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00:00Carrying my bags, I walked out of the arrivals hall at Portland International Airport.
00:04Thinking back to 3 years ago, I couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion.
00:08I was 27, then married for less than a year.
00:11My wife Kayla Foster, told me she was pregnant.
00:13I was overjoyed, and right then, I decided to go abroad for business,
00:17to make more money, and give my wife and kid a better life.
00:20For 3 years, I worked my ass off abroad, lived frugally,
00:23and sent every single penny I earned back home.
00:25Every time we video called, Kayla would rub her belly and say,
00:28the baby's kicking again, asking me to come back sooner to see our son.
00:33I'd smile and agree, saying I'd be back after saving up for one more year.
00:37Now, I am finally back.
00:39The thought of seeing my 3-year-old son any minute now,
00:42and my wife who had worked so hard for me for 3 years,
00:45made my eyes well up with tears.
00:47I called a rideshare, and headed straight for the Oak Terrace neighborhood.
00:50The car pulled up at the community gate, and I got out with my bags.
00:53Haven't been back in 3 years, but the neighborhood looks exactly the same.
00:57The old oak tree in the planter is even lusher,
01:00and there are a few unfamiliar new cars parked downstairs.
01:03Lenny, the guard at the gate popped his head out, looking completely shocked.
01:07Well, if it isn't Declan, I smiled, and said hi.
01:10Mr. Lenny, long time no see.
01:12Lenny's expression was a bit weird.
01:14He opened his mouth to say something, swallowed it back, and just nodded.
01:18Good to have you back. Good to have you back.
01:20Just as I was about to leave,
01:22Mrs. Patricia from the 3rd floor was coming back from the grocery store.
01:25She froze, when she saw me.
01:27Declan, why, why are you back?
01:30That question left me not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
01:33Mrs. Patricia, this is my house.
01:35Isn't it perfectly normal for me to come back?
01:38Mrs. Patricia and Lenny exchanged a look.
01:40They were definitely hiding something.
01:42She looked down and muttered something, under her breath.
01:45Poor thing.
01:45The baby's gone.
01:47My ears instantly perked up.
01:48I grabbed her arm.
01:50Mrs. Patricia, what did you say?
01:52What do you mean the baby's gone?
01:53Mrs. Patricia jumped, her face turning pale as she stammered.
01:57You, you didn't know.
01:58Didn't your wife have a miscarriage a long time ago?
02:00My mind just exploded.
02:02Miscarriage.
02:03What miscarriage?
02:04Kayla clearly told me the baby was born.
02:07A big healthy boy.
02:08She even showed me the baby swaddled in a blanket on video.
02:11Even though the video was blurry and I couldn't see the face,
02:14it was definitely a baby.
02:15My voice was shaking.
02:17Impossible.
02:18My wife gave birth.
02:19My son is over 3 years old now.
02:21Lenny and Mrs. Patricia looked at each other.
02:22Their eyes full of pity and sympathy.
02:25Mrs. Patricia sighed and said in a low voice.
02:27Declan, the second year you were away, I heard your wife had a miscarriage.
02:31After that, we never saw her with a baby bump again.
02:34A lot of people in the neighborhood know about it.
02:36The world was spinning.
02:37The bag in my hand dropped to the ground with a thud.
02:39No.
02:40That is impossible.
02:41Kayla, wouldn't lie to me.
02:43Every time we video called, she told me our son could roll over, crawl, and call her mama.
02:47She even said she was waiting for me to come back, so I could teach him to say data.
02:51How could she, lie to me.
02:53I grabbed my bag, and stumbled toward the house.
02:56Couldn't even wait for the elevator.
02:58I took the stairs straight to the 6th floor.
03:00My hands were shaking so badly when I pulled out my keys.
03:03Took me a few tries to finally get the door open.
03:05I barged into the living room, and immediately saw my wife sitting on the couch, doing her makeup.
03:10She was wearing a brand new dress.
03:12Her hair styled in big waves.
03:14Her makeup was flawless.
03:16She looked even younger and prettier than before I left the country.
03:18Kayla, Kayla looked up.
03:20There was a split second of panic in her eyes, but she quickly composed herself, and forced a smile.
03:26You are back.
03:27Why didn't you tell me in advance?
03:28I could have picked you up.
03:29I was in no mood for small talk.
03:31I just asked her straight up.
03:33Where is our son?
03:34Where is my son?
03:35Kayla's smile, froze.
03:37She put down her compact, stood up, her eyes darting away.
03:40You, you sit down first.
03:42I'll explain everything.
03:43I couldn't stop my voice from rising.
03:45Explain.
03:46What?
03:47Mrs. Patricia downstairs just told me you had a miscarriage.
03:50What the hell is going on?
03:51Where is my son?
