My husband wants my newborn daughter to call his first love “mom”

Chapter 1

My daughter’s first birthday party was supposed to be a happy occasion.

But my husband of three years, Mark, handed our baby girl over to his first love, right in front of me.

He even told Lily to call her “Mommy.”

I rushed forward to stop him, but he shoved me aside.

“Why are you being so selfish?” he snapped.

“Sarah can’t have kids, she just wants to experience being a mom, even if it’s just for a little while.”

“Besides, Lily’s too young to understand. What’s the harm in her calling Sarah ‘Mommy’ a few times?”

Sarah looked down at me, holding my baby, feigning innocence. “I’m sorry, Jessica,” she said, “This is the one thing I’ll always regret.”

“Mark went through so much trouble to arrange this, and I didn’t want to let him down.”

“Don’t worry, when Lily’s older, I’ll give her back to you and leave…”

I picked myself up, and calmly replied, “Fine. I’ll give you what you want.”

Three years of marriage.

It was time for it to end.

……

After I said those words, the looks on everyone’s faces shifted from shock to disdain.

After all, in their eyes, I was hopelessly in love with Mark.

From high school to college, and from graduation to our careers, I’d chased after him for years.

I’d practically worshipped him.

I’d lost all sense of dignity around him.

Mark froze, the accusations he was about to hurl died on his lips.

“What?” he stammered.

He probably never thought I’d agree so easily.

After all, every time Sarah’s name came up, we’d have a huge fight.

Like the time he left me stranded in the pouring rain to go comfort her.

Or how he barely came home during my pregnancy, while Sarah’s social media was filled with pictures of their daily life together.

But now, I didn’t have the energy to argue.

The moment he handed Lily to Sarah, the moment he told Lily to call her “Mommy,” I finally woke up.

The marriage I fought so hard for was over.

I looked at Mark, my voice steady. “I wish you and your… family all the best.”

“But Lily,” I added, “Lily is coming with me.”

As if sensing the tension, Lily’s little hands waved in the air.

Not smelling my familiar scent, she started to cry.

My heart ached.

In the month since Lily’s birth, she’d been such a good baby.

Rarely fussy, even during feedings.

I’d thought she was a gift from heaven.

But now I realized Lily had been part of Mark’s plan from the moment she was conceived.

Mark never cared about Lily.

To him, she was just a tool to make Sarah happy.

I fought back tears, glaring at Mark.

“Lily’s hungry. She needs to come with me, now!”

Lily squirmed in Sarah’s arms, clearly unhappy.

Sarah frowned, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes as she looked at Lily.

She tried to soothe her, but after several failed attempts, her eyes welled up.

“It seems Lily doesn’t like me very much,” she whimpered.

She casually handed Lily to a bodyguard behind her and leaned into Mark’s embrace.

I rushed forward and held Lily close, whispering soothing words.

Mark patted Sarah’s hand, his voice gentle. “It’s okay, she’s just a baby, she doesn’t recognize people yet.”

“I’ll make sure she spends more time with you. She’ll come around.”

“She’ll be your daughter, too, one day!”

His words made me sick to my stomach.

I held Lily tighter, ignoring Sarah’s smug look, and met Mark’s gaze.

“Mark, we’re getting a divorce.”

“And I’m taking Lily with me.”

Sarah looked surprised, and Mark stared at me in disbelief.

Then he frowned, his voice laced with impatience. “Jessica, divorce isn’t a weapon to use when you’re throwing a tantrum.”

I didn’t respond, just turned and walked towards the door.

“Jessica! Don’t you dare walk away from me!” Mark yelled after me.

Sarah’s placating voice followed. “It’s okay, Mark, Lily’s hungry, and Jessica’s just upset. She probably didn’t mean what she said…”

Once outside the hotel, I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.

Guilt for putting Lily through this washed over me.

I felt like a complete failure.

Because of my blind devotion, Mark had hurt me repeatedly.

He’d taken advantage of my love, certain that I’d never leave him.

And now, he was trying to take my daughter.

Lily’s little face was red from crying, and my tears fell freely.

I gently squeezed her hand. “It’s okay, Mommy’s here.”

As long as Mommy was there, everything would be okay.

Lily didn’t need a father like Mark.

Mark didn’t come home until the early hours of the morning.

He stumbled into the bedroom, reeking of alcohol.

