I was sure he was the one. I imagined my wedding day a thousand times, picked my perfect dress, and chose all the decorations, food, and drinks. Successful in life, I could afford everything. But I never imagined my MIL would be the one to tell me the truth and save me from a huge mistake.
When I was little, I often imagined the day I would get married.
Growing up as an orphan in foster homes, it was hard to picture what my own family would look like. Sometimes, sitting by the window, I thought maybe I would never have a family.
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I wish I could go back and reassure little Penelope and tell her things would get better. I would have never believed back then that my own wedding would take place in such a beautiful setting.
A lot has changed since those days. I built a career from scratch and had everything I once lacked in my childhood.
For a long time, I couldn’t find that perfect prince I always dreamed of. But finally, I did, and the day of my wedding arrived.
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I sat in front of the mirror in my wedding dress, everything ready for the best day of my life.
The dress was a vision of white lace and satin, making me feel like a princess. Behind me sat Nellie, my best friend, fiddling nervously with the edge of her dress.
“I can’t believe it. I used to only dream of this day,” I said, my voice filled with wonder as I stared at my reflection.
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“Penelope! Why do you say that? You’re a beautiful woman. A wedding was only a matter of time for you,” Nellie said, trying to sound encouraging.
Her eyes, however, betrayed a hint of worry.
“I didn’t always think so… But Colin, he’s so wonderful. He loves me so much,” I replied, a dreamy smile spreading across my face.
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Nellie hesitated, her voice unsure. “Are you sure he’s the one? Have you ever had doubts?”
“What do you mean, Nellie? We’re getting married in a couple of hours and you’re asking me this? Of course, I’m sure! He’s the first who ever loved me,” I said, my tone a mix of surprise and irritation.
“Maybe he loves your success and money… That’s what I mean,” Nellie said softly, avoiding my gaze.
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“What!? No, he’s not like that,” I retorted, my heart beating faster with unease.
“Listen… I need to confess something…” Nellie started, her voice trembling.
“What is it?” I asked, my curiosity piqued, but my nerves frayed.
Just then, Colin’s father, Richard, peeked in. “Girls, hurry up, everything’s ready. Are you all set?” he asked, his booming voice breaking the tension.
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“Yes, almost,” Nellie replied quickly, standing up.
“Penelope, come out when you’re ready. Nellie, come with me, I need your help,” Richard instructed.
Nellie and Richard left, and I was alone again. I stared at my reflection, my thoughts a whirlwind.
What was Nellie going to say? Why now? She was acting very strange today. But I didn’t want these thoughts to ruin this day. The only thing that mattered was my wedding.
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Taking a deep breath, I tried to shake off the unease that had settled over me. I stood up, smoothed down my dress, and forced a smile.
This was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, and I was determined to make it so.
The ceremony began. The hall was filled with people, all dressed in their finest clothes. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of fresh flowers. Richard, Colin’s father, walked me down the aisle since I had no parents. I clutched his arm tightly, trying to steady my nerves.
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There were barely any guests on my side, just Nellie, whom I didn’t see as I walked. Something felt off, but Richard hurried me to the altar, his grip firm and reassuring.
As we reached the altar, I saw Colin waiting for me with a smile that made my heart skip a beat.
All my doubts seemed to vanish when I looked into his blue eyes. He looked so handsome in his suit, and his smile was so genuine.
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Sensing my nerves, he took my hands in his, his touch warm and comforting.
“You look beautiful,” Colin whispered, his eyes shining with emotion.
“Thank you,” I whispered back, feeling a bit more at ease. “I’m so happy.”
The priest cleared his throat, signaling the start of the ceremony. I took a deep breath, ready to begin.
It was time for the vows, and I offered to go first. I had so much to say to Colin, to thank him for his kindness and love.
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“Colin,” I began, my voice steady despite my nerves. “From the moment we met, you have been my rock, my comfort, and my joy. I promise to love you, to support you, and to stand by your side for the rest of our lives.”
Colin smiled, squeezing my hands. Then it was his turn. His vows were short. It was as if he was rushing. He seemed eager to get through them quickly.
“Penelope, you are my everything. I love you and I promise to be with you always,” he said simply.
Finally, the priest said, “If anyone here objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
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The room was silent. The priest was about to continue when suddenly, a voice shouted, “I protest!” It was my mother-in-law, Megan.
She stood in the middle of the hall, her face set with determination.
“I protest this marriage!” she repeated, her voice echoing through the hall.
Everyone was stunned. The guests turned to look at Megan, their faces a mix of shock and confusion.
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The priest paused the ceremony, and his brow furrowed in concern before he retreated to his office until we could resolve the issue.
The hall erupted in chaos. Guests were bewildered, their murmurs growing louder as they tried to understand what was happening.
Colin shouted at his mother, his face red with anger.
