Looking anxious, he said, "Babe, I'm so sorry. There's an emergency at work, and I have to go back right away."
I gave him a gracious smile and told him it was fine, urging him to hurry back.
He gave me an apologetic hug and rushed out.
The moment he left, Sara quickly sent a message to the investigator.
...
Around 7 p.m., just as my parents were dropping off dinner, the investigator's message came in.
It was a photo—Dexter standing outside a delivery room, holding a newborn in his arms, with his mom beaming next to him.
The caption read: 6:30 p.m., the woman gave birth to a baby boy.
As I stared at the picture of Dexter holding that child, I couldn't help but think of my own daughter still in the NICU. My anger flared like never before.
I replied, instructing the investigator to arrange a paternity test for Dexter and that baby. If it worked out, they would be well rewarded.
"Rachel, where's Dexter? Didn't he visit today?" My dad asked, clearly annoyed at his absence.
I opened my mouth but couldn't find the words to explain.
Sara couldn't stand it any longer and bluntly told my parents everything about Dexter's affair and how the mistress had also given birth today.
She even showed them the photos on her phone.
My dad's face turned red with rage. "That bastard Dexter Young, he's such a scumbag!"
My mom's eyes welled up with tears as she held me close. "My poor girl, you've suffered enough. We're getting you out of this marriage. You don't deserve this."
I patted my mom's back, trying to make my voice sound strong.
"Mom, I've already made up my mind. I'm going to handle this.
"I won't leave him with a dime—not the money, the house, or my daughter."
Dad chimed in, comforting my mom, "Our girl's grown up. She knows how to deal with this."
Mom gripped my hand tightly, telling me that no matter how old I get, I'll always be her little girl.
I nodded and squeezed her hand back.
