Melissa leaned on a tree and took a deep breath. She knew her husband Paul was lying to her. Every day for weeks now he went for “a walk” but things just didn’t add up. And all this while she was heavily pregnant with their first child.
Melissa had been following Paul for over an hour and was exhausted with the exertion. But she couldn’t stop now. She needed to find out what Paul was doing, spending hours on these ‘walks’. What was it exactly that he was hiding from her?
What Melissa didn’t know was that she was about to uncover a truth that will snatch the ground from beneath her feet. As Melissa rounded the corner and came face to face with Paul, she stood frozen on the spot. As Paul noticed her presence, he realized that there was no way of hiding the truth anymore and all he could do was drop to his knees and beg his wife for forgiveness.
Paul and Melissa were a happy couple and while their love story wasn’t like a romcom, it had its share of ups and downs. Married just a few months ago, they had retreated to a quiet life surrounded by nature, a stark contrast to the bustling city where their story began.
Four years ago, at a mutual friend’s party, Paul and Melissa’s paths crossed. They instantly connected over their shared love for cheesy romcom movies and classic literature. They often spent weekends together tucked in a cozy cafe.
They laughed, debated, and discovered a mutual passion that neither had expected to find. By the end of the night, they knew something special had begun.Their bond grew quickly, each date turning into a mini-adventure through the city’s bookstores, art galleries, and cozy cafes.
It wasn’t long before they became inseparable. But as their love deepened, so did their challenges. Paul struggled to make ends meet with his freelance gigs, and Melissa took on extra shifts at the company, often working late into the night to meet deadlines.
Despite their hectic schedules, they found solace in each other’s company. They would steal precious moments together, savoring late-night talks and weekend getaways. After about a year of dating, things got serious between the two, compelling Melissa to move in with Paul.
The apartment was modest, with barely any space for their combined belongings. The kitchen. was so cramped that cooking together became a comedic dance of dodging elbows and dropped utensils. Yet, this little haven became their sanctuary.
Melissa’s optimism was contagious. She painted vivid pictures of their future, often talking about her dream of starting a family with Paul and raising kids in a home surrounded by nature, far from the city’s clamor.
Paul was hesitant in taking such a big financial decision. However, Melissa stood firm on her stance. This disagreement became a frequent topic of heated debates. Their visions for the future clashed, creating a strain in their relationship.
One night, after yet another tense fight between the two Paul came to bed and breached the topic again. Reluctantly, He agreed to Melissa’s plan. Paul saw the determination in her eyes and knew that compromising was the only way to preserve their relationship.
For over two years, they scrimped and saved, making sacrifices and sticking to their strict budget. Finally, their hard work paid off. They managed to save enough to put a lease on a charming house at the edge of the forest.
It had a small garden and plenty of space for them to grow. As they moved into their new home, Melissa felt a surge of relief. She thought that this new beginning would mark the end of their struggles and the start of a peaceful, idyllic life.
And she was right, for a while. When they moved into the new house near the edge of the forest, life started feeling like one of those fairytales. She married Paul three months down the line.
And it wasn’t long before she received the best news of her life: she and Paul were expecting a baby. Melissa and Paul were ecstatic. She couldn’t wait to raise a child with Paul. They spent their evenings planning the nursery and imagining the life they would build for their little one.
Melissa didn’t know this was just the beginning of her problems. Since moving to their new house near the forest, Paul had started going to a nearby café to work. At first, Melissa didn’t mind. It seemed reasonable, even comforting, that he had found a quiet place to focus.
But as the weeks went by, his café visits became longer and more frequent. Paul was an amazing husband overall, taking care of Melissa and preparing for the upcoming baby, but these long absences quickly became a matter of concern.
“Paul, what do you do at the café for so long?” Melissa asked one evening, trying to keep her tone light but unable to hide her worry.“Just clearing my head, love,” Paul replied with a reassuring smile. “The café is so peaceful. It helps me think.”
