My Husband Used Surrogacy to Keep His Mistress Close

My best friend Aubrey Madeleine disappeared for two months until one day, she posted an Instagram updatea photo of her bulging belly with hands cradling it.

Her caption read: [Three months along. My besties scared of the pain, so Im having the baby for her! I must be the best friend in the world!]

The hands resting on her belly were adorned with a wedding ringone... that matched mine.

My finger slipped, accidentally clicking the heart button, and before I realized it, I already left a comment.

[Thats really thoughtful of you.]

Before I could process what I'd just seen, the post had been deleted. And then, not even a minute later, my husband River Holland called me.

"If you hadnt said you were scared of giving birth, do you think I'd ask her to get pregnant with my child? The plan's so simple: she carries the baby, the kids born, and you get to be a mom without experiencing the pain of childbirth! Isnt that better for everyone?"

I let out a scoff and ended the call, realizing Id been too kind to both of them for too long.

A few months ago, Aubrey moved to Canada after her husband passed away. She had nowhere else to go, so I offered her a place to stay at one of my other apartments.

One time, I invited her to dinner with my husband. While we were reminiscing about school days, she teased me about how I used to cry over the smallest scrape during PE class.

"Youre still scared of pain, huh? Dont tell me thats why you havent had kids yet."

I didnt think much of it at the time. Thought it was just casual banter between friends.

I was about to mention that we were actually already planning for kids when River wrapped an arm around my shoulders and chimed in.

Well, my wife's my princess. Shes scared of pain, so Id never make her go through that. If anyone wants to have a baby for her, theyre welcome to it."

Aubrey gave us a teasing look and rolled her eyes.

Alright, you two, enough already! Its just having a baby. Don't make it too romantic!"

Looking back, Rivers sweet words carried a whole other meaning.

He always acted like the steady, nurturing type, but it turns out he didnt mind letting his waters flow into someone elses garden.

After that dinner, I noticed my necklace was missing, so I asked the restaurant to check their surveillance cameras.

I didnt find my necklace, but I did see something elseunder the table, Aubreys foot was rubbing against my husband's leg.

I remember sitting there, smiling like a fool despite what I saw.

When we got home, I confronted River, and we had a massive fight, but he swore that nothing was going on.

I didnt say anything because I knew you wouldnt believe me! I knew you would think I was trying to mess with your friendship!"

Aubrey also played innocent, saying she hadnt noticed anythingthat she thought it was the corner of the table.

Trish, its fine if you misunderstand me, but I really hope this doesnt affect your marriage with River.

After that, she moved out of the apartment, and we stopped talking.

I kept an eye on River for a while but didnt find anything suspicious.

He acted as loving as ever, so I let it go.

Until now. Aubrey had been away for two months, and she was three months pregnant?! Oh wow.

Since they gave me such a big surprise, I thought Id return the favor.

When River came home that night, I had just finished showering.

My hair was still wet when he walked in and, out of habit, he grabbed the blow dryer.

Youre gonna get sick if you dont dry it."

I stepped away from him, ignoring his outstretched hand, and walked straight to the bedroom.

He followed me, wrapping his arms around me from behind and burying his face in the crook of my neck.

Trish, nothing happened between us. It was artificial insemination. We went to the hospital

I pried his hands off my waist without turning around. Don't bother explaining.

'Cause the more he talked, the more disgusted I felt.

Sensing my mood, his tone shifted instantly.

Im giving you a way to save face, and youre not taking it? Youre the one too scared to have a baby! Now that someone else is willing to do it for you, why are you acting like this?

You know what? Ive been way too easy on you. This kid is my blood toowhat difference does it make who gave birth? I just borrowed her womb for a while, and here you are acting all outdated and narrow-minded. Honestly, Trish? Im disappointed in you."

He was standing behind me, snapping. Then, before he stormed off, he said, I dont want to have a fight with you. Think it over and calm down.