03:53Kayla went silent for a few seconds, then took a deep breath, pulled a medical record
03:57from the drawer under the coffee table, and handed it to me.
04:00I am sorry, Declan.
04:01I just never had the courage to tell you.
04:03I snatched the medical record from her and flipped it open.
04:05It clearly stated.
04:07Nine weeks pregnant.
04:08Miscarriage due to an accidental fall.
04:10The date was three years ago, exactly two months after I left the country.
04:14I felt something explode in my chest.
04:16You, you had a miscarriage.
04:18Then, why did you tell me you had a son?
04:21You lied to me for three years.
04:23Kayla's eyes were red, her voice thick with tears.
04:26I was too scared to tell you.
04:27You had just gone abroad, and your business wasn't stable yet.
04:30I was afraid you'd worry.
04:32Afraid you'd get distracted.
04:33I, I did it for your own good.
04:35For my own good.
04:36For my own good.
04:37So you lied to me for three years.
04:39I slumped onto the couch, feeling like every ounce of strength had been drained from my body.
04:43Three years.
04:44I worked my ass off abroad for three years.
04:47Scraping by, just to make extra money to save up for our son's tuition.
04:50And the result?
04:51Our son was never even born.
04:53I suddenly remembered something, and pressed her.
04:56Then, who was the baby you showed me on the video calls?
04:58Kayla wiped away her tears.
05:00That was my cousin's baby.
05:02I, I just borrowed him to hold for a bit, so you wouldn't worry.
05:05I closed my eyes, my chest feeling tight and suffocating.
05:08Three years.
05:09I thought I was a father, but it was all a lie.
05:12Kayla came over, squatted in front of me, and grabbed my hand.
05:15Declan, I know I was wrong.
05:17I'll never lie to you again.
05:18We're still young.
05:19We can have another one.
05:20Really.
05:21I shook off her hand, stood up, walked to the balcony, occasionally glancing up at my place.
05:25Mrs. Patricia was among them.
05:27The hesitant look on her face from earlier flashed through my mind again.
05:30Something's off.
05:31It is not that simple.
05:33Mrs. Patricia said, didn't your wife have a miscarriage, a long time ago?
05:38There was clearly something else, hidden in her tone.
05:42I stubbed out my cigarette, and headed back to the living room.
05:45Kayla was already back on the couch, touching up her makeup.
05:49Seems her little crying fit earlier, was just an act.
05:51For the next three days, I played along and pretended to buy her story.
05:55Even went with her to Holy Cross Cemetery, to lay flowers for our unborn child.
06:00Ah, spy.
06:01She pointed at a blank headstone, crying her eyes out.
06:04I was sneering on the inside, but played the comforting husband on the outside.
06:08Secretly snapping a photo of the headstone, as proof of her miscarriage.
06:11Because the loopholes were piling up.
06:13On the third night, Kayla suddenly threw her arms around me in tears.
06:17Said, it'd been so hard being alone all these years.
06:20Claimed she got postpartum depression.
06:21Said she needed money for therapy.
06:23Asked for five grand right out of the gate.
06:25I played the sympathetic husband, and wired the money on the spot.
06:29But over the next few days, I noticed something.
06:31Kayla was going out a lot during the day.
06:33Gone for hours at a time.
06:35She'd come back at night glowing, full of energy.
06:38Didn't exactly look like a woman suffering from depression.
06:40My gut was telling me something, was dead wrong.
06:43The next time she left the house, I started tearing through the drawers.
06:46Hidden in an old book in the study, I found a bank statement.
06:50It showed a series of massive wire transfers, over the last three years.
06:53The recipient was some guy named, Corey Jones.
06:56Totaled over 80 grand, Corey Jones.
06:59I clenched my fists, until my knuckles cracked.
07:01The next day, I made an excuse to head out, and went down to the local coffee shop.
07:05To fish for intel from Mrs. Dorothy, the neighborhood busybody.
07:09Mrs. Dorothy, has everything been alright with my Kayla these past three years, while I was overseas?
07:15Mrs. Dorothy looked around, and lowered her voice.
07:18Declan, your wife was six or seven months pregnant back then.
07:21How could she possibly have had a miscarriage?
07:24I saw her with my own eyes, holding a dark-skinned baby, walking around the garden in the Maple Court
07:28community next door.
07:30My brain buzzed, like I just got hit by a sledgehammer.
07:33My voice, was trembling.
07:35A dark-skinned baby.
07:36Mrs. Dorothy, nodded, looking full of sympathy.
07:39Yeah, the kid had very dark skin.
07:41Didn't look like either of you at all.
07:43I was wondering about it at the time.
07:45Later, I heard your wife had a miscarriage and the kid was gone.
07:48I just, thought it was weird.
07:49I paid for the coffee, didn't even grab my cup and just turned and left.
