Until I Disappeared

My husband's childhood sweetheart was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

To fulfill her last wishes and let her experience the warmth of family, my husband, Aaron Turner, gave her my necklace. He even let her claim my birthday.

Even our son started calling her "Mom" in private.

He told me, "Chrishell, Sylvia is dying. Just give in to her, will you?"

Whenever I asked him to spare even a little time and affection for me, our son, Lucas, would rush to speak on their behalf.

"Mom, didn't you always teach me to be generous? Sylvia is dying. Why do you always make things difficult for her?"

Over time, I stopped asking for anything at all.

Then one night, I overheard my son speaking to his father after returning from the hospital.

"Sylvia is so gentle and graceful. I wish Mom could be more like her."

Aaron chuckled and affectionately brushed his hand over our son's hair.

"Your mom may be a little strict, but it's all for your own good. Since you like Sylvia so much, how about we let her be your godmother?"

So even the child I risked my life to bring into this world didn't like me.

I lowered my gaze, quietly closed the bedroom door, and pretended none of it had happened.

Since they were both filled with such regret, I'd leave quietly and give them what they wanted.

My husband, Aaron Turner, and our son, Lucas Turner, made the headlines together.

"Breaking News! Cold and ruthless mafia boss Aaron Turner secretly married—with a five-year-old son!"

But I wasn't the woman featured in the story.

In the video, Aaron and Sylvia Blair were walking hand-in-hand with five-year-old Lucas through an amusement park. Sylvia smiled gently as she caressed Lucas's head, while Aaron stood by, quietly watching her with soft, unwavering eyes.

They looked exactly like a family of three.

A few hours later, Sylvia updated her Instagram.

[Thank you, Aaron and Lucas, for the lovely gift to celebrate my discharge from the hospital! The cup was handmade by Lucas himself!]

I clicked on the photo and saw a necklace… and a handmade ceramic cup. Carved faintly at the bottom were the words "Happy birthday, Mom."

Instinctively, I turned to look at the untouched dinner on the table and the birthday cake still flickering with candles. A bitter smile crept across my face.

Today was my birthday. It was also the fifth anniversary of my marriage to Aaron.

But the one they were celebrating for wasn't me.

They remembered the day Sylvia was discharged from the hospital, but forgot my birthday entirely.

I received no gifts from my husband or my son. Sylvia, on the other hand, got a surprise from both of them.

I didn't know how long I had been sitting in the dark when Aaron finally came home with Lucas.

Seeing me sitting alone in the center of the living room, Aaron froze for a second. He flicked on the light and looked at