“Mom, what are you doing? This is insane!” he yelled, not letting her speak. Richard, looking equally furious, tried to forcibly remove her from the hall.
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“Get out, Megan! You’re ruining everything!” Richard demanded, grabbing her arm.
But I stepped forward, my voice firm. “Stop! Everyone, stop!” I said, raising my hands. “I want to hear what Megan has to say.”
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to me. Colin looked at me with a mixture of anger and desperation. “Penelope, you can’t be serious. She’s crazy!” he insisted.
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I ignored him and turned to Megan. “Please, go on,” I said quietly.
Megan took a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination. “Penelope, you’re making a mistake.
You need to stop this wedding before it’s too late. Colin doesn’t love you. He’s only after your money. That’s why he’s rushing this marriage,” she said, her voice trembling with urgency.
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Richard and Colin tried to silence her again. “Don’t believe her, darling. It’s all lies,” Colin pleaded, his eyes wide with panic.
It was hard to believe. My heart was pounding. What proof did she have? But why would she lie and embarrass herself in front of everyone? Could it be true?
There was no time to think. Megan had no evidence, and I wanted to trust Colin and accuse her of lying. But suddenly, Nellie burst into the hall, her face pale but resolute.
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“Wait!” Nellie shouted, supporting Megan. “Penelope, I need to tell you something.”
“What is it, Nellie?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“I wanted to tell you earlier, but Richard stopped me and forbade me from attending the wedding,” Nellie confessed, glancing at Richard.
“But I can’t stay silent while you’re being deceived. Colin has been cheating on you with me.
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Even after the bachelor party, he came to my place. He only cares about your money.”
The words hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt my knees go weak, and I had to steady myself on the altar. “Is this true, Colin?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Colin’s face turned ashen. “Penelope, it’s not what you think. I love you,” he stammered, but his eyes betrayed him.
I was in shock. Betrayal, anger, and heartbreak all washed over me at once. I listened to everyone, but their voices felt distant. I turned and fled the wedding, my heart shattered.
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How could I have believed such a man? And my best friend, nearly allowing me to make the biggest mistake of my life. I had no one left.
As I ran out of the hall, the only person who seemed to truly want to save me was Megan, my mother-in-law.
Her courage to stand up and speak the truth, despite the consequences, was the only thing that saved me from a lifetime of regret.
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Nearly a month passed since my wedding was called off. The days felt surreal, a blur of emotions and realizations.
I blocked Colin on everything; he tried to apologize and even stalked me for a while, but I didn’t want to see him.
Everything became painfully clear—he was only interested in my money. I still talked to Nellie, but our relationship was strained. I could never trust her like before. But when one door closes, another opens.
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The day I fled the wedding, a man named Tony saw me on the road. I was a mess, still in my wedding dress, tears streaming down my face. He pulled over, his concern evident. “Hey, are you okay? Do you need help?” he asked gently.
I looked at him, my vision blurred with tears. “I… I don’t know. I just need to get away,” I managed to say.
Tony nodded, offering a kind smile. “Hop in. I’ll take you somewhere safe.”
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I couldn’t refuse. He genuinely helped and supported me without knowing anything about my money or past.
He just wanted to help. Since then, we kept in touch, and he became bolder, asking me out. It was hard after Colin, but I decided to take a chance with Tony, and it paid off.
Sitting at dinner with him one evening, laughing genuinely, I realized that Megan screaming “I protest” had saved my life. Tony was kind, funny, and didn’t care about my status or wealth.
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He simply wanted to be with me for who I was. We talked about everything and nothing, sharing stories and dreams. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly happy and free.
As we finished dinner, Tony looked into my eyes and said, “Penelope, I’m glad I met you. I want to get to know you even more.”
“I feel the same way, Tony,” I replied, smiling. His sincerity was something I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
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Megan’s intervention, though shocking and painful, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It steered me away from a disastrous marriage and toward a chance at real happiness.
Reflecting on everything, I felt grateful for Megan’s courage to speak out. She risked her relationship with her son to protect me. Now, I could finally look forward to a future filled with genuine love and trust.
One day, I decided to reach out to Megan to thank her for her bravery. We met for coffee and talked about everything that had happened. She was relieved that I understood her intentions.
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“Penelope, I only wanted what was best for you. I’m sorry it had to be so dramatic,” Megan said, sipping her coffee.
“I know, Megan. Thank you for looking out for me,” I replied, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. The tension I had felt melted away as we shared a genuine moment of understanding.
From then on, Megan and I developed a close bond. She became the mother figure I had always longed for, and I was grateful for her presence in my life. She provided advice, support, and most importantly, love.
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As for Tony and me, we took things slow, savoring every moment together.
We built a relationship based on mutual respect and love, something I never thought possible after Colin.