07:53Kayla was still waiting for me at the community gate.
07:57Seeing I looked off, she asked what was wrong.
08:00I said nothing, it is just too hot.
08:02The next morning, while Kayla was out, I went straight to the Maple Court community next door.
08:07I said to the security guard in the surveillance room.
08:09My pet cat went missing.
08:11Can I check the surveillance footage from three years ago?
08:13At the same time, I pulled an envelope with 500 bucks out of my pocket.
08:17This is some homemade jerky.
08:19Give it a try.
08:20The guard took the envelope, felt how thick it was, and immediately stepped aside to let
08:24me check the monitors.
08:25I went back to the records from three years ago, watching frame by frame.
08:29Finally, in the footage from a certain day, I saw Kayla.
08:32She was pushing a stroller, and sitting inside was a dark-skinned toddler.
08:35The kid had very dark skin, obviously not Caucasian.
08:40Though the guy isn't in the frame, there is a tall, dark shadow next to the stroller,
08:45hidden by the trees.
08:46Judging by the silhouette, he has gotta be at least 6'3".
08:49I pulled out my phone, and recorded the footage.
08:52When I got home, Kayla wasn't back yet.
08:54I sat on the couch, watching that video on my phone, my stomach in knots.
08:58The miscarriage, was fake.
09:00The baby, was fake too.
09:02No, let me rephrase that.
09:04There is a baby, but it is not mine.
09:05It is hers, and some other guys.
09:07The funny thing is, I actually felt fucking sorry for her.
09:11Even wired her 5 grand for medical bills.
09:13Then, I remembered that bank statement.
09:15The account under the name, Corey Jones.
09:18It all makes sense now.
09:19Kayla came back that night with a smile on her face.
09:22Seemed like she was in a good mood.
09:23I decided to test the waters.
09:25Where did you go today?
09:28Kayla, answered casually.
09:30Just, shopping with the girls.
09:31By the way, Declan, there is something I want to talk to you about.
09:34Shoot, this house is your premarital property.
09:37But I've been taking care of your parents for years.
09:39And I even had a miscarriage for you.
09:41Don't you think I deserve some kind of compensation?
09:44Looking at her pretty little face, I sneered inside.
09:47Three years.
09:48She played me for three years.
09:49And now she has the nerve to ask for compensation.
09:51But I didn't snap.
09:53Instead, I just nodded.
09:54Pretending to be reasonable.
09:56Alright, name your price.
09:57How much?
09:58Kayla's eyes lit up, as she pulled a drafted property settlement agreement from her bag.
10:02I am not asking for much.
10:0470 grand in cash plus your pickup truck.
10:0770 grand.
10:08That pickup of mine is practically new.
10:10Barely two years old.
10:11Cost me over 80 grand out the door.
10:15That is over a hundred grand, in total.
10:18I smiled.
10:19Alright, I'll think about it.
10:20Thinking I'd agreed, Kayla happily kissed my cheek.
10:23The next day, I made an excuse to run some errands.
10:26And went straight to the property registry.
10:28I handed over my ID.
10:29Hi.
10:30I need to check the title status of this apartment under my name.
10:33The clerk typed for a bit.
10:34Then looked up at me.
10:36Sir.
10:36Three months ago.
10:37This apartment was transferred to your wife, Kayla Foster.
10:40Under joint ownership.
10:41And then, she sold it to a guy named Corey Jones.
10:44My mind just exploded.
10:46I bought that little apartment in full before we got married.
10:49It wasn't big.
10:50But it was worth at least 70 or 80 grand.
10:52Before I went abroad.
10:53I locked the property deed in the safe.
10:55I was the only one who knew the passcode.
10:57How the hell did she get it?
10:59Suddenly, I remembered before I left the country.
11:01Kayla acted all sweet once.
11:03Saying she wanted to see what a property deed looked like.
11:06So I opened the safe and gave her a peek.
11:08Just from that one glance.
11:09She memorized the passcode.
11:13Suppressing my rage.
11:14I walked out of the registry.
11:16Thanks.
11:17Standing at the door.
11:18I took several deep breaths to keep myself from losing my shit right then.
11:21And there.
11:22This woman had been playing me from the very beginning.
11:24The pregnancy.
11:25The miscarriage.
11:26All of it was fucking fake.
11:28She only had one goal.
11:29To con me out of my money.
11:31To support her lover.
11:32And that kid.
11:33I pulled out my phone.
11:34And dialed a number.
11:35Hey, Nathan.
11:36It is Declan.
11:37Let's grab a coffee.
11:38I need to talk to you.
11:39Nathan Clark was a good buddy of mine from back when I worked at the auto repair shop.
11:43He later got his license.
11:44And became a private investigator.
11:47Half an hour later.
11:48We met at the cafe.
11:50Nathan had put on some weight.
