After years of single motherhood, I thought I’d found my happily ever after. But the morning after my wedding, I opened the fridge to make breakfast and discovered something that made my blood run cold. Had I just made the biggest mistake of my life?

I never thought I’d remarry after my divorce. But when I met Jason, I felt that spark again. He was kind, understanding, and great with my daughter. I thought he was perfect.Little did I know, the morning after our wedding would change everything.

A woman sitting by her living room window | Source: MidjourneyIt all started three years ago when my ex-husband and I split up. Lily was only seven then, and suddenly, I had to juggle work, chores, and single motherhood. It wasn’t easy, but I had an amazing support system.

“Mom, when’s Dad coming back?” Lily asked one night after my divorce.

I sat next to her on the bed, pulling her close.

“Sweetheart, Dad’s not coming back to live with us. But he still loves you very much, and you’ll see him often.”

“But why can’t we all be together?”

A girl with her stuffed animal | Source: Midjourney

My heart broke at that point.

“Sometimes, grown-ups realize they’re better apart,” I replied, trying not to cry. “But that doesn’t change how much we love you, okay? You’re still our little baby and we love you to the moon and back!”

I’ll be honest, those first few years after my divorce were tough. I barely had time to breathe between work deadlines and Lily’s school events, but we somehow made it work.

I think it was mostly because of my parents who were always ready to babysit or bring over a home-cooked meal.

Meanwhile, my friends kept telling me to get back out there, but I was nervous. I mean, Lily was my priority, and I couldn’t bear the thought of bringing someone into her life who might hurt her.“Susan, you deserve happiness too,” my best friend, Rachel, said over coffee one day. “Lily’s doing great. Maybe it’s time to think about yourself a little.”

So, I dipped my toes back into the dating pool. There were a few disasters (like the guy who showed up to our date in sweatpants), but then I met Jason.

A man smiling, looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney

He was charming, successful, and seemed genuinely interested in my life as a mom. After a few dates, I found myself smiling more, looking forward to his texts.

“You look happy, Mom,” Lily said one morning as I hummed while making breakfast.

“I am, sweetie,” I looked at her with a smile. “I’ve met someone nice. Would you like to meet him sometime?”

She nodded eagerly.

“Is he funny like Dad used to be?” she asked.

He even brought her a book about space (her current obsession) and listened intently as she rattled off facts about Saturn’s rings.

“He’s really nice, Mom,” Lily whispered as Jason went to get more lemonade. “And he knows a lot about stars!”

It felt so good to hear those words from Lily.

Over the next year, we settled into a comfortable routine.

Jason would come over for family movie nights, help Lily with her science projects, and even bake cupcakes for her. It felt like we were always meant to be together.

One night, Jason and I were doing dishes after dinner when he turned to me.

“Susan,” he began. “I love you and Lily more than anything. Will you marry me?”

I hesitated for a moment, thinking of my previous marriage. But then I looked at Jason and realized this man had brought so much joy into our lives.

I couldn’t think of a single reason to say no.

“Yes,” I said, tears in my eyes. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

We tied the knot in an intimate ceremony, surrounded by our close friends and family. Lily was our flower girl, and she looked so cute walking down the aisle.

She couldn’t stop smiling as I said “I do” to the man who had won our hearts together.That night, as Jason and I danced under the stars, Lily ran up to us.

“Can I dance too?” she asked shyly.“Of course, princess,” Jason said, scooping her up.

As we swayed together, I thought my heart might burst with happiness. I had no idea that my perfect world would soon turn upside down.

The next morning, I woke up feeling so fresh. I headed to the kitchen to make a special breakfast for us, humming as I opened the fridge.

And then I froze.
A woman looking straight ahead, surprised | Source: Midjourney

The entire fridge was divided into sections, with neatly labeled notes on every shelf. One side read: “Jason & Susan’s Food.” The other, in smaller letters: “Lily’s Food.”

My hands shook as I reached for the milk carton.