I Accidentally Saw an Unknown Number Message My Son’s Phone – The Truth behind It Left Me in Tears

Last week, while tidying up the living room, Meredith stumbled upon her son Edward’s phone with a mysterious message: “Are we still on for tonight?” Her heart sank as curiosity turned to dread, leading her to uncover a secret that left her in tears.

Last week, I was tidying up the living room when I found an unexpected surprise. While fluffing the couch cushions, I discovered Edward’s phone wedged deep between them. I picked it up, ready to set it aside for him.

A phone between the cushions | Source: Midjourney

A phone between the cushions | Source: Midjourney

As I held the phone, it suddenly vibrated in my hand. A message flashed on the screen: “Are we still on for tonight?” My heart skipped a beat. Edward is married, and this number wasn’t familiar.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I stared at the phone, feeling a mix of confusion and worry. What could this mean? Why would someone send him this message? Just as I was about to put the phone down, another message popped up: “Can’t wait to see you again, love.”

Meredith sees the text | Source: Midjourney

Meredith sees the text | Source: Midjourney

My heart sank. The thought that my son might be unfaithful was devastating. Doubts filled my mind. Was my son hiding something? I needed to know the truth.

Lately, I’ve felt out of place in my own family. Edward, my son, was always busy, going out more often. Each time he left the house, I felt a pang of loneliness. He used to share everything with me, but now, there was a distance between us.

Edward is busy with his homework | Source: Midjourney

Edward is busy with his homework | Source: Midjourney

My husband, Robert, seemed more distant too. He spent a lot of time absorbed in his own activities. Our conversations had become brief and superficial. We used to be so close, sharing our thoughts and dreams. Now, it felt like we were just two people living under the same roof.

I missed the days when we were all so connected. When Edward was younger, he would confide in me about his school, his friends, and his dreams.

Robert and I would plan our future together, excited about our plans and adventures. But now, it seemed like they both had their own worlds, and I was no longer a part of them.

Robert works in his home office | Source: Midjourney

Robert works in his home office | Source: Midjourney

This feeling of isolation was heavy. I felt like an outsider in my own home. I yearned for the closeness we once had. The fear of being left behind by the people I loved most consumed me. I just wanted to feel connected again, to be a part of their lives, and not just a bystander.

I decided not to jump to conclusions. I needed more information. The next evening, Edward mentioned he was heading out. He seemed relaxed, but I was on edge. My mind was racing with questions.

“Where are you going?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Just out for a bit, Mom,” he replied with a smile.

Meredith follows Edward | Source: Midjourney

Meredith follows Edward | Source: Midjourney

As he left, I grabbed my keys. I had to know the truth. I followed him discreetly, keeping a safe distance. My heart pounded in my chest. Anxiety and concern swirled inside me.

What if he saw me? What if I found out something I didn’t want to know? Each turn he took increased my dread. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my palms sweating. The drive felt like an eternity, and I struggled to keep my breathing steady.

Edward waits for someone in a cafe | Source: Midjourney

Edward waits for someone in a cafe | Source: Midjourney

Edward finally parked his car in front of a cozy little café. He stepped out, looking around as if expecting someone. My stomach churned as I watched from a distance. He walked inside, and I quickly found a spot where I could see without being seen.

Minutes felt like hours as I waited. My mind raced with possibilities. Was he meeting someone? Was it serious? I had to remind myself to stay calm and not assume the worst.

Linda arrives at a cafe | Source: Midjourney

Linda arrives at a cafe | Source: Midjourney

Then, I saw her. My best friend, Linda, walked in and greeted Edward with a hug. They sat down together, laughing and chatting like old friends. A wave of relief washed over me, but it was quickly replaced by confusion. What were they doing together?

I stayed hidden, watching their every move. They seemed so comfortable, so familiar. It didn’t make sense. The messages, the secrecy—what was going on? I needed answers, but I was too scared to confront them. Instead, I stayed in my hiding spot, hoping to piece together the truth without causing a scene.

Edward and Linda discuss something | Source: Midjourney

Edward and Linda discuss something | Source: Midjourney

As I prepared to confront Edward and Linda, my heart raced. I took a deep breath and started to walk towards them. But just then, I saw another familiar face—my husband, Robert. He walked into the café and joined them at the table.

My confusion grew. Why was Robert there? What was going on? I watched from my hiding spot as they all greeted each other warmly. Their faces were filled with excitement and joy.