11:51But his eyes were sharp as ever.
11:53I laid it all out for him.
11:54The bank statements.
11:55The property transfers.
11:56And all my suspicions.
11:58Nathan's eyes went wide.
11:59You are telling me your wife got with another guy.
12:01Had his kid.
12:02And then lied to you about having a miscarriage.
12:04I slid the real estate transaction receipt.
12:07Over to him.
12:07And she secretly transferred and sold one of my apartments to this guy named Corey Jones.
12:12Nathan took a look.
12:13And gasped.
12:14Bro.
12:14You've been completely cucked.
12:16I just stared at him.
12:17Cut the crap.
12:18And help me look into it.
12:20Tail her.
12:20Gather evidence of her cheating.
12:22The asset transfers.
12:23And find out where that kid is.
12:25I'll pay whatever it takes.
12:28Nathan patted his chest.
12:30Guaranteeing he'd get it done.
12:31Relax.
12:32Leave it to me.
12:33The next day.
12:33Nathan came over to my place.
12:35While Kayla was out.
12:36Nathan pulled three pinhole cameras from his bag.
12:39And planted them in hidden spots across the living room and bedroom.
12:42Download this app on your phone.
12:43And you can check the house in real time.
12:45Then, he handed me a GPS tracker.
12:47The size of a button.
12:48Put this in her car.
12:49And you'll know exactly where she goes.
12:51I did.
12:52As he said.
12:53That night.
12:54Kayla drove out.
12:55Saying she was heading to the grocery store.
12:57I opened the tracking app on my phone.
12:59And saw her heading to the west side of town.
13:01Nowhere near the grocery store.
13:02She lied to me again.
13:04For the next three days.
13:05Kayla went out every day.
13:06Claiming she was going to different places each time.
13:09But the tracker showed her going to the exact same location.
13:11Every single time.
13:13A motel.
13:13On the west side.
13:15Nathan.
13:15Had been tailing her.
13:16On the third night.
13:17Nathan sent me a long string of photos and videos.
13:20I clicked them open.
13:21And my blood ran cold.
13:22In the photos.
13:23Kira was clinging to a guy at least 6 foot 3.
13:26Fingers intertwined.
13:27Laughing and talking as they walked into a motel room.
13:30The guy was built like a tank.
13:31Arms thicker than my thighs.
13:33Skin dark as ink.
13:34And gleaming under the lights.
13:35The next photo was them coming out of the room two hours later.
13:38Kira's hair was a mess.
13:39A satisfied smirk on her face.
13:41In the third photo.
13:42The guy was holding a dark skin little boy.
13:44Maybe 3 or 4 years old.
13:46The kid's skin tone was exactly the same as the guy next to Kira.
13:49Deep dark.
13:50Nathan also attached a text.
13:52The kid called the man daddy and Kira mommy.
13:56I stared at that photo for a long time.
13:58My fingers trembled.
14:00But there were no tears.
14:01The tears.
14:02Had already dried up the moment I learned the truth.
14:04Now.
14:05There is nothing left but rage.
14:07Nathan also sent an audio clip.
14:09A secret recording of Kira talking to that man.
14:11Corey.
14:11That idiot will probably figure it all out in about 3 months.
14:15The house is already in my name.
14:16And most of the money is moved.
14:18We'll make one last grab and bounce.
14:20The guy.
14:21Corey Jones.
14:22Said in a thick accent.
14:23Baby.
14:24You are amazing.
14:25That guy is a straight up fool.
14:28We both burst out laughing.
14:30I tossed my phone on the couch and went to the kitchen for a glass of water.
14:33My hands were shaking so badly.
14:34I spilled half of it.
14:36After drinking.
14:36I went back to the living room.
14:38Unlocked my phone.
14:39And checked the live feed from the home security cameras.
14:41Kyla wasn't home yet.
14:42I pulled up the playback from the last few days.
14:45In the footage.
14:46Kyla sneaked out of bed in the middle of the night while I was asleep.
14:49Went through my wallet and phone.
14:50And even took a picture of the pin for one of my bed.
14:53I sneered.
14:54There was only a few hundred bucks left on that card.
14:57The large deposits under my name had been quietly transferred to another account.
15:01The day I found those bank statements.
15:04Trying to play mind games with me.
15:06You are way out of your league.
15:08The next morning.
15:09Kyla came out of the guest room.
15:10Yawning as she spoke.
15:12Declan.
15:12A relative on my side of the family is sick.
15:14I need to go out of town for a few days.
15:16I smiled.
15:17And saw her out.
15:18Alright.
15:19Drive safe.
15:20The moment the door closed.
15:21My smile vanished.
15:23I took out my phone.
15:24And dialed Nathan.
15:25She is going to see him.
15:26Time to close the net.
15:28Her birthday is in three days.
