When my perfect sister took my husband while I was pregnant, I was crushed. She always thought she was better than me, and she finally got what she wanted. However, life has a way of turning things around. When everything came apart for her, she appeared at my door, pleading for assistance.
My entire life had been in second place.
No matter how hard I tried, it wasn’t enough for my parents. I took home highlights, kept my room clean, and did everything I could to make them proud.
But none of this mattered. Stacy, my younger sister, was his shining star. 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 time on her accomplishment. I felt invisible.
My grandmother was the only person who actually saw me. He frequently took me to his house, where I felt a warmth and love that I never experienced in my own.
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.
After receiving a scholarship, my grandmother assisted me in relocating to my new university housing.
That scholarship was my sole escape route. When I became 18, I refused to receive any more money from her.
He’d already done enough for me. When I acquired a decent job after graduation, I was happy to be able to give it back to him.
I’m married to Henry now. My grandmother never liked it. He always claimed that there was something unusual about him, but I believed he loved me.
However, my grandmother had recently been feeling better. I had a knot in my gut as I drove to his 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 the tea gently, keeping her gaze locked on the cup. Then he looked up to ask, “Are you still with Henry?”
I was stuck for a time, my fingers tightly gripping the cup. “Of course,” I replied. “We are married.”
His gaze did not shift away from mine. “And his adventures?”
I shuffled uncomfortably in my chair. That question stung me more than I cared to admit. “He promised me he wouldn’t cheat on me again,” I told him.
“And you believe him?” he questioned quietly.
“I’m trying,” I mumbled. “He loves me. “I need to believe him.” I hesitated before adding,
“I’m pregnant. “I want my son to have a father.
My grandmother’s expression did not change. “That’s not love, May,” he murmured quietly.
“He sees me,” I explained, attempting to persuade the two of us.
“Then why do you spend so much time with your parents and Stacy?” said the gentleman.
I looked aside. “I also speak to them. “Just not as much,” I answered, attempting to dismiss it.
“Exactly.” He let out a deep sigh. “I don’t want to disturb you, but my friend spotted Henry and Stacy together. They were in a restaurant.
My stomach twisted. I felt unable to breathe. “What are you saying?” I asked in a shaky voice.
“Maybe Stacy couldn’t stand you being happy,” he added softly.
“That’s ridiculous!” I exclaimed, my heart pounding fiercely. “I don’t want to talk about this.”
As I drove home, my rage bubbled inside me. This time, my grandmother had crossed a line.
How could I have spoken such a nasty thing? Henry made mistakes, but he was trying. And Stacy? He was selfish, but she wouldn’t go that low.
When I reached the entrance, I shut off the engine and took a long breath. I needed to calm down.
But as soon as I stepped in, I sensed something was amiss. Then I heard noises from upstairs.
Soft and dull sounds that should not have been present. My heart was pounding as I climbed the stairs.
My hands shook as I reached the bedroom door. I opened it and then froze.
Henry and Stacy. In my bed.
My eyes filled with tears. I could not move. For a little moment, the world came to a halt. Henry was the first to see me.
His eyes widened in fear as he sprang out of bed and put on his clothing.
“May! “What are you doing here?” Henry exclaimed, his voice filled with terror.
I could not believe what I heard. “What do I do in my own house?” I shouted, my voice trembling.
“You were supposed to be at your grandmother’s house,” Henry said.
“Is that all you have to say?” I asked, my eyes full of tears. “I just caught you in bed with my sister, and that’s your excuse?”
“So what?” Stacy said, sitting on the bed. A smile of satisfaction was drawn on his face. “I’m better than you. I’ve always been. No wonder Henry also noticed.”
“How dare you!” I whispered, with overflowing rage.
“But it’s true,” Henry said, with a cold and cruel tone. “Stacy is prettier. She is always beautiful, wears makeup and keeps fit.”
“And he doesn’t work!” I exclaimed.
“Hainge a job doesn’t matter,” Henry said. “And let’s be honest. You’ve gained weight.”
My stomach twisted. My hand automatically touched my stomach. “Because I am pregnant! “From your son!” I shouted.
Henry’s face hardened. “I don’t know if that’s true,” he responded. “Stacy and I talked. “I am not sure the baby is mine.”
I was left with my mouth open. I could hardly breathe. “Are you kidding me?” You have repeatedly fooled me!”
“Maybe you chea:ted on me too,” Henry remarked, crossing his arms as if he were the victim.
“Yes, of course!” Stacy interfered, her voice full of joy.
“Shut up!” I shouted at him, my hands trembling.
“You can say whatever you want,” Henry replied. “I am done with this. “I’m going to file for divorce.
“Are you serious?!” I said, my heart thumping.
“Yes. “Pick up your belongings and leave tonight,” Henry stated coldly. “The house is in my name.”
I sneered, drying my tears. “We’ll see how long you last without me,” I said, and then I turned to Stacy. “So you know, he’s been unemployed for six months. He can’t even find a job.”
“He still bought me expensive gifts,” Stacy added, smiling arrogantly.
“I wonder whose money it must have been!” I responded with disdain.
I grabbed my belongings, packing the clothes in bags. I had already left that night. I had nowhere to go.
My heart wrenched as I drove to the only place I knew I could be protected. I stood in front of my grandmother’s door and rang the bell.
