed deeply, rubbing his face with his hands. I could see the exhaustion in him now, the kind that went deeper than just losing sleep. It was like he’d been carrying a weight he didn’t know how to put down.
A close up of a woman | Source: Midjourney
“No,” he said quietly. “It’s not like that, I keep telling you. There’s no one else.”
“Then what is it?” I pressed on. “You’re scaring me, Eric. Why are you out here every night?”
He glanced at me, then reached into the backseat, pulling out a small stack of books and a recording device.
“I didn’t want you to know,” he said softly. “Because I just didn’t want to worry you. But I’ve been out here recording bedtime stories for the kids.”
A stack of children’s books | Source: Midjourney
I blinked slowly.
“Bedtime stories? Why would that worry me?”
He hesitated, his hands trembling slightly. “I went to the doctor a few weeks ago. They found something, a tumor. A biopsy was done, and the results came back. It’s cancer, Nella. And it’s bad. Borrowed time is all I have.”
A doctor’s office | Source: Midjourney
It felt like the ground had crumbled beneath me. I couldn’t breathe.
“What?” I gasped. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t want to put that on you,” he said. “I wanted you to be normal around me, and with the kids. But I also wanted to make something for the kids to remember me by.”
An upset man | Source: Midjourney
I grabbed his hand and held it tightly, as the reality of what he’d been hiding hit me all at once. This wasn’t about some other woman.
This was about my husband preparing for a future that I didn’t want to imagine.
“I refuse to let you go through this alone,” I said. “We’re going to face this together, Eric, whatever it takes.”
He nodded, tears slipping down his face, just as they slipped down mine.
A crying woman | Source: Midjourney
The months that followed were a blur of doctor’s appointments, treatments, and nights spent huddled together, clinging to each other as we tried to stay hopeful.
Eric spent all this time with the kids, playing with them and taking them on walks if he could manage it. He made them pancakes for dinner and pizza for breakfast.
He told them that they could choose their Halloween costumes months in advance.
Children in Halloween costumes | Source: Midjourney
And he fought harder than I ever imagined, but despite everything, the disease was relentless. He’d known from the start that the odds were against him.
He’d known it when he started recording those stories in his car, preparing for the worst while still trying to give us the best of himself.
“I’ll try for as long as I can,” he promised me one night when we were in bed. “But I’m getting… tired.”
A voice recorder on a table | Source: Midjourney
“I know, my love,” I said, gripping his hands under the covers. “Whatever you do, listen to your body, too. Rest when it tells you to.”
Eric passed away in the quiet hours of a winter morning. I remember the stillness of the house, how empty it felt without him there. Our kids, so young and full of life, didn’t yet grasp the enormity of the loss.
But they sat at the funeral, looking glassy-eyed and lost.
A funeral setting | Source: Midjourney
Just like me.
A few days after the funeral, when the house was filled with the muted sounds of family members and well-wishers, I finally felt ready to listen to those recordings.
I went out to his car and took the recorder out of the bag he had left it in. I scrolled through the files, seeing the familiar titles of the kids’ favorite stories.
A voice recording device | Source: Midjourney
But then, one caught my eye:
Our Story.
I took a deep breath and pressed play. His voice was warm and steady and filled the space around me instantly.
“Once upon a time,” he began. “There was a princess. She was kind, smart, and braver than any knight in the land. But most of all, she had the biggest heart anyone had ever known.”
I smiled.
An upset woman | Source: Midjourney
“One day, she met an ordinary man, just a guy from a village with no title, no riches. But the moment he saw her, he knew his life would never be the same.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened, his voice wrapping around me like a hug I so desperately needed.
“The princess and the man lived many happy years together,” he continued. “Raising a prince and princess together. And even though the man grew old and weary, he knew that his princess would go on. She would continue to rule their home… with love and strength.”
Eric’s voice faltered on the last words. I could almost imagine his upset face.
A crying man | Source: Midjourney
“So, my love,” he said softly. “If you’re listening to this, know that you were my fairytale. You turned my ordinary life into something extraordinary. And even though I can’t be with you anymore, your fairytale must go on.”
It was just what I needed.
And now, whenever the days feel too heavy, I listen to Eric’s voice again. And somehow, I can smile again.
A smiling woman | Source: Midjourney
What would you have done?
If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you:
My Husband Surprised Me on My Birthday — When I Saw Who Jumped Out of the Gift Box, I Broke Down in Tears
As Amelia’s 30th birthday approaches, her husband, Jared, keeps hinting at a major surprise for her, causing her imagination to grow wild. On the day of her birthday party, she discovers that her birthday surprise is a man who she never wanted to see again…
I could tell that something was up. My husband, Jared, had been buzzing for weeks about this “life-changing” gift. Every day, another cryptic comment came my way.
“You’ll love it, babe, trust me!” Jared would say, practically bouncing on his feet.
An excited man | Source: Midjourney
When I asked him about it, he’d just smirk and say, “You’ll see!”
