Greg thought he and Natalie had mastered co-parenting—until a late-night call shattered that illusion with news he never expected.
After five years together, Natalie and Greg had separated. They kept things civil, especially for their three-year-old son, Oliver. Greg had limited time with Oliver but cherished their nightly video calls.
Then, one night, Greg received a devastating call from Natalie. She screamed, “Oliver’s dead!” Shocked and heartbroken, he tried to process the news, but Natalie’s grief-stricken explanation was unclear. She told him Oliver had already been buried.
Devastated, Greg prepared to leave but got a call from Mike, Natalie’s new husband. Mike revealed that Oliver was alive—Natalie had lied, claiming Oliver was dead to keep Greg away. Natalie was struggling emotionally, afraid Greg would take Oliver from her because she was pregnant with another child.
Greg was furious but tried to understand her fear. He confronted Natalie, who tearfully admitted her deception. She apologized, but Greg was torn between anger and concern for Oliver’s well-being.
After a tense conversation, Greg reassured Natalie he wouldn’t take Oliver away but warned her against such lies again. He insisted they go to counseling and vowed to be closer to Oliver. Determined to be there for his son, Greg started looking for work closer to him.
Next time, he promised, he wouldn’t be so far away.
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