We enjoyed simple pleasures—walks in the park, quiet dinners, and endless conversations.
Looking back, I realize that sometimes the most unexpected events can lead to the greatest blessings.
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I Saw a Birthmark on My Niece’s Body and Realized That My Husband’s a Cheater – Story of the Day
I was horrified to discover the same birthmark on my niece that I remembered seeing on my husband. But before jumping to any conclusions, I decided to do a secret DNA test that I knew would reveal the truth.
Under the cedar tree’s comfort, I relished the breeze with baby Sofia nestled in my arms. Despite being my sister-in-law Fiona’s child, my affection for her mirrored that of a mother’s love.
My husband, David, had painted a sad picture of his estranged, distant family, so Fiona and Sofia’s move to our neighborhood was a surprise. But their presence brought me a joy I hadn’t anticipated.
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As we enjoyed our picnic, Fiona’s light-hearted offer to take Sofia back was met with my playful head shake. “No. You should clean up a little first. We are fine here,” I insisted, holding her baby tighter.
Fiona’s laughter warmed my heart. Minutes later, the food had been laid out with proper covers, and Sofia was way more restless than she had previously been. I instantly knew what to do as I slowly and carefully placed her on the picnic rug and began taking off her clothes to change her diapers.
But with one look at her diapers, it was clear that they were still crystal clean. I was still attaching the diaper to Sofia’s waist when I noticed the birthmark on her back. For a few seconds, I froze with my eyes glued to the birthmark I felt very familiar with. One I could have sworn was also on my husband’s back.
A minute later, I had dressed baby Sofia and held her gently in my arms as I stared intently at her face. I frowned as my mind raced with possibilities, questioning the true relationship between David and Fiona.
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Fiona and David’s closeness now seemed a clue in a puzzle I hadn’t known I was assembling. But I pretended to be okay and continued our casual conversation and joyous picnic, choosing to observe before voicing my opinions.
In our quiet home later that night, I continued to treat David with the warmth I always had, but discovering the birthmark had planted suspicions in my mind. As I helped him dry off after his shower, something playful we did sometimes in the bathroom, I couldn’t help but fixate on the birthmark on his back.
It was too identical to Sofia’s. The similarity was undeniable, and it crushed me. I stopped helping him and heard his chuckle.
“You should have at least warned me that the kingly treatment was only for a few seconds,” David joked, unaware of the awful things running through my mind.
The possibility that David had lied to me all these years was too painful.
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Emerging from the bathroom, I decided to seek the truth through a DNA test between Sofia and David.
“I need to know if Fiona is his mistress,” I whispered before falling asleep.
***
During Fiona’s next visit, I feigned normalcy. I even ran to pick up the baby, feeling how her small weight and warmth cleared my mind.
“At this point, Sofia and I might as well move in,” Fiona laughed.
“Of course. We are all family,” I said, chuckling awkwardly. But luckily, she didn’t notice.
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When Fiona was distracted, I seized the opportunity to collect DNA samples – Sofia’s saliva and David’s hair, despite his confusion.
“Relax. I just helped you pull something out of your head,” I chided when he protested my pulling on his hair.
My resolve hardened as I dropped off the DNA samples, convinced more than ever of my course of action. I was allowed to have the results sent to me, and I eagerly agreed. The sooner, the better, I thought.
Fiona’s subsequent visits with Sofia only heightened my unease. Her attempts at conversation felt like mockery, fueling my anger and making her presence unbearable.
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One day, Fiona tried talking to me, and in order not to have to respond, I pretended to be sick as I lay in the sitting room watching TV. To my annoyance, David and Fiona soon joined me. Their casual banter grated on my fried nerves.
But their discussion about Sofia’s future words was the last straw.
“Sofia is going to be two years old soon. I wonder what her first words would be,” David said with a rare smile as he looked down at Sofia’s face. “Carmen, what do you think?”
“I don’t know. It could be poo-poo for all we know,” I snapped.
“I think it could be dada,” David confidently replied, pushing his chest out like a proud dad.
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That pushed me over the edge.
In a flash, I stood from the couch and accused them with my finger. “That’s enough! Tell me the truth, Sofia is your child!” I yelled. “Don’t even try to deny it. I saw the birthmark on your back and Sofia’s.”
My anger quickly evolved into sadness as water gathered in my eyes, making my voice weaker than I wanted. Their silence and shocked expressions confirmed my fears.
“Every time I try asking about Sofia’s father. I never get answers. Just tell me the truth!” I demanded, covering my face.
I expected them to speak or defend themselves, but they just sat there with shocked looks, almost like they were surprised I actually found out. I turned and fled outside.
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Driving away, the last thing I saw was David trying to get into his car and chase after me, only for Fiona to stop him.
