**Diary Entry**
A Blow to the Family: “He Brought Another Woman Instead of Me”
Lucy went to stay with her parents in the countryside—to unwind for a couple of weeks, get some fresh air, and recover from sleepless nights with the baby. Her husband, Liam, was supposed to come on the weekend, as usual, and take her back to the city. That Saturday morning, she peeled potatoes, packed her bags, dressed their son smartly, and sat by the window, waiting. When a car pulled into the driveway, her heart leapt—but instead of Liam, his grandfather, Arthur Wilson, stepped out.
“Where’s Liam? Couldn’t make it?” Lucy asked, stepping outside.
Arthur’s expression was grave. He didn’t mince words.
“He’s fine. But there’s something you need to hear… and it’s better it comes from me.”
Lucy went still. A chill ran through her. She braced herself for the worst.
Liam’s childhood hadn’t been easy. His father left when he was three for another woman. His mother, working shifts, couldn’t manage alone, so she sent him to be raised by her parents. They’d just retired, still spry, and threw themselves into caring for their grandson. They raised him with love, as if he were their own, and even as an adult, they still saw the little boy who once ran around their garden.
Liam studied hard, earned his degree, and landed a job at a big firm. Once, when he fell ill, he went to the clinic—and there she was. A young nurse, soft-spoken and bright as sunlight. Her name was Lucy. She was from a village, studying part-time, sharing a flat with a friend. A romance bloomed. Instead of introducing her to his parents, Liam took her to meet his grandparents—he had no ties to his mother or stepfather. The old couple welcomed her warmly, and after the wedding, offered them the upstairs of their home.
Lucy settled in quickly—quiet, hardworking, kind. Two years later, they had a child. At first, Liam was overjoyed. But the baby was restless, crying through the nights, turning days upside down. Liam moved to another room. Then he started working later. Lucy felt the distance but stayed quiet—never complaining to him or the grandparents.
One day, worn thin, she decided to visit her parents. She told Liam she’d stay a couple of weeks. To her surprise, he seemed too eager—suspiciously so. She tried to ignore the doubt. It was no use.
A week passed. And then, instead of coming alone, Liam showed up with another woman.
“Meet Christina,” he announced cheerfully—a tall blonde with thick lipstick.
“Who’s this?” Arthur frowned.
“My girlfriend. She’s moving in with me.”
“Have you lost your mind? What about Lucy and your son?” his grandmother cut in.
“We’re divorcing,” he said coldly.
Christina stepped forward. “Are we just going to stand here? Let’s go, Liam. Clearly, we’re not welcome.”
“You’re right,” Arthur said sharply. “You’re not.”
The next day, Arthur drove to fetch Lucy. At first, she was confused. “Is Liam alright?” she asked anxiously.
“Busy,” Arthur muttered. But when the moment was right, he told her everything.
Lucy wept silently—no hysterics, just quiet tears, as if she’d already known and only needed confirmation.
“You’re not a guest here. You’re the mother of our great-grandson,” Arthur said. “We won’t let you go. There’s work here, a school nearby. Stay.”
Later, they learned Liam rented a flat for himself and Christina, forgetting his son entirely. Not a penny in support. Just silence.
“I can’t live off you,” Lucy said one day. “I need to work. But the baby’s still small.”
“Tomorrow, you’ll file for child support,” Arthur said firmly. “If he won’t do right by his son, the law will.”
Liam raged. Christina sneered: “Maybe get a DNA test? Who knows if it’s even his?”
Liam stayed silent. He knew the truth.
“Doesn’t matter,” she went on. “His grandparents won’t live forever. Once they’re gone, we’ll kick her out.”
But Arthur heard everything. He knew time wasn’t on his side. One day, he handed Lucy the deed to the house.
“This… this isn’t fair,” she whispered. “He’s still your grandson.”
“And you’re our family,” Arthur said. “He betrayed us. This is justice.”
That night, Lucy cried for hours—but for the first time, it was out of gratitude. Her heart was broken, but she wasn’t alone. Behind her stood people who truly loved her. For them, she’d find the strength to carry on.
**Lesson learned:** Blood means little without loyalty. Those who stand by you in the darkest hours are worth more than fair-weather kin.
