Man Kicked Out His Pregnant Mistress – Story of the Day

Dahlia is crushed when her baby’s father rejects her in favor of his wife and tells her he never wants to see her again. As she sobs in a stairwell, a kind stranger offers to help her, unwittingly setting the stage for a series of shocking revelations.

Dahlia's heart pounded with excitement and nervousness as she stood outside Adrian's apartment, clutching the small plastic device that would change their lives forever. She had rehearsed this moment a dozen times on her way over, each scenario ending with Adrian embracing her, sharing in the joy of their surprise. But nothing could have prepared her for the reality that awaited her.

She knocked softly, then harder, until the door swung open to reveal Adrian. A confused frown wrinkled his brow at the unexpected interruption to his afternoon.

"Dahlia? What are you doing here?" he hissed, eyes darting down the hallway as if to ensure no one saw her.

"I needed to see you, it's important." Dahlia stepped inside, the door closing behind her with a click. She opened her hand to reveal the pregnancy test clutched in her palm. "I'm pregnant, Adrian. You're going to be a father!"

"You're joking, right?" Adrian laughed, a short, disbelieving sound, his smile fading as he caught the seriousness in her eyes. "No way, Dahlia. You can't be serious!"

Dahlia extended the test towards him, her hand steady despite the turmoil inside. "I'm very serious. We're going to have a baby," she said, allowing herself a small smile, imagining him sharing in her happiness.

But Adrian's reaction was far from what she had envisioned. His face hardened, and the color drained from his cheeks as the implications of her words sank in.

"I can't be a father," he said flatly, stepping back as if the physical distance could undo the reality of the situation. "I'm not ready, and you know I'm married, Dahlia. I can't leave my wife and she can never find out about this."

Dahlia's smile faltered, her heart sinking. "But Adrian, we're going to have a baby," she said. "We need to talk about this, about us."

"No, there's nothing to discuss, and I'm warning you, Dahlia, if my wife finds out about this, I will do whatever it takes to ensure she doesn't believe you. Do you hear me? Whatever it takes," he emphasized, his voice cold, all his affection for Dahlia vanished as though it never existed.

The rejection stung, tears pricking at the corners of Dahlia's eyes as the reality of her situation settled in. Adrian placed a hand on her back, applying just enough pressure to force her to move toward the door.

"Get out!" Adrian opened the door and herded Dahlia out into the hallway. "You need to leave, and don't ever come back here, okay? I don't want to see you again, Dahlia. It's better if we just forget this ever happened."

Dahlia stood motionless, the weight of his words crushing her. She had come here full of hope, only to leave with her dreams shattered.

"But what about the baby?" She turned to try one last time to appeal to Adrian, and he shut the door in her face.

"Go away, Dahlia," His words echoed from the other side of the door.

Adrian had made his choice, and it wasn't her or the baby. It was a moment of profound realization for Dahlia, one that marked the beginning of a new, uncertain journey alone.

In the dim glow of the emergency stairwell's sparse lighting, Dahlia found solace on the cold concrete steps, her sobs echoing off the walls of the hollow space. Each tear that fell seemed to carry a piece of her shattered dreams, leaving her feeling empty and alone.

The sound of the door opening startled her, a sliver of light momentarily cutting through the darkness before it closed again. Dahlia hastily wiped her tears, hoping to conceal her vulnerability from the stranger's eyes. She looked up to see a smartly dressed woman pausing on the stairs, regarding her with a look of concern.

"Are you okay? Do you need any help?" the woman asked, her voice gentle, betraying genuine concern.

Dahlia shook her head, attempting a weak smile through her tears. "I'm fine, thank you. You don't have to worry about me."

But the woman didn't move to continue her ascent. Instead, she sat down beside Dahlia, her presence comforting in the stark, unwelcoming space. "Sometimes, it just helps to talk about it, whatever it is," she said, her tone inviting trust.

"I'm pregnant," Dahlia confessed, the weight of her situation making her voice tremble.

"That's amazing news," the woman exclaimed softly, her smile warm. "My husband and I have been trying for years with no success. It must be such a special moment for you… or not? Those don't look like happy tears."

"The father... he's married," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "He kicked me out when I told him and said he wants nothing more to do with me. I'm all alone."