Despite being worried, Melissa tried to make peace with Paul’s long absences. Paul was an excellent husband and she had no reason to worry. However, she couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was off.
One afternoon, after another long cafe outing, Paul came back home with muddy boots. It was an odd sight for someone who claimed to spend his time indoors at a café. However, due to the fear of another argument, Melissa decided to hold her tongue.
Another time, he forgot his laptop at home yet didn’t return to pick it up, insisting later that he had been working all day. The discrepancies in his story began to add up. Melissa’s suspicion grew, her mind racing with questions she was too afraid to ask.
One evening, Paul came home from the café and immediately made himself a cup of coffee, despite supposedly spending the entire afternoon surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed beans. Melissa couldn’t help but think that Paul was hiding something from her.
As her pregnancy progressed, the sense of unease only intensified. Paul remained supportive and attentive, but the long absences and inconsistencies in his explanations gnawed at her. Her imagination conjured up the worst scenarios, each one more disturbing than the last.
One Saturday morning as Paul got ready to go to the cafe, Melissa made a decision. She couldn’t take it anymore. She had to know the truth. As Paul left for his usual café trip, she waited a few minutes before grabbing her coat and keys.
She quietly waited as his car left the driveway before going after him. Her heart pounded as she tailed his car, keeping a safe distance to avoid detection. She followed him across the usual pathways and roads until the intersection to the cafe showed up.
However, instead of heading to the café, Paul took an unexpected turn, driving towards the forest. Melissa’s pulse quickened, a mix of fear and determination propelling her forward. Why was he going into the forest?
Melissa followed Paul’s car through the highway, but as the traffic thickened, she struggled to keep up. Cars weaved in and out, obscuring her view, and soon she lost sight of Paul’s car entirely.
Panic set in as she drove aimlessly, trying to find him again, but it was no use. Defeated and filled with anxiety, she turned back and drove home, her mind swirling with unanswered questions and fear.
Back at the house, Melissa paced anxiously, waiting for Paul to return. The minutes dragged on, each one amplifying her unease. Had Paul been hiding a dark secret all along? The fear of the unknown gnawed at her, making her question everything she thought she knew about her husband.
When Paul finally walked through the door, she was ready. “Where have you been?” she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady. “Where have you been?” she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.
As usual, Paul replied with a calm, “At the café, working.” His nonchalance in the face of her mounting anxiety triggered something deep within her, and she could no longer hold back her anger. “I followed you today, Paul,” she said, her voice shaking with a mix of rage and fear.
“I saw you go into the forest. You weren’t at the café.” Paul froze, his expression that of a deer caught in headlights. Paul froze, his expression that of a deer caught in headlights. His face twisted in anger as he responded, “Why were you following me, Melissa? Don’t you trust me at all?”
Her frustration and worry boiled over. “Trust you? How can I when you’re always disappearing into the forest without an explanation?” Paul’s jaw clenched, and he stepped closer. “I don’t owe you an explanation for everything. Sometimes I just need to be alone.”
“Alone? For hours? In the forest? What are you hiding, Paul?” Melissa’s voice rose, her emotions boiling over. Paul’s patience was exhausted and he ended up screaming “I’m not hiding anything! Why can’t you just believe me?”
The argument escalated, words flying like sharp-edged daggers. Accusations, denials, and hurtful remarks filled the air, each one deepening the chasm between them. Finally, Paul stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
Melissa stood in the silence that followed, her heart pounding. Tears streamed down her face as she sank into a chair. Regret washed over her, mingling with her lingering worry. She hadn’t meant for it to turn into a fight. She just wanted answers.
The days that followed were a nightmare. Paul grew even more distant, his absences more frequent. Melissa’s mind churned with unanswered questions. Why wouldn’t he tell her the truth? What was he doing out there for hours on end?
As her pregnancy progressed, daily tasks became increasingly difficult to manage. Simple chores left her exhausted, and Paul’s absence turned every day into an ordeal. She struggled to tie her shoes or to navigate the simplest of tasks with her growing belly.