When he opened his eyes and saw me, I couldn’t hold back. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I muttered, “You were right.”
He held me in his arms. “Yeah, yeah, everything will be fine,” he whispered quietly, stroking my hair.
Henry and I were divorced, and he kept everything. The house, the furniture, and even the items I purchased.
I only had my automobile left. I didn’t care. I was so glad to get rid of him. My grandmother was the one person who always supported me.
He provided me a place to stay and made sure I didn’t feel lonely. I was really appreciative for his love and support.
My grandmother walked into the room one night while I was folding clothes. He had a solemn expression. He sat next me and held my hand. “Maybe, we should talk,” he suggested softly.
My heart shrank. “What happened?” I asked.
He took a deep breath. “I didn’t want to tell you, but I guess I have to. When I started to feel bad, the doctor told me that I had a few years left.”
I was frozen. “What?” I shouted, with a lump in my throat.
“I didn’t say anything because I thought I had more time left,” he said softly. “But now… the doctor says I only have a few months left.”
“No… this can’t be happening,” I screamed.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to help you with my great-grandson,” he said, his voice full of sadness.
“Please, grandma,” I begged her. “Promise me you’ll live long enough to meet him. Promise me you’ll see.” Tears ran down my face as I hugged her tightly.
He gently stroked my hair. “I can’t make promises that I’m not sure I can keep,” she whispered.
Every day that passed, my grandmother grew weaker. I could see it in his eyes and how his hands trembled.
I attempted to spend as much time as possible with her. I stopped going into the office and began working from home.
I wanted to stay close in case you needed me. He made his favorite dishes, but he ate very little.
I cleaned and organized the house, but I also made sure I felt helpful.
“Grandma, do you like this color for the baby’s room?” I asked her one afternoon, showing her fabric samples.
He smiled softly. “The blue. It’s calm and peaceful.”
We went on brief walks when he felt strong. We watched our favorite shows in the afternoons, laughing at jokes we’d heard hundreds of times before. She was my rock, and I was hers.
However, no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to freeze time. My grandmother passed away while I was eight months pregnant.
He never got to know his great-grandson. Losing her devastated me, but I had to remain calm for my baby. He couldn’t allow my anguish to hurt him.
The funeral was the first time I had seen my family in a long time. My parents, Stacy, and even Henry turned up.
Stacy didn’t look like herself. His face was pale and his eyes were sunken. She seemed tired and exhausted.
After mass, we met in my grandmother’s living room to read her will. I sat in silence, with my hands resting on my belly.
“There’s not much to say,” the lawyer began. “May and her son inherit everything, with a note that says: ‘For always being there’.”
I was frozen. I expected my grandma would give me something, but I never anticipated she would leave me everything.
My relatives erupted into screaming. My parents argued. Stacy raised a fuss. Even Henry had something to say. The noise was very loud. I felt woozy. The lawyer noticed and swiftly led them to the exit.
With my grandmother’s wealth, I was able to take maternity leave without anxiety.
Nevertheless, he did not want to waste his money. I was thinking about working as long as I could. I knew she’d want me to be strong.
Shortly after the funeral, someone rang my doorbell. I wasn’t expecting anyone.
When I opened the door, I saw Stacy. He looked even worse than at the funeral.
His face went pale and his eyes were red and swollen. His clothes were furrowed and his hair was a mess.
“What do you want?” I asked, in a hoarse voice.
“Can I come in?” Stacy asked in a low voice, avoiding my eyes.
“Say what you need here,” I told him.
“I need your help,” he said, his voice just above a whisper. “I need money.”
I crossed my arms. “Why should I help you?”
“Henry hasn’t found a job yet,” he said. “We lost the house because of the debts. Now we live with our parents.” He looked down. “And… he deceives me.”
“That was your choice, Stacy,” I said. “You stole my husband because you thought you were better than me. Do you remember?”
“I didn’t know it would end like this,” he whispered. “Maybe… maybe you could let us stay with you? You have more space than our parents.”
I blinked in disbelief. “Do you hear yourself? You’ve spent your whole life belittling me. You took my husband. And now you want my help?”
“Is it that hard for you?” Stacy exclaimed, raising her voice.
“You made Henry pregnant that I wasn’t pregnant with him,” I said firmly. “I have to focus on my son’s future. Not in you.”
His eyes filled with tears. “What am I supposed to do?” he shouted.
“You made your decision,” I said in a calm but firm voice. “The most I can do is give you the contact information of a good divorce lawyer.” I paused and added, “After all, you saved me from Henry.”
“You’re horrible!” Stacy murmured, her face contorted with rage.
I looked at her with a firm heart. “Think about everything you’ve done to me and then decide who’s really horrible here.”
“I’m not going to leave Henry!” he exclaimed. “I don’t need your lawyer!” She whirled around and stormed out.
I saw her leave without saying another word. I did not feel guilty. I’d finally defended myself.
I entered and shut the door behind me. For the first time in a long time, I felt able to breathe. The weight of everything was diminishing gradually. I leaned against the door, releasing a big sigh.
My heart still grieved for my granny. I missed her every day. The house felt empty without his warmth and love. Even though he was no longer present, he had taken care of me and my kid.
He had left us with security and a future. I placed my palm on my abdomen and muttered, “Thank you, Grandma. I will make you feel proud.”
