Elena had always dreamed that the happiest day of her life would be the birth of her daughter, Emily, with her husband Michael by her side. But when the day finally arrived, Michael was nowhere to be found. As Elena labored in the hospital, she waited for him, but all she received were sympathetic nurses and unanswered calls. Instead of her husband, her mother was there, holding her hand and hiding something. When Elena returned home after two days in the hospital,

she found the house empty. Michael was gone, and the nursery was stripped of everything, leaving only a note: “I love you and our baby, Elena. But I have to leave forever. Ask your mom why she did this.” Her mother revealed the truth:

Michael had been having an affair and chose his mistress over his family. Elena’s mother had confronted him and given him the choice to confess or leave. He chose to leave, and her mother, trying to protect Elena from further pain, made the decision for him. Devastated,

Elena later confirmed the affair when she accidentally called Michael, who confirmed everything. He was with the other woman now, and Elena was left alone to navigate motherhood. Michael never contacted her again. Despite the betrayal, Elena found strength in motherhood. She stayed for Emily, and that was enough.