My Husband Cheated While I Was Pregnant - When He Wanted To Hold "His" Baby, I Did This
A week before I would put my son Tommy on this planet, I found out that my husband Steven cheated on me. The man I thought I could trust most stabbed me in the back. And that was just before I faced the most challenging task of my life: a very difficult delivery. I was on my own. After giving birth, he casually walked over and wanted to hold 'his' baby.
Then I did this...
I still couldn’t believe that I had to face the birth of my baby by myself. After strenuous hours of labor, he finally came into the world healthy and happy. Seeing little Tommy made me the happiest woman on earth, so when my soon-to-be ex-husband barged into the room demanding to hold his son, he had another thing coming.
In my books, he was a cheater. Nevertheless, he declared that a father had the right to hold his son. Tommy apparently was the boy that would continue his family name. However, I knew that Steven would stop dead in his tracks when I told him the secret I was withholding from him…
As Steven reached out, I pulled Tommy closer and locked eyes with Steven, ready to unveil the truth.
From the tears in my eyes to the nervous way I clenched Tommy, Steven was unaware of the emotional whirlwind he was about to be thrust into…
We weren’t always fighting like this. Life with Steven used to be easy; our love story was like the pages of a fairy tale come to life. We used to live in our own little world of shared laughter, spontaneous trips, midnight dance sessions in our pajamas and whispered promises under starlit skies.
However, I should have seen the signs. We had been trying for a child for years, increasing the tension at home. This tension only made our time in the bedroom less spontaneous. I remember Steven calling it a chore once. Nothing had hurt me more than the passion leaving our lives…
At one point, I feared he just wasn’t attracted to me anymore, especially when he asked something of me that shot my confidence. I remember he told me he loved me but had to find himself in the bedroom again. He argued that it would revitalize our marriage in a way that it once was…
I believe the day he asked me if we could open the relationship for a short period was when it all started to crumble. It was the day that cracks began to form in our strong foundation. I even bet that the woman he cheated on me with, he wanted to screw when he asked me that horrid question.
I remember having to think about it, making a few bad decisions by telling my sister about this whole predicament, and being invited for a night out with her. Steven had wanted me to say yes and believed that by going out, I would change my mind as I would see what an open relationship had to offer.
He had a point, I did understand what it could mean after that night, but that was the exact reason why I shot him down. I thought it was just a hurdle we had to overcome and that everything would return to its fairy tale beginning when I got pregnant. Then I got pregnant.
At first, it was ecstasy for Steven and me when we finally saw the double lines on the pregnancy test. After so many negative tests, it was a beacon of light in the darkness. However, I should never have hoped that this little bundle of joy that grew inside me would save my marriage…
We’d imagine what our child would be like, whose eyes he’d have, or whose stubbornness he would inherit. Our home was soon filled with soft lullabies, the scent of baby lotions, and freshly painted walls. Back then, it was a love that felt unbreakable; the bond between us meant to weather any storm…
However, even in this seeming utopia, there were subtle signs that I was blind to. The late nights at work, his guarded nature surrounding his phone, and even the growing distance in his gaze were proof of that. I forced myself to attribute them to the pressure of parenthood that was fast approaching, but boy, was I in for a surprise.
It started as an ordinary day — a routine doctor’s visit, a craving for pickles and raspberry ice cream, yes, a strange craving, I know, blame the pregnancy. However, when I returned home, it seemed fate had a different plan for me. When I entered our bedroom, my eyes zeroed in on something that didn’t belong there.
A forgotten necklace on my nightstand. A delicate silver chain with a pendant I had never seen. It wasn’t mine… This planted a seed of doubt, which took root swiftly. While Steven took a prolonged shower that evening, I couldn’t resist the urge to check his phone — something I had never done before. What I found shocked me.
There was, hidden among various messages and work emails, a conversation with a name I didn’t recognize. “Last night was magical,” the message read. “Can’t wait to see you again.” My heart stopped at this, and tears flowed freely down my face. I wouldn’t stand for this; I had to say something!