"Oh, honey," the woman murmured, her hand finding Dahlia's in a comforting gesture. "Life has a way of taking us by surprise, doesn't it? Come, let me make you some tea and we'll talk. My name is Melanie and my apartment is just upstairs. You aren't alone. I'll do whatever I can to help you."

Dahlia hesitated, the offer both unexpected and welcoming. The woman stood, extending her hand to help Dahlia up. As Dahlia followed her up the stairs, she could never have imagined that the woman would lead her straight back to Adrian's door.

There was no way Dahlia could turn back without confessing everything—her emotions were just too raw, her control over them too fragile. So she meekly followed Melanie inside. The open-plan layout of the kitchen and living room offered no place to hide, every emotion, every glance laid bare under the soft lighting.

Adrian, lying on the sofa, looked up as they entered. Only a flicker of shock crossed his face before he schooled his features into a mask of indifferent hospitality.

"Melanie, I didn't expect you home so early," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "Or with company."

"I can tell, baby. You're still in your pajamas," Melanie replied, seemingly oblivious to the charged atmosphere as she ushered Dahlia toward the table. "Won't you make tea for me and my guest? We have a lot to discuss."

Adrian's eyes darted to Dahlia, a silent plea, or perhaps a warning, hidden beneath his surface calm. Dahlia, caught in the crossfire of emotions, struggled to maintain her composure, the stress of the situation she found herself in pressing down on her with suffocating force.

As Adrian strode toward the kitchen counter, Melanie gestured for Dahlia to sit at the table. They settled into the chairs, an awkward silence enveloping them before Melanie broke it with a gentle question,

"So, Dahlia, you said the father is a married man?" Melanie asked gently.

Behind Melanie's back, Adrian turned to glare at Dahlia over his shoulder. She glanced at him, their gazes briefly meeting, a silent exchange fraught with tension and unspoken truths.

"That's right," Dahlia replied.

"Well, I can assure you that even a married man has to take responsibility for his children," Melanie said confidently. "What's his name?"

A shiver of fear traveled down Dahlia's spine as she glanced over at Adrian once more. She licked her lips as the weight of her secret threatened to spill over.

"I-I can't tell you," Dahlia muttered. "He's made it clear that he wants nothing to do with me anymore, and has no interest in our baby."

Melanie's hand found Dahlia's across the table, a gesture of support that felt both comforting and confining.

"Oh, but he doesn't get to dismiss his obligations so easily, Dahlia. Even if he doesn't want to play an active role in the child's upbringing, he should still pay child support. I'm an attorney, specializing in divorce proceedings so I know what I'm talking about," Melanie revealed, sliding her business card across the table towards Dahlia. "I want you to come see me tomorrow. We need to discuss your options."

Adrian returned then, setting down a tray with tea, his movements deliberate, as if by focusing on the task at hand, he could will away the impending storm. But the air remained charged, the undercurrents of deception, betrayal, and unexpected connections swirling around the three of them, each moment stretching out with palpable intensity.

Dahlia didn't have the courage to look at either of them. "I can't afford a lawyer," she mumbled, the reality of her situation laying bare the limitations of her circumstances.

Melanie's response was immediate and resolute. "Don't worry about that. I'll help you pro bono," she assured her, the offer generous and sincere. "It's an excellent thing I found you today, Dahlia. It almost feels like fate brought us together."

The word 'fate' hung in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the strange and serendipitous turn of events that had led them to this moment. Dahlia, caught in the whirlwind of the day's revelations, found a glimmer of hope in Melanie's offer, the possibility of an ally in the daunting journey ahead.

But then she made the mistake of glancing at Adrian. He stared at her intensely, the look in his eyes promising terrible repercussions as he slightly shook his head from side to side. Dahlia had thought nothing could be worse than the heartbreak she already felt, but that moment proved her wrong.

"I'll think about it," she said, rising from her chair and bolting toward the door. "Thank you so much for your kindness, Melanie, and your advice, but I really should go."

"Don't forget my card." Melanie strode over and tucked the card into Dahlia's hand. "I hope I'll see you tomorrow. It won't cost you a cent, I promise. I just want to see you get what you deserve, Dahlia, and ensure you and your baby have a bright future."

Dahlia couldn't manage more than a brief nod. Tears poured down her face once more as she hurried away from the apartment, feeling more torn about her future now than she had been before.

