Anticipating the big unveiling, friends and family gathered, laughing and chatting with glasses in hand. The yard was strung with fairy lights, and the air buzzed with excitement. Yet, amidst the joy, one pair of eyes unsettled me. Sarah stood behind the drinks table, her wine glass tilted, her gaze sharp as a blade. Every smile, every laugh of mine seemed to fuel her quiet storm.

Josh, ever the optimist, didn’t notice. He was too busy shaking hands, making everyone feel welcome. “Josh, honey, can you help me with the cake?” I called, hoping to redirect his attention and distract Sarah. His warm grin returned instantly.

“Sure thing, babe.” He glanced toward Sarah. “Hey, you good over there?”

She only nodded, but her eyes didn’t leave me.

I ignored the knot twisting in my stomach. Today was supposed to be perfect—our baby’s gender reveal. I had dreamed of this moment for years and refused to let Sarah ruin it.

The guests circled as Josh and I stood beside the large, ribbon-wrapped box. My heart pounded—half nerves, half joy. Josh slipped his fingers into mine and whispered, “Ready, love?”

I nodded, but before we could pull the strings, Sarah shoved her way into the center. In her hand was an envelope. Her smile wasn’t one of celebration but of triumph, cruel and calculated. Conversations died, replaced by a tense hush.

“Well, well, well,” she sang, her voice laced with venom. “Looks like someone here has been lying. Josh, you were told—it’s not even your kid.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. My throat closed, my body rigid. She dropped the words like poison, and their sting spread quickly.

“Sarah, what the hell are you talking about?” I managed, my voice shaking.

She sneered. “Don’t act clueless, Annie. I knew you were cheating on Josh. So, I had a DNA test done. The proof is in here.” She shook the envelope, relishing the chaos.

I turned to Josh, pleading silently with my eyes. But instead of holding tighter, his grip slipped away. My stomach collapsed. He stepped forward, taking the DJ’s mic. His face was unreadable.

“You’re right, Sarah,” Josh said coldly. “It’s not my child.”

The crowd erupted in whispers, shocked gasps cutting through the air. My knees nearly gave out. Even Sarah faltered, blinking. “Wait—you knew?”

Josh’s jaw clenched, his voice steady and clear. “Not biologically mine. But the child is mine. I am the father. You see, I can’t have children. That’s something Annie and I have carried together, quietly. We chose a donor so Annie could experience motherhood. This child was wanted—loved—before it was even conceived.”

The room seemed to shift, guests staring in stunned silence.

Sarah paled. Her smugness dissolved into stammering. “I… I didn’t… I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

Josh’s eyes hardened. “Sorry won’t undo what you tried to do today. You tried to humiliate Annie in front of everyone. I won’t tolerate that anymore. Leave, Sarah. Now.”

Her lip trembled, but nobody came to her defense. She realized she stood alone. With tears streaking her face, she turned and hurried out, her footsteps swallowed by the silence she left behind.

I exhaled shakily, tears burning my eyes. Josh took my hand again and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Are you okay?” he whispered.

I nodded, though my voice shook. “Thank you… for standing up for me.”

He pulled me close. “Always, Annie. We’re in this together.”

Slowly, the atmosphere shifted. My mother stepped forward, eyes misty with pride. “We’re so happy for you both,” she said, hugging us. One by one, the others followed, their shock melting into support.

Josh cleared his throat, drawing attention back to the box. “Now, let’s do what we came here for—find out if we’re having a boy or a girl.”

Together, we tugged the ribbons. With a burst, pink balloons and confetti soared into the sky. Cheers erupted.

“We’re having a girl!” I cried, laughter and tears tumbling out at once. Josh scooped me into his arms, spinning me as the crowd roared with joy.

“You’re going to be an amazing mom,” he whispered.

“And you,” I replied, clinging to him, “are already the best dad.”

The night continued with hugs, laughter, and love. By the time the last guest left, the tension of earlier had faded into something stronger—unity, truth, and hope.

Josh wrapped his arm around me as we watched the lanterns flicker above. “No matter what, we’ll be okay,” he said.

I leaned into him, smiling through the tears. “We already are.”