Honestly, by the time my birthday party rolled around, I was convinced that it was something practical. Like maybe an appliance, or the recliner with the massage functions I’d been eyeing. I would have been happy with the ice cream machine that I wanted, but honestly, Jared’s enthusiasm made me feel good that he’d gone to so much trouble.
“You’re worth all the effort, Amelia,” he said. “I just want you to feel special and know that I listen and I care.”
A recliner with a green bow | Source: Midjourney
So when he walked in on my birthday, he struggled to roll in a massive gift box much bigger than our washing machine.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
I Saw a Birthmark on My Niece’s Body and Realized That My Husband’s a Cheater – Story of the Day
I was horrified to discover the same birthmark on my niece that I remembered seeing on my husband. But before jumping to any conclusions, I decided to do a secret DNA test that I knew would reveal the truth.
Under the cedar tree’s comfort, I relished the breeze with baby Sofia nestled in my arms. Despite being my sister-in-law Fiona’s child, my affection for her mirrored that of a mother’s love.
My husband, David, had painted a sad picture of his estranged, distant family, so Fiona and Sofia’s move to our neighborhood was a surprise. But their presence brought me a joy I hadn’t anticipated.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
As we enjoyed our picnic, Fiona’s light-hearted offer to take Sofia back was met with my playful head shake. “No. You should clean up a little first. We are fine here,” I insisted, holding her baby tighter.
Fiona’s laughter warmed my heart. Minutes later, the food had been laid out with proper covers, and Sofia was way more restless than she had previously been. I instantly knew what to do as I slowly and carefully placed her on the picnic rug and began taking off her clothes to change her diapers.
But with one look at her diapers, it was clear that they were still crystal clean. I was still attaching the diaper to Sofia’s waist when I noticed the birthmark on her back. For a few seconds, I froze with my eyes glued to the birthmark I felt very familiar with. One I could have sworn was also on my husband’s back.
A minute later, I had dressed baby Sofia and held her gently in my arms as I stared intently at her face. I frowned as my mind raced with possibilities, questioning the true relationship between David and Fiona.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Fiona and David’s closeness now seemed a clue in a puzzle I hadn’t known I was assembling. But I pretended to be okay and continued our casual conversation and joyous picnic, choosing to observe before voicing my opinions.
In our quiet home later that night, I continued to treat David with the warmth I always had, but discovering the birthmark had planted suspicions in my mind. As I helped him dry off after his shower, something playful we did sometimes in the bathroom, I couldn’t help but fixate on the birthmark on his back.
It was too identical to Sofia’s. The similarity was undeniable, and it crushed me. I stopped helping him and heard his chuckle.
“You should have at least warned me that the kingly treatment was only for a few seconds,” David joked, unaware of the awful things running through my mind.
The possibility that David had lied to me all these years was too painful.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Emerging from the bathroom, I decided to seek the truth through a DNA test between Sofia and David.
“I need to know if Fiona is his mistress,” I whispered before falling asleep.
***
During Fiona’s next visit, I feigned normalcy. I even ran to pick up the baby, feeling how her small weight and warmth cleared my mind.
“At this point, Sofia and I might as well move in,” Fiona laughed.
“Of course. We are all family,” I said, chuckling awkwardly. But luckily, she didn’t notice.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
When Fiona was distracted, I seized the opportunity to collect DNA samples – Sofia’s saliva and David’s hair, despite his confusion.
“Relax. I just helped you pull something out of your head,” I chided when he protested my pulling on his hair.
My resolve hardened as I dropped off the DNA samples, convinced more than ever of my course of action. I was allowed to have the results sent to me, and I eagerly agreed. The sooner, the better, I thought.
Fiona’s subsequent visits with Sofia only heightened my unease. Her attempts at conversation felt like mockery, fueling my anger and making her presence unbearable.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
One day, Fiona tried talking to me, and in order not to have to respond, I pretended to be sick as I lay in the sitting room watching TV. To my annoyance, David and Fiona soon joined me. Their casual banter grated on my fried nerves.
But their discussion about Sofia’s future words was the last straw.
“Sofia is going to be two years old soon. I wonder what her first words would be,” David said with a rare smile as he looked down at Sofia’s face. “Carmen, what do you think?”
“I don’t know. It could be poo-poo for all we know,” I snapped.
“I think it could be dada,” David confidently replied, pushing his chest out like a proud dad.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
That pushed me over the edge.
In a flash, I stood from the couch and accused them with my finger. “That’s enough! Tell me the truth, Sofia is your child!” I yelled. “Don’t even try to deny it. I saw the birthmark on your back and Sofia’s.”
My anger quickly evolved into sadness as water gathered in my eyes, making my voice weaker than I wanted. Their silence and shocked expressions confirmed my fears.
“Every time I try asking about Sofia’s father. I never get answers. Just tell me the truth!” I demanded, covering my face.