15:29She'll definitely be back to throw a party.
15:31I'll take her out to dinner then.
15:33Have all the evidence ready.
15:34You got it.
15:35Three days later.
15:36Kyla came back just as expected.
15:38She called to tell me she was hosting her birthday dinner at some restaurant in Portland tonight.
15:42Her parents.
15:43And a few of her girlfriends would be there.
15:45And ask me to come along.
15:46I smiled.
15:47And said.
15:49Sure.
15:50I'll definitely be there.
15:51I've even prepared a special gift for you.
15:537 PM.
15:54I arrived at the restaurant's private room.
15:56Right on time.
15:57Kyra's parents were already there.
15:59Along with two of her best friends.
16:00Kyra was wearing a red dress.
16:02Heavily made up.
16:03Looking like she was in a great mood.
16:05She smiled.
16:06And linked her arm through mine.
16:07Honey.
16:08You are here.
16:09I smiled.
16:10And sat down at the table.
16:11A little while later.
16:12The door opened.
16:13And a tall man walked in.
16:14Kyra stood up.
16:15Linked her arm through his.
16:16And introduced him to everyone.
16:18This is my business partner.
16:19Corey.
16:20Corey grinned.
16:21Flashing a mouthful of white teeth.
16:23Hey everyone.
16:24Kyra's parents looked a bit uncomfortable.
16:26But didn't say anything.
16:27Kyra's best friends.
16:29Exchanged a knowing look.
16:31I stood up with a smile.
16:33Come on.
16:33Let's eat first.
16:35I've prepared a special gift for everyone.
16:37I'll show you guys in a bit.
16:38After a few rounds of drinks.
16:40And plenty of food.
16:40I stood up and walked over to the projector screen at the front of the room.
16:44Took out my phone.
16:45And hooked it up to the projector.
16:46Today is my wife's birthday.
16:48And I've prepared a video.
16:49Looking back at all our moments together.
16:51Over the years.
16:52Kyra smiled.
16:53And clapped.
16:54You are so sweet.
16:55Honey.
16:56I hit play.
16:57What popped up on the screen wasn't some sweet memory.
16:59But a photo of Kyra and Corey walking arm into a motel room.
17:02Dead silence.
17:03In the room.
17:04Kyra's smile froze.
17:05And all the color instantly drained from her face.
17:09Kayla's mother.
17:10Shrieked.
17:11What is this?
17:12Kayla.
17:12Panicked.
17:13Mom.
17:14Let me explain.
17:15I smirked.
17:16And played the second video.
17:17On the screen.
17:18Kayla was sitting on the couch in our living room.
17:20Video calling Corey.
17:22Her voice came through the projector.
17:23Loud and clear.
17:25The idiot will be back in three months.
17:26The house is already transferred.
17:28And most of the money has been moved.
17:30When he gets back.
17:31I'll trick him into signing a divorce agreement.
17:33Drain the rest of his savings.
17:34And then we'll take the kid and leave the country.
17:36Corey's voice came through.
17:38Baby.
17:38You are a genius.
17:40That guy is such a moron.
17:43The private room was so quiet.
17:45You could hear a pin drop.
17:46Kayla's father was livid.
17:47And her mother was speechless.
17:49Her jaw dropped.
17:50Kayla's two best friends exchanged looks.
17:52One of them already edging toward the door.
17:54I said calmly.
17:55There is more.
17:56Then.
17:57I played the third piece of evidence.
17:59Bank statements.
18:00Property transfer documents.
18:02And photos of Corey holding the kid that Nathan took.
18:04All flashed on the screen.
18:06I looked at Kayla.
18:07The kid.
18:07Is over three years old now.
18:09Right?
18:09You lied to me about having a miscarriage.
18:12And ended up having another man's baby.
18:14It is one thing to cheat on me.
18:15But you also wanted to steal all my money and run.
18:18Kayla slumped in her chair.
18:19Her lips trembling.
18:20Unable to speak.
18:21Kayla's mother finally snapped out of it.
18:24Screaming as she lunged forward.
18:25And slapped Kayla across the face.
18:28You've disgraced our family.
18:30How could you do this?
18:31Kayla covered her face.
18:33Tears streaming down.
18:34But couldn't say a word.
18:35Corey stood up to leave.
18:36But Nathan and two friends blocked the door.
18:38I looked at him coldly.
18:40Don't be in such a rush.
18:41To leave.
18:42You and my wife.
18:43Spending my money.
18:44Living in a house under my name.
18:45We have a score to settle.
18:47Corey went pale and spoke with a terrible accent.
18:50This is a misunderstanding.
18:51She and I.
18:52Are just friends.
18:53I chuckled and zoomed in on the photo of them getting a room at the motel.
18:57Just friends.
18:58Getting a motel room.
