I became a single mom when I was still in college. Life was hard, and dating became even harder. Every man I ever dated ran away as soon as they found out I had a son. They didn’t even give me a chance. But then, I met Glenn…and I made a mistake. I decided to keep my son a secret. That secret came crashing down on me in the most unexpected way—on my wedding day.
It all started years earlier.
“I’m pregnant, Hans. We’re going to be parents. Isn’t it wonderful?” I told my boyfriend Hans, my voice shaking with joy.
Hans was my teaching assistant at the University of Richmond in Virginia. He was tall, smart, charming—everything a young woman could dream of. He treated me like a princess, and I was sure he was “the one.”
I had already imagined us getting married, building a life together. So when I found out I was pregnant, I wasn’t scared. I was excited. I thought he’d hold me, kiss me, and say we’d figure it out together.
Instead, his face twisted in shock and anger.
“What? Are you crazy? No! That baby can’t be mine! You have to abort it!” he shouted.
I gasped. “Hans, darling! We can’t do that. It’s our baby. We made him—or her—out of love!” I cried, clutching his arm.
But he ripped his arm away. His voice went cold.
“No! I’m not going to be in his life. This is your problem. Goodbye.”
And just like that, Hans walked out of my life. He quit the university, changed his number, and never answered my calls again.
When I told my parents, they were furious. Instead of supporting me, they disowned me. I felt abandoned by everyone.
But there was one thing I knew for sure: I couldn’t give up my baby. I already loved the tiny life growing inside me.
Months later, I gave birth to a beautiful boy. I named him Simon.
Life was not easy. I had a kind roommate, Sara, who didn’t mind having a baby around, but raising Simon while going to school and working was exhausting. I barely slept, often studying with one hand while rocking Simon with the other.
Still, I pushed through. I graduated. I got a good job. Simon was growing, and soon he’d be ready to start school.
But when it came to love? That was a disaster.
Every single man I dated since Hans disappeared the moment I told them I was a mother. One man, Terrence, even pretended it didn’t bother him. But as soon as I introduced him to Simon, he ghosted me.
That’s when I made a dangerous decision: I would never mention my son until I was sure the relationship was strong enough.
Then Glenn came into my life.
He was everything I wanted—funny, kind, ambitious. We could talk for hours without noticing time passing. With him, I felt safe. I felt loved.
But keeping Simon a secret became harder and harder. Babysitters weren’t always available, and lying about why I couldn’t stay out late weighed on me.
Then something unexpected happened—my parents showed up at my door.
“Lana,” my mother, Gigi, said with tears in her eyes, “I don’t know if you can forgive us, but I really want to make up for all the lost time. I want to meet my grandson. Please, let me back into your life.”
My father, Dylan, stepped forward too. His voice cracked with regret. “I’m sorry, my baby girl. We thought having a child so young would ruin your life. But we see now you made the right choice. Please—let us be in Simon’s life.”
It felt like a sign from heaven. I introduced them to Simon, who beamed with joy at meeting his grandparents. For four years, it had been just me and him. Suddenly, we weren’t alone anymore.
With my parents’ support, I could finally focus on Glenn.
After months of dating, Glenn and I grew serious. One night, I asked him about children.
“I definitely want kids, Lana. Don’t get me wrong,” he said thoughtfully. “But not yet. We’re still young. We should get married first—maybe travel the world for a few years before settling down.”
His words made my stomach twist. If he thought having children now was too much, what would he say if he found out I already had one?
So, once again, I kept silent.
A few months later, Glenn surprised me with a proposal. My heart leapt, and without hesitation, I said yes. But deep inside, a storm was brewing. I still hadn’t told him about Simon.
The wedding day arrived.
“Lana,” my mom whispered as I handed Simon over for her to babysit, “you’re not really going to keep this from Glenn, are you?”
“I have to,” I begged. “You don’t understand what it’s been like for me. Every man has left me after finding out about Simon. I can’t lose Glenn too. I’ll tell him after the honeymoon. Please, just help me this once.”
My mother frowned. “Darling, marriage needs honesty. Secrets like this can destroy everything.”
“Please, Mom,” I pleaded. “Just do this for me.”
Reluctantly, she agreed. The plan was simple: Dad would walk me down the aisle, then take Simon home so Mom could enjoy the reception.
But Mom had her own plan.
The ceremony was beautiful. The church was full of flowers, the music played softly, and my heart raced as I walked down the aisle. Glenn’s eyes sparkled as he looked at me, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.
The priest began his words. We exchanged vows. Glenn kissed me, and the crowd erupted in applause.
Then, suddenly, a small voice pierced through the celebration.
“Mom! Mom! Congratulations! You got married! I have a new father finally!”
It was Simon. He ran down the aisle and threw his little arms around me.
The entire church went silent.
Glenn’s face froze. He looked from me to Simon, confusion and anger mixing in his eyes. “Mom?” he muttered under his breath. “Is he…your son, Lana? What is going on?”
We managed to step outside without causing a scene. Guests threw rice, people cheered, but in the car, Glenn’s smile disappeared.
“Tell me the truth. Now,” he demanded, his voice sharp.
Tears filled my eyes as I told him everything—Hans, the rejection, my parents abandoning me, and how every man since had left me once they learned I was a mother.
“I love you, Glenn,” I sobbed. “I was terrified of losing you too. I planned to tell you after the honeymoon. But my mom…she brought Simon.”
Glenn clenched his jaw. “You hid a five-year-old child from me for an entire year. How am I supposed to trust you?”
“Please, try to understand me,” I cried. “I was desperate. I couldn’t bear another heartbreak.”
His expression softened, though anger still lingered. “Lana, I’m furious—not because you have a child. Children are a gift. I’m angry because you didn’t trust me enough to tell me about him.”
At the reception, I watched nervously as Glenn walked straight to Simon.
He knelt down and smiled at him. “Hey, buddy. I’m Glenn. I guess that makes me your new dad now, huh?”
Simon’s eyes lit up. “Really? You mean it?”
Glenn nodded. “Really.”
I burst into tears. Despite everything, Glenn had chosen kindness.
Later that night, at the hotel, Glenn held me close. “I’m still angry, Lana. But Simon is amazing, and today we made vows. I’m in this for the long haul. But listen carefully—you can never lie to me again.”
I threw my arms around him, crying into his chest. “Thank you, Glenn. I swear, I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you and Simon. I love you so much.”
He laughed softly. “Then let’s start fresh.”
Our honeymoon was wonderful, and when we came back, Glenn and Simon bonded quickly. He played soccer with him, helped with homework, and tucked him into bed.
A few months later, I found out I was pregnant again. This time, the news was met with joy. We had a daughter, Julianne, and Glenn adopted Simon officially.
Glenn became the best father in the world.
I had finally found the right man—the one who stayed, who loved me and my son, and who made us a real family.
Lesson from my story:
The right person is out there. After so many heartbreaks, I finally found someone who loved me and my child. Don’t despair if you haven’t found your match yet.
And most importantly—never hide the truth from the person you love. Secrets nearly ruined my marriage before it began. Honesty, even when it’s scary, is always better.