{"id":77919,"date":"2024-08-23T09:01:20","date_gmt":"2024-08-23T02:01:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/?p=77919"},"modified":"2024-08-23T09:01:20","modified_gmt":"2024-08-23T02:01:20","slug":"my-husband-turned-our-wedding-night-into-a-catastrophe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/my-husband-turned-our-wedding-night-into-a-catastrophe\/","title":{"rendered":"My Husband Turned Our Wedding Night into a Catastrophe"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' bf>\n<div class='\"sh\"'>On our wedding night, amidst the anticipation, I was hesitating. \u201cScott, can we\u2026 can we talk for a bit?\u201d I asked, suggesting we don\u2019t dive right into the \u201caction.\u201d\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott frowned and questioned, \u201cTalk? Now?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Despite his frustration, I expressed my need for more conversation and rest, given the day\u2019s exhaustion.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/WnrtD5EMYKqajQsJsWhKjDFZHIbY6SSQtKvsm060jDA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDljY2NjMDVmYTRiNjZhMWJhYTZkYmVlOTZjOWE4ZGVlY2Q4MGZlMDY4YjdhNTU5MTBkYWFiNTI5MGI5NzI4Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQ3NCZoZWlnaHQ9MTY0OQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/09cccc05fa4b66a1baa6dbee96c9a8deecd80fe068b7a55910daab5290b97282.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: shutterstock width='\"2474\"' height='\"1649\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott reluctantly agreed, masking his disappointment with a gentle kiss on my cheek before we turned in for the night. However, the tranquility of our lavender-scented suite was shattered when I awoke a few hours later.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Our bed was shaking for some reason, and it took a while before my eyes focused enough to see Scott kneeling by the bed, holding a baby.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cScott?\u201d I gasped in confusion. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He looked at me before his eyes darted around as if thinking of an excuse, and finally whispered, \u201cEverly, this is Ella,\u201d he gulped, and my world spun as he continued. \u201cShe is my orphaned niece. My stepsister, Maya, is gone now. I found out about her just a few weeks ago.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti' ui>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/69eDxym-_AOdsrZOQDq4dhbcxPjBsYz0O9VnZ2KsGjs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjY2NmE0YjcyNjUzYWMyZDFkOGVkZWFkZmQyZTgxMzhiODdkZmI0ZjU0NTczNDVjNWFiYTZhZmM5OGMxNWQ3ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjc0MQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b666a4b72653ac2d1d8edeadfd2e8138b87dfb4f5457345c5aba6afc98c15d7d.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2741\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I arranged myself on the bed, dumbfounded. \u201cA few weeks ago?\u201d I repeated, frowning, as I struggled to understand how the baby had appeared in our room on our wedding night.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cEverly, I was scared you\u2019d leave if you knew about her,\u201d Scott confessed, not meeting my eyes.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cHow could you do this, Scott? How can we start our life together with secrets and lies?\u201d I asked, appalled. But I took a deep breath. \u201cScott, what\u2019s the plan here? Are you\u2026 wait, are we going to adopt Ella?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI haven\u2019t thought that far, Everly. Right now, I just need to take care of her,\u201d he answered and suggested we postpone the discussion. I agreed because I was too tired to keep talking about it, but I went to sleep with a horrible feeling in my gut.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti' ui>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Eoj3revCAaORtVAY3MCXVOQMwQkgexHKvUEBVVRH9E8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMmNjYjk1ZjJiMTcwMjgwMDg4NjM3MGE4NWE1NjEwN2FiYWYyZTFiZTg1ZTcxOTNiMjQxMWY4M2U5NWNmYzMxMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2ccb95f2b1702800886370a85a56107abaf2e1be85e7193b2411f83e95cfc310.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>***\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>We returned home to Scott\u2019s vast estate the following day with Ella and settled into a life with her as if something had been decided last night. I felt powerless, but I had no idea how to change that.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>As I held Ella one evening, I sought answers about Scott\u2019s past and his stepsister, Maya. \u201cScott, if you and your family cut ties with your stepsister, why insist on raising her baby?