I walked to the living room, waiting for Steven to get out of his shower, necklace clutched in my hand. When he entered the room, I took a deep breath and held up the silver necklace. “Do you recognize this?” I asked as my voice trembled. He sure did not see this coming!
Steven’s face went from surprise to confusion and then, for a beat too long, to a subtle hint of panic. “Where did you find that?” He managed to say. “On your nightstand,” I replied. “It isn’t mine.” He seemed to hesitate. “It must belong to one of your friends. Maybe someone left it behind?”
I felt my patience thin. My anger and hurt were simmering just beneath the surface. I sighed, “Stop, Steven. I saw the messages on your phone. Who is she?” At my statement, Steven’s face crumbled. He was at a loss for words, but as he was unable to speak, I felt the rest of our marriage crumble. The jig was up…
“I… I didn’t mean for this to happen,” he began, tears forming, “It was a mistake.” he tried. “A mistake?” I echoed, “A mistake!? While preparing to welcome our child into this world, you betrayed us both.” I took a breath. “How long?” However, I wasn’t happy with his answer.
“It was only a few times between then and now, but it started after I asked you to open the relationship.” He said softly. I gasped. “So you asked for my consent, but only to completely disregard my answer? What the fuck Steven?!” I responded while pacing around the room, trying to release my emotions through movement.
“I’m so sorry, Lia. The stress of trying to get pregnant was too much for me to handle, and now with you pregnant, our life had stopped being intimate the way it used to be.” He looked at my angry face and quickly continued, “I love you so much and want to raise this child together. I’m sorry.” But his apology fell on deaf ears.
“I need some time to think,” I muttered. As Steven stepped forward to console me, I put up a hand toward him. “Alone,” I continued. “I need some time to think alone.” He didn’t seem happy about it, but he honored my wishes of wanting to be alone during this time. He left to stay with a friend, and I immediately made a call.
I called my sister. Though she was a state away from me at the moment, she always helped me during my time of need. When she answered, and I told her what had happened, she said she would be there in the morning. At this, I sighed with relief. I was fortunate to have such a fantastic support system.
My sister returned to town the following day and was already at my doorstep when it was bright and early. She told me that she would be there if I needed her to be, and if I were ready, she would find an amazing divorce lawyer to represent me. However, this begged the question, did I even want to divorce Steven?
I was unsure of what I wanted. I mean, everyone made mistakes, right? I just wanted to return to more blissful times. I wanted our fairy tale to continue and the baby in my belly to have two parents. Nevertheless, wouldn’t cheaters, after being forgiven, not just cheat again?
My sister tried to visit me as often as possible, but she also had to work and sometimes even fly to a different state. Still, I appreciated her help and counsel. I decided at one point that I needed to see Steven, but as I drove to his job, there I saw him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t alone…
There he stood, talking to a gorgeous woman. They stood closely together, her hand on his shoulder, in an intimate stance. At least, I deemed it far too intimate for mere co-workers. I couldn’t believe that he would do this to me again! Instead, I drove off, calling my sister. When she picked up, I said, “Get me a divorce lawyer.”
My sister obliged my request and told me not to get too worked up as it might trigger labor, but even with her warning, it wouldn’t stop me. The worst thing happened: it started while my sister was away for work. My stress triggered the breaking of my water. I was rushed to the hospital as contractions began.
The next few hours were horrible. As the contractions worsened, I just felt incredibly alone, even with the support of the nurses and doctors. I just wanted my sister, my passed-on mother, or hell; even Steven would suffice. Instead, I brought Tommy into this world all by myself…lay ahead
Holding Tommy in my arms after his birth was a bittersweet moment. The joy of welcoming our son into the world was marred by the knowledge of Steven's infidelity. While I marveled at our baby's tiny fingers and peaceful face, the pain of my husband's betrayal still lingered in my heart. It was a surreal mixture of happiness and heartache, and I couldn't help but wonder if our family could ever truly heal from this.
Just as I was starting to find some solace in the hospital room, the door swung open, and there stood Steven. His presence was unexpected, and a whirlwind of emotions rushed through me. He apologized for his tardiness, but his words felt empty. I couldn't shake the image of him with that alluring woman at the restaurant. It was a constant reminder of the hurt he had caused.
