When Denise’s husband tells her his phone is broken, she takes it to an old college buddy for repairs. But when she picks up the phone later, her friend shows her a note inside that proves her husband is hiding a dark secret.
I never would’ve imagined that a lost pair of earbuds would lead me to the most devastating discovery of my life.
There I was, dressed and ready for my morning jog when I realized I must’ve lost my earbuds in the Uber that brought my husband, Andrew, and me home the previous evening. I rushed into the kitchen, where Andy was making coffee.
“Babe, give me your phone, please?” I held out my hand. “I need to look at your call history.”
A man with a guilty expression | Source: Pexels
Andrew went pale as a sheet. “No, you can’t,” he replied quickly.
Now, I’m not going to claim Andy and I have a perfect marriage. We argue and sometimes get on each other’s nerves, but that’s normal, right? On this occasion, something about his response raised a red flag.
“Why not?” I asked.
“It’s… dead.” He looked away as he replied, stirring his coffee like it was the most important thing in the world. “I, uh, dropped it this morning.”
A woman staring forward | Source: Pexels
It was so obvious he was lying that I was speechless for a minute. I didn’t understand what was going on. Then I started thinking about all the times he’d come home late recently.
I also noticed strange appointments in his calendar when I double-checked the date for his parents’ upcoming anniversary celebration. It seemed so obvious in hindsight: Andrew was hiding something from me.
“Where is it now?” I asked. “I can drop it off to get repaired on my way to work, if you like?”
A tense couple | Source: Pexels
Andrew hesitantly went into the bedroom to fetch his phone. It seemed to take ages, but finally, he handed me his phone.
It was indeed dead, the screen as black as night. I tried turning it on while I was on the subway, but it seemed Andrew had been telling the truth.
I should’ve been relieved, but my suspicions from earlier still nagged at me as I entered the repair shop. My old college buddy, Mike, owned the place. He greeted me warmly as I approached the counter.
A woman speaks to a shop assistant | Source: Pexels
“Hey, Mike. Can you take a look at this?” I set the phone down in front of him.
Mike took the phone and turned it over in his hands. “Sure thing, Denise, I’ll let you know what I find.”
The day dragged on at work, my mind a whirl of worries. By the time I got off, there was a message from Mike waiting for me.
“Hey, can you come by the shop? There’s something you need to see.”
Woman walking on the street while speaking on her phone | Source: Pexels
My stomach churned as I walked into Mike’s shop. He looked up from the counter, a serious expression on his face.
“Let’s go to the back,” Mike said.
My heart pounded as I followed him to a small room. Mike closed the door behind us, then handed me Andrew’s phone, now powered on and functional. But there was more.
“I found this inside the phone,” he said, passing me a small folded note.
With trembling hands, I unfolded the paper.
A woman holding a notepad | Source: Pexels
Scrawled in Andrew’s handwriting, it read: “Please don’t fix this phone, say it’s beyond repair. Email me, I will send you money for it. Thanks!”
I felt like the ground had fallen away beneath me. “What the heck?” I muttered, “Why would he…”
I looked at Mike, but he raised his hands. “I didn’t email him, and I didn’t look at any personal stuff on the device either.” He let out a sigh and looked sadly at me. “But he obviously has something to hide.”
An earnest man | Source: Pexels
I know he meant to be kind, but his words felt like a slap in the face.
I thanked Mike, paid him, and left in a hurry. Once I was seated on the train home, I pulled out Andrew’s phone. He’d gone to such lengths to keep me from seeing his call history, but why?
My hands clenched into fists as the most obvious answer sprang to mind: Andrew was cheating on me.
An angry woman | Source: Pexels
So, I was all fired up as I started scrolling through phone numbers. My imagination was already filling up with various ways to get revenge on him, so what I found caught me completely off guard.
Most calls were to a number labeled “Dr. Whitman,” and several others marked “Hospital.”
“What the heck…” I muttered, clicking on the messages next. They were filled with appointment confirmations, test results, and reminders for follow-ups.
My mind raced, trying to piece together what this could mean.
A woman scrolling on a smart phone | Source: Pexels
Was Andrew sick? I tapped into his photo gallery, and my worst fears were confirmed. Scans, x-rays, and medical documents filled the screen. Each image painted a grim picture of a long, hidden battle with illness.
Andrew wasn’t cheating; he was sick, and he’d kept it from me all this time. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away.
The rest of the subway ride felt like an eternity. My mind replayed every moment from the past few months, every late night, every strange appointment.
A crying woman | Source: Pexels
Feelings of anger, sorrow, and guilt cycled through me. Why hadn’t he told me? How could he go through this alone?
I took a deep breath as I approached our home, feeling the weight of Andrew’s secret pressing down on my chest. Fresh tears stung at my eyes, but I clenched my jaw and kept moving.
When I finally walked through the front door, Andrew was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine. He looked up, and his face fell when he saw the phone in my hand.
Man sitting on a sofa | Source: Pexels
“You got it fixed?” he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
I nodded. “Andrew, we need to talk.”
