What I found stunned me. The café was beautifully decorated—pink balloons, a big cake, and lots of children. At the center was Lola, wearing a pink dress I didn’t recognize. She looked unsure, surrounded by people I didn’t know. Standing beside her was my husband Peter… and a woman I had never met before.
Before I could process it, I heard people singing “Happy Birthday.” Both Peter and the woman leaned in to kiss Lola on the cheek. My heart sank. I stepped forward and asked, “What’s going on?”
Peter looked startled. “You were supposed to be at the spa,” he said. Then came the revelation I never expected. He introduced the woman as Madeline and calmly explained that they had been seeing each other. He said this party was a chance for Lola to start “bonding with her new mom.”
I was speechless. I hadn’t been included in any of this—not the planning, not the guest list, not even the location. I was heartbroken. But then I heard Lola’s sweet voice cut through the confusion: “Mama! You came!” She ran to me, and I held her tightly, whispering, “You are my whole heart. Never forget that.”
Peter tried to explain more, but the hurt was too deep. I took Lola’s hand, thanked the guests quietly, and we left. That night, at home, I brought out the cake I had made for her—chocolate with fresh strawberries—and we lit five candles together. She made a wish and whispered, “I wished that you’d always be here.”
“I always will be,” I promised.
Later, I visited Rachel to bring her a slice of cake and shared what had happened. Her support meant the world to me. That night, I reflected on everything. Though the day had gone nothing like I had planned, it had shown me something important: it was time to take back control of my life.
From that moment on, I vowed to rebuild, not just for me, but for Lola—to create a future rooted in love, stability, and honesty. This was our new beginning.