I thought I was living the dream—married to the love of my life and about to become a mother, thanks to my best friend’s incredible sacrifice. But after a shocking revelation, I found myself questioning everything I had built.

My name is Rachel, 36 years old, and I’ve been married to Will, 35, for nearly ten years. We’ve faced more than most couples, especially when it came to having children. After four years of trying to conceive and numerous treatments, we learned that I couldn’t carry a child to term.

When I shared this with Nikkie, my best friend since college, she immediately offered to carry our child. After two failed IVF attempts, she became pregnant on the third try. The day our son was born was the happiest day of my life.

However, amidst the stress of work and the high costs of surrogacy, I overlooked some signs. Nikkie and Will began spending more time together, which I attributed to their shared role in our lives. I didn’t think much of it when I came home to find Nikkie already at our house, chatting with Will.

I first noticed something was off when our son had brown eyes, while both Will and I have blue eyes. I convinced myself it was a rare genetic occurrence. But when a routine blood test revealed his blood type didn’t match ours, I began to worry. I suspected a mix-up at the fertility clinic and arranged for a DNA test, which confirmed that I wasn’t our son’s biological mother. Will was still the father.

Confronting Will, I learned that he and Nikkie had slept together during a difficult time when we were struggling to conceive. He admitted that he thought pulling out would prevent pregnancy. I was devastated by the betrayal.

I packed a bag and left, staying in a hotel and then with my parents. I decided to file for divorce, as Will’s betrayal and the shattered trust felt irreparable. The decision to give up my parental rights followed, despite Will and Nikkie’s pleas and my parents’ objections.

As I prepared to move, Will begged me not to leave our son. I responded firmly that his betrayal left me no choice but to start over. I’m now focused on relocating and beginning a new chapter, away from the pain and betrayal I’ve endured.