After Dahlia's departure, Adrian watched Melanie closely, her face alight with a determination he knew all too well. It was the same look she wore when she was about to dive headlong into a case, armed with nothing but her wits and her unwavering sense of justice.

"Are you sure you want to take this on, Melanie?" he asked, attempting to mask his concern with a veneer of casual interest. "Dahlia... she seems a bit off to me. Like she's not telling the whole truth. She could be a gold digger trying to break up some poor couple."

"I disagree." Melanie turned to him, her gaze sharp, cutting through the pretense. "She needs help, Adrian," she stated firmly, her voice carrying the weight of her conviction. "This isn't just about her. It's about a pattern of behavior that's all too common. Married men think they can just cheat, with no consequences. And no man should get away with refusing to accept responsibility for a child they helped bring into this world."

Her words hung heavily in the room, a silent indictment of the very actions Adrian had hoped to keep hidden. As she spoke of the child, her voice broke slightly, betraying a depth of emotion she rarely showed.

"I can't understand it," she continued, her composure slipping as she thought of the innocent life caught in the middle of adult complications. "How can anyone be so callous? To just... ignore the precious life they've created?"

Adrian watched her, a knot of tension tightening in his stomach. He knew his duplicity was a ticking time bomb between them, and he had to prevent her from uncovering the truth at all costs.

Melanie, lost in her thoughts, didn't notice the turmoil playing out across Adrian's face. For her, the issue was black and white: a child was about to be brought into the world, unwanted by its father, and she was determined to do everything in her power to ensure that the father fulfilled his obligations. Adrian moved closer to Melanie, wrapping his arms around her in a gesture that, under different circumstances, would have been comforting.

"I'm sorry," he began, his voice low, carrying an undercurrent of something Melanie couldn't quite place. "I know how much you wanted children, and I... I'm sorry I can't give them to you."

"You don't have to apologize, Adrian," Melanie replied, her voice softer now, tinged with regret. "I shouldn't have spoken so thoughtlessly. I didn't intend to make you feel bad for... for something that's beyond our control."

Adrian, sensing the shift in her demeanor, tightened his hold slightly. "It's okay," he said, his tone adopting a sullen quality, expertly playing the victim. "I understand. Let's not dwell on it, alright? What we need is a break, Melanie. How about we go to Mauritius? Just the two of us, away from all these stresses."

Melanie, taken aback by the sudden shift in topic, hesitated. The suggestion, so out of the blue, felt jarring against the backdrop of their serious discussion.

"Mauritius?" she echoed, "Adrian, I have responsibilities. Cases that need me. I can't just up and leave because of a... a whim."

Adrian's expression darkened momentarily before he masked it with a practiced look of disappointment. "I thought it might help," he said, his voice carrying a hint of reproach. "But I understand. Your cases are important to you, more important than your marriage. Do you even care about us anymore, Melanie, or is it just about saving the world, one random charity case at a time?"

Melanie, surprised by the venom in his words, felt a surge of anger. "I became a lawyer to help people," she shot back, her voice rising in defense of her life's passion. "I thought you understood that. I thought you respected that."

Adrian scoffed, the hurt clear in his tone as he countered, "It seems like your need to help others means more to you than your husband. And how do you think we're going to manage our finances? Working pro bono for people like Dahlia, who I still think is lying to you, isn't going to pay our mortgage."

The accusation struck a nerve. Melanie's commitment to her work was a core part of her identity, but so was her role as Adrian's partner. To have the former used against her, as if it were a flaw, was more than she could bear.

"I work hard not just because I want to help people, but to support us," she retorted, her frustration boiling over. "Especially since you haven't had a job for months. If you're so concerned about the mortgage, maybe you could start doing more of the housework around here so we can scale back on the maid service."

The words hung between them, a stark reminder of the financial imbalance in their relationship and the unspoken tensions that had been growing for months. Adrian's face flushed with anger.

"That's great," he snapped. "As if I didn't already feel emasculated by your reminder that I'm the reason we can't have children, now you want to turn me into your maid."

Melanie's hand flew to cover her mouth. "I didn't mean it that way, Adrian. I'm sorry…"

But Adrian shook his head and stormed from the room. He couldn't be certain he'd done enough to ensure Dahlia and Melanie never saw each other again, but at least he'd ensured both women were rattled. It was a step in the right direction.

