My Husband Made His Best Friend Pregnant

At the dinner table, my husband Julian’s female bestie, Rebecca, wrapped her arm around his shoulder. She looked at him with a beaming smile and said: "Happy 3rd wedding anniversary, bro!" "But hey, I have some even better news for you. I’m pregnant with your baby. I’m already three months along." "Thanks for working so hard with me during that time." I was instantly frozen in shock, unable to utter a single word. My hand lost all strength, and my wine glass slipped, shattering onto the hardwood floor. Julian just smiled: "We’re best friends. Helping you out is what I’m supposed to do." Hearing the crash, he sat there, frowning at me: "Why are you so clumsy?" "Rebecca was worried about being single forever and not having a kid to take care of her when she’s old. I didn’t trust any random guy out there to help her, so I decided to step in." "Besides, didn't you say you were terrified of childbirth? Rebecca and I grew up together; we know everything about each other. I'm planning on raising this child with her. This way, the burden of raising a kid is lighter on us. Plus, the baby gets two moms. Isn't that great?" Rebecca shrugged indifferently: "I’m fine with whatever. Any kid raised by you will definitely turn out amazing." "Chloe, Julian and I have been best friends since we were kids. He was just helping me have a baby. It’s not like he cheated. If he ever actually cheated on you, I’d be the first to beat his ass." As she spoke, she playfully punched Julian in the chest. Julian raised his hands in mock surrender, looking at her with a fond smile: "With you keeping me in check, who would dare cheat?" Watching them laugh and flirt right in front of the romantic dinner table I had spent hours preparing, I felt like a complete stranger in my own home. I pushed myself up from the floor, a piece of broken glass burying itself deep into my palm. Seeing me stand up, Julian offered a casual word of concern: "Are you okay? Remember to clean up the floor in a bit. Rebecca might step on it if she walks over here." My hand trembled violently from the sharp pain, but he didn't even look. After saying that, Julian turned back to Rebecca, asking curiously: "Have you thought of a name for the baby?" Rebecca smiled: "How about Juliana? It combines Julian and Rebecca. It’s perfect." Julian nudged her with his elbow, though she was still clinging to his shoulder: "Oh, please. You are so narcissistic." The candlelit glow from the dinner I had personally set up illuminated their faces, making them look like the perfect couple. Suddenly, Rebecca arched her back slightly, clutching her chest. Julian turned anxiously to support her. "What’s wrong? Are you trying to extort me?" Rebecca lifted the hem of her shirt, practically inviting Julian to touch her and check. "My chest suddenly feels really tight and sore." Julian went along with her movement, touching her to examine it. "I didn't hit you there. It's not even red. Is this karma for being so narcissistic?" "Wait, you’re pregnant. Could your breasts be engorged already?" Julian massaged her to soothe the pain, looking at Rebecca with deep concern: "Does this feel any better?" The casual familiarity of their movements made my stomach churn with violent disgust. This was clearly not their first time. The baby wasn't even born yet. How could she be experiencing engorgement? But Julian didn't even try to hide his intimacy with her. "Do you even know how to do this? It seems Chloe hasn’t trained you well enough. Maybe I need to teach you, so you don’t make her uncomfortable in the future." My eyes stung with hot tears. I couldn't take it for another second. Without saying a word, I turned around and slammed the bedroom door shut. Their voices outside suddenly cut off. Then, Julian came over and kicked the door hard, his voice dripping with impatience. "Chloe, what kind of tantrum are you throwing now?" "Rebecca is pregnant and already feeling unwell. If you slam the door like that and scare her into a miscarriage, are you going to take responsibility?" I lay on the bed, tears silently streaming down my face. Outside, Rebecca comforted him: "Alright, my boy. Not every girl is as easygoing as me. Don't try to reason with her right now. Just apologize." Immediately, Julian’s voice came through the door: "I'm sorry, I was wrong. Please forgive me, Chloe. Open the door." I didn’t open it. After a long while, Julian’s voice came again. "Whatever. Calm down on your own. I’m going to drive Rebecca home first." The sound of footsteps faded, and the front door clicked shut. I was left entirely