With trembling hands, he would have opened it and read:

“Ethan,

I found the messages from your parents. You lied to me about the paternity leave. If you can lie about something so important, how can I trust you with our future? I need honesty, especially now. I’m leaving because I deserve better, and so does our baby.

I’ve sent the pictures of your messages to your boss, and that’s why you were fired. I cannot stay with someone who would betray me like this, especially at a time when we should be united. I’m going to file for divorce.

Goodbye.

Sarah.”

That morning, while Ethan was gone, I packed my things. Then I sat at the kitchen table, wrote the letter, and left for my parents’ house.

“You did the right thing, Sarah,” Mom said gently, pulling me out of my thoughts. “You need to think about what’s best for you and the baby now.”

I nodded, tears filling my eyes. “I just never thought it would come to this,” I said. “After all, I did love him.”

My dad reached over and squeezed my hand. “We’re here for you, sweetheart. You’ll get through this, and you’ll come out stronger.”

Sitting in my parents’ living room, holding my growing belly, I realized the future I had imagined with Ethan was gone.

But I also knew I had to be strong—for my child and for myself.

It was time to begin again, this time building a life grounded in truth and integrity.