I wrinkled my nose, my stomach churning.

His cheeks flushed, he saw me sitting on the bed and tossed his jacket aside, collapsing next to me.

I instinctively moved away, but he grabbed my arm.

He looked at me, a hint of pleading in his bloodshot eyes.

“Are you mad?” he slurred.

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing going on between Sarah and me. It’s just… she had an accident a while back and can’t have kids. It’s her biggest heartbreak.”

“I just wanted to make her happy. Besides, isn’t it good to have another person to help take care of Lily?”

He moved closer, his body pressing against mine. “I know I was a little harsh earlier, but you’re overreacting.”

“I was just trying to help Sarah. You’re making way too big a deal out of this.”

“And please, don’t threaten me with divorce every time you get upset. What will people think?”

His words struck me as absurdly ironic. He hadn’t considered what people would think when he paraded Sarah around with Lily, declaring she would be Sarah’s child. He hadn’t thought about how *I* would feel.

I pulled away from his touch and gave him a cold stare. “I’ll be in the guest room tonight.”

I reached for the door, but his hand clamped around my wrist.

He glared at me, his eyes filled with impatience. “I already explained everything! What more do you want?”

“Jessica, how can you be so selfish? Sarah will never have children! It’s just a word, Lily calling her ‘Mommy’! What’s the big deal?”

I stared at him, the man I’d loved for so long, and now all I felt was disgust.

I yanked my arm free and opened the door. “You know how you feel about Sarah. But I will not let you drag Lily into this!”

“I told you, we’re getting a divorce.”

I left the room and headed for the guest room, the sound of crashing objects echoing behind me.

Lily’s nursery was right next to the guest room. I peeked in and saw her sleeping peacefully, my heart calming slightly.

I kissed her forehead, whispered goodnight, and went to bed.

The next morning, Mark was gone.

I wasn’t surprised. He’d been spending less and less time at home since I got pregnant.

I knew exactly where he’d gone.

I got up and went to Lily’s room.

I pushed open the door.

Lily was gone.

Panic seized me. I frantically searched the room, turning everything upside down.

But Lily was nowhere to be found.

Terror gripped me. My hand trembled as I reached for my phone to call the police.

Then I saw the trending news story.

#MarkStevensonCEOAttendsGalaWithWifeAndDaughter#

I clicked on the link. In the video, Sarah was on Mark’s arm, and in their arms… was Lily.

Lily’s nose was red, like she’d been crying. My heart clenched.

I knew Mark wouldn’t answer my calls.

So I grabbed my coat and keys, and raced to the gala.

The gala was just ending. Sarah, clinging to Mark’s arm, strolled towards their waiting limousine. Lily was still asleep in their arms.

I jumped out of my car and rushed towards them.

Sarah feigned surprise. “Jessica? What are you doing here?”

I ignored her and addressed Mark directly. “Lily’s too young to be at these events! What if she gets scared?”

Mark shrugged. “She can’t be that fragile.”

“Sarah missed her, and we had the gala today, so I brought her along.”

“See? She’s perfectly fine.”

Sarah chimed in, a saccharine smile on her face. “Yes, Jessica, you’re worrying a bit too much.”

I didn’t reply. I reached out and snatched Lily from their arms.

Even with the sudden movement, Lily didn’t stir. My heart sank. I touched her forehead.

Burning hot.

I shook her gently. “Lily? Lily, wake up!”

But she remained unresponsive. I turned to Mark, my voice rising. “Mark! She’s your daughter!”

“She’s burning up with fever, and you didn’t even notice?”

Mark stammered, looking flustered. “When did that happen… I didn’t realize…”

I didn’t have time to argue. I rushed Lily to the nearest hospital.

Once she was hooked up to an IV, I finally started to breathe again.

The doctor said if I’d brought her in any later, she could have been in serious danger.

I watched Lily sleep, guilt gnawing at me.

I wiped away the tears that had streamed down my face and called my parents.

Mom answered right away. My voice was hoarse. “Mom, I’m divorcing Mark.”

There was a pause, then a rush of concerned questions. “What happened? Are you alright? What’s going on?”

I told them everything. Dad’s voice was thick with anger. “That heartless bastard! She’s his daughter!”

Mom chimed in, her voice fierce. “You bring Lily and come home right now! I’ll handle everything.”