In the calm, orderly confines of Melanie's office, the morning light filtered through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the room. Dahlia sat across from Melanie, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, a mix of nervousness and hope flickering in her eyes. Melanie, ever the professional, regarded Dahlia with a sympathetic yet determined gaze.

"Based on everything you've told me," she began, her voice firm, "I believe we can build a strong case. Ordinarily, I'd recommend mediation for situations involving child support and custody. However," she paused, allowing her words to sink in, "given the father's obvious reluctance to accept responsibility, I don't think that's a workable option here."

Dahlia nodded, a lump forming in her throat as the reality of her situation became increasingly tangible. It had taken a lot of courage to get here today, and she still wasn't certain she'd done the right thing, but Melanie's words were a lifeline, a glimmer of hope in what had felt like an insurmountable battle.

"We need to decide how far you're willing to go," Melanie continued, her tone serious. "This will involve court appearances, and it's going to be challenging."

Dahlia swallowed hard, the magnitude of the journey ahead becoming clear. "I understand," she muttered, the words feeling like a weight lifting from her shoulders. "I think, for right now, I just want to know what my options are?"

Melanie gave a nod of approval, her mind already racing through the legal strategies they could employ. "Under US law, we have several options. We can file for child support, and possibly even pursue a paternity suit if he denies responsibility. It's going to be a process, Dahlia, but I'm here to guide you through every step."

The assurance in Melanie's voice bolstered Dahlia's resolve. For the first time since discovering her pregnancy, she felt not just supported but empowered. The legal battle would be daunting, no doubt, but with Melanie by her side, Dahlia felt a burgeoning sense of optimism. The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, yet the promise of fighting for her child's rights infused her with a newfound strength.

"But I need you to be completely open and honest with me. I need to know everything about the father, your relationship with him, any evidence of support you might have had from him—texts, emails, anything that can help substantiate your claim."

Dahlia, her resolve wavering, looked across the desk at Melanie, a woman who had swiftly become her advocate, her protector in the storm. How could she tell this wonderful, kind-hearted woman that Adrian was the father of her baby?

"I can't," Dahlia whispered, her voice a fragile thread of sound. "I can't reveal who he is. He's a good man, caught in a bad situation. I don't want to cause him more trouble."

Melanie leaned forward, her expression a blend of compassion and firm resolve. "Dahlia," she said gently, "a truly good man doesn't turn away from his responsibilities—toward his child or toward you. I understand your reluctance, your desire to protect him, but think about what's best for your child."

Dahlia's eyes filled with tears, the conflict within her painted clearly across her face. Melanie reached across the desk, offering a small piece of comfort in the form of a sympathetic touch.

"I'm here to support you, not to pressure you," Melanie continued, drawing back to give Dahlia a moment of privacy in her turmoil. She pulled an envelope from her desk drawer, sliding it across the desk towards Dahlia.

"I want you to take this," she continued, indicating the envelope, which bore a stamp and was addressed back to her office. "Inside, you'll find a piece of paper. I want you to write down everything—every detail of your situation and your relationship with him."

Dahlia looked at the envelope, then back up at Melanie, uncertainty etched into her features.

"When you're ready," Melanie added, "whether that's tomorrow, next week, or a year from now, you send this to me. Only when you're ready. And then we'll do what needs to be done. We can twist his arm at any time, but this decision is yours, and yours alone."

The promise in Melanie's words, the assurance of action without immediate demand, offered Dahlia a sliver of solace. She reached out, her hand trembling, and took the envelope, clutching it like a lifeline.

"Thank you," she murmured, the words barely audible. "Thank you for understanding."

Melanie offered a small, encouraging smile. "Remember, Dahlia, you're not alone in this. Whatever you decide, I'm here to help you through it."

As Dahlia stood to leave, the envelope in her hand seemed to weigh both nothing and everything at the same time. She still did not know what she was going to do and a part of her was still hoping that Adrian would step up and do the right thing. In the meantime, Dahlia felt a burgeoning sense of empowerment—a feeling that perhaps she wasn't as powerless as she had thought.

In the quiet of her tiny apartment, Dahlia sat motionless, the blank piece of paper Melanie had given her spread out on the desk before her. The pen in her hand felt heavy, laden with the potential of the words it could spill, words that might alter the course of her life and that of her unborn child.