\u201d I wondered.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott\u2019s reluctance to answer made me angry.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cBut she\u2019s Ella\u2019s mother, right? What else do you know about her?\u201d I pressed, my voice sharper.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti' ui>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/46DZpK69oH8OEJMNVHDBRMRJXlfdDnZoFZC9UreSRNA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTIxNzc0NzY0NWM5Njg0NDQ2ZDFjOWI3Mzc2MTA0ZDhmNDFhMjE2NGI2Zjc3NWQzZmM2MmFmMDEyYzZjZjkxYy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5217747645c9684446d1c9b7376104d8f41a2164b6f775d3fc62af012c6cf91c.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cEverly, it\u2019s not about Maya anymore. It\u2019s about Ella. She\u2019s innocent in all this. And she has no one but us,\u201d Scott finally said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I inquired about Ella\u2019s father, but he cut me off, refusing to say more.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>A couple of weeks later, curiosity led me to Scott\u2019s study while he was away at work. I discovered a photograph on his desk that contradicted everything he had told me before. It was a picture of Scott, seemingly happy and close with a pregnant woman, potentially Maya.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>When Scott walked into the house later that evening, his smile faded as he noticed my stern expression. \u201cEverly, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d he asked, his voice laced with concern.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/m_f4skHxXudsNtequrrYbpyi0XtYMRWYgZ6v2YxsSjE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzc5YmJlNmZlMjU5ZDIwMmM0YjE2MzQyZDRhNzgyOWE1NDk1NmM0MGMzNWViZTdjM2VkYzQzMDcxMmQ3M2EzYi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c79bbe6fe259d202c4b16342d4a7829a54956c40c35ebe7c3edc430712d73a3b.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I held up the photo, my voice steady but cold. \u201cExplain this, Scott. And I want the truth this time. You told me you and your sister were estranged. But this picture tells me otherwise.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott\u2019s attempt to dismiss the photo only fueled my frustration.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cNo more lies, Scott! This photo shows you with a pregnant woman, smiling and happy. How can you claim estrangement?\u201d I yelled.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He sighed and plopped on the sofa. \u201cOkay, you\u2019re right. That\u2019s Maya, Ella\u2019s mother. Although my family cut ties with her, I used to meet her secretly\u2026 and help her,\u201d he confessed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWhy hide it? Why did you lie to me?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/U2X6c--nQjRk5RbYRNy38n1GYe3NFR868PwNZ8VifRg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzM4ZGMxNWIyNDMyNGQ2OWU5ZTRkZTI4MTU2NjcyMmEzMDZiNWY4ODYyN2UyMTU4ZWJiNDc4MzE3ZjhkY2NjNy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NjcyMCZoZWlnaHQ9NDQ4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c38dc15b24324d69e9e4de281566722a306b5f88627e2158ebb478317f8dccc7.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"6720\"' height='\"4480\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI was afraid. Afraid you\u2019d leave if you knew the truth. I wanted you to love Ella, to see her as our future\u2026without getting caught up in the complications of her origins,\u201d Scott answered.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cScott, again, how can we build a life on secrets and half-truths?\u201d I asked, crossing my arms. \u201cI need to trust you, for Ella\u2019s sake, for our sake.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He nodded, but his mouth dropped at my next suggestion.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cMaybe we should consider putting Ella up for adoption,\u201d I said tentatively.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/jKuAuMf1ZFZJ1BQJaQz41wvixMugQCpCWBGha11WOj4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDU0YWZiZjgzYmM5MjFiZjVhZThhNDI4NjhjNzc3YWU3OGU3OTY5YzM1ZGYzYTQ0YzczYWE1ZjUyYmUxM2Y3OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NjM5NyZoZWlnaHQ9NDI2NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/054afbf83bc921bf5ae8a42868c777ae78e7969c35df3a44c73aa5f52be13f79.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"6397\"' height='\"4265\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cAdoption? Everly, that\u2019s unthinkable. Ella is my responsibility,\u201d Scott argued.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cMaybe find a loving foster family for her. Someone could be a better mother than me\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He cut me off. \u201cIs this your way of testing me? You think I married you just to have a mother for Ella?