Paul’s long walks in the forest were simply making Melissa lose her mind. Each evening, she watched him leave, a shadow of dread and curiosity trailing behind him. The unanswered questions gnawed at her sanity.
The more distant Paul became, the more Melissa’s resolve strengthened. She couldn’t bear another sleepless night, wondering and worrying. She had to know the truth. One chilly morning, unable to take it anymore, Melissa decided to follow Paul.
As Paul left the house, Melissa gave him a few minutes’ head start before quietly slipping out and getting into her car. Her heart pounded as she tailed him cautiously, determined not to lose him this time.
She kept a safe distance, navigating through the morning traffic with a laser focus, making sure not to let any vehicles come between them for too long. When Paul eventually turned off the main road and headed towards the forest, Melissa’s pulse quickened.
She parked a little way back from where Paul stopped, watching as he got out and rummaged for something in the trunk of his car. Taking a deep breath, she readied herself to start following him on foot, determined to finally uncover the truth behind his mysterious excursions.
She watched with bated breath as he got out a few bags and disappeared into the dense trees. She imagined Paul meeting someone in secret, perhaps involved in something even more sinister. Her imagination was fueled by the eerie silence of the woods.
Her pregnant belly made it difficult to move quickly or quietly, and the uneven forest floor was treacherous. She stumbled over roots and rocks, her breath coming in short, strained gasps. But determination propelled her forward. She needed answers, no matter the cost.
Paul moved swiftly, his familiarity with the forest evident in his confident strides. Melissa struggled to keep up, her legs aching and her back throbbing. She paused often to catch her breath.
However, fear of losing him and getting left alone in the forest urged her on. As they walked deeper into the forest, the trees thickened, their shadows casting eerie patterns on the ground, but she kept her fear in check focused on Paul’s retreating figure.
After what felt like an eternity, Melissa saw Paul step into a clearing. She ducked behind a tree, her heart hammering. Peering out cautiously, she saw an old cottage nestled among the trees. There was a small pond right next to it.
It was quaint and beautiful, with ivy climbing its stone walls and flowers blooming in a small, well-tended garden. The sight of it took her breath away. How could something so enchanting be hidden away in the depths of the forest?
As she gathered her courage to step out from behind the bush and confront Paul, the cottage door opened. Melissa froze. A blonde woman stepped out, her smile radiant as she greeted Paul. Melissa’s heart sank.
She felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She clutched her belly, feeling as if the ground had been pulled from beneath her feet. Paul embraced the woman, their familiarity unmistakable. She stood frozen behind the tree, and watched them go inside.
Melissa’s worst fears came crashing down around her. Betrayal seared through her veins, the pain of it nearly bringing her to her knees. She had imagined many scenarios, but seeing Paul with another woman was a dagger to her heart.
Tears blurred her vision as she watched them retreat. She wanted to scream, to confront them both, but the shock held her in place. Her worst fear had come to life, and it was more devastating than she could have imagined.
As she stood there, hidden among the trees, Melissa felt a profound sense of loss wash over her, followed by unbridled rage. How could Paul betray her like this? She had been an understanding wife all along, how could he do this to his pregnant wife?
Melissa’s anger surged, fueling her as she made the difficult journey back to the house. Each step was painful, but the fire in her heart kept her moving. Her child kicked, a small yet powerful reminder of her strength and resolve.
She wouldn’t compromise on her and her baby’s future. She would see this through, no matter the cost. By the time she reached the house, Melissa’s exhaustion was overshadowed by her determination. She went straight to the phone and called for a divorce lawyer.
Her hands shook as she dialed, but her voice was steady, filled with a cold, unyielding resolve. She briefly explained the situation and scheduled an appointment. Hanging up, she felt a small sense of control return.
The hours crawled by as she waited for Paul to come back. Her mind raced, swinging between hurt and rage, sorrow and determination. She paced the living room, her heart pounding with each passing minute.