18:59Just friends.
19:00Having a baby.
19:01Corey.
19:02Went silent.
19:03I pulled a divorce agreement from my bag.
19:05And threw it in front of Kayla.
19:06Sign it.
19:07Kayla looked down.
19:08And it was written clearly.
19:10Kayla Foster.
19:10Due to adultery and malicious transfer of assets.
19:13Voluntarily forfeits.
19:15All assets and compensates me $30,000 for emotional distress.
19:19Kayla looked up at me.
19:20Her eyes red and swollen.
19:22$30,000.
19:23Declan.
19:23My voice was calm.
19:25You stole $80,000 from me.
19:27Sold my $70,000 condo.
19:29That is $150,000 total.
19:30I am only asking for $30,000 in compensation.
19:33That is already more than generous.
19:35Are you signing it or not?
19:37If you don't sign.
19:38I am taking all this evidence to court.
19:41Kayla was shaking all over.
19:43Turning to look at Corey.
19:45Corey.
19:45Please help me.
19:46Corey said with a terrible accent.
19:48This is your family business.
19:50I don't know anything.
19:51With that.
19:52He shoved Nathan out of the doorway and bolted.
19:54Kayla completely broke down.
19:56Collapsing into her chair and bawling her eyes out.
19:58I sneered.
19:59A moment of weakness.
20:01She stole my money to keep another man.
20:03Hid the baby and made me think she had a miscarriage.
20:05You call that a moment of weakness?
20:07She lied to me for three years.
20:09And you call that a moment of weakness?
20:11No, I can't call you dad anymore, Mr. Foster.
20:13I respect you as an elder.
20:15But on this matter, there is absolutely no room for negotiation.
20:18She either signs it or she goes to jail.
20:21Kayla's mother rushed over.
20:23Pressuring her.
20:23Sign it right now.
20:25Haven't you embarrassed us enough?
20:26You've completely disgraced your father and me.
20:28Do you want to drag this to court and humiliate us even more?
20:31Sign it.
20:32With trembling hands, Kayla picked up the pen and signed the divorce agreement.
20:36Her handwriting was all crooked and distorted.
20:38Nothing like her usual beautiful English round hand.
20:41The moment she finished the last letter, she dropped the pen, buried her face in the table,
20:45and burst into tears.
20:47I took the agreement, folded it up carefully, and tucked it into my breast pocket.
20:51Then I turned around and walked out of the private room without looking back.
20:54Behind me, I could hear Kayla's heart-wrenching sobs, her mother's cursing, and her father's
20:59heavy sighs.
20:59I didn't break my stride for a second, walking straight out the restaurant doors.
21:05The night breeze on my face was chilly, carrying the scent of early autumn.
21:09I stood on the steps outside the restaurant, looked up at the stars, and took a deep breath.
21:13Three years.
21:14Three whole years.
21:15It is all over.
21:17Three days later, based on all the evidence, the court finalized the divorce.
21:20The judge wrote in the ruling, the defendant, Kyla Foster, has committed gross marital misconduct,
21:26including cohabitation with a third-party concealment and transfer of joint marital
21:30assets, and defrauding the plaintiff, constituting a severe breach of marital fidelity, and the
21:35covenant of good faith.
21:36The ruling ordered Kyla to forfeit all assets.
21:39The apartment under her name reverts back to me.
21:41Plus she owes me $30,000 in compensation.
21:44I voluntarily knocked off 500 bucks.
21:46Not because I went soft, but because I didn't want anything to do with her anymore.
21:51I didn't want to fight in court over another 500 bucks.
21:54When Kyla signed the papers, her hands were shaking like a leaf.
21:57She was pale as a ghost, and looked 10 years older.
21:59Her hair was a mess, no makeup, heavy bags under her eyes, and her lips were chapped.
22:04She was wearing a crumpled gray hoodie, a far cry from the glamorous woman at the birthday
22:08party.
22:08I felt zero sympathy.
22:10She brought this all on herself.
22:12A few days later, Nathan told me Corey had bailed.
22:15The moment the guy heard Kyla was broke, he kicked her and the kid right out of his rented
22:19place, which was rented with my money in the first place.
22:22Corey never paid a single dime.
22:25Kyla is renting a trailer, at a trailer park up in the North End now.
22:29300 bucks a month, and she has to hook up the utilities herself.
22:32She is raising that kid all by herself, no job, no income, surviving on government food
22:37stamps.
22:38I heard she went to her parents for help, and her mom wouldn't even open the door for
22:41her.
22:42I said, flatly, none of my business.
22:45A few days later, I got a call from Kayla.
22:47Her voice was hoarse, thick with tears, and she kept sniffling as she spoke.
22:51Declan, I can't afford to raise the kid anymore.
22:54I am raising him all by myself.