alone in the house. I looked around the bedroom, which I had decorated with roses and candles to create a romantic, festive atmosphere. Now, it only made me feel sick. I swept the roses off the bed, grabbed a pair of scissors, and shredded the lingerie I had planned to wear tonight. Then, I went to the living room, threw everything into the fireplace, and let the candles burn them to ashes. On our third anniversary, he gifted me the privilege of being a stepmother. This Valentine’s Day was truly unforgettable. I had always known he had a female bestie who was too close for comfort. Every time he went out to party, Rebecca was always by his side. She showed up more consistently than I did, to the point where his colleagues often mistook her for his wife. I had fought with Julian over this before. But they both swore to me that they were purely platonic, and they claimed they had already clarified things with everyone. I didn't want to be the jealous, crazy wife, but the suspicion remained like a thorn in my heart. I didn’t sleep at all, staying up alone in the dark. The next morning, Julian finally came back, carrying a bag of bagels and coffee. He set the breakfast on the table, his tone coaxing. "Alright, don't be mad anymore. I talked to Rebecca all night. It’s true I should have run this by you first. That was my bad." "But you know Rebecca. She’s a total tomboy and a firm believer in the childfree-by-choice lifestyle. We were literally just helping a friend out." He paused, holding out a bagel to me. "And think about it. With this kid, won't the pressure to give my parents grandkids be completely gone? It’s a win-win."I looked at him, feeling like I was staring at a complete stranger. "Julian, when did I ever say I was afraid of having kids?" He froze for a moment. "Well, didn't you always complain about how raising kids is a pain and how it ruins your body? I thought..." I let out a cold laugh: "You thought? So you decided to make the decision for me?" Silenced by my question, his expression darkened. "Chloe, why are you being so ungrateful? Rebecca is willing to let us raise the kid together. You should be thanking her." I was shaking with rage: "I should thank her? Thank her for getting pregnant with my husband's baby so I can play the happy little stepmom?" He slammed his hand on the table: "Watch your mouth! You are being completely unreasonable!" Just then, the doorbell rang. Julian immediately ran to open it. Rebecca was standing at the door, rolling a suitcase behind her. She wore a brilliant smile. "Morning, Chloe! Julian said it’s not safe for me to live alone right now, so he suggested I move in. That way, we can look after each other." Rebecca moved into the gaming room. This was the room I was never allowed to enter. Whenever I had asked to play games with Julian in there, he would push me out. Now, Julian was running back and forth, helping her set up the room and changing the sheets to her favorite shade of blue. I stood at the doorway, watching them. I felt like a guest in my own house. Seeing me, Julian pointed to the boxes by the door. "Chloe, help Rebecca sort out these prenatal vitamins and maternity supplies." Rebecca leaned back in the gaming chair, rubbing her stomach. "Thanks, sweetie. I really shouldn't be bending over right now, otherwise, I’d do it myself." I glanced at the pile of maternity gear. "I thought you were a firm believer in the childfree lifestyle? Why are you suddenly so excited about this baby, and so particular about everything?" Rebecca's smile stiffened on her face. Julian instantly stepped in front of her, glaring at me. "Chloe! Rebecca is pregnant! Watch your attitude!" I met his glare dead-on: "What? Did I say something wrong? Or do you both think I’m some kind of idiot you can play with, and now I’m supposed to play maid to her?" "Why you—!" Julian’s face turned red with fury. Rebecca tugged at his sleeve and gave me a mock apologetic bow. "Chloe, Julian and I are just bros. We’ve known each other since elementary school. He literally treats me like a sister." As she spoke, she nudged Julian playfully. Julian didn't even want to look at me. He held her hand, his eyes filled with tender worry. "Don't move around so much. Careful with the baby." Then, he turned to me and ordered coldly: "Apologize to Rebecca." I looked at him, my heart completely hollow. I couldn't bring myself to say a single word. Seeing my silence, Julian’s patience snapped. "Chloe, let me tell you something. I am protecting Rebecca and this baby no matter what. If you keep acting like a crazy bitch, we can just..." I asked