Seeking refuge in a hotel, I hoped distance might offer clarity. But my stomach betrayed me. I threw up everything I had eaten in the hotel bathroom, sure it was a physical manifestation of the betrayal I felt.
I dragged my feet toward the bed to rest when a thought froze me in my spot. “No!” I exclaimed to myself, horrified. Could I be… pregnant?
The idea of sharing a child with a man who deceived me haunted me through the night.
Determined to know the truth, I visited a pharmacy for a pregnancy test the following morning. “I’d like a pregnancy kit,” I said, hoping for a quick transaction.
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Yet, the pharmacist’s inquiry and a helpful suggestion from another customer delayed me.
“It doesn’t matter. I’ll take any brand,” I quickly responded, eager to leave. Once back in my room, anxiety overwhelmed me as I awaited the test result. The appearance of two lines confirmed my fears—I was pregnant.
The reality of my situation, coupled with David’s constant calls, left me feeling trapped and alone. Running out of money and options, I decided to return home, confront David and Fiona, and retrieve my belongings.
Fiona greeted me at the door. “Carmen, I’m glad you’re back. There are so many things we—”
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But I brushed past her, indifferent to her attempts at explanation. I refused to listen. My mind was made up; I needed to leave. As I packed, David shouted, “Listen to me, Fiona is my sister!” But I barely registered it.
I shrugged. “Even if she is. It’s not unheard of,” I commented, focusing on my clothes.
“I swear to you, Fiona is my sister, and Sofia is my niece. Trust me!” he continued. “I don’t know why you would think Sofia is mine, but I can assure you she isn’t. I would never cheat on you.”
“If it looks like a rat and smells like one, what the hell am I supposed to call it?” I retorted, already finished with my bags, ready to leave this web of lies behind.
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David blocked my path. His desperation was evident. “If you don’t believe me, how about a DNA Test?” he suggested.
But I coldly revealed, “I already took one in secret.”
Fiona’s appearance at our bedroom doorway only made me angrier. “Don’t even bother saying anything. I always wondered who Sofia’s father was,” I accused. “I saw the birthmark! I KNOW THE TRUTH!”
My frustration and pain spilled over into more tears. I hated that I was crying in front of them again.
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But then, Fiona did something unexpected. She showed me her back, revealing the same birthmark. “I have the same birthmark,” she said, a revelation that stunned me. It was a family trait.
“I’m sorry for not explaining that Sofia’s father is a commissioned officer who was deployed to another country but died there,” Fiona added, her eyes turning somber. “He died just before Sofia was born, and I can’t help but hate him a little for leaving. And it makes me feel guilty.”
“I only treat Sofia like my own because Fiona wanted Sofia to have a close male figure in her life,” David explained.
My doubts persisted, though, as Fiona hadn’t attended David and I’s wedding.
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“Sofia was sick around our wedding, but I later asked Fiona to move closer to prevent her from being alone,” he continued. “It took a while, but we finally made it happen.”
They also said the rest of their family lived abroad, and those still in the country hated traveling unless it was a very special occasion. I looked at Fiona in shame and told her about the secret DNA test.
She calmly accepted it, “I don’t mind. As long as this misunderstanding is resolved.”
I decided we needed to go to the institution to get the results. I couldn’t wait for the delivery anymore. Leaving behind my luggage, I made us all get into my car and drive away.
***
A doctor led us to a room and showed us the results. Shockingly, the samples were a 100% match for paternity.
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“That’s impossible!” David exclaimed, gaping as I was. I quickly grabbed the documents, wanting to confirm it with my own eyes… and exhaled loudly, relieved.
There were two different names on the sheets. I think I heard everyone sighing as well. The doctor apologized and produced the correct sheets.
Relief washed over my husband as the accurate test confirmed he was not Sofia’s father. “It’s good to know that the first test was wrong,” he said, his laughter easing the tension.
“Even if the second test said that David was the father, I would have insisted that we do another one,” Fiona said, getting on her feet and showing her intention to leave.
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Back home, my apologies poured out.
“It’s my fault. I made you have doubts and didn’t clear all your suspicions even when you kept complaining about not meeting my family,” David said, shaking his head.
“We are family. I should have also told you about Sofia’s father,” Fiona added, moving closer to hug me tightly.
We stayed in that position for a while until we heard loud baby noises from Sofia, who was still in Fiona’s arms. I was beyond happy at realizing that my family was still intact, and they were even more pleased when I told them I was pregnant.
Months later, after delivering a baby boy named Zack, I was shocked to see the number of cars parked in front of our house as many people trooped in.
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“I didn’t know your family members were this excited about a new baby,” I whispered in David’s ears as I held Zack, who was fast asleep in my arms.
David laughed and wrapped his arms around me, and with Fiona standing behind us holding Sofia, we got ready to meet the rest of the family.
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