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYes!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYou\u2019re being ridiculous!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The words felt like a slap, like all those stories about husbands gaslighting their wives. But I knew something was wrong, even if he denied it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti' ui>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/XWj2itYTzPg0sy-gg-rRexGkvHEwnH12okutkHzKsCc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDlhZWFlMTdiYmVkY2MxYWI4ZWVmNzYzNWJiMTA4YzRlNjllMTY2MWVkMzBiNWZkYzFjMzRiYTc0MTVkZDRkZi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg3Ng.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d9aeae17bbedcc1ab8eef7635bb108c4e69e1661ed30b5fdc1c34ba7415dd4df.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2876\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Caught in a whirlwind of emotions and unanswered questions, I left the mansion with Ella, seeking solitude at the beach near our home to ponder the future. There, a mysterious woman approached. She curled her lip at me and the baby, asking, \u201cScott\u2019s daughter?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cNo, she\u2019s his niece. Who are you? How do you know Scott?\u201d I questioned, wrapping my arms more protectively around Ella.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The woman laughed\u2026 a cruel sound. \u201cHis niece? She\u2019s his spitting image,\u201d she said, smirking before her humor vanished and her eyes turned to mine.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cRun for your life,\u201d she whispered and walked off.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWait!\u201d I called out, but she didn\u2019t look back.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti' ui>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/mFBrGG6GiGciDGGxP5aPbdciMq44c9O2T_ZmWHwfmAM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWQxNzc1ZTEyODIxZWE2NjI1YTU0MWM3YjdlNzkzMjE1YjM0M2Q5YWQwMTViN2I1OWJiNzM4NDQxMGZhYzRiZi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MjgyMQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1d1775e12821ea6625a541c7b7e793215b343d9ad015b7b59bb7384410fac4bf.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2821\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I breathed heavily, staring out into the ocean and then looking at Ella. What secrets was she born into? And what danger lurked in the shadows of Scott\u2019s past?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>***\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cWe need to talk,\u201d I initiated as I walked through the door later.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott looked up, pursing his lips. \u201cEverly, I\u2019ve told you everything. There are no more secrets,\u201d he insisted, but his voice didn\u2019t sound so confident.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I couldn\u2019t contain my frustration. \u201cNo, Scott. There\u2019s something you\u2019re not telling me. Ella isn\u2019t your niece, is she? She\u2019s your daughter,\u201d I accused.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott choked on his spit and stayed for several minutes after recovering before hanging his head. \u201cYes, Everly. Ella is my daughter,\u201d he confessed at last.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/VATKWNVtxl4ewef2SVPYevUQWnVCwMMX85AmDU7CWLE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTg2YmViYjNjN2E2NzgxYWU2YmRjMmRkMmY2NDA2ZTE2NDk0OTNiMzI5ZGE4MzVlN2ZjNDhjMWI0NDUzYzdhMS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI1NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/586bebb3c7a6781ae6bdc2dd2f6406e1649493b329da835e7fc48c1b4453c7a1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1255\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cHow could you lie to me about your child? How could you betray our trust like this?\u201d I cried out.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI thought if you loved her as my niece, we could eventually become a family,\u201d he explained.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Angered and heartbroken, I demanded honesty about Maya and their past, leading Scott to reveal more about his relationship with Ella\u2019s mother, who wasn\u2019t his stepsister, and his desperation to provide Ella with a stable life.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYou\u2019ve not only betrayed me,\u201d I said, starting to cry. \u201cBut you\u2019ve also betrayed your daughter by starting our marriage like this.