coldly: "We can just what? Get a divorce?" Julian exploded instantly. "You're actually bringing up divorce? Over a small thing like this?" I laughed. So, in his eyes, this was just a "small thing."After that fight, Julian never came back to our bedroom. The two of them were practically glued to each other every single day. When Rebecca went downstairs to buy snacks, he’d jump up to accompany her. When Rebecca wanted to go to the opera, he’d smile and say it was classy, tagging along. When Rebecca went to get her hair done, he’d sit by her side, telling her how beautiful she looked. In the past, whenever I begged Julian to do these things with me, he’d look annoyed and say: "What’s the point of me tag-along? It’s a waste of time. You won't die if you go by yourself." But now, with someone else, he was more than willing. It wasn't that he hated doing those things. He just hated wasting his time on me. I couldn't sleep at all that night. The sound of giggling from the living room kept echoing in my ears. I finally got out of bed and walked out. I saw the two of them snuggled close on the couch, watching a movie. Rebecca spoke first: "Chloe, come watch with us! If we cuddle, the horror movie isn't scary at all." Julian chimed in from the side, scoffing: "Your 'sister-in-law' doesn't like cuddling. She thinks people smell bad." Rebecca pulled her collar open, sniffing herself, and then leaned in to let Julian sniff her too: "It must be you who smells bad to her then!" I walked over to the dining table, forcing myself to watch their disgusting intimacy. Suddenly, a notification pinged. I looked down at the table and saw it was Julian’s phone. A message from his group chat popped up on the screen. "Women are such a pain. How did you get so unlucky to marry that drama queen?" "She’s so jealous. She gets triggered the second she sees another girl." "You should have just married Rebecca in the first place. Would’ve saved you all this trouble." I picked up his phone. For the first time in our marriage, I snooped. I found a secret Instagram account logged in. On Valentine’s Day evening, Julian had taken Rebecca to a luxury mall and bought her a gold necklace. His post read: Congrats to my Becca for unlocking a new chapter in life. I’ll always be by your side. All his bros had liked and commented on it. "Congrats, man! Dad of the year!" "When are you guys getting registered? I'll carry the City Hall to you myself." Rebecca had replied: Any day now. Julian had liked her comment. The entire comment section was filled with congratulations. He had created multiple burner accounts on social media. Any post involving him and Rebecca was strictly blocked from my view. I had trusted him for nine years, and he had spent nine years deceiving me. I took his phone and threw it right in his face. "Getting registered any day now? Julian, then what the hell am I to you?" Caught off guard, his face went completely pale. "Chloe, let me explain. It’s not what you think..." I interrupted him with a bitter laugh: "Then what is it? Am I blind, or am I just stupid?" I marched back to my room. After hesitating for a long time, I opened Snapchat and texted my childhood friend, Luke. "Luke, help me find a ruthless divorce lawyer." The next day, Rebecca started experiencing morning sickness. She couldn't keep anything down. Julian was worried sick. He drove across the city to buy her favorite instant ramen. He coaxed her gently: "Come on, eat a little, my princess." Rebecca pouted: "Feed me, J." So, Julian fed her, spoonful by spoonful. I couldn't stand the sight of them, so I packed a bag and checked into a hotel. Not long after, my mom called, crying. She said my dad had been hit by a car, and the driver had fled. She told me to get to the hospital immediately. Even though our marriage was over, I didn't want to make a scene in front of my parents during such a crisis. I called Julian. He hesitated on the phone. "I’m busy right now. I have an important Zoom meeting. Go ahead first, I’ll get there as soon as I can." I spent the whole evening running around the hospital alone, filling out paperwork, paying bills, and waiting outside the operating room. Somehow, Luke got the news. He rushed to the hospital with hot food. He didn't ask any questions; he just quietly sat by my side, keeping me company. It wasn't until late at night that Julian finally showed up. He smelled strongly of grilled steak and seafood. I stood up abruptly, rushed over to him, and yelled: "Do you have any idea that my dad is in there fighting for his life? And you were out there having a feast with her? Are you