22:55I can't find a job.
22:57I can't even afford formula anymore.
22:59I want to give him up to child services, but they need a guardian's signature, and I
23:03can't do it alone.
23:04They said both parents have to sign, or there has to be a court order.
23:07Declan, please.
23:08The kid is innocent.
23:09You want me to help you.
23:11That kid isn't mine, and you want me to sign.
23:13She was crying so hard she could barely catch her breath.
23:16I know he is not yours, but if you don't sign, child services won't take him.
23:20I am completely out of options.
23:22Declan, I am begging you.
23:23Just look at it as doing a good deed.
23:25Help this kid.
23:26He is only three.
23:27He doesn't understand anything.
23:29I stayed silent for a few seconds, then said, fine.
23:32Tomorrow morning meet me at the entrance of child services.
23:35The next day, I arrived at Portland Child Services right on time.
23:38It was a grayish-white two-story building, with a large oak tree out front.
23:42A few yellow transport vans parked quietly in its shade.
23:47Kayla stood at the door holding that dark-skinned kid.
23:50She was even thinner than the last time I saw her.
23:52Cheekbones sticking out.
23:53Eyes sunken.
23:54Hair tied up in a messy ponytail.
23:55Wearing an old, faded coat with frayed sleeves.
23:58She looked like she was in her 40s.
23:59But I knew she was only 29.
24:01The kid, on the other hand, was raised fair and chubby.
24:04Wait no, pretty sturdy.
24:05His skin was very dark, practically gleaming.
24:07He had big, round eyes, looking at me curiously.
24:10He was wearing a blue puffer jacket and red sneakers, holding a filthy plush rabbit in
24:14his arms.
24:14He had no idea what was going to happen today.
24:16He even smiled at me, flashing a few little white teeth.
24:19I handed her a custody relinquishment form.
24:21Sign it.
24:22I'll pay to put the kid in a foster facility.
24:24This isn't my kid.
24:25I have no legal obligation.
24:27But for the sake of this poor kid, I'll help you one last time.
24:30Kayla hesitated for a moment.
24:31Tears kept dropping onto the paper, and she ultimately signed it through her tears.
24:34The staff from the center took the kid inside, and the kid turned back and yelled out,
24:38Mommy.
24:39His voice was so babyish, and he reached out his little hands trying to grab her.
24:43Kayla covered her face and ran off.
24:45After a dozen steps, she squatted under a tree, her shoulders shaking violently.
24:49I turned and walked away, resolute.
24:51This kid isn't mine.
24:52He never was.
24:53I am just a sucker who got kookolded for three years and scammed out of over a hundred grand.
24:59But I wasn't going to let this ruin my life.
25:01A year later, a friend introduced me to Peyton Reed.
25:04She was an elementary school teacher, teaching third grade, gentle and poised, not stunningly
25:09beautiful, but her smile was warm, and her eyes curved like two crescent moons.
25:14She liked wearing light-colored clothes, spoke slowly and thoughtfully, and never lost her
25:18temper with anyone.
25:19She was two years younger than me, had never been married, had an orange cat, and liked
25:23going to the farmer's market on weekends.
25:25For our first date, we went to an Italian restaurant.
25:28She ordered seafood pasta, and I got a steak.
25:31Halfway through the meal, I put down my knife and fork, and told her everything about my
25:35past from going abroad for work, to finding out Kayla was cheating on me, to the divorce,
25:40to absolutely everything.
25:42I didn't exaggerate nor did I sugarcoat anything.
25:44I just finished it calmly, as if I were telling someone else's story.
25:48I asked her, don't you find me pathetic?
25:50Cheated on by my wife, lied to for three years, and almost lost my house.
25:54If you think I am too stupid, and don't want to keep seeing me, I completely understand.
25:59Peyton shook her head, and said seriously, you are the victim.
26:03What is pathetic about that?
26:04The fact that you could walk away from something like that without giving up on yourself, without
26:08becoming bitter and resentful, shows that you are a strong person, and the fact that
26:12you are willing to tell me all this on our first date, shows that you are honest.
26:16Honest people are hard to find these days.
26:18My heart swelled with a warmth, and a spark, I hadn't felt in a long time.
26:21Six months later, I proposed to Peyton.
26:25I was a nervous wreck the day I proposed.
26:28My palms were sweating so much I almost dropped the ring box.
26:31I took her to the Italian restaurant from our first date, sitting at the exact same table.
26:36Halfway through the meal, I suddenly stood up, got down on one knee, and pulled out the
26:40ring.
26:40The people at the tables around us all started clapping, and some even took out their phones
26:45to take pictures.
26:46She said, yes.
26:48She laughed so hard she cried, her hair bouncing as she nodded.
26:51Just like a high school girl, the day we got our marriage license, she held onto my arm
26:56and smiled, saying, I've been terrified of being played my whole life.
