While I silently excelled in school and completed chores without being asked, Stacy set records in swimming contests. My parents pampered her like a celebrity, focusing every free moment on her accomplishments. I felt invisible.

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My grandmother was the only person who actually saw me. She frequently took me to her house, where I felt a warmth and love that I never experienced at home. In many ways, she raised me. I spent weekends and summers with her, learning to cook, watching old movies, and feeling like it all mattered.

When I finished high school, my parents didn’t even pretend to care. They kicked me out and told me I was now alone. My grandmother assisted me in relocating to my new university housing with the help of a scholarship.

That scholarship was my sole escape route. When I turned 18, I refused to receive any more money from her. She’d already done enough for me. When I acquired a decent job after graduation, I was happy to be able to give back to her.
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I married Henry. My grandmother never liked him. She always claimed that there was something unusual about him, but I believed he loved me.

Recently, Grandma hadn’t been feeling well. I had a knot in my gut as I drove to her house. I knew I had to see her. Now she needed me, just as I had always needed her.

We were sitting at the kitchen table sipping tea. My grandma stirred her tea gently, then looked up to ask, “Are you still with Henry?”

I was stuck for a moment, gripping the cup tightly. “Of course,” I replied. “We are married.”

Her gaze did not shift. “And his adventures?”

I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. “He promised me he wouldn’t cheat on me again,” I told her.

“And you believe him?”

“I’m trying,” I mumbled. “He loves me. I need to believe him.” Then I added, “I’m pregnant. I want my son to have a father.”

Her expression did not change. “That’s not love, May,” she murmured.

“He sees me,” I said, trying to convince both of us.

“Then why do you spend so much time with your parents and Stacy?”

“I also speak to them,” I said. “Just not as much.”

She sighed. “I don’t want to disturb you, but my friend spotted Henry and Stacy together. They were in a restaurant.”

My stomach twisted. I could hardly breathe. “What are you saying?” I asked in a shaky voice.

“Maybe Stacy couldn’t stand you being happy,” she added softly.

“That’s ridiculous!” I exclaimed. “I don’t want to talk about this.”

But as I drove home, rage bubbled inside me. This time, Grandma had crossed a line.

When I arrived, something felt off. Then I heard noises from upstairs. My heart pounded as I climbed the stairs. My hands shook as I opened the bedroom door—and froze.

Henry and Stacy. In my bed.
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My eyes filled with tears. I stood frozen. Henry saw me first. His eyes widened. He leapt from the bed.

“May! What are you doing here?”

“What am I doing in my own house?” I shouted.

“You were supposed to be at your grandmother’s house,” he said.

“That’s your excuse?” I asked, stunned. “I caught you in bed with my sister!”

“So what?” Stacy said, smiling cruelly. “I’m better than you. Always have been.”

“How dare you!” I whispered, enraged.

“It’s true,” Henry added coldly. “Stacy is prettier. She keeps fit.”

“And he doesn’t work!” I shouted.

“Having a job doesn’t matter,” he said. “And let’s be honest—you’ve gained weight.”

I instinctively touched my stomach. “Because I’m pregnant! With your son!”

“I don’t know if that’s true,” he said. “Stacy and I talked. I’m not sure the baby is mine.”

I was speechless. “Are you kidding me?”

“Maybe you cheated on me too,” he added.

“Yes, of course!” Stacy chimed in with glee.

“Shut up!” I screamed at her.

“You can say what you want,” Henry said. “I’m done. I’m filing for divorce.”

“Pick up your things and leave tonight. The house is in my name.”

I dried my tears and sneered. “We’ll see how long you last without me. He’s been unemployed for six months!”