The Truck Driver

The Reality of it All

Sherri was over the moon about her new grandbaby. TJ was Tank's twin through and through, and although Sherri never played favorites with her children, Tank was her baby—her last baby—and that meant something special. She had always been protective of him, always made sure he was taken care of, but now, seeing him as a father, her heart swelled with pride.

She scrolled through her phone, uploading fresh pictures of the family of three onto Facebook. Tank, Kayla, and baby TJ—her son, her future daughter-in-law, and her chunky, handsome grandson. She even included the paternity photos of Kayla, making sure to document every part of their growing family's journey.

Within minutes, the post was flooded with comments. Family, friends, and even old acquaintances showered them with congratulations, heart emojis, and comments about how TJ looked just like his daddy.

Lord, you can't deny that baby even if you wanted to, Tank!

He's beautiful, Sherri! You got yourself a little twin grandson!

Kayla did amazing! A ten-pound baby?! She's a strong one!

Sherri smiled, reading through all the love. She was proud. Proud of Tank, proud of Kayla, proud of the life they were building together. She couldn't wait to watch them grow.

But as the notifications kept rolling in, there was one name missing from the comments. One person who hadn't sent a single "congratulations" or even liked the post.

Darling.

Her heart clenched as she stared at the photo of Tank holding his son, Kayla snuggled against him, looking exhausted but glowing. That should've been her reality. In another world, she would've been the one in Kayla's place, the one holding Tank's hand as they brought a baby into the world together.

TJ was the most adorable, chunky newborn she had ever seen. And the worst part? He was Tank's twin. There was no denying that child came from him.

Darling swallowed hard, gripping her phone tighter. Get over it, she told herself. She had spent the last several months trying to heal, trying to move on from everything—the brutal beatdown Coco gave her, the humiliation, the realization that Tank had truly moved on and built a life with another woman. And now, seeing it so clearly, knowing there was no going back, it hurt more than she wanted to admit.

They don't make men like Tank every day. And she had taken him for granted. Now, she had to live with the consequences.

Darling continued to swipe through the photos on her phone, her chest tightening with each image. Tank holding TJ, his big hands cradling the baby with so much love. Kayla, looking exhausted but radiant, tucked against Tank's side. Sherri beaming with pride. It was like the perfect family portrait—and she wasn't a part of it.

As she stared at the screen, lost in her thoughts, Dina walked past her room, barely sparing her a glance.

Dina was upset, but for an entirely different reason.

Her and Tanya—who were once thick as thieves, closer than close—weren't the same anymore. The unbreakable bond they once shared had fractured, and it all led back to Darling. Tanya hadn't invited Dina to the baby shower, hadn't kept her in the loop about anything regarding Tank or TJ, and the reason was crystal clear.

Tanya had drawn a line in the sand.

A line that should have never been crossed.

Darling had been hateful and hurtful toward Kayla, the mother of Tank's child. And Tanya couldn't forgive that. Having Kayla hyperventilating in a bathroom, stressed to the point of breaking, was something Tanya could never look past. It didn't matter that TJ had been born healthy—Darling had put unnecessary stress on Kayla during her pregnancy, and that didn't sit right with Tanya.