A week later, Derek’s sister Ashley came to visit. Over lunch, she praised me for being so generous in hosting Daisy and Patrick. I shrugged it off, saying they were Derek’s family. But Ashley froze mid-bite and turned to Derek, asking “You told her?” Derek avoided eye contact and my confusion turned to dread. Ashley’s face went pale and she said, “Becca… Daisy isn’t our cousin. She’s Derek’s ex-girlfriend. And Patrick is their son.”
Suddenly, everything made sense – Daisy’s strange behavior, Patrick’s rebellious attitude, the tension in the air. Derek had kept this secret from me the whole time. I was overcome with humiliation and confronted Derek, demanding to know why he had lied to me. I thought back to all the conversations where he had casually referred to them as “cousin” and “nephew,” and every time I had set up the guest room for them, thinking it was a simple favor.
For the next few days, Daisy avoided me and Patrick seemed to sense the tension in the house. Derek scrambled to find a rental for them and tried to make things right between us, apologizing at every turn. One morning, I finally confronted Daisy in the kitchen and asked her why she went along with Derek’s lie. She looked ashamed and said, “Derek said it would be easier. I’m sorry, Rebecca. I never wanted to hurt you.” When they finally left, the house felt eerily quiet. Derek started a full-scale campaign to earn my forgiveness – leaving notes, taking on extra household chores, and even attending therapy on his own. But my trust in him was shattered.
I told Derek that I wasn’t ready to forgive him yet, but I was willing to try. The relief on his face was evident, but I made it clear that this was his last chance. No more lies. If he wanted to salvage our marriage, he would have to earn back my trust. He promised to make things right, but I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Some days, I’m not even sure if it’s possible. But for now, I’m taking it day by day, learning that trust must be guarded and never taken for granted. And Derek? He knows he’s on thin ice. I hope he understands that from now on, lying is not an option. Because one more betrayal, and we will be past the point of no return.