We love each other deeply and have built a warm, happy home with our daughter, Hailey. Her curiosity and laughter brighten our lives every day.

Like any family, we’ve faced our share of ups and downs, but nothing could have prepared me for what happened last Tuesday.

It was an ordinary afternoon. After putting away the groceries, I walked past Hailey’s slightly open bedroom door and heard her speaking in a hushed tone. Her words stopped me cold.

“I’ll never forgive Mom for what she did!”

Shock and confusion hit me like a wave. What had I done to hurt her so badly? Had I been too strict? Forgotten a promise? My mind raced, searching for answers.

“I didn’t mean to overhear,” I began gently, “but I heard what you said on the phone. What have I done that you can’t forgive?”

Her head snapped up, panic flashing across her face. She quickly looked away, shaking her head. Then, tears spilled down her cheeks. My heart shattered seeing my little girl so distraught.

“You can tell me anything,” I whispered.

Finally, in a barely audible voice, she confessed:

“Grandma told me you cheated on Dad and that he isn’t my real father.”