Her gaze drifted to the mirror, where photos of her and Adrian, captured in the carefree spontaneity of a photo booth, smiled back at her. Those images, once tokens of happy memories, now seemed like artifacts from a life that was slipping away from her grasp.

Each photo told a story of a moment when the complications of the world seemed nonexistent and the joy of their connection eclipsed all else. But as Dahlia's eyes moved from the photos to the empty paper, the contrast between past happiness and present reality was stark. She was at a crossroads; the pen poised between two paths: one of silence and the other of speaking a tough truth.

The knock at the door shattered the silence, startling her. The pen clattered to the desk as she stood, her heart racing not just from the sudden noise but from the anticipation of facing whoever was on the other side. As she opened the door, the sight of Adrian, grocery bags in hand, was both unexpected and inevitable.

"Can I come in?" he asked, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite read. Desperation, perhaps, or maybe guilt.

Dahlia stepped aside, allowing him entry, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Adrian moved past her, setting the grocery bags on the kitchen counter.

"I, uh, brought you some things," he said, as if trying to bridge the gap between them with this mundane act.

But the space between them felt charged with unspoken words and unresolved tensions. All Dahlia could do was nod and mumble her thanks.

"I need to talk to you," Adrian continued, turning to face her. His eyes searched hers, seeking forgiveness, understanding, or perhaps a glimmer of the connection they once shared.

Dahlia, her resolve strengthened by her conversation with Melanie yet softened by the sight of Adrian—the man she still loved, the father of her child—nodded silently. She motioned towards the small table by the window, the evening light casting long shadows across the room, encapsulating the moment in a somber hue.

As they sat, Dahlia realized this conversation could well decide the future of their relationship, of their family. The blank piece of paper lay on her desk, a silent witness to the crossroads at which she found herself.

"I love you, Dahlia," Adrian began, his voice laced with an earnestness that bordered on desperation. "More than you can ever know. I've handled this whole situation badly, and I wish I could go back to yesterday when you arrived at my doorstep and do things differently, but I can't."

"What would you have done differently, Adrian?" Dahlia asked.

"I would never have chased you away like that, to start with. I'm not a monster, I never wanted any of this to happen." The vulnerability in his admission was palpable, filling the room with a raw, emotional charge.

In a gesture that was both dramatic and laden with symbolism, Adrian sank to his knees in front of Dahlia, his face level with her belly. The action, a silent plea for forgiveness, was as surprising as it was heart-wrenching. He pressed his face gently against her, the silence speaking volumes.

"Please, tell me what I can do to erase the hurt, the anger you must feel towards me," he implored, his voice muffled, yet clear in its intent.

Dahlia, taken aback by the intensity of the moment, instinctively stepped back, her hands finding Adrian's shoulders as she gently, but firmly, pushed him away.

"I don't hate you, Adrian," she said, her voice a calm contrast to the storm of emotions swirling within her. "But you can't just erase what happened. You can't undo the pain with just words or gestures."

Adrian rose slowly to his feet, the distance between them now more than just physical. "You caught me off guard when you told me about the pregnancy," he admitted, the words difficult yet necessary. "I'm sorry for how I reacted—it was childish, irresponsible. I've been struggling to process everything, to understand how we got here."

He paused, searching Dahlia's face for any sign of the connection they once shared, a beacon of hope in the uncertainty that shrouded them. "Is there a chance for us?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can we find a way back to what we had, to be together again?"

The question hung in the air, a fragile thread of possibility amidst the ruins of their relationship. Dahlia, her emotions a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and the uncharted territory of motherhood, found herself at a crossroads.

"I think... I think we can mend this," Dahlia said eventually, the words themselves an olive branch extended in the hope of reconciliation.

Adrian, his face a mirror of relief and lingering guilt, enveloped Dahlia in an embrace that spoke volumes of his remorse.

"I'm so sorry for everything, for all the pain I've caused you," he whispered, his apologies wrapping around them like a warm, if tenuous, blanket. Buoyed by Dahlia's willingness to rebuild their shattered relationship, Adrian wove a tapestry of promises, of dreams of escape and renewal. "We can leave all this behind," he murmured, his words painting a picture of a world filled with adventure and happiness. "Just you and me, Dahlia. We can see the world together, and be happy."

But then, as if a shadow passed over the sun of their newly shared hopes, Adrian's voice dropped to a whisper, his next words a knife to the heart of their momentary peace.

