Isabel had been married to Ricardo for almost three years.
At first, their married life was peaceful, but after Isabel became pregnant, Ricardo began to change.
He came home late, using work as an excuse, and even went nights without returning. Isabel was suspicious, but kept quiet so as not to cause trouble before the baby was born.
In her seventh month of pregnancy, Isabel accidentally found romantic messages between Ricardo and a woman named Veronica.
What shocked her was reading: “I’ll take you home soon; my mom really likes you too.”
Isabel realized it wasn’t just messages.
One rainy afternoon, Isabel arrived home earlier than usual.
The scene she saw made her heart sink: her mother-in-law was busy tidying the living room, while Ricardo entered with a suitcase.
Behind him came Veronica, her belly already very swollen, seven or eight months pregnant. The mother-in-law, beaming, introduced herself:
“Isabel, this is Veronica, uh… a friend of Ricardo’s. She’s pregnant, poor thing, and has no one to take care of her. I told her to come stay here, so she’ll help you when your baby is born.”
Isabel remained motionless, her hands on her belly.
Everything was clear. Ricardo couldn’t look her in the eyes, and Veronica tried to appear respectful.
The mother-in-law continued, oblivious to the tension:
“I know you’ll be giving birth soon and you’ll be very tired. With Veronica here, you’ll have help. It’s a blessing for the whole family.”
Isabel suddenly burst out laughing.
The sound echoed in the silent room, surprising everyone.
The mother-in-law frowned:
“What are you laughing at?”
Isabel looked at each one, her voice calm but sharp:
“I’m laughing because, while I’m pregnant with your grandson, you’re bringing your son’s mistress, also pregnant, to ‘take care of me.’ These two children… I don’t know what they’ll call each other in the future: siblings or… partners in misfortune?”
The mother-in-law’s face drained of color, Veronica lowered her gaze, and Ricardo stammered, unable to say anything. Isabel continued:
“I don’t need anyone to take care of me. Starting tomorrow, you and your son can live peacefully with this ‘new family.’ I’ll leave, and don’t worry, I’ll let the law take care of what’s appropriate regarding rights and the child.”
With that, Isabel entered the room and closed the door.
That night, no one dared knock.
The next morning, she packed her suitcase, called a taxi, and went directly to her parents’ house.
The news that Isabel had left spread quickly among her relatives.
Everyone was outraged, calling to reproach her mother-in-law and Ricardo.
Verónica, for her part, only lasted a few days in the house before leaving, unable to bear the pressure.
Ricardo sought out Isabel to apologize and beg her to return, but she received a cold smile:
“You and your mother have already made your choice. I choose my son.”
Three months later, Isabel gave birth to a healthy and beautiful boy.
She became stronger than ever, caring for her son without depending on anyone.
That story is still remembered as a lesson in dignity and clarity for women.
