Running into Sarah in the high school hallways marked the start of a love story that felt like it was meant to last forever. At nineteen, with dreams as wide as the horizon, Ethan had never doubted his choice to marry her. In a time when temporary connections seemed to be the standard, Ethan clung to a sense of traditional loyalty. Sarah was the only woman he had ever been genuinely close to, and that uniqueness filled him with a sense of pride. He found it hard to believe that Sarah could have any doubts about their relationship, particularly considering how devoted they were to one another.

As Ethan’s plane landed on the runway, he felt that familiar rush of excitement building inside him. He moved through the busy throng of travelers, searching every face for Sarah’s bright smile. Yet, she was nowhere in sight. He couldn’t help but think of all the reasons she might not show up—maybe there was a last-minute hold-up at work, or something urgent with the family. Anything that could keep her from being there at the airport. Feeling uneasy about her absence, he quickly typed out a text: “I’m on my way home,” but he was met with silence.

Ethan, refusing to let uncertainty dampen his spirits, called for an Uber and slid into the back seat. The city lights streaked by as he pondered the quiet space that lay between them. After what seemed like forever, the Uber finally arrived at his place. As he stepped outside, the warm glow of his home’s lights welcomed him, yet Sarah was still missing.

Thinking she could be busy with chores or maybe focused on a project, Ethan headed inside. The living room was filled with warmth and light, yet it felt incomplete without Sarah there. His heart started to race, filled with both worry and uncertainty. As he stepped into the kitchen, he came to a sudden halt, his mind racing in disbelief. On the kitchen table rested a bassinet, and inside it, a tiny, fragile arm waved gently, almost aimlessly.

Ethan moved forward carefully, his thoughts swirling in confusion. In the heart of his home, a bassinet cradled a baby, who looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. It was a scene that felt almost dreamlike, yet it tugged at the heartstrings in a profound way. A folded piece of paper rested beside the bassinet. He picked it up, his fingers shaking slightly, and opened it to uncover a second note penned in an unfamiliar script:

“You enjoyed yourself, but now it’s time to step up and take care of your child.”

His heart sank deeper when he found yet another note meant for him, written in Sarah’s graceful handwriting:

“Ethan, I found a child on our doorstep yesterday, and there was a note attached.” I always had a feeling you were unfaithful during your business trips, but I never held it against you—after all, I had my share of flings while you were gone. But putting me in charge of someone else’s child is just too much to handle. I’ve filed for divorce, and I truly hope our paths never cross again.

P.S. And regarding the baby, there’s no need to worry, Ethan.” I waited until I saw you walking up the driveway before I decided to leave. Make the most of your life; I know I plan to savor every moment of mine.

Ethan dropped to the floor, his head buried in his hands, grappling with the unfathomable reality before him. He had never let Sarah down. It was unimaginable for him to think that she would accuse him of cheating. As he struggled with his feelings, a gentle cooing drew him away from his sadness. As he glanced up, he noticed the baby cheerfully waving its little hand. With a hint of hesitation, he reached out his finger, and to his surprise, the tiny baby wrapped their little hand around it with unexpected strength.

“Well, my dear,” Ethan whispered, his voice trembling with feeling. It seems like it’s just the two of us now. I’m completely lost on what to do.

The baby let out a gentle gurgle, then scrunched up her face, turning a bright shade of red. “Oh my gosh!” Ethan shouted with excitement. “What’s going on?” A strong, unpleasant smell hit him, making him aware of what was happening.

Changing diapers. But where did the diaper go? A large backpack with several compartments he hadn’t noticed before sat on the floor next to the table. Ethan, feeling a bit confused, sifted through the contents and discovered a mix of baby items, including diapers.

With a rush of panic and a spark of determination, he grabbed his phone and typed in “how to change a diaper.” He came across a tutorial by an experienced parent on YouTube, showing the process using a realistic doll. Ethan watched closely, trying to keep up, but reality was much harsher than he expected. The doll sat there, unmoving, while he wrestled with the messy diaper situation. After numerous tries that didn’t go as planned, he finally understood that the baby was a girl.

“I can’t really offer you any dating tips,” he said with a serious expression to the baby, “but perhaps I can show you how to ride a bike.”

At that moment, Ethan quietly promised himself. He was determined to keep this child, no matter the chaos it stirred in his life. With care, he picked up the freshly changed baby, cradling her softly in his arms. I believe you need me, and honestly, I think I need you as well. “So, what do you think, champ?”

With the help of his YouTube mentor, Ethan got the baby’s bottle ready and cradled Ava in his arm for her very first feeding. If someone had said to him that being a father would feel so effortless and instinctive, he would have chuckled. Here he was, discovering happiness in Ava’s laughter and tackling the ups and downs of parenthood day by day.

As the weeks stretched into months, Ethan and Ava found their rhythm in a new routine. He officially adopted Ava, registering her as his daughter, and signed her up for a local daycare to give himself a little break. For him, Ava’s birthday marked the day he discovered her, representing a fresh start. It was on Ava’s second birthday that everything Ethan had carefully put together started to fall apart.

A knock resonated throughout the house. Ethan walked up to the door with care, his heart pounding in his chest. On the porch stood a woman he didn’t know—tall, with cascading blonde hair and an impressive aura. She looked perfect, her features almost like they were carved by an artist, and her clothing suggested a life of luxury.

“I’m here for my baby,” she said firmly.

Ethan looked on, a puzzled expression forming on his face. “What did you say?”

The woman stepped forward, her gaze sharpening. My little one. It’s been two years since I left her here. Apologies for that, but I was feeling a little out of it, and my boyfriend lives just down the street. I was a bit confused. “You know what I mean!”

I can’t really say, since I’ve never left a child on someone’s doorstep,” Ethan replied, his tone icy. “You need to go right now, or I’ll have to call the police.”

“Now listen,” she said sharply, her frustration evident, “I figured out I messed up about a week after I left Ava when Daniel—the baby’s father—stopped answering my calls.” Now, I want that baby back!

Ethan was overwhelmed by a wave of anger. Do you need her? What do you need her for?

The woman let out a weary sigh, clearly frustrated. “Daniel just signed a major league contract, and that deal is definitely going to bring some of those millions into my bank account!