He looked away, the dread evident in his posture. I sat beside him, taking his hand in mine. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I whispered, my voice breaking.
Andrew sighed, tears forming in his own eyes. “I didn’t want you to worry. I wanted to protect you, to keep our life normal for as long as possible.”
Couple seated on a sofa | Source: Pexels
“Protect me?” I echoed, my voice rising. “How could you think this would protect me? Finding out like this feels like a betrayal.”
“I’m sorry, Denise,” he said, his voice cracking. “I thought I could handle it on my own. I didn’t want to burden you with my problems.”
“We’re supposed to share our lives, Andrew,” I snapped. “The good and the bad. How could you think this isn’t my problem too?”
He hung his head, silent tears streaming down his face.
Sad and serious man | Source: Pexels
“I know I should have told you,” he whispered. “But I was so scared. I didn’t want you to see me as… broken.”
My heart ached as I watched Andrew hang his head and turn away. I closed the gap between us, placing my arms around him as I tried to make sense of it all.
“Andrew, I love you,” I said. “Nothing will ever change that. But I need you to trust me. We’re in this together, remember?”
Close up of a woman with tear-filled eyes | Source: Pexels
He nodded, squeezing my hand tightly. “I’m so sorry, Denise. I promise, no more secrets.”
I held him tight as I felt his body shake with sobs. “We’ll get through this,” I whispered. “Together. But I need you to tell me what the doctors found.”
Andrew let out a shaky breath. He wiped his tears as he turned to face me and said two words that changed my life forever.
Couple seated on a sofa having a conversation | Source: Pexels
“Lung cancer.” Andrew’s lower lip quivered as he attempted a brave smile. “It’s under control for now, but it’s not good, Denise.”
For a long while, we just sat there, holding each other. The weight of his secret was still heavy, but sharing it made it a little easier to bear. We talked late into the night about his diagnosis, his fears, and what we needed to do next.
It was going to be a long road, but at least we’d be walking it together.
A couple hugging | Source: Pexels
The next morning, we made an appointment with Dr. Whitman. As we sat in the waiting room, Andrew reached for my hand.
“Thank you for not giving up on me,” he said softly.
I looked into his eyes, seeing the vulnerability and strength there. “We’re a team, remember? I’m not going anywhere.”
Couple holding hands | Source: Pexels
He smiled, a real smile this time, and I couldn’t help but smile back. Despite all the drama and heartache, I knew then that no matter what happened next, we’d be okay.
53-Year-Old Woman Gives Birth to Twins, Son-In-Law Notices Familiar Birthmarks on Them — Story of the Day
A woman conceives at the age of 53 and gives birth to twins prematurely. But things take a bizarre turn when her son-in-law arrives at the hospital and notices the same birthmark on the babies’ shoulders as his.
When 53-year-old Barbara took the pregnancy test, and it showed two lines, she couldn’t believe her eyes! Yes, she was expecting a child! The sudden weight gain and mood swings were not coincidental, but it was too late by the time Barabara realized it.
“Do you hear the heartbeats, Barbara?” Dr. Carter asked her when she visited the hospital.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Barbara was taken aback. “Heartbeats?”
“Yes, Barbara. Don’t you know you’re pregnant with twins?”
Barbara froze in shock when Dr. Carter said that.
Being a mother is one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can have, but it came as a shock to Barbara because, at her age, she was already a mother, and not to mention, a grandmother to two beautiful girls.
“Can we please terminate the pregnancy, doctor?” Barbara asked, worried. “I don’t want to go forward with it.”
The doctor gave her a disappointed look. “I’m sorry, Barbara, but I’m afraid it’s too late. I see some inconsistencies in your report, and I believe we’ll have to admit you to the hospital for a while. I have a feeling you’re going to have a premature delivery.”
“Please, doctor,” Barbara begged, her eyes welling up. “Is there nothing else I can do to avoid this pregnancy? I don’t think I’m prepared for this.”
“I’m sorry, Barbara, but I’m afraid I can’t assist you. As I previously stated, your reports are not normal. And if we perform the abortion, you will be putting your life in danger.”
Barbara was devastated. She was scared of what would happen when her daughter learned that she was pregnant, but more than that, she feared how she’d raise the kids alone. Nevertheless, she knew she wouldn’t be able to hide the pregnancy for long. So she called Melanie that day and told her everything.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Oh, mom, come on!” Melanie burst out laughing on the call. “You shouldn’t be cracking such jokes at that age!”
“I’m serious, honey!” Barbara expressed her disappointment. “Could you please check your phone?”
Melanie was aware that her mother was seeing a man named Jackson, who was once a classmate of hers. They’d gone to the same high school and university and met on Facebook. He’d even asked Barbara out, and they’d gone on a few dates.
However, Melanie didn’t believe her mother was serious until she looked up her message and read the ultrasound reports. It proved that she was indeed pregnant and that she wasn’t lying.
Melanie was taken aback. “Oh my goodness, Mom! This is unbelievable! But, what have you thought about it?”