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/6l2_zAVPKLXeal6fYjsCSO5n9GYRxuwT6ayF3Qewpj0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDJmYzJjYzNhMjU5NTcyZWY4NzQ4MGEwMGNjMmI4MmFlYjE4N2Q4MzIwZTY2NzJkYjA2MDM3ZjkwMDk1MTMyNC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NTI3MCZoZWlnaHQ9MzUxMw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/02fc2cc3a259572ef87480a00cc2b82aeb187d8320e6672db06037f900951324.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"5270\"' height='\"3513\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>***\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I cried for days, contemplating what to do. I had grown to love Ella dearly but didn\u2019t know if I could remain married to a liar. After a few days, I faced my husband again.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cI\u2019m leaving. I can\u2019t do this anymore,\u201d I declared. I had already packed my things.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott rushed to grab my arm. \u201cPlease, Everly, think about Ella. She needs you,\u201d he begged, but my resolve was firm.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cElla is your daughter, Scott. Not mine,\u201d I clarified. I knew the words were hurtful and worked because Scott dropped his hold on me and let me go.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>***\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The silence of my small apartment downtown was so different from the life I had left behind. Immersing myself in my work as a fashion designer, I sought solace in the familiarity of fabrics and designs, yet the void Ella\u2019s absence left was profound.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti' ui>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/TuyJ-1yW_2aDmDoNJxqvbWV-sdK5IU_xI6vXb-xuGDo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTkxNDI2MjViMzU3Yzk5MjYyYjE4MjBhY2FiMDAzNDZkZjI0MmMwM2JhNWQ0MzU4MzI5MGNjYzQyZjJhNTc2Ny5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/99142625b357c99262b1820acab00346df242c03ba5d43583290ccc42f2a5767.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Despite the hurt, I found myself missing Ella\u2019s laughter. Meanwhile, Scott\u2019s attempts at reconciliation were relentless. Yet, the thought of facing him, of rebuilding from the ashes of our marriage, seemed an insurmountable challenge. I ignored him and didn\u2019t reply to his texts or answer his calls. But he kept doing it.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>And one morning, Scott knocked on my door. He stood there with Ella, and her giggles were a bittersweet melody that softened the walls I had built around my heart.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Reluctantly, I allowed them into my apartment. Scott\u2019s apologies and promises of a future built on honesty clashed with my doubt.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cScott, would you have forgiven me if I had done what you did?\u201d I questioned.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/iPmR8i2vqdAsMRETiknSRj4THLUC5_mPNSgMprmox1k\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWQ5YzdhOTU0ZDk0M2EzOTE1Y2NlZDg3NWNmMzgxZmM4ZTBiNDBjMDFmNjY0MDczY2IxYzA2ODcxNzU2OGM2MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9d9c7a954d943a3915cced875cf381fc8e0b40c01f664073cb1c068717568c61.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>He didn\u2019t know how to answer that, but his vow of transparency and plea for us to become a real family resonated with a part of me still yearning for the dream we once shared.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cA family built on truth, not lies,\u201d Scott promised. \u201cPlease come home, Everly.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I couldn\u2019t deny that it was what I wanted too. I grabbed Ella and hugged her tightly to my chest, nodding at Scott, who came to wrap us in his embrace.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>***\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Months after returning home to Scott and baby Ella, Scott suddenly excused himself from our family time for an alleged emergency with a friend. His hasty departure on his day off was concerning.\u00a0<i class='\"Ig\"'>What was so urgent that couldn\u2019t wait?\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>It only got worse when an enigmatic envelope appeared on our doorstep the next day. Inside was a photograph of the mysterious woman from the beach, holding a child, accompanied by a chilling message: \u201cMaya\u2019s not the only secret Scott\u2019s buried.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/MDKBJgvwLOFMZl5CL5jLohbhR5DmHuBUOmjPAdrCx3I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjg4MjUzZTBmZmE1NDMwYWEzZDZiYTE1ZGEzN2MyN2NhZTJkNmQ1MzkxMjFhMzI0NmIzY2Q3OWY4ODA2NjNlYi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NDA5NiZoZWlnaHQ9MjMwNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b88253e0ffa5430aa3d6ba15da37c27cae2d6d539121a3246b3cd79f880663eb.