The door slammed, and he went out, and I let out a cold laugh.

First time in my life Id seen someone spin shamelessness into something that sounded almost noble.

Honestly, this was on me. Back when we went on a blind date, he seemed decent enough, and with my family nagging me to settle down, I went along with it.

River didnt come home that night. The next morning, I saw Aubrey's new post on Insta.

The picture? Her belly, with a shiny gold pendant resting on it.

The caption? [Every baby deserves a dad's love. We cant wait to meet you!]

The post was from the middle of the night, so there were already plenty of comments by the time I saw it. All from Rivers buddies.

[@johnny_25: Bro, I thought you were joking about this. Didnt think youd actually do it! Damn!]

[@itsyoboyzach: Damn, my guy moves fast! Did it start that Truth or Dare night?]

[@chasethechaos: Congrats, congrats! So do we start calling her the second sister-in-law now? Haha!]

And, of course, River's comment was right there too.

[@catchtheriver: Shut up, boys. Shes just helping me out. If my wife sees this and divorces me, itll be on you!]

I liked the post. A few minutes later, the whole comment thread was gone.

Then my phone started buzzing. It was him: Trish, they were just joking around. Dont take it seriously

But I cut him off. River, lets get a divorce.

There was silence for a moment, then he snapped. Youre seriously divorcing me over this?! Can you stop being so petty, Trish?!"

I just said, Ill send you the papers soon.

No point wasting breath on someone like him. I hung up and went straight to work.

"Hey, can I cancel that transfer request I submitted to move off fieldwork?

My editor looked confused. I thought you were planning to take it easy and try for a baby?

Well," I explained, "I changed my mind.

I pulled my transfer request out and shredded it right there.

Two years of marriage, and honestly, life with River had been fine. He took good care of me, and we didnt fight much. The whole no-kids thing was just because of my jobIm a field journalist, and its tough to manage both. I figured Id switch roles, then start trying.

But now, if someone else was willing to have his kid, why should I be the one giving up my career?

I pulled out my phone and made a quick call Find someone for me. ASAP.

Later that day, I had an interview at the mall with one of the executives. I got there early, so I wandered around to kill some time.

As I came down the escalator, guess who I ran into? My husband, walking out of a baby store. His arms were loaded with bags of baby stuff, and he was carefully holding onto my best friend with his other hand.

He looked startled to see me, but his surprise quickly turned into mockery.

Whats this? Having second thoughts? Following me around now?"

Before I could say a word, Aubrey clung to River's arm, putting on this fake apologetic smile.

Trish, are you divorcing him because of me? Im so sorry! River and I just didnt want you to go through the pain of pregnancy, thats all. We thought this would be easier for you. I swear I never meant to ruin your marriage!

I yanked her hand off.

No, its because you two are perfect for each other. Best wishesmay you and your dog live happily ever after."

I raised my hand to slap her, but River grabbed my wrist mid-air.

Trish! What the hell's wrong with you? When did you become so nasty? Trying to hit people now? Youre acting like a total psycho! Apologize to her. Right now!

He yanked my hand away so hard I stumbled. Just then, a kid walked by holding an empty skewer from a candied fruit snack.

The sharp stick scraped across my arm, leaving a gash, and blood started dripping instantly.

For a moment, River froze, clearly panicking.

Trish, I didnt mean to Let's go. Ill take you to the hospital.

Before I could even respond, the malls fire alarm went off. The loud screeching was followed by an announcement telling everyone to evacuate.

It was packedweekend crowds everywhere. People started panicking, shoving their way toward the exits.

River grabbed my hand, then Aubreys, and pulled us along. I wasnt about to argue. This wasnt the time to act stubbornsafety first.

But Aubrey suddenly winced and clutched her belly.

I I cant run anymore. River, you take Trish and go. Dont worry about me and the baby. If we dont make it it just wasnt meant to be. This childs probably not lucky enough to have a dad like you.