“I really didn’t want to continue with it, honey,” Barbara moaned. “But I don’t have a choice. The doctors said abortion is too risky, so I have to go ahead with it.”
“Don’t be concerned, mom,” Melanie reassured her. “If God has placed you in this position, he will also guide you. I’m always there for you.”
Barbara was left in tears when her daughter said that. “But honey, don’t you want to know….”
Before Barbara could finish, Melanie cut her off. “I don’t need to know anything else, mom. Just don’t stress yourself over anything. Okay?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“But what about Josh and the others? They’ll judge me for being pregnant at this age, and then those poor kids will have to face society. I’m really worried, honey.”
“Why do you care what others think, mom? You’re aware of how people are. They’ll talk about you today, but they won’t remember you tomorrow. As far as Josh is concerned, he’s very understanding. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him.”
“Alright, honey. Thank you,” Barbara said and then hung up. But she was still concerned about what would happen if the truth was revealed.
Melanie, like a responsible daughter, visited and cared for her mother from the moment she found out she was pregnant. Josh, Melanie’s husband, was equally supportive and accompanied her to the hospital on weekends to care for his mother-in-law. But all of this love and support vanished the day the twins were born.
When the nurse brought the babies, Melanie and Josh immediately noticed the birthmarks on the babies’ shoulders. Melanie was stunned, to say the least, and Josh couldn’t believe his eyes!
“The birthmark…How is that possible? I can’t believe you did this to me, Josh!” Melanie cried. “Did you cheat on me and with my mother?”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“What? Are you crazy, Melanie? There’s nothing like that!” Josh explained.
“Don’t lie to me, Josh! Look at those birthmarks! I can’t believe this! And mom, even she didn’t tell me!”
Josh was at a loss for words at this point. He’d noticed the birthmarks as well, but he wasn’t the father of Barbara’s twins. “Listen, Melanie, please calm down. It isn’t what you think…”
“I don’t want to listen to you, Josh!” Melanie snapped. “I need to talk to mom right now!” The woman said as she rushed to Barbara’s ward.
Barbara, who had just woken after the delivery, was stunned to see her daughter’s face red, with tears running down her cheeks. “Honey, are you alright?” she asked, worried.
“Alright? Really, mom?” Melanie was furious. “I can’t believe Josh and you…. That’s disgusting, mom. When did you two start meeting behind my back? Don’t lie, I saw the birthmarks on the babies’ shoulders. Josh has the same birthmark!”
“Honey, please calm down,” Barbara said.
“How can I calm down, mom?” Melanie burst into tears once again. “I supported you throughout your pregnancy, mom! I was afraid Josh wouldn’t support me in this, but he did. And I was surprised when he did that. Was he acting this way because he was the father? Also, you said you wanted to tell me something about the pregnancy when you called me that day, but I cut you off. I AM DIVORCING THAT MAN! I DON’T WANT TO SEE HIS FACE!”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Josh, who had just arrived after Melanie, tried to console her, but the young woman pushed him away and said she didn’t want to hear anything.
Barbara couldn’t hold back her tears when she saw her daughter in that state. She called Melanie over to her side and took her hand in hers. “Josh, you come here as well. There’s something you both need to know…” The older lady started and narrated the entire story.
It turned out that the father of Barbara’s twins was Josh’s father, Mr. Andrew Wilson. A few months ago, they all got together at Andrew’s ranch, where Barbara and Andrew got drunk and a little romantic.
Barbara was terrified of admitting the truth, but even more so of her daughter losing her family. As a result, she kept the truth to herself and never revealed it.
“Josh’s father has the same birthmark as well, honey,” Barbara added. “If you don’t believe me, ask Josh.”
Melanie looked at Josh, who nodded in agreement. “She’s correct, Mel. My father and grandfather share the same birthmark.”
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“I guess I should have told you guys everything earlier. I’m sorry,” Barbara broke down in tears.
Having heard the whole story from her mother, Melanie realized that she was wrong to jump to conclusions and apologized to Barbara and Josh. “I’m sorry for the whole chaos I created. I should have given you guys a chance to explain yourselves. But mom,” she said, turning to Barbara. “I think you should tell Mr. Wilson about it.”
“Yes, Barbara,” Josh added. “Dad has the right to know what happened. Moreover, the kids are his responsibility too. I think you should tell him.”
Barbara was not sure about it, but she called Andrew and told him everything. He was taken aback by the news, but he decided to take responsibility for the children. A few hours after the call, he paid a visit to Barbara in the hospital with a bouquet and proposed to her on his knees in the most romantic way.
The older lady blushed and nodded yes. A few months later, the two were married at a church in an intimate family ceremony, and they are now a big happy family.
What can we learn from this story?
- Don’t jump to conclusions. If Melanie had been a little patient and listened to Josh and her mom, she wouldn’t have created the chaos.
- Don’t run away from your responsibilities. Mr. Wilson didn’t run away from his responsibilities and agreed to take care of the twins.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who gets stuck in the airport on Christmas Eve and meets the lover he lost almost 60 years ago.
This account is inspired by our reader’s story and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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