Divorce After Deception

In the fifth year of my marriage to Jrue, he suddenly expressed his longing to become a father. A month later, I discovered I was pregnant. While organizing the house, I stumbled upon his secret. Jrue had an unattainable love, a "white moonlight" figure. He planned to give our first child to her, Lilian, who couldn't have children. Everything was part of Jrue's scheme. So, I went to the hospital to arrange an abortion and watched as he continued dreaming about a blissful future.

When Thanksgiving arrived, he invited Lilian to join the family gathering. That was when I tossed the abortion paperwork in front of him, leaving him completely shattered.

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“Please schedule an abortion for me, as soon as possible.” The doctor was surprised, adjusting his slipping glasses. “Are you sure? Your recent check-ups show that your baby is very healthy.” “I’ve made up my mind. Please arrange it quickly.” Before the doctor could ask more, I hurriedly grabbed the prenatal exam papers and left his office. As I stashed the papers in my bag, the corner of a book pricked my hand. My gaze fell on the notebook inside, already yellowing with age and worn at the edges, evidence of frequent perusal by its owner. The handwriting was unmistakably Jrue’s.

I had initially intended to clear out the cluttered room to create a nursery for our soon-to-be-born child. Instead, I found Jrue’s diary, filled with scribbles of adoration for another woman. Sadly, that woman wasn’t me. Her name was Lilian Perry. The diary chronicled their journey from being together to their eventual separation. The latest entries were from a few months ago. As I calmly flipped through Jrue’s diary, my heart began to sink.

A few days ago, Jrue had promised to accompany me to a prenatal check-up. Yet, just as we arrived at the hospital, he was summoned away by a phone call. He left with a sense of urgency, offering no explanation for his sudden departure. By the time I finished the check-up, he was gone without leaving any message. I endured the pitying glances alone, completing the remaining tests, even stumbling once due to my limited mobility, without him ever returning.

According to the diary’s notes, Lilian had come back from abroad that day. The call must have been from her. I had hoped that the check-up would mark a turning point in my relationship with Jrue. But clearly, it was only wishful thinking on my part. I gently caressed my belly, feeling the vibrancy of the small life inside. Baby, I can’t let you be born into this kind of family, nor will I let you call someone else your mother!

After leaving the hospital, I went home to prepare for my hospital stay. My phone suddenly rang—it was Jrue's brother. “Hey, Melanie, Jrue's had too much to drink. You should come pick him up; he's causing a scene.” On the other end was Jrue's friend, and I replied indifferently, “Got it.” This