He hesitated for maybe two seconds before letting go of my hand. Then he picked Aubrey up like some kind of hero and pushed through the crowd.

Dont say things like that. The baby will be fine. Trish, keep up with me!

I'm a petite woman, and with him holding me, I got shoved from all sides. Someone stepped on the back of my heel, and I nearly fell face-first.

Thankfully, this stocky middle-aged woman next to me grabbed my arm before I hit the ground.

Careful, sweetheart! Here, hold onto my arm!"

Thanks, I muttered, still trying to catch my balance.

When we finally got outside, I saw River helping Aubrey into a cab. She turned to look at me, and I swear, the triumphant look on her face was infuriating.

A moment later, the mall announced it had all been a false alarm. Someone had accidentally triggered the fire alarm. Just a pointless scare.

The blood on my arm had already dried by then. After thanking again the woman who helped me, I took a ride to the hospital to get it cleaned up.

On the way there, a text came in from River. [Aubrey was scared because of the baby, so I took her home first. Dont overthink it.]

I stared at my phone for a second, then got my wound treated. Afterward, I finally replied, [I booked a table for tomorrow night. Bring Aubrey. We need to talk about the baby.]

His reply came almost immediately.

[Glad to see youve finally calmed down. Clearly, you cant manage without me.]

If he could see my face, hed know my eyes just rolled all the way to the back of my head.

I hung up and started making some calls, inviting friends and family to tomorrows little celebration.

The next day, I got to the hotel early to set everything up.

I even hung a big, bold banner that read: [Congratulations to the Holland family on their precious addition! We have especially organized a baby shower for the youngest Holland!]

One by one, old high school classmates started showing up, all looking a little confused.

Wait, Trish, are you pregnant?

Whoah, congrats! If Id known, I wouldve brought a gift! I thought we were just having dinner.

Baby shower? Really? You guys are going all outworried the kid wont know their parents or something?

I forced a smile.

No gifts, dont worry. I just wanted everyone to meet someone today.

Meet someone? Wait, did you already have the baby? No wayI saw you last month. You didnt look pregnant!

Is this a godparent thing? Why didnt you ask me? You promised in high school Id be the godmother!

Before I could respond, Rivers parents walked in. They saw the banner, and their faces lit up.

Trish! Are you pregnant?

You silly girl! Why didnt you tell us? How far along are you?

I hesitated for a second, then gave them a faint smile.

Three months. Give or take.

Rivers parents were all smiles, telling me to sit down.

Wheres River? Youre pregnant, and hes letting you do all the work? Dont worry, Ill have a word with that man later!"

I checked the time. The very important guest should be arriving soon, so I invited everyone to sit down. Lets wait until River gets here. Ill explain everything then.

Not long after, River walked in with Aubrey by his side. He froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard by the crowd. Trish, whats all this about?

I smiled at him. Its just a little gathering to make things official. Since theres a baby involved, its only right to let everyone know. And, of course, we need witnesses.

The others, noticing River and Aubrey arriving together, didnt think too much of it. They even started teasing him.

River, whats the matter? This is good news! Or are you scared we'll make you broke?"

Hey, Trish, dont tell me Aubreys going to be the godmother? I always knew you two were close, even back in high school. You couldnt go to the bathroom without each other!"

Yeah, I totally forgot about Aubrey! Guess Ill wait for the second baby to be the godmother instead.

River looked completely lost. What godmother? he asked.

But Aubreys face changed. She realized what was happening and tried to make a run for it. Oh, uh, I just remembered I have something to do. Ill head out first

I grabbed her hand and gently pushed her back into her seat. Since everyones here, lets get straight to it.

I looked around the room and said calmly, So, the thing is, Im not the one pregnant. I had planned to get pregnant, but River said he was worried itd be too tough for me, and he didnt want me to go through the pain of childbirth, so he asked my best friend to carry the baby for me."