Robert approaches the cafe | Source: Midjourney

Robert approaches the cafe | Source: Midjourney

I stayed hidden, trying to make sense of it all. They began talking animatedly, and I could see the excitement in their gestures. They pulled out some brochures and started discussing something earnestly. I couldn’t hear their words, but the enthusiasm was clear.

Linda showed a brochure to Edward, and he nodded eagerly. Robert pointed to something on the brochure, and they all leaned in closer to look.

They seemed to be planning something big and important. My anxiety started to ease as I watched them, but the confusion lingered. What could they be planning that involved all of them together?

Travel brochures on the table | Source: Midjourney

Travel brochures on the table | Source: Midjourney

My mind raced with possibilities. Were they planning a family trip? A surprise party? I couldn’t piece it together, but I decided to wait a bit longer before revealing myself. I needed to understand what was happening first.

As I watched them, I felt a mix of emotions — relief that it wasn’t what I had feared, and curiosity about what they were planning. I stayed hidden, my heart beating steadily, waiting for the right moment to step in and join the conversation.

My heart pounded as I walked up to their table. Edward was the first to see me.

“Mom!” he exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise. “What are you doing here?”

Meredith makes an appearance | Source: Midjourney

Meredith makes an appearance | Source: Midjourney

Linda and Robert turned to look at me, equally shocked. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

“I could ask you the same thing,” I said, my voice trembling. “What’s going on here?”

Linda quickly spoke up. “Meredith, we were just about to call you!”

Edward nodded. “Mom, I’m sorry for the secrecy. We’ve been planning something special.”

Linda smiled warmly. “We’ve been arranging a surprise retirement cruise for you and Robert. We wanted it to be perfect before telling you.”

Linda and Meredith | Source: Midjourney

Linda and Meredith | Source: Midjourney

I stared at them, trying to process their words. “A cruise? For us?”

Robert put his arm around me. “Yes, honey. They’ve been working hard to make sure everything is just right. We didn’t want to get your hopes up until it was all set.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as the realization sank in. “I thought… I thought something else was going on,” I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Meredith | Source: Midjourney

Meredith | Source: Midjourney

Edward reached out and took my hand. “I’m so sorry, Mom. We should have told you sooner.”

Linda nodded. “We didn’t mean to worry you. We just wanted it to be a wonderful surprise.”

I wiped my tears and smiled, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude. “Thank you,” I whispered. “This means so much to me.”

We sat down together, and they started sharing the details of the cruise. As we talked, my initial fear and confusion melted away, replaced by excitement for the journey ahead.

Meredith on a cruise ship | Source: Midjourney

Meredith on a cruise ship | Source: Midjourney

A few weeks later, Robert and I boarded the cruise ship. The sea breeze was refreshing. I felt a sense of excitement.

“Isn’t this beautiful?” Robert asked, smiling at me.

“Yes, it is,” I replied, squeezing his hand.

We explored the ship, marveling at its luxury. The dining hall was elegant, the pool inviting. We found our cabin, which was cozy and comfortable.

Tropical getaway | Source: Midjourney

Tropical getaway | Source: Midjourney

“This is perfect,” I said, unpacking my bag.

Robert nodded. “I’m glad we did this. We needed a break.”

Each day brought new adventures. We enjoyed the shows, tried new foods, and relaxed on the deck.

One evening, as we watched the sunset, Robert turned to me. “Thank you for being patient with us. We wanted to make this special.”

Meredith and Robert | Source: Midjourney

Meredith and Robert | Source: Midjourney

Tears filled my eyes. “Thank you for this wonderful gift. It means so much.”

As the ship sailed on, I felt our bond strengthen. We were reconnecting, finding joy in each other’s company again. This cruise was not just a vacation; it was a new beginning.

I Fled My Ex with My Daughter Only to Face a Woman from My Past Set on Ruining My Life — Story of the Day

I thought escaping my ex with my daughter would be the hardest part, but I was wrong. Returning to my small hometown brought a storm I never saw coming.

Returning to my hometown felt like scheduling a root canal—something you know you have to do but would rather avoid at all costs. Every street, every familiar face, and even the smell of the place screamed, “Failure!”

Mom greeted us at the door. Sophie, my ten-year-old daughter, gave me a side-eye from the moment we stepped off the bus. Her expression practically shouted, “Really, Mom? This was your grand plan?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Things didn’t get better once we got home.

“You haven’t even unpacked,” Mom sighed, standing in my doorway.

“It’s a strategy. Maybe we’ll leave sooner than you think.”

“Brilliant. Maybe plan a magical return of your dignity while you’re at it,” she shot back, rolling her eyes.

