My ex-husband’s fiancée insisted that I revert to my maiden name— I agreed, but only on one condition

Ever since tying the knot with Martin, Jennifer had felt a growing gap between them, primarily due to his daughter. No matter what she did, she never quite seemed to belong in their home. The greatest hurdle came when Martin stumbled upon a positive pregnancy test in the trash bin.

Jennifer sat beside the window, immersed in a novel, her headphones blocking out the world.

Lately, this had become her escape. Life had taken a sharp turn after her marriage to Martin. While she deeply cherished him, and he reciprocated that love, things were far from perfect.

Martin’s daughter, Carrie, had resented Jennifer from the moment she entered their lives. Although she had just turned eighteen, her rebellious nature persisted.

But within the pages of her book, and the melodies filling her ears, Jennifer found a fleeting sense of serenity.

The living room was silent, except for the faint hum of her music and the crisp sound of each page turning.

Sunlight filtered through the window, bathing her in warmth, wrapping her in comfort. Yet, the peace was abruptly shattered.

When Jennifer lifted her gaze, she was met with an irate Martin, his expression ablaze with fury.

His face flushed red, his fists tightly clenched at his sides. Unable to hear his words, she removed her headphones.

“Were you ever planning to tell me about this?!” he bellowed, his voice trembling with rage.

“Tell you what?” Jennifer asked, genuinely perplexed.

“Tell me what? Are you serious right now?” Martin’s tone was laced with bitterness as he stared her down.

“Martin, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Just explain what’s going on,” Jennifer urged, though her pulse quickened.

Letting out an exasperated laugh, Martin lifted a pregnancy test for her to see. “This! You didn’t think I had a right to know?”

Jennifer’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Where did you find that?” she questioned, her heartbeat thundering.

“The bathroom trash. Does it matter where? It’s positive! Were you planning on keeping this from me?”

His voice echoed through the otherwise still house, brimming with frustration.

Jennifer felt the room spin.

“You’re assuming things, Martin. Just take a deep breath and listen to me,” she implored, striving to maintain composure.

“Assuming? Jennifer, this is our potential child! Were you planning to—” His voice broke, his emotions barely restrained.

“I wasn’t planning anything. Let’s sit down and discuss this tonight. For now, you need to get to work,” she suggested, trying to ease the tension.

“Work?!” Martin exhaled sharply, then sighed in defeat. “Fine. We’ll talk later.”

Once he was gone, Jennifer remained seated, lost in thought. She shut her book with a heavy sigh.

The calm she had briefly enjoyed had vanished. Checking the clock, she realized time had slipped away.

Rising to her feet, she made her way to the kitchen, her mind swirling with everything that had just transpired.

A lingering unease settled in her chest as she replayed the argument in her head, wondering how things had escalated so quickly.

Looking out the window, she watched traffic pass by, memories of her early days with Martin resurfacing.

Steeling herself, Jennifer approached Carrie’s room and knocked softly. Hesitating briefly, she asked, “May I come in?”

“Yes,” came Carrie’s barely audible response.

Jennifer opened the door and stepped inside, leaning against the wall as she surveyed the space.

The room was a mess—scattered books, piles of clothes, posters covering the walls. A typical teenager’s sanctuary.

But what stood out to Jennifer was the guilt shadowing Carrie’s face. Fear and uncertainty were evident in her eyes.

“Carrie, we need to talk,” Jennifer said gently. “I need to understand what’s happening.”

Taking a deep breath, Carrie’s eyes welled up. “Thanks for not telling Dad that the test was mine,” she whispered, voice quivering.

“You’re welcome. But now, what’s your plan?” Jennifer asked, concern lacing her words.

“I… I don’t know,” Carrie admitted, her voice breaking. “I’m terrified.”

Jennifer sat on the edge of the bed, attempting to offer reassurance.

“You have to decide soon. This isn’t like picking a major, though you didn’t do too well with that either,” she added with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.

Carrie let out a hollow laugh, her gaze dropping. “Does it even matter? Dad makes all my choices for me anyway.”

Jennifer sighed. “If you’re pregnant, continuing medical school won’t be an option.”

“I’m not going to be pregnant,” Carrie stated firmly, desperation seeping into her voice.

“Really? This test suggests otherwise,” Jennifer countered, holding up the evidence.

“If you lend me some money… then…” Carrie trailed off.

“Don’t rush into anything, Carrie. Have you spoken to the baby’s father? Does he even know?” Jennifer asked, softening her tone.

“He won’t find out,” Carrie said, fresh tears brimming in her eyes.

“Why not? He’s your boyfriend. He has a right to know,” Jennifer said, her heart aching.

Carrie tried to speak but choked on her words. At last, she broke down. “He left me,” she sobbed.

Jennifer’s heart clenched. Despite the tension that had always existed between them, in this moment, all she wanted was to support Carrie.

She wrapped her arms around the girl. “You’re not alone. We’ll figure this out together. Martin and I will be here for you,” she murmured.

Carrie held onto Jennifer, her sobs gradually quieting. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Knowing I have someone means everything.”

Jennifer cupped Carrie’s face, looking into her tear-streaked eyes. “One step at a time. First, we’ll talk to Martin. Then, we’ll figure out what’s best for you.”

That evening, Martin returned home, exhausted. He entered the kitchen to find Jennifer and Carrie seated, their expressions somber.

“What’s going on?” he asked, puzzled.

“Sit down, Martin. This involves her,” Jennifer said firmly.

“Carrie should be focused on her studies. She has a bright future ahead,” he said dismissively.

Taking a shaky breath, Carrie spoke. “Dad… the test is mine.”

“What? That’s impossible!” Martin blurted, his face paling.

“It’s true, Martin. She’s telling the truth,” Jennifer confirmed.

Martin dropped into a chair, overwhelmed. “But… your education, your future…” he muttered.

“Is that all you care about?” Carrie snapped. “I never wanted to be a doctor!”

“Sweetheart, what are you saying?” Martin asked, bewildered.

Jennifer interjected, her voice unwavering. “She needs to make her own decision.”

“No! She’ll do as I say!” Martin insisted, frustration bubbling over.

Carrie shook her head. “I won’t!”

Jennifer’s patience wore thin. “She’s an adult. She decides.”

Martin hesitated. “But… her career…”

Jennifer took his hand. “We need to support her. No matter what she chooses.”

After a long pause, Martin nodded, realizing she was right.

Jennifer turned to Carrie. “And you, young lady, will introduce me to the father. He has responsibilities too.”

Carrie wiped her tears and nodded.

Together, they would navigate this storm as a family, bound by love and resilience.