We were both pregnant by my husband — My mother-in-law’s cruel bet: ‘Whoever has a son stays’

I thought my pregnancy would save my marriage. Instead, it exposed the truth about my husband Marco who was involved with another woman. And she… she was pregnant too.

At the family meeting, my mother-in-law said, “Whoever has a son stays.”

Marco didn’t argue. He just sat there, silent, and that silence was all the answer I needed.

The next morning, I went to city hall and filed for legal separation. As I walked out, tears rolled down my face, but inside I felt relieved. I had chosen freedom both for me and the child I was carrying.

In Cebu, where my family lived, I started over. I found a small job at a clinic and rented a tiny room. My mother and friends called often, reminding me I wasn’t alone. With each passing day, I learned to breathe again.

Meanwhile, Marco’s new woman, Clarissa, moved into their house. She wore gold and enjoyed all the attention. My mother-in-law adored her, proudly saying, “She’ll give us the heir our business needs.”

I didn’t try to fight them, because honestly, I didn’t even care for them.

Seven months later, I gave birth to a baby daughter, Alyssa. She was small, warm, and beautiful. I didn’t care that she was a girl because she was my peace, my love, and my everything.

A few weeks later, I got news from an old neighbor. Clarissa had also delivered her baby. The Dela Cruz family threw a feast with balloons and banners. They were sure they finally had their grandson.

But the celebration turned into scandal. The baby was a girl, and soon, a DNA test proved she wasn’t even Marco’s child. The proud Dela Cruz home grew silent overnight. Marco was humiliated and my ex mother-in-law collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. As of Clarissa, she simply vanished with her child.

When I heard what happened, I didn’t feel joy because I was at a good place in my life and I didn’t seek revenge on anyone.

On the contrary, felt sorry for Marco.

That night, as I rocked Alyssa to sleep, I whispered, “You’ll grow up knowing your worth doesn’t depend on being anyone’s heir. You’ll be loved for who you are.”