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: shutterstock width='\"4096\"' height='\"2304\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The implication was clear: more secrets were lurking beneath the surface of Scott\u2019s past.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Frantically, I called the number on the note, reaching the woman from the beach, who finally introduced herself as Amanda.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cMeet me at Brown Beans Caf\u00e9,\u201d she instructed urgently, adding, \u201cDon\u2019t tell Scott.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>At the caf\u00e9, Amanda, with her baby in tow, dropped a bombshell: \u201cI\u2019m Scott\u2019s ex-wife\u2026 and this is our baby, Renee.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I didn\u2019t even have to consider it twice. I knew she wasn\u2019t lying. But I didn\u2019t expect the vivid pain I felt as my world shattered once more.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cSco-Scott\u2019s ex-wife??\u201d I stammered, heartbroken.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/y3cSJTMFfRVBi6ymdLrnbDMXwm1Y0I3iqtMcQ5acI1I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODM4ODM1ZjdlNDNkMWEwN2U2NTY2YmMzOWE2MjUyOWZhMTY1NGMyMTQ1MzI0Y2YxNzU2MzAzMmU5NGVhN2EwNy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NDI1NiZoZWlnaHQ9MjgzMg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/838835f7e43d1a07e6566bc39a62529fa1654c2145324cf17563032e94ea7a07.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"4256\"' height='\"2832\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Getty Images\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Amanda\u2019s revelations grew darker as she delved into Scott\u2019s past involvement with a cult practicing bizarre rituals, seeking to increase their male members. \u201cEverly, you need to understand the danger you\u2019re in. Scott\u2019s not who he seems. He\u2019s just using you,\u201d she insisted.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I was paralyzed with shock. \u201cBut why? How did you find out about all this?\u201d I asked, my voice trembling.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cMaya figured it out somehow. She tried to expose him, and that\u2019s when she had her accident,\u201d she whispered, grabbing my hand. \u201cYou need to be careful. Don\u2019t let him know what you\u2019ve discovered. Just play along until we figure out an escape plan.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'><i class='\"Ig\"'>This was too much. I stood, but my body betrayed me. I swayed and blacked out.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>As I lay in the hospital bed hours later, the doctor delivered another shocking piece of news\u2014I was pregnant.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/jqzqdkU1bH530Qa4F7OLsJ0yKPSjayzZOvqqnFYqo8s\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vM2YwMjI2NDc1OTA0NjYwYWIzYTlkYTAwYjI4Y2EzMWNhYjdjMjFiYWVmNTU5M2QyMWM3YTA1NGM4ZWQ4Njk2OC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkxOSZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4Mw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/3f0226475904660ab3a9da00b28ca31cab7c21baef5593d21c7a054c8ed86968.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1919\"' height='\"1283\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>***\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Amanda\u2019s grave warning rang in my ears as I returned home, reeling from the revelation that I was pregnant and trapped in a sinister web woven by Scott.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cHe wants you to have a male child for his cult,\u201d she had said. Her words echoed in my mind, increasing my dread as I entered my home. Fortunately, the house was silent, giving me time to think and prepare.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>When Scott finally arrived, I was ready, my heart pounding. \u201cWe need to talk,\u201d I said, meeting his gaze with a feigned sadness. \u201cI\u2019m pregnant.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/cfvcrrmxEqwjAqMS93qgG_z9GB99gHD-OB47-kJr0UI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2QyZGFiNmEzYWNjNTFmYzJhNzM5ZDMxNmY5MmRlNDBiZmQ1YmE4MWRmZjM2OGVmNmNjYjg0YTBlNTNjMzZmYS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MzM1MyZoZWlnaHQ9MTU1NQ.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7d2dab6a3acc51fc2a739d316f92de40bfd5ba81dff368ef6ccb84a0e53c36fa.