I Found Out My Wife’s Dark Secret

At 38, Mark was devastated by his wife Emily’s sudden death after 15 years of marriage. While grieving, he found a hidden photo behind their engagement picture: a young Emily in a hospital bed, holding a newborn. They had no children, despite years of failed fertility treatments. The photo’s back had Emily’s handwriting—“Mama will always love you”—and a phone number.

Mark called and learned from Sarah that Emily had a daughter, Lily, given up for adoption at 19. Sarah offered to arrange a meeting, but Mark was torn. He felt betrayed by Emily’s secret yet drawn to Lily, a link to his wife. Unsure if meeting Lily would heal or hurt, he sought advice: should he meet her or leave the past untouched?