Steven began to apologize and explain himself. He said he was genuinely remorseful and that he still loved me. But as I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of betrayal. Words alone couldn't mend the trust he had shattered. I knew I needed time to sort through my emotions before allowing him near Tommy.
The image of Steven with that captivating woman haunted my thoughts. It was a vivid memory that I couldn't escape. Her presence in his life felt like a betrayal of our love and commitment. I couldn't help but wonder how many secrets they had shared while I carried Tommy, and the uncertainty gnawed at my heart.
When Steven attempted to approach me, I instinctively held up my hand, creating a barrier between us. I needed to shield Tommy from any more potential pain caused by his father's actions. My emotions were a chaotic mix of anger, hurt, and confusion, and for the moment, I needed Steven to stay away as I grappled with the storm of feelings inside me.
After a long and agonizing internal struggle, I made a painful decision. I locked eyes with Steven, tears streaming down my face, and uttered the words that hung heavily in the air, "I want you to leave." It was a difficult choice, but I knew it was necessary for him to understand the gravity of his actions. Without further words, Steven turned and left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As Steven retreated from the room, I couldn't help but notice the pain etched across his face. It mirrored the anguish I had been carrying since discovering his infidelity. Despite the betrayal, a part of me still loved him, and seeing him in such agony pained me as well. But for Tommy's sake and the sake of our shattered marriage, I had to stand firm and make Steven comprehend the depth of his betrayal.
Loneliness settled in after Steven's departure. Then, like a guardian angel, my sister arrived. She'd rushed to my side upon hearing of my labor, her presence a soothing comfort. Her timely arrival was a lifeline during this tumultuous period. I knew she'd be my pillar of strength through this challenging time, and her presence couldn't have been more needed.
Once Steven left, my sister and I had a heart-to-heart. I needed someone trustworthy, someone who wouldn't judge me for the mess my life had become. Her empathetic listening created a safe space for my pain and confusion to spill out. I knew I could confide in her without fear of condemnation.
As emotions surged, I decided it was time to confess. I revealed the truth about the night Steven and I went out after his request to open our relationship. My sister's unexpectedly understanding response reassured me that we all make mistakes, especially in turbulent times. She reminded me that honesty was the first step towards healing.
I described the night in detail—the drinks, the laughter, and the momentary lapse in judgment that led to a brief affair. It was a moment of weakness during a challenging period in our marriage, one I'd buried but now needed to confront. My sister listened attentively, her support unwavering.
My sister's compassionate reaction surprised me. She embraced me and said, "We all make mistakes, Lia. It's essential that you're being honest now. Let's face the truth and find a way forward." Her understanding brought a glimmer of hope amid the storm of emotions. I realized I had a strong support system.
When Steven returned to the room, I braced myself for his reaction to my confession. To my astonishment, he had a revelation of his own. He presented text messages as proof that he had ended the affair, putting an end to my doubts. Relief washed over me, mingled with gratitude and lingering guilt. It was a turning point in our turbulent journey.
Steven explained that he had come to his senses and terminated the affair. He showed me the text messages as evidence, demonstrating his commitment to rebuilding our relationship. My emotions were a tumultuous mix—relief, gratitude, and a lingering sense of guilt for my own actions. It was a complex moment of reckoning for both of us.
As we sat in that hospital room, truths laid bare, Steven made a heartfelt plea. He sought another chance, not just as Tommy's father but as my husband. He pledged to do whatever it took to rebuild our relationship. After deep contemplation, I recognized the love that still existed between us and the challenging path ahead. It was a crossroads, and our decision would shape our future.
Steven's heartfelt plea echoed in my mind, and a difficult decision loomed ahead. This choice would not only shape our future but also impact our precious son, Tommy. It weighed heavily on my heart, and I couldn't make it lightly. I knew that whatever path I chose would have far-reaching consequences, not just for me and Steven but for our innocent child, who deserved stability and love.