I just had a baby. I expect a $5,000 baby shower gift from you.

This outrageous message came from Jessica, the detestable being who stole Michael from me. She had lied about being pregnant to steal him away, leading to our divorce.

Even though I tried to forget that day since remarrying, her presence still disrupted my peace. She hadn’t changed, still stirring up trouble without a care. I could hardly believe she was my real sister.

But now that this message had arrived and been seen by John, ignoring it wasn’t an option. Reluctantly, I agreed to attend the celebration since John suggested we go.

John seemed to have a plan. He was a warm and kind person, but he hated dishonesty. He was smart and skilled at turning work situations to his advantage. So, I trusted he had a strategy in mind.

She could laugh about it now, but soon she would have to face the music for all her wrongdoings.

My name is Naomi Johnson. I had been working as an office assistant in a local company since I graduated from college. I had been dating someone since my college days.

Back then, through our club activities, I met Michael Smith, a medical student at the same university. His dad was a renowned allergy specialist, so it seemed Michael was aiming to become a doctor, too.

His father’s clinic was extremely popular, with patients from all over the country seeking treatment there. Being the only son of a solo practitioner and heir to a well-known clinic, my first impression was that he was a smart, well-off guy.

But that was just my bias. Apparently, talking to him, I found he was quite unique, and we both liked the same film director’s work. I wanted to get to know him better, so I made the first move.

“Hey, have you seen the new movie by that director? If not, want to go see it together?”

“A woman who likes those films? That’s a bit surprising.”

“Absolutely.”

“Really? I don’t have many fans in my circle. I’m so glad I can watch it with you.”

My efforts paid off, and he began to see me as someone special. Our relationship continued not just through college, but afterward, too, and Michael proposed to me when I was 25.

“I’m still learning to be a doctor, but in the future, I want to take over my dad’s clinic and be a great doctor. I want you, Naomi, to be there to see it all. Will you marry me?”

“Of course. I’d be delighted. Let’s have a happy life together.”

I was on top of the world, pregnant right after getting married. Michael would definitely be a great dad, boy or girl. As long as the baby was healthy, that was all that mattered.

Michael was probably just as excited for the birth, but then my happiness shattered.

I suffered from severe morning sickness, constantly battling nausea and feeling unwell. I couldn’t keep up with my job after college and had to resign.

Fighting my morning sickness at home, I had eating morning sickness, needing to constantly eat to stave off the nausea. Empty pastry bags surrounded the place where I always sat.

“I’m home, Naomi. What happened to this place? It’s a mess with all these snacks and bread bags.”

“Sorry, I’ve been too sick to clean up.”

“You’re not working, and you’ve put on so much weight.”

“It’s hard without eating.”

I was always eating because of my morning sickness. Despite being early in my pregnancy, I had gained 22 pounds compared to before, not doing housework and just eating.