I never told my parents the truth about who my husband really was. In their eyes, he was simply a disappointment compared to my sister’s successful CEO husband. When I went into labor earlier than expected while my husband was overseas, the pain hi:t hard and fast.

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, trying to push the unease aside. “Just… a little anxious.”

“Breathe,” he said, taking my hand in his. “We’ve got this.”

I nodded, grateful for his unwavering support. It had been months since I had felt this way—unsure, uncertain. But I trusted him. I trusted us.

The doorbell rang at exactly 7:00 PM.

I stood frozen for a moment, my heart racing, before Ethan squeezed my hand.

“You’ve got this,” he said again, his voice a steadying presence.

I took a deep breath and walked to the door, opening it to reveal my parents standing on the doorstep. They looked… different. There was an awkwardness to their presence, a hesitation in their eyes that I hadn’t seen before. For once, they didn’t look like the polished, perfect people they had always presented themselves to be. There was something raw and vulnerable in the way they stood there, waiting for me to let them in.

“Amelia,” my mother said, her voice softer than I remembered. “We… we’re so glad you agreed to this.”