"But I need you to promise me one thing," he said, his eyes darting down to Dahlia's belly, the things he left unspoken suddenly sharp and dangerous.

Dahlia, her instincts kicking in, placed a protective hand over her belly, her body tensing. "What is it?" she asked, though a part of her already sensed the precipice they were inching towards.

"I need you to get rid of it," he said, his finger pointing at her belly as though there was any doubt about what he was talking about, the words hanging in the air between them like a toxic cloud.

The silence that followed was deafening. Dahlia, her heart sinking, could not find the words to voice the maelstrom of betrayal, hurt, and disbelief that raged within her. Her silence spoke volumes, a clear and resounding rejection of Adrian's suggestion, her stance unyielding.

"It's the only way we can be together right now, Dahlia," Adrian continued. "I'll need time to sort things through with Melanie, do damage control, make sure I can make a clean break from her without being taken to the cleaners. The fallout from this could take months, maybe even years to settle. You don't want to bring a baby into that, do you?"

Dahlia frowned. "Of course not, but what you're asking me to do… I can't get rid of our baby."

"Of course you can. I'll pay for it so don't worry about that," Adrian said. "And we'll have other children, one day when the circumstances are right. Now just isn't the right time. Having a baby is going to drag us down and make it that much harder to be together."

Dahlia shook her head, her resolve as unwavering as the protective hand still resting on her belly. This… this was not the kind of thing she'd ever expected Adrian to say to her. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as she struggled to reconcile the man she loved with the man before her, and the man who'd threatened her just a day ago.

"There's no way I'm giving up our baby, Adrian," Dahlia said. "If you truly loved me, you'd stand by me and help me provide for our child, not be pushing me to choose between you and this baby. I won't do it."

Adrian's reaction was immediate, a volatile mix of frustration and helplessness. He thumped his fist against the wall; the sound echoing like a thunderclap in the tense air.

"I've been the nice guy, Dahlia, trying to find a middle ground," he yelled, his voice betraying the turmoil churning within. "But if you won't listen to reason, then maybe I need to reconsider my approach."

In the dim light of her apartment, Dahlia faced Adrian, her heart hammering against her ribs, not from fear, but from a deep-seated shock at the anger radiating from him. His words, sharp as knives, aimed to intimidate, to corner her not just physically but emotionally.

"Adrian, this isn't you," Dahlia's voice, though soft, carried a steel edge of resolve. "You're scaring me, not with your threats, but because I know the man you truly are and this... this anger, it's not you."

"Oh, baby, you know nothing." Adrian advanced on her, a cruel grin twisting his features. "Everything could've gone back to the way it was before when all of us were happy, and all you had to do was listen to me and get rid of that darn inconvenience. But since you've chosen to be difficult, well, I guess you should be scared."

Dahlia backed into the desk and could go no further. Before she could step to the side, Adrian had closed her in, his arms forming a barrier on either side of her body.

"No more games, no more Mr. Nice Guy," Adrian growled. "I'm going to give you one last chance to make the smart choice here, Dahlia. Get rid of the baby or face the consequences."

"And, just in case you have some delusion of telling Melanie everything and teaming up with her, let me set you straight," Adrian continued. "I've already convinced Melanie that you're lying about your baby's father and you're trying to use her to break up some poor couple's happy marriage and get a nice payday out of it. The minute you tell her I'm the father, all that legal expertise you might be planning to use against me, will be turned on you instead."

"What?" Dahlia whimpered. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm telling you that Melanie will ensure you and that brat end up living in a dumpster." Adrian smiled and brushed his fingers against Dahlia's cheek. "I have her wrapped around my pinky finger and I'll sic her on you like a mean dog. Me and Melanie will ruin you."

Tears streamed down Dahlia's cheeks, each one a testament to the pain and disbelief that wracked her body and soul.

"How can you be so heartless?" she implored Adrian, her voice choked with emotion. "Melanie told me about the struggles both of you faced trying to fall pregnant... I can't understand how you can act this way towards your child."

Adrian's reaction, a mix of cold laughter and dismissive gestures, cut through the heavy air, his demeanor chilling.