27:00If you are honest with me, I'll marry you.
27:02I don't need you to be rich, and I don't need you to be handsome.
27:05I just need you to be completely real with me.
27:08I am broke as hell.
27:09All I've got is an apartment and a lifetime of hard lessons.
27:12But I promise you, you get 100% of me.
27:15From now on, every single cent I make is yours to manage.
27:18She smiled.
27:19Such a sweet smile, showing off her two little fangs.
27:22In the second year of our marriage, Peyton got pregnant.
27:26This time, I watched her belly grow bigger day by day with my own eyes.
27:30From a flat tummy to a slight bump, until it was round like she'd swallowed a watermelon.
27:34I went with her to every prenatal checkup.
27:37Hearing that fast, strong thump thump thump of the fetal heartbeat was the most beautiful
27:41music in the world.
27:42I watched the ultrasound with her.
27:44That little thing was moving on the screen, arms and legs curled up like a peanut.
27:4810 months later, she gave birth to a beautiful, fair-skinned baby boy.
27:53The day the baby was born, I waited outside the delivery room, pacing back and forth.
27:58I don't even know how many laps I walked.
28:00When the nurse came out and said,
28:02It is a boy.
28:03Both mother and baby are doing great.
28:05My legs just gave out.
28:06I almost dropped to my knees.
28:09I held my son, looking at his little wrinkled face.
28:12Eyes closed, his mouth opening and closing like a little goldfish.
28:16His skin was so pale, his hair light brown.
28:18He looked exactly like me.
28:20I carefully slipped my finger into his tiny hand.
28:22He grabbed it immediately, surprisingly strong.
28:25My eyes welled up.
28:26My mother leaned in to look at her grandson, and smiled.
28:29There is no mistaking it this time.
28:31He is the spitting image of you.
28:33Look at this nose.
28:33This chin exactly like your baby pictures.
28:36I laughed out loud, laughing so hard the tears came out.
28:39Yeah, this one's mine, 100% mine.
28:41Anyone says he is not mine, and we're gonna have a problem.
28:44Peyton was lying in bed, pale but smiling warmly, watching us father and son.
28:49You two, look so much alike.
28:51One day, I was walking down the street holding my son.
28:54He was wearing a blue onesie that day, and a little bear hat.
28:57Gripping a teething toy, chewing on it with drool, all over his mouth.
29:01I was talking to him, as we walked.
29:02This is a tree, this is a flower, and that is a doggie.
29:06He babbled back at me.
29:08Even though I couldn't understand a word, I knew he was happy.
29:11A woman handing out flyers, was walking toward us.
29:14She had aged a lot.
29:15Her hair half gray and a messy tangle.
29:17Her face was full of wrinkles.
29:19Heavy bags under her eyes.
29:20Her lips chapped and peeling.
29:22Wearing a faded old jacket, and a pair of worn out sneakers.
29:25She had a stack of flyers in her hand.
29:27When she saw me, she froze completely.
29:29It was Kayla.
29:32She saw me, then saw the baby in my arms, and her eyes instantly welled up.
29:36She opened her mouth, her lips trembling a few times like she wanted to say something,
29:40but ultimately didn't say a word.
29:42I walked past her expressionless, without giving her a second glance.
29:45Holding my son, my steps were steady, my breathing even, like I was walking past a complete stranger.
29:51Muffled crying came from behind me, but I didn't look back.
29:53When I got home that evening, Peyton asked me,
29:56Did you run into someone you know, today?
29:58You looked a bit off when you came in.
30:00You fumbled with your shoes twice at the door, before getting them right.
30:03I just smiled.
30:04Just a story from the past.
30:06I've turned the page.
30:07Then I crouched down and teased my son, who was rolling around on his playmat.
30:11He was wearing a yellow onesie, kicking his chubby little legs in the air,
30:15drooling all over the mat.
30:16Come on buddy, say Dada.
30:18My son babbled back, his little baby voice mumbling.
30:21Not quite getting the pronunciation, right.
30:23Dada.
30:23Dada.
30:24The house was filled with laughter.
30:26Peyton poked her head out of the kitchen, holding a spatula, and said with a smile,
30:30You two quit fooling around.
30:32Dinner's ready.
30:33The sunset outside was perfect, shining in warmly.
30:36The orange light fell on the living room floor, on the playmat, and on the three of us.
30:40I leaned back on the couch, looking at my wife and son, feeling a sense of peace I'd never known
30:44before.
30:45That peace didn't come from money, or a house.
30:47It came from trust.
30:48A cautious yet incredibly firm trust, relearned after being let down.
30:51In this life, who hasn't stepped in shit, wipe it off, change your shoes, and keep walking down the main
30:57road.
30:58Don't look back, there is light ahead.
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