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: shutterstock width='\"3353\"' height='\"1555\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Shutterstock\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Scott\u2019s brief joy turned to anger as I showed him an empty vial. \u201cBut I decided to terminate the pregnancy and took this just now\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYou did what? Everly, that\u2019s unforgivable!\u201d Scott screamed, his face reddening and his hand lifting as if to strike me. But he turned, grabbed a vase, and lunged at me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Just then, police officers burst in, arresting him for assault and the murder of his ex-partner. As Scott was handcuffed and taken away, Amanda emerged, her presence a comforting reassurance.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>A little while later, as the cops finished their business, I was tending to baby Ella with Amanda sitting close by. Her words brought a sense of peace and validation to the confusing moment.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/mZ-bT_nP0w2kcPVq1Dt26AmCzsaCkC6l-PY34DM-HVI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWE2ZmE3YTdhMmFhYmI0ZGQ0NDFmN2UyNDlhOWFhOGE2NDFkZDc3YTgwMDQzODY3M2IwNTI3Yjk2MTJhZTRjYy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTMwNw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9a6fa7a7a2aabb4dd441f7e249a9aa8a641dd77a800438673b0527b9612ae4cc.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash width='\"2400\"' height='\"1307\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYou\u2019ll make a wonderful mother,\u201d she said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>I smiled and looked beyond my home, the police car\u2026into the camera.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cCut! That was a perfect shot!\u201d the director yelled, and everything changed. I laughed as Scott, my real-life husband and co-star, embraced me, praising my performance.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>\u201cYou did an incredible job, Everly\u2026 I\u2019m so proud of you!\u201d he exclaimed, his eyes shining with pride.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>The project was born from an actual incident on our wedding night, a humorous misunderstanding involving Scott\u2019s niece, baby Ella. It had sparked Scott\u2019s creativity, leading to the script for our short film.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"ti\"'>\n<div class='\"vi\"'>\n<div class='\"ue\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/kXxHQPGSdyskszaRyWhAb2Xt8SlhzUfx8jWl2I4Ji2w\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDU2MGVmMzNjNThkOWNkZDEwOGRmNTIwYTU3OTlmMzEwYjM1OWVjNDE2N2FkZWJjZmQ1NGI1YzQ3OGEwODFhYS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"qe' wi src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/4560ef33c58d9cdd108df520a5799f310b359ec4167adebcfd54b5c478a081aa.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash width='\"2400\"' height='\"1600\"' title='\"\"'>\n\n<p class='\"si\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>Our journey, marked by humor, drama, and love, reminded us that even in the most chaotic moments, there\u2019s always a story to be told, a lesson to be learned, and a smile to be shared.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' bf>\n<div class='\"Ad-Container' ga kg>\n<div class='\"fa\"' data-slot-type='\"1\"' data-position='\"in_article_3\"' data-code='\"\/21668216007\/d_amomama_intext_03\"'>\n<div id='\"in_article_3-14\"' class='\"ca\"'>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'><strong class='\"Hg\"'>Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"Jg\"'>My mother-in-law turned what was supposed to have been a joyous Thanksgiving into a disaster. I completely lost it when she also destroyed something sentimental I inherited from my late Grandma. I\u2019m Andrea, and this is\u00a0my story.\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>On our wedding night, amidst the anticipation, I was hesitating. \u201cScott, can we\u2026 can we talk for a bit?\u201d I asked, suggesting we don\u2019t dive right into the \u201caction.\u201d Scott frowned and questioned, \u201cTalk? Now?\u201d Despite his frustration, I expressed my need for more conversation and rest, given the day\u2019s exhaustion. For illustration purposes only &hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":77920,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[642],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-moral-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77919"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77919\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":77921,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77919\/revisions\/77921"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/echowoven.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></strong></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>