"And what exactly did she tell you?" Adrian asked. "That we've been trying to have children for years? That I'm infertile? Really?" He tapped meaningfully at Dahlia's belly. "I paid a doctor to fake the results of my fertility test and I've secretly been giving her birth control pills to ensure no nasty little problems ever come up in our marriage. It seems you've taught me a valuable lesson, Dahlia. I'll have to remember to handle my next mistress with the same efficiency as I handle my wife."

Dahlia could only stare at him. She recalled the sad look on Melanie's face when she mentioned being unable to have children… how could Adrian let her suffer like that? But a minute later she realized how pointless the question was. The Adrian standing in front of her now was not the man she'd fallen in love with.

Much as she hated to admit it, it was clear now that Adrian had been pretending all along. The man smiling at her with such satisfaction as he detailed his cruel, callous deceptions was a monster. All this time, he'd just been pretending to care about her so he could use her.

"I can see in your eyes that you've finally realized that you're in way over your head," Adrian said. "There's two ways this can end for you, Dahlia. You could have a nasty fall down a flight of stairs, or you could take a walk to the abortion clinic on the next block. I'll win either way, but only one of those options has a positive outcome for you. So, will you get rid of it?"

Dahlia, her heart breaking, could only nod tearfully, her promise to acquiesce born of fear and desperation.

"Good girl." Adrian patted her cheek and stepped back. "I knew I could count on you to make the smart decision. I'll be back tomorrow to make sure you follow through with it."

Adrian's parting words left a bitter taste as he exited, leaving behind a suffocating silence. Once alone, Dahlia's gaze fell upon the mirror, the photo booth pictures of her and Adrian a cruel reminder of happier times now poisoned by betrayal and manipulation.

Returning to her desk, Dahlia faced the blank sheet of paper Melanie had given her. The pen, once heavy with the burden of her silence, now moved with a determined grace, channeling all her pain, fear, and resolve into words. No matter what Adrian said, Melanie deserved to know the truth.

As the last word was penned, Dahlia leaned back, the tears drying on her cheeks, replaced by a newfound resolve. She had faced the darkness and found within herself a light, a guiding force that promised not just survival, but the hope of a brighter future.

This moment, this decision, marked not her defeat, but her emergence as a force to be reckoned with—a woman who, despite the odds, fought for the love and life she and her child deserved.

The sun streamed through the blinds of Melanie's office, casting lines of light and shadow across the desk cluttered with legal documents and case files. The atmosphere was one of quiet anticipation, a prelude to the storm that was about to unfold. Melanie carefully slit open the envelope she had received that morning and scanned the page inside.

Dear Melanie,

I'm writing to you because I'm out of options and scared. Adrian, your Adrian, is the father of my child. That's why you found me crying on the stairs in your building and why I didn't want to tell you the name of my baby's father, but now I have no choice. I never thought I'd be in this position, feeling so powerless against someone I thought I knew.

Adrian has threatened to hurt me if I don't have an abortion. He also told me he paid a doctor to fake his fertility results and has secretly been slipping you birth control for years. And I'm so scared that you won't believe me, but I believe you deserve to know the kind of person he really is. I've included some photos of us together, proof of the relationship he denies.

He's not the man I thought he was, and I feel it's right for you to know the full extent of his deceit. I'd also be willing to take a polygraph test if that's what it takes to convince you.

Melanie's fingers shook. She couldn't believe it, Adrian had been right all along. Dahlia was just a gold digger out to ruin a marriage—her marriage!

Melanie flipped the page over, and her gaze fell on the photos; snapshots of laughter and love, unmistakeably original, undeniable evidence of a vile betrayal. They hit Melanie like a truck. Her fingers trembled, her heart thumped, and icy cold rage filled her body.

Melanie reached for her phone, dialing Dahlia with a sense of purpose that resonated in the very core of her being. The phone barely rang twice before Dahlia answered, her voice tinged with a mix of anxiety and hope.

"Melanie?" Dahlia's voice was tentative, almost fearful of the news the call might bring.

Melanie's response was immediate, her tone imbued with a conviction that brooked no argument.

"I believe you. Let's wipe the floor with Adrian," she said, the words not just a promise of support but a vow of solidarity.

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If you enjoyed this story, here's another one: I had to act fast when I saw that my mother-in-law, Elaine, had snuck into the nursery and was placing a DNA swab in my baby's mouth. I sneak out of bed, ensuring my husband doesn't wake up, and rush down the hallway, desperate to stop Elaine from exposing my secret. Read the full story here.

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