**Prelude**
I walked in just in time to catch my husband swapping out my eggs for those of his “ideal” woman before our IVF procedure. I didn’t say a word—just quietly switched them back.
And, while I was at it, I swapped his sperm with my ex’s.
Fast forward twenty-five years, and that same woman shows up at our door, hysterical, crying to my daughter:
“Sweetie, I’m your real mother!”
**Prelude ends**
Chloe and I had just gotten back from an overseas medical project when we walked in on a scene I wasn’t expecting. Our house was packed with distant relatives—people we barely knew. It felt like a full-blown Johnson family reunion.
The center of attention? Brianna White, crying her eyes out on the sofa. And there was Gregory Johnson, my “perfect” husband, sitting next to her, offering her all sorts of comfort with sweet words and soft gestures.
I raised an eyebrow, set my suitcase down, and turned to Gregory. “What’s all this? Why the crowd?”
Chloe followed me in, arms crossed, her face already showing signs of disgust as she eyed Brianna. She already knew exactly who this woman was.
My mother-in-law sat at the head of the room, looking uneasy, like she wasn’t sure whether to speak up or stay quiet.
Before Gregory could respond, Brianna made her move, lunging toward Chloe and sobbing, “Sweetie, I’m your real mother!”
Chloe skillfully sidestepped her, face twisted with disgust like Brianna was a bug she didn’t want to touch. She stepped back and coldly replied, “My mom’s name is Kaia Hansen.”
That’s my girl. Always so sharp.
I took Chloe’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly, then turned to Brianna and slapped her across the face. The sound was so loud it echoed in the room.
“Don’t go around claiming to be someone you’re not,” I said, my voice cold as ice, my eyes cutting straight through her.
Gregory shot to his feet, rushing to help Brianna up. He pointed at me, fury in his eyes. “Kaia, have you lost your mind? How dare you hit Brianna?”
He raised his hand, ready to strike.
But before he could make a move, Chloe stepped in front of me and slapped Gregory across the face. Hard.
“You dare hit my mom?” Her voice was low, but it had a power behind it that was undeniable.
Gregory froze, eyes wide with shock and rage. He raised his hand again, this time aiming for Chloe.
But Brianna grabbed his arm, fake-crying, “Gregory, no! She’s our daughter!”
Her whole act made my stomach turn.
Gregory slowly lowered his hand, his glare fixed on Chloe. “If it weren’t for your real mother, I’d teach you a lesson right now!”
Chloe scoffed, a cold laugh escaping her lips. “Yeah? I’d love to see you try.”
Her gaze was as fierce as mine used to be. I couldn’t help but feel a rush of pride. This was my daughter—the one I raised, strong and unbreakable.