Dinner wasn’t much of a break.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I want to live with Dad!” Sophie announced, dropping her fork with a clatter. “At least he doesn’t drag me to some… nowhere town!”

Mom opened her mouth, probably to say something “helpful,” but I raised a hand to stop her. She gave me a long look, then went back to her soup. Sophie’s words hung in the air like a bad smell.

That night, as I stared at the cracks in the ceiling, I realized something had to change. So, the following morning, I went to the local employment center. The place hadn’t changed a bit since high school. It was still small, stuffy, and suffocatingly dull. I was scanning the job postings when…

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Is that Mia? I don’t believe it!”

I turned to see Ethan, the guy everyone in high school wanted to sit next to in class. He still had that boy-next-door smile that could melt ice.

“Ethan.”

We fell into an easy conversation.

“Still can’t believe it’s you,” Ethan said, shaking his head with a grin. “You haven’t changed a bit, Mia.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I snorted. “Liar. I’m at least ten pounds and ten thousand regrets heavier.”

“You always had the best comebacks. Some things never change.”

As we chatted, I felt myself relaxing for the first time in weeks. He talked about his recent move back to town. I mostly nodded and smiled, letting his voice fill the empty spaces in my mind.

Then, almost casually, he said, “You know, we should catch up properly. Coffee? My treat.”

Coffee. A normal, adult conversation without judgment, pity, or awkward silences.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Coffee sounds… good.”

And then, I heard the door open. I turned to see a woman in a designer blazer and heels sharp enough to puncture tires. She stood there like she was waiting for applause.

“Well, well,” she cooed. “If it isn’t Ethan Carter. It’s been ages. How’s life treating our golden boy?”

Ethan, ever the gentleman, smiled politely. “Vivian. Good to see you. Life’s good, thanks. I didn’t know you were still in town.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Still?” she asked, feigning surprise. “Oh, I’m more than ‘still’ here.” Her eyes darted to me then. “I see you’ve already got company. Mia? Is that really you?”

I barely had time to process her words before she added, “Don’t tell me you don’t remember me. ‘Chubby Vi’? The girl who was, oh, so invisible back in school?”

Oh no. Suddenly, it all came rushing back—Vivian. The quiet, awkward girl no one noticed. But this time, she was standing in front of me, polished and commanding, looking like she owned not just the room but the entire town. And, maybe, she did.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Of course,” I said. “It’s been a long time.”

She gave me a sugary smile. “It has. And yet, here we are. Funny how life works, isn’t it? What brings you to the employment center, Mia? Don’t tell me… you’re looking for a job?”

“That’s right. Gotta pay the bills, you know.”

“Well, you’re in luck. I just happen to have a position available at the city café. It’s a cleaning position. Don’t worry, Mia. I’m sure you’ll pick it up quickly. And think of the perks! Free coffee at the end of the day.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Ethan stepped slightly closer to me. “Vivian, maybe this isn’t the time…”

“Oh, nonsense,” she interrupted. “I’m just being neighborly. Isn’t that what you like about our little town, Ethan? The… charm?”

Her eyes locked on mine again. My pride begged me to walk away, but Sophie’s face flashed in my mind. I couldn’t afford to let my ego win that one.

“Wow,” I said, forcing a tight smile. “A dream opportunity like that? How could I possibly say no?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Vivian’s satisfaction practically radiated off her. “That’s the spirit. Tomorrow at 7 a.m. Don’t be late.”

She turned on her razor-sharp heels, leaving the room. I stood there, wishing the floor would swallow me whole.

“It’s fine,” I muttered. “She wins this round.”

***

The days at my new job were nothing short of a sitcom where I played the hapless lead. Dirty floors, spilled coffee, leftover crumbs—it felt like the café had conspired to keep me perpetually armed with a mop.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

And then there was Vivian. Like clockwork, she showed up during my shift.

“Oh no!” she gasped dramatically, knocking her latte off the edge of the table. “How clumsy of me! Mia, darling, you wouldn’t mind cleaning that up, would you? You’re so good at it.”

I plastered on a smile that felt more like a grimace. “Of course, Vivian. Can’t let your expensive shoes suffer, can we?”

Her lips curved in a condescending smirk. “That’s the spirit. Such a team player.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

​​The next day, Vivian continued her petty antics—sugar mysteriously scattered, chairs left deliberately askew, all designed to keep me busy and humiliated. At home, Sophie’s resentment only grew, and the weight of my guilt became unbearable. I knew something had to change.