even human?!" His eyes darted away guiltily: "The meeting ran late. Rebecca said she was craving steak, so I just took her out to eat." My heart went completely cold. He had chased me for three years, we dated for three years, and we had been married for three years. Nine years of my life, completely wasted on a dog. In my most desperate hour, he was keeping his "bestie" company. I laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes. "Julian, let me ask you one thing. Before you did that 'favor' for her, did you think about me even once?" He snapped back defensively: "Why can't you just trust me for once?!"I didn't waste any more words on him. I brushed past him and walked toward my dad's ward. Tears fell uncontrollably. I never thought my marriage would end in such a disgusting way. Julian quickly caught up and grabbed my wrist, his voice filled with annoyance. "Enough! Stop making a scene, okay?" "Calm down so we can talk about this rationally." I turned my tear-stained eyes to him. "Talk about what? Talk about how you two went behind my back to make a baby? Or how I’m supposed to generously accept your love child and play the perfect stepmom?" "Julian, don't you find yourself repulsive?" He choked on his words, unable to answer. Just then, his phone rang. The screen lit up with the caller ID: "My Sweet Becca." It felt like a physical slap to my face. He used to call me "My Sweet Chloe" on his phone. Then it became my full name. Now, his sweet pet name belonged to someone else. Julian lowered his voice as he answered. "Rebecca? What's wrong?" Rebecca’s whiny voice came through the speaker. "Julian, my stomach hurts a little. Can you come back and check on me? I'm scared." Julian’s tone softened instantly. "Don't worry, don't worry. I'm on my way. Lie down and don't move. Wait for me." After hanging up, he glanced at me. "Rebecca is feeling bad; I have to go. I won't go in to see your dad. We’ll talk about our stuff later." With that, he didn't even look back as he ran down the corridor. At that moment, my entire world crumbled. Until my dad was discharged from the hospital, Julian never showed up again. He claimed Rebecca had prenatal appointments that he absolutely had to attend. I didn't care what he was doing anymore. I was focused entirely on finding the hit-and-run driver. The police said there were no traffic cameras in that area, so they needed to do a door-to-door investigation to track down the suspect. I took my dad home by myself and got him settled. When I finally returned to my house that evening, I saw Julian and Rebecca leaning close together, staring at an ultrasound photo. "Look, the baby is so cute! Does she look like me or you?" Rebecca asked dreamily. Julian chuckled: "Definitely like you, you little troublemaker." They were chatting so excitedly they didn't even notice me walking in. I stepped forward and snatched the ultrasound photo out of their hands. "Since when did my study turn into a nursery?" The room was now packed with a crib, toys, and various baby supplies. Julian frowned: "Rebecca is living here now. Once the baby is born, the three of us will raise her together, so of course she’ll sleep here." "You don't even use the study anyway, so I repurposed it. Those old books of yours? Rebecca didn't need them, so I had someone throw them out." I pointed at the mountain of baby gear. He took it for granted: "We needed to buy all this stuff. Even if Rebecca is my bro, she’s still a girl. She needs a lot of things." I was too angry to speak. Oh, so now she was a girl. Was there anything left in this house that actually belonged to me? Rebecca stood up, walked over to me, and tried to link her arm through mine. "Chloe, don't be mad. I know this is hard for you to accept right now, but we're going to be a family from now on." I shoved her hand off me: "A family? Who the hell is family with you?" Rebecca gasped, startled by my outburst. Julian immediately stepped in and shoved me hard, knocking me against the wall. "Chloe, have you lost your mind?! She’s carrying our baby!" My back throbbed with pain from the impact, but my heart was completely numb. Looking at this man, I found the situation utterly hilarious. I stared at him, my eyes ice-cold: "Your baby? Julian, did you forget the fertility screening we did before we got married?" His face instantly drained of color. Rebecca took a terrified step back, nearly tripping over a toy. "The medical report stated clearly that you have a severely low sperm count. The chances of you conceiving naturally are practically zero." "So, tell me. Whose baby is she actually carrying?"