I expected them to speak or defend themselves, but they just sat there with shocked looks, almost like they were surprised I actually found out. I turned and fled outside.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Driving away, the last thing I saw was David trying to get into his car and chase after me, only for Fiona to stop him.
Seeking refuge in a hotel, I hoped distance might offer clarity. But my stomach betrayed me. I threw up everything I had eaten in the hotel bathroom, sure it was a physical manifestation of the betrayal I felt.
I dragged my feet toward the bed to rest when a thought froze me in my spot. “No!” I exclaimed to myself, horrified. Could I be… pregnant?
The idea of sharing a child with a man who deceived me haunted me through the night.
Determined to know the truth, I visited a pharmacy for a pregnancy test the following morning. “I’d like a pregnancy kit,” I said, hoping for a quick transaction.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Yet, the pharmacist’s inquiry and a helpful suggestion from another customer delayed me.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll take any brand,” I quickly responded, eager to leave. Once back in my room, anxiety overwhelmed me as I awaited the test result. The appearance of two lines confirmed my fears—I was pregnant.
The reality of my situation, coupled with David’s constant calls, left me feeling trapped and alone. Running out of money and options, I decided to return home, confront David and Fiona, and retrieve my belongings.
Fiona greeted me at the door. “Carmen, I’m glad you’re back. There are so many things we—”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
But I brushed past her, indifferent to her attempts at explanation. I refused to listen. My mind was made up; I needed to leave. As I packed, David shouted, “Listen to me, Fiona is my sister!” But I barely registered it.
I shrugged. “Even if she is. It’s not unheard of,” I commented, focusing on my clothes.
“I swear to you, Fiona is my sister, and Sofia is my niece. Trust me!” he continued. “I don’t know why you would think Sofia is mine, but I can assure you she isn’t. I would never cheat on you.”
“If it looks like a rat and smells like one, what the hell am I supposed to call it?” I retorted, already finished with my bags, ready to leave this web of lies behind.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
David blocked my path. His desperation was evident. “If you don’t believe me, how about a DNA Test?” he suggested.
But I coldly revealed, “I already took one in secret.”
Fiona’s appearance at our bedroom doorway only made me angrier. “Don’t even bother saying anything. I always wondered who Sofia’s father was,” I accused. “I saw the birthmark! I KNOW THE TRUTH!”
My frustration and pain spilled over into more tears. I hated that I was crying in front of them again.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
But then, Fiona did something unexpected. She showed me her back, revealing the same birthmark. “I have the same birthmark,” she said, a revelation that stunned me. It was a family trait.
“I’m sorry for not explaining that Sofia’s father is a commissioned officer who was deployed to another country but died there,” Fiona added, her eyes turning somber. “He died just before Sofia was born, and I can’t help but hate him a little for leaving. And it makes me feel guilty.”
“I only treat Sofia like my own because Fiona wanted Sofia to have a close male figure in her life,” David explained.
My doubts persisted, though, as Fiona hadn’t attended David and I’s wedding.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“Sofia was sick around our wedding, but I later asked Fiona to move closer to prevent her from being alone,” he continued. “It took a while, but we finally made it happen.”
They also said the rest of their family lived abroad, and those still in the country hated traveling unless it was a very special occasion. I looked at Fiona in shame and told her about the secret DNA test.
She calmly accepted it, “I don’t mind. As long as this misunderstanding is resolved.”
I decided we needed to go to the institution to get the results. I couldn’t wait for the delivery anymore. Leaving behind my luggage, I made us all get into my car and drive away.
***
A doctor led us to a room and showed us the results. Shockingly, the samples were a 100% match for paternity.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“That’s impossible!” David exclaimed, gaping as I was. I quickly grabbed the documents, wanting to confirm it with my own eyes… and exhaled loudly, relieved.
There were two different names on the sheets. I think I heard everyone sighing as well. The doctor apologized and produced the correct sheets.
Relief washed over my husband as the accurate test confirmed he was not Sofia’s father. “It’s good to know that the first test was wrong,” he said, his laughter easing the tension.
“Even if the second test said that David was the father, I would have insisted that we do another one,” Fiona said, getting on her feet and showing her intention to leave.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
Back home, my apologies poured out.
“It’s my fault. I made you have doubts and didn’t clear all your suspicions even when you kept complaining about not meeting my family,” David said, shaking his head.
“We are family. I should have also told you about Sofia’s father,” Fiona added, moving closer to hug me tightly.
We stayed in that position for a while until we heard loud baby noises from Sofia, who was still in Fiona’s arms. I was beyond happy at realizing that my family was still intact, and they were even more pleased when I told them I was pregnant.
Months later, after delivering a baby boy named Zack, I was shocked to see the number of cars parked in front of our house as many people trooped in.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash
“I didn’t know your family members were this excited about a new baby,” I whispered in David’s ears as I held Zack, who was fast asleep in my arms.
David laughed and wrapped his arms around me, and with Fiona standing behind us holding Sofia, we got ready to meet the rest of the family.
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