While wiping down counters one afternoon, I noticed a job posting for a waitress position. Gathering my courage, I asked Mr. Larkin if I could switch roles. To my surprise, he agreed without hesitation.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

When Vivian arrived during my next shift, expecting to see me with a mop, her surprise was evident as she spotted me carrying a tray instead. She commented about my “progress,” masking her annoyance with false cheer, but I couldn’t help feeling a small, satisfying victory.

Still, I had a nagging sense that Vivian wasn’t finished yet.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

I had forgotten what it felt like to be excited about something as simple as a date. That night, I left the mop bucket and spilled sugar behind and felt like a person again. Ethan picked a cozy restaurant, one of those places with dim lighting and candles on the tables that made everything seem romantic, even if you were just eating breadsticks.

“You clean up nice,” he said, pulling out my chair. “Not that you don’t always look great in… uh, aprons and sneakers.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Flattery will get you everywhere,” I quipped, sitting down. “And for the record, those are high-performance sneakers. Very trendy in the cleaning world.”

The conversation flowed easily, from shared memories of high school to ridiculous stories about his failed attempts at cooking. The waiter brought us pasta and wine, and I was starting to believe the night was perfect.

Suddenly, I heard the cold voice, sending a chill straight through me.

“Wow, Mia. Look at you. A dress and everything.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I looked up to see my ex-husband, Darren, standing at the table with a smug expression. He was dressed like he’d just stepped off a yacht, which was ironic given he’d probably get seasick in a kiddie pool.

“Darren! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, just stopping by to let you know I’m taking my daughter, Sophie,” he said casually like he was announcing he’d picked up a gallon of milk.

“What?” My fork clattered onto my plate. “You can’t just…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I can, and I will,” he interrupted. “She deserves better than this… situation.”

The unspoken questions hung in the air. I felt the walls closing in. It looked like I had been hiding an entire part of my life from Ethan.

“You didn’t mention you had a daughter,” Ethan finally said.

“I was going to,” I stammered. “Tonight, actually…”

“Oh, don’t mind me,” Darren cut in with a laugh. “I just thought Ethan should know who he’s getting involved with.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Ethan pushed back his chair and stood up. “I think I’ll let you two work this out.”

He left me alone with Darren.

“Well, that went well,” Darren said, sitting down across from me like he owned the place. “Don’t worry, Mia. I’m not taking Sophie. My new life doesn’t exactly have room for… distractions.”

“Then why are you here?” I snapped, anger bubbling to the surface.

“Oh, just a little favor for a friend. She said you were trying to rebuild your little love life. Thought I’d lend a hand.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

And that’s when it hit me. Of course, I knew who’d managed that. Her fingerprints were all over the wreckage of my night.

***

After that disastrous evening, I felt like the universe had thrown in the towel on me. I took a day off and decided to focus on Sophie. She deserved more than the chaos I’d been dragging her through.

So, the following morning, with a blanket, some sandwiches, and a whole bag of her favorite snacks, we set up a picnic in the backyard. Sophie giggled as we spread peanut butter on crackers and debated whether clouds looked more like rabbits or dinosaurs.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For a moment, it felt like I could breathe again. But then, I heard Ethan’s voice.

“Hey,” he said, holding a bouquet of wildflowers. “I thought these might brighten the mood.”

Sophie’s face lit up. “Flowers? For me?”

“All yours,” Ethan said with a wink.

She squealed and bolted toward the house, yelling for Grandma to find a vase.

Ethan turned to me. “Can we talk?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“If you’re here to get answers about my ex, you deserve to know the truth,” I began. “Darren… he cheated on me. For years, apparently. When I found out, I packed up and left, bringing Sofie with me. Coming back here was my only option.”

“I’m sorry, Mia. No one deserves that. But it’s not about Darren. It’s about Vivian.”

“Vivian? What about her?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“She’s been… persistent since I moved back to town. I guess she saw my coming back as an opportunity to, I don’t know, rekindle something that was never really there.”

I sighed, the pieces clicking into place. But there was one thing I needed to know.

“Does the fact that I have a daughter scare you?”

“Scare me? Mia, beautiful girls like Sophie are the best part of life.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Before I could respond, Sophie came bounding back. “Come on, let’s go somewhere fun!”

Later, we were eating cotton candy at a small carnival in the next town. Sophie squealed as Ethan won her a stuffed bear at one of the games, and the way he looked at her like she was the center of the universe made something warm bloom in my chest.

I let myself believe that maybe, we were going to be okay.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I never expected my Christmas to turn into a whirlwind of romance and betrayal. Invited to a magical on-air date, I thought I’d met the perfect man. But when two strangers claimed to be him and my choice led to heartbreak, I realized the real story had only just begun. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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