My mother-in-law was already sitting in the living room, wearing her favorite pearl necklace.
When Jessica entered, Patricia smiled triumphantly.
“Wonderful! Now we can finally discuss my son’s future!”
I felt physically sick.
Jessica looked at Daniel, then at me.
Suddenly, she approached me and grabbed my hand.
“Emily,” she whispered, “your mother-in-law has been lying to you.”
I froze.
“About what?”
Jessica glanced toward Patricia.

“Your infertility.”
My heart began pounding.
“What are you talking about?”
She leaned closer.
“You’re not the one who can’t have children. Daniel is.”
For several seconds, I couldn’t breathe.
Then I stepped backward.
“That’s impossible. My doctor told me—”
“Your doctor didn’t tell you the whole truth,” Jessica interrupted.
Patricia suddenly jumped to her feet.
“JESSICA! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?”
But Jessica didn’t stop.
“I’m a registered nurse, Emily. My mother told me Patricia wanted me to marry Daniel. But when Patricia started talking about his medical history, something didn’t make sense.”