Hi! I’m reaching out for advice on a tough family situation. My husband, Alan, and I have been married for 10 years and have a 5-year-old daughter, Emily. Life seemed perfect—until two weeks ago.
While out walking, Emily suddenly cried and ran to hug a woman I’d never seen before, calling her “Auntie Kelly.” The woman clearly knew Emily and said she’d missed her, but avoided my questions and quickly left. Later, Emily told me, “Auntie Kelly and Dad gave me lots of presents,” which made me suspicious.
I confronted Alan, assuming he was cheating. The truth was worse. Kelly was his ex-girlfriend who had been pregnant when they broke up, but sadly lost the baby—a girl she planned to name Emily. Out of guilt, Alan named our daughter Emily and, since her first birthday, secretly took her to visit Kelly.
I was horrified that he hid this from me and involved our daughter. I told him to leave, but he insists he did nothing wrong. Am I overreacting?
