The Perfect Son-in-Law
Their relationship blossomed. Daniël quickly won over Emma’s friends with his charm, and when he visited her parents, he came bearing flowers and wine. Her mother adored him, and even her stern father softened after a few laughs. Soon, her family referred to him as the perfect son-in-law. Emma believed she had found her ideal partner. If only she had known the truth hidden beneath his flawless image.
A Big Change
For a while, life felt perfect—romantic dates, picnics, dinners with friends. Daniël often mingled with Emma’s ambitious friends, claiming their drive inspired him. She admired this side of him. Only years later would she realize he had a different reason for wanting to be around them.
Honeymoon Phase
Emma would later call those first months their honeymoon phase—blissful yet fleeting. Then one morning, she woke feeling ill.
She rushed to the bathroom, gripping her hair as she vomited. At first, she blamed the weather, but when the symptoms lingered, she knew something else was happening. She had missed her period, and her body was changing. Fear and excitement mingled inside her.
When she told Daniël, he immediately bought a pregnancy test. Emma’s heart pounded. She longed to be a mother, but the timing—and Daniël’s reaction—terrified her.