Mom had extensive business connections and knew a lot of prominent lawyers. Finding someone to handle my divorce wouldn’t be a problem.

I mumbled my agreement and checked Lily’s forehead again. Her fever had broken. I let out a shaky breath.

After hanging up, I stayed with Lily for the rest of the day.

After a day and night on IV fluids, Lily finally woke up.

Mom came to the hospital to help with Lily, and I went home to pack.

I didn’t have much – just the essentials.

As I was leaving, Mark’s car pulled up in front of me.

Sarah got out with him, feigning surprise at my suitcase. “Jessica, where are you going?”

Mark followed her gaze to my luggage, his face hardening. “What do you think you’re doing?”

I stared at him coldly. “We’re getting divorced. Why would I stay?”

He grabbed my arm again. “I didn’t say you could leave!”

Sarah chimed in again. “Mark, Jessica’s just upset, you need to talk to her, everything will be fine… It was my fault about Lily yesterday…”

Her words, instead of calming the situation, only fueled Mark’s anger. He released my arm. “It was just a fever! What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Jessica, can you stop overreacting? This constant drama is exhausting!”

His words stung, echoing in my ears. I slapped him.

Mark stared at me, shocked. Sarah rushed to his side, fussing over him. “Are you alright, Mark?”

I laughed coldly and pulled up Sarah’s social media feed on my phone. “Me? Overreacting and selfish?”

“Mark, take a look at what you’ve been doing.”

“Did you even care when Lily was born?”

“Where were you when she was sick?”

“Do I really need to spell it out for you?”

Sarah’s eyes filled with tears. “Jessica, I know you blame me. I’m leaving the country soon, I won’t bother you anymore…”

“Please, just make up with Mark.”

Her performance disgusted me. I slapped her, too.

This time, Mark was instantly protective, shielding Sarah as she shrieked. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”

I snarled, “Get out of my sight. Both of you. You disgust me.”

“You’ll get the divorce papers tomorrow. Sign them.”

As I dragged my suitcase to my car, Mark’s furious voice followed me. “Jessica! You’ll regret this!”

My mom took Lily back to her house. I drove straight to my parents’. Seeing Lily sleeping soundly, I finally felt a wave of relief wash over me.

Mom came over and put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry, honey. I found a great lawyer. We’ll get custody of Lily. I promise.”

“You’ve been through so much, sweetheart…”

I nodded, and all the pent-up emotions of the last few days came pouring out. I sobbed in my mother’s arms.

Three days passed, and Mark still hadn’t signed the divorce papers. I instructed my lawyer to inform him we were proceeding with a lawsuit. That finally got his attention. He called.

“Jessica! What the hell are you doing?” he demanded. “The divorce papers weren’t enough? Now you’re suing me?”

“I admit, I messed up with the Lily situation, but I honestly didn’t realize she was that sick!”

“Come on, stop this nonsense. I apologize. You have to understand, Sarah and I have known each other for years, she just got back to the states and found out she can’t have children. She’s going through a lot.”

He paused, then sighed. “There’s a gala tomorrow. Come with me.”

He said it like it was a concession. Mark rarely took me to these kinds of events. He thought a housewife like me should stay home and manage the household, not go out in public.

But I didn’t want to go to his stupid galas anymore.

“Will Sarah be there?” I asked flatly.

“Her studio is organizing the event,” he replied.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

The next evening, I drove to the gala. I entered the ballroom with Mark by my side. People came up to talk business with him, but more often, their eyes flicked to me, whispering amongst themselves. As far as most of them knew, Sarah, the woman from the news, was his wife.

Mark almost never brought me to these functions, so very few people in his circle knew me. Even Lily’s first birthday party had just been close family and friends.

Someone approached us, smiling politely at Mark. “And who is this?”

I cut Mark off before he could answer. “Hello. I’m Mark’s wife.”

The man’s eyes widened in surprise, then he looked at Mark with a knowing expression. Two wives? Mark’s reputation was about to take a hit.

Mark’s face darkened. He hissed, “What are you doing?”

I shrugged, a small smile playing on my lips. “Just stating a fact.”

Soon, the gala began. Sarah, as the organizer, glided onto the stage.

Under the spotlight, she looked elegant and poised in her designer gown.

I narrowed my eyes. Just as she was about to begin her speech, I raised my voice.

“Sarah, before you start, I think there are a few things you need to explain to me.”