Questions invaded my mind like an army. How long had this been going on? Who was this woman? Was this child Daniel’s? And most importantly, why?

Eventually, I forced myself to drive away, tears clouding my vision as I navigated back towards the city. I needed space, a moment to breathe, to process this new reality. My hands were still shaking when I pulled into a quiet park, far enough from home that I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew.

I turned to look at Noah, his innocent eyes meeting mine. He tilted his head, sensing something was wrong.

“Mommy, why are you crying?” he asked softly, reaching out to pat my arm with his small hand.

I swallowed hard, trying to muster a comforting smile for his sake. “Mommy’s just a little sad, sweetheart. But it’s going to be okay.” The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

I needed to talk to someone. But who? My mind ran through a list of friends and family, quickly dismissing each one. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else knowing what was happening until I had answers myself.

Eventually, I decided to call my sister, Emily. She’d always been my rock, the person I turned to in times of crisis. I dialed her number with trembling fingers, praying she would pick up.

“Hey, sis,” came her cheerful voice on the other end. Hearing her made the tears spill over once more.

“Em,” I choked, my voice barely a whisper. “I need you.”

In an instant, her tone changed to one of concern. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Can you meet me at the park?” I asked, my voice breaking. “I really need to talk.”

“I’ll be there in ten,” she promised, hanging up.

I leaned back, closing my eyes as I tried to steady my breathing. The next steps were unclear, but one thing was certain—I needed to confront Daniel. I needed the truth, no matter how painful it might be. And with Emily by my side, I felt a glimmer of hope that I’d find the strength to face whatever came next.