The baby kicked again, as if urging her on, and she took strength from the tiny life within her. She would confront Paul head-on and demand the truth. When the door finally opened, and Paul walked in, Melissa was ready.
She stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, her eyes blazing with anger. Paul looked surprised, sensing the tension in the air immediately. “Melissa, what’s going on?” he asked, his voice wary.
“Don’t play dumb, Paul,” she snapped. “I followed you into the forest. I saw you with her. Who is she? And what have you been doing with her all these months? Paul’s face paled, and he took a step back. “Melissa, it’s not what you think. Please, let me explain.”
“Explain? Explain what?” Melissa’s voice rose, filled with scathing sarcasm. “That you’ve been sneaking off to see a young pretty woman while I’m here, pregnant and worried sick? That you’ve lied to me for months?”
Paul’s eyes were filled with desperation. “You’ve got it all wrong. This isn’t what you think. Just let me tell you the truth.” “Why should I believe you? You haven’t been upfront or forthcoming about anything. How can I trust you now?” Her voice cracked with the weight of her pain and betrayal.
Paul dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. “Please, Melissa. I know I’ve hurt you, and I’m sorry. But it’s not what it looks like. Just listen to me.” Against her better judgment, Melissa’s heart softened, if only a fraction.
Paul remained on his knees, desperation etched across his face. “Please, Melissa, just listen. Since we’ve been together, I’ve known how much it means to you to be close to nature and to raise our child in a peaceful environment.”
He explained hurriedly, “When I found our house, I also discovered an old, abandoned cottage deep in the forest. I’ve spent months restoring it, working tirelessly to make your dream come true.”
Melissa’s eyes widened with a mix of confusion and hope. Paul continued, his voice trembling but earnest. “I wanted it to be a surprise, something special for you and the baby. The blonde woman you saw is an old friend of mine, Claire.”
“She’s an interior designer, and she’s been helping me in restoring the interior of the house.” Paul paused, searching Melissa’s face for any sign of belief. “I know it looks bad, and I should have told you. But I wanted it to be a surprise for you and the baby.”
He continued, “I wanted it to be done before the baby arrived so we could move in and start our family close to nature. That’s why I’ve been going longer and more frequently. I wanted to make it perfect for you.”
Melissa’s anger and suspicion began to melt away, replaced by a flood of emotions. Tears filled her eyes as she took in Paul’s words. She saw the sincerity in his eyes. “Paul,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “Why didn’t you just tell me? We could have worked on it together.”
“I wanted it to be a surprise,” he said, his voice breaking. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you and how hard you had to work to buy that house. I just wanted to give you something special, something you’ve always dreamed of. I’m so sorry for all the pain I’ve caused.”
Melissa’s heart ached with the weight of his confession. She stepped forward and knelt beside him, taking his hands in hers. “I understand now, Paul. I see what you were trying to do. It’s just… it’s been so hard not knowing, and my mind went to dark places.”
“I know,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I promise, from now on, no more secrets. We’ll do it all together.” Together,” she repeated, her voice filled with both forgiveness and resolve. “But you have to show me this cottage. I want to see what you’ve been working on.”
The next day, Paul guided Melissa through the forest, taking care to ensure her journey was as easy as possible. When they reached the clearing, the cottage stood in its full, restored glory, a testament to Paul’s hard work and love.
Ivy climbed its walls, the frogs made splashing sounds in the pond, and comforting interiors, a cozy haven for their new family. Melissa’s heart swelled with love and gratitude. She turned to Paul, her eyes shining with tears of joy.
“It’s beautiful, Paul. It’s everything I ever dreamed of.” Melissa exclaimed. Paul wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. “I’m so glad you like it. This is our home now, where we’ll raise our child and create new memories.”
As they stood together, the sun filtering through the trees, Melissa felt a profound sense of peace and hope. The future, once clouded with doubt and fear, now seemed bright and full of promise.
With Paul by her side and their baby on the way, she knew they could face anything together. The cottage was more than just a house